- Very Inexpensive
- Decent Dedicated Graphics For Price
- Could Use More Memory
- Limited Software Package
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
- 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 17" WXGA+ (1440x900) Wide Screen LCD with 1.3MP Webcam
- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS Graphics with 256MB Memory
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, DVI-I, ExpressCard/54, 4-in-1 Card Reader
- 15.7" x 11.8" x 1.6" @ 7.5 lbs.
- Windows Vista Home Premium, Cyberlink DVD Suite, Norton Internet Security 2007
1/7/08 – Most low cost desktop replacement notebooks tend to forgo a number of features in order to reduce their costs. While the Everex StepNote XT5300T might cost slightly more than most budget notebooks, it doesn't skimp on features. Most notably, the XT5300T comes equipped with a GeForce 8600M GS graphics processor. It isn't the fastest mobile 3D graphics on the market, it does allow this unit to be used for casual PC gaming unlike those with integrated graphics processors.
The StepNote XT5300T is a bit underpowered compared to most desktop replacements. It uses the AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 dual core mobile processor. This helps keeps the costs down but also means that it trails behind ones featuring the Intel Core 2 Duos. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR memory is sufficient to run the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system but it would be a much smoother process if it came with 2GB. This is an upgrade that many should consider.
Storage is fairly small for a desktop replacement system. The 120GB hard drive provides a limited amount of storage space especially for those looking to store a large amount of multimedia files. At least it comes equipped with a dual layer DVD burner for creating or playing back CDs and DVDs. The 17-inch widescreen has a fairly typical 1440x900 resolution that is easy to read and works well with video playback.
One other area of concern with the StepNote XT5300T is the software. It comes with a very limited software package installed on it. What is installed is all trialware requiring users to pay more to fully use it or buying other software to replace it. Of course, some might see this as a benefit as it doesn't have as much bloatware as many other PC systems.
