Averatec AV6240

Averatec has always made low cost computers their primary goal, and the AV6240 is a very low cost thin and light notebook with some unique media features provided one can get over some of the awkward features.

Averatec is a company that has primarily focused on price as the major selling point for its computers. The AV6240 multimedia thin and light notebook still competes on a low price but adds a few interesting abilities.

5/23/05 - The AV6240 is based around the Mobile AMD Athlon 64 3000+ processor. This allows it to use 64-bit software, but it is not provided. It is a strong processor, but it isn't too well known for being good at conserving battery life. It is matched up with 512MB of PC2700 DDR memory that should let it run most applications without problems.

Storage is a bit below average. While the 80GB hard drive is quite sizable and it does come with a DVD+/-RW DVD burner, the speeds of both are below average for the market segment. Most new notebook computers are also starting to integrate media card readers into the systems, but the AV6240 does not have this.

The AV6240 is designed as a multimedia platform that doesn't require the notebook to be fully booted to the operating system. The AveraPlay function allows DVD movies or audio CDs to be played on the system without booting the computer. This is very handy for long airline flights as it conserves a lot of power allowing to to play for longer periods. This is not a unique feature to Averatec, but it is one of the lowest cost systems to have such a feature.

In the end, the Averatec AV6240 isn't a bad machine, but it doesn't have a truly standout design or features that set it apart from other systems.