I noted my experience on my ACER at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7587-0.html?forumID=69&threadID=37714&messageID=442295&tag=
Get the second year warranty.
Bob
All-
I've been on the lookout for a good notebook for a couple months now. I've read pretty extensively in this forum and attempted to make some purchases based on the reco's found here. I tried to buy the HP zt3000 (same as Compaq X1000) based on favorable reviews from Ken Sanramon and others. However, I am currently stationed in Okinawa with the Marine Corps and neither Toshiba nor HP will ship to FPO addresses.
I've found what looks to be a pretty good deal on an Acer at 3 sites (CDW, ElecroDiscount, NewEgg) that will ship to FPO addresses. It looks to be pretty much the total package for $1300.00. The problem I'm having is that I don't know much about Acer. I went to their homepage and they appear to be a pretty large, international company. I note that their reliability and customer service were not even reviewed by consumer reports, however.
That said, I would appreciate any input on the company and/or the particular model I'm looking at (specs below). Any other guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
MJK
SPECS:
Acer Aspire 1681WLMi Notebook Pentium M 715 - 1.5GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 15.4" WXGA TFT, 512MB, 60GB, RADEON 9700, WLAN, DVD+/-RW, WinXP Home
Model# LX.A2705.008
Item # N82E16834115139
Specifications:
Part#: LX.A2705.008
CPU: Pentium M 715 - 1.5GHz
Display: 15.4" WXGA TFT
OS: Windows XP Home
Memory: 512MB
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 9700, 64MB
HD: 60GB
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW Drive
Communication: 56K Fax/Modem, 10/100 Mbps LAN, Acer SignalUp wireless technology
Ports: 3xUSB2.0, VGA,S-video,FireWire,FIR, Audio Ports
Average Battery Life: up to 2.5 hours
Weight: 6.5 lb.
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 yea

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