Thin is in!
Written: Feb 07 '01 (Updated Feb 07 '01)
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Pros: Lightweight, thin, sleek-looking, inexpensive, BEAUTIFUL Screen, built in Ports
Cons: No CD-ROM included, battery life, Chicklets for keys, only one PC Card Slot
The Bottom Line: The sleekest looking notebook on the market. Just make sure you save extra for the external CD-ROM. . .
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| potceman's Full Review: Sharp Actius A280 (PC-280-128) PC Notebook |
Before purchasing my first laptop, I did alot of research. I used to work for a computer distributor, and one of our "sales training" seminars, Sharp showed up to introduce their new Actius laptops. Ok, so this was Feb 2000, and a PII 366 was still a little behind the times (even in a laptop). But the size and weight, and the screen. . .WOW! I had originally planned to purchase an all-in-one laptop with DVD and 14" screen. What happened?
Well Buy.com had the Actius A280 on clearance for $1099 (reg. $2499) and I couldn't resist temptation. Needless to say, I have not regretted my decision. If you want a laptop for web design, this is NOT the one for you. Look for at least a 14" screen. I have tried to work on web pages, and you really need some extra real estate. Let me explain my Pros and Cons listed above.
PROS:
This laptop is perfect for couch web surfing. It's small size and light weight make it the perfect companion for travelling also. I frequently use mine on trips to download photos from my digital camera. Although the processor is a little slow when manipulating digital images, it is plenty fast for most people.
The screen is beautiful and very easy on the eyes. The 800x600 resolution seems perfect for the 10.4" screen. Also, the anti-glare design helps in those highly lighted viewing sessions. A great laptop for a student, frequent traveller, or anyone with basic computing needs.
CONS:
Sharp estimates battery life as 2hrs, although it's more like 1.2hrs. I highly suggest obtaining one of the optional batteries. I have the flat panel battery that attaches to the bottom of the unit (and adds about .8lb). The can be purchased for as little as $129 or so (got mine at Buy.com). My battery life now is 3.5hours plus.
The keyboard is rather small, as to be expected in an ultraportable laptop. I have rather large hands, and have adapted my typing to match the small keys. Not that big of a deal.
I really wish Sharp would have included an external CD-ROM with this unit. Consider it a necessity if you purchase this Actius. Just remember to add it to the final price. You should be able to find one for $100-150.
The single PC Card slot can limit expandibility. If you have a PCMCIA CD-ROM attached, then you cannot access the PC Card slot (until removed). It is nice that the unit has a built in 10/100 NIC and 56k modem. At least the PC Card slot is not filled up with communication cards.
Sharp advertises the laptop as including an 8GB hard drive. Mine is actually 7.4GB and is about half full now. It doesn't take many MP3's and video files to fill it up! I am considering an external hard drive and/or external CD-RW (prob FireWire). BTW, I purchased a FireWire PC card adapter from Outpost.com for $39.99 with free Overnight shipping! Amazing.
The unit comes "stock" with 64MB of RAM. I HIGHLY suggest upgrading to 128MB. Sharp told me to send the unit to an authorized service center to have the module installed. They wanted $199 for the module and $100 for installation. Is U crazy? I found a 64MB memory module on Outpost.com for about $75 (a few months ago. It was called "The EDGE" or something like that. . lifetime warranty and all). I then contacted Sharp to hopefully pry some instructions from their service dept.. .and guess what? They emailed them to me (I still have them if you need a copy. Email me at willisbigdwiz@hotmail.com) It took a total of 10minutes from start to finish. Very easy and helpful when multitasking or surfing with multiple windows open.
OVERALL:
The Sharp Actius is by no means a powerhouse, but it gets the job done. I frequently use Adobe Photoshop, and although it is a little slow, it works fine. I mostly use the unit for web surfing, emailing, and for storing digital images. This would be the perfect laptop for a student. Even with all the accessories, it is very easily transportable.
Sharp has discontinued the Actius line, so you will probably only see these units on auction sites or as Refurbs. My unit is a refurb, and works flawlessly. If you can get one for $1k or less, I'd jump on it. I love mine!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1050
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium II
Processor speed: 301-400
Screen Size: 11
RAM: 128
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Epinions.com ID:
potceman
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Location: Clayton, NC
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
High tech freak, love to watch DVD movies, 6ft 4in, 250+ lb
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