Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Looking for my 1st Notebook!?

Feb 20, 2005 5:05PM PST

I'm looking for a new(1st)laptop and was torn between the Sony FS570 & the Toshiba M45-351 till I ran across ABS-PCs' Mayhem G3. It seemed INCREDIBLE, and other obscure forums says the same, but wasn't sure about the credibility of the company. Anyone know more about this than whats on ABS' website??

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
You listed..
Feb 20, 2005 10:13PM PST

3 makes I would not buy. Sony's service is non-existant, Toshiba needs a few months to work any static issues out and the no-names tend to have no spare parts for when you need something in a year or 2.

Bob

- Collapse -
R. Proffitt
Feb 21, 2005 6:52AM PST

Who do you feel is a good company to go with then??

- Collapse -
The ones that have service centers and spare parts...
Feb 21, 2005 10:24AM PST

In the country you live in.

Bob

PS. The office has Dell, Toshiba, some IBMs that won't die and a few others.

- Collapse -
R Proffitt - Heres some more insight on that ABS notebook
Feb 22, 2005 1:01PM PST

what do you think? Also your senior editor Justin Jaffe has a video posted that states he likes it "8.4". Not bad I thought. The insight I'm referring to is off Tomshardware.

http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20041228/index.html

"I thought that this was pretty helpful".

To be fair though, the moderators on ABSs' forums say that you can't compare the G3 vs. those others, but it doesn't do to bad. to compare would have to be the G5 series.

- Collapse -
Only 1 year warranty available
Feb 22, 2005 10:41PM PST

That tells you something. Are they planning to be here in a year?

But other than that, it looks like an Asus notebook, which could mean it has a fairly good part support system.

What I like about them is the "1499" quoted price is the price of a system someone might actually want. I hate Compaq for that. They say the computer starts at 1049 but that's without a warranty, and with the absolute lowest configuration possible. On some models that means a non-wide LCD screen and a Celeron . . . and no wireless option in a CENTRINO laptop. That's really not nice. Here at least they're honest. I liked the G2.

- Collapse -
Can't touch this.
Feb 23, 2005 4:34AM PST

I write from the bitter position of too many people who have brought me these no-names with small parts failures such as "a keyboard", "a BIOS chip" or other item that is clearly replaceable by any technician but the laptop maker didn't stock any spares.

If you want a 1-year laptop, then go for it. Most want parts and service for 3 years.

Bob

- Collapse -
ABS Laptops
Feb 23, 2005 4:10PM PST

This may help. I copied this from the website. " All ABS computers are covered by an unmatched no-questions-asked 30-day return policy".

I copied this as well..
"ABS, in partnership with 2Net, offers up to 3 Years of on-site technical support in all states except for Texas". Oh well, I don't live in TX anyway. I actually got it as of yesterday and paid 1599.00. from NewEgg.com. They had an offer I couldn't refuse.

check this out!!!

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3400+
Display: 15.4" WXGA 1280x800 TFT
OS: Windows XP Pro
Memory: 1GB DDR400
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 128MB
HD: 80GB/5400rpm
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW Drive
Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x 1394a, RJ-11, RJ-45, IR, DC input, VGA Monitor Support, Audio, Mini PCI (type IIIb), S-Video, LPT
Dimensions: 14.1"x10.6"x1.44"(WxDxH)
Weight: 7.7lbs

I can't find any downfalls!? can you?

- Collapse -
Lies.
Feb 23, 2005 11:17PM PST

You can read the same for the others as well. REALITY is that in year 2 to 3, your laptop may become a brick as you discover they don't carry spares.

There are discussions is noted in this forum over and over about this issue.

If you don't heed such warnings, you get to repeat history.

Again, I wish you the best of luck with this.

Bob

- Collapse -
Don't buy Alienware
Feb 24, 2005 1:32AM PST

Don't buy Alienware (not sure if you are looking at them) - but wanted to warn you away.

- Collapse -
No Alienware...
Feb 24, 2005 2:30PM PST

There are some scary stories. I've heard almost nothing good about them. All they seem to have is the cool name.

The company that I'm taking about is called ABS-PC. I've heard almost nothing but positive things about them. ABS "Always Better Service" I know its cheesy, but they seem to have great reviews and great products. Just a nice diamond in the rough...