The Bottom Line
- Inexpensive
- Dual Core Processor
- Integrated 3D Graphics Processor
- Limited Software Bundle
- Media Center OS Without Media Hardware Such as TV Tuner
Description
- AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 100GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW DL Burner
- 17" WXGA+ (1440x900) Wide Screen LCD Display
- NVIDIA GeForce Go 6100 Integrated Graphics with 128MB Shared Memory
- v. 92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, 5-in-1 Card Reader, Type II PC Card and ExpressCard/54
- 15.5" x 10.9" x 1.4" @ 7.2 lbs.
- Windows XP MCE 2005, ZoneAlarm Internet Security, CyberLink DVD Solutions
Guide Review - Averatec AV7170
7/24/06 – The AV7170 is the first large screen notebook from Averatec and it has some pretty unique elements. The most noteworthy is the new AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 mobile processor. This is AMDs first dual core mobile notebook processor that provides excellent multitasking performance. The processor is matched up to 1GB of PC2-4200 DDR2 memory, also a first for an AMD mobile processor.
Storage performance is quite surprising for the AV7170. A very sizable 100GB hard drive is used for storing programs and data. This spins at the desktop rate of 7200rpm that provides very fast data transfers. Optical storage is handled by an 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner allowing the system read or write data, music or movie CDs and DVDs.
The really big item for the AV7170 is the 17” wide screen LCD display. This is the first real large screen notebook from Averatec. It uses a slightly lower resolution of 1440x900 compared to many other companies using higher resolutions. The big drawback to this low cost notebook is the graphics processor though. The integrated GeForce 6100 chipset provides decent basic 3D graphics but don't expect this system to be used for 3D gaming.
Another area where the AV7170 suffers for its low cost is the software. The system comes equipped with the Media Center Edition operating system, but doesn't have features such as a TV tuner to take advantage of its features. Basic productivity software is also missing for the PC.
