The Bottom Line
- Strong Processor
- Poor Battery Life
- Full CPU Potential Requires Driver Update
Description
- AMD Mobile Sempron 2600+ Processor
- 256MB PC2100 DDR Memory
- 40GB 4,200rpm Hard Drive
- 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
- 15" XGA LCD and SiS Ultra 256 Integrated Graphics
- AC'97 Audio
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, One Type II PC Card and 4-in-1 Media Reader
- 13.1" x 10.7" x 1.4" @ 6.8 lbs.
- Windows XP Home, MS Works 7, PowerDVD
Guide Review - Averatec AV5500-EA1
4/11/05 - Averatec has made a name for itself by selling low cost notebook computers. Much of this success can be attributed to using AMD mobile processors over Intel. Powering the AV5500-EA1 is the new AMD Mobile Sempron 2600+ processor. While this is a mobile processor, the overall performance of this processor is very close to a desktop system.
Unfortunately, the processor seems to be restricted in the shipping setup on the computer. Users can correct this by updating the appropriate CPU driver from AMD. One of the other drawbacks to this processor is that it does not provide the same level of battery performance as the Intel mobile processors. It comes standard with 256MB of DDR memory that is enough to run Windows XP.
Storage on the AV5500-EA1 is standard for a budget notebook system. It comes standard with a 40GB hard drive and a 24x CD-RW/Combo optical drive that allows users to burn data or music CDs or play DVD movies. It also has a 4-in-1 one flash card media reader.
Graphics are provided through a sizable 15" LCD display and an integrated SiS Ultra 256 graphics processor. This provides 2D and basic 3D graphics but is on par with the Intel integrated graphics.
Finally, some users may find the keyboard layout a bit difficult to use. Averatec has used a different layout for some of the extra keys such as the 6 key block including delete and insert. This shouldn't be too much of a problem for most users.
