The Averatec 2575 is a thin and light 12.1" widescreen notebook that packs a dual core AMD processor, DVD burner, and super-bright WXGA screen in an ultra-portable sized package. This notebook aims to offer great entertainment and multimedia performance in a small form factor for road warriors who demand a little more from their notebooks than standard internet browsing or document typing. Read on to see if this notebook lives up to its claims, and see how it compares to other notebooks in the same category.Our review unit of the Averatec AV2575 has the following configuration:
- AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 (2.2GHz)
- Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
- 2GB DDR2-667 dual-channel RAM (2 x 1GB)
- 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
- 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) Glossy
- ATI RS690T Integrated Graphics
- Super Multi DVD Burner
- Atheros AR5007EG 802.11b/g
- Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone
- Ports: 3 USB, Kensington Lock Slot, LAN, Headphone/Mic, VGA, SD Card Reader, ExpressCard/54, 10/100 LAN
- Size: 12.88 x 9 x 1.0/1.53"
- Weight: Notebook 4lbs 0.8oz, AC Adapter 13.5oz
- 65w AC Adapter
- 4-Cell Battery (14.4v, 2500mAh)
- Warranty: 1 Year standard, 6 months on battery
Build and Design
For a 12" ultraportable notebook the Avertac AV2500 series is somewhat larger than you would expect, more in line with a 13.3" notebook. Some of this size you can see around the screen bezel where there is almost an inch of space on each side of the LCD. On the keyboard side this extra space is used to make a larger keyboard than you would usually see on a 12" notebook.
Build quality is excellent, having a very rigid chassis with minimal flex. The screen frame is very strong, although it doesn't keep away all the ripples on the screen when you try to flex it or press on the back of the cover. The screen hinges gave a good amount of tension and usually required the use of two hands to open up the notebook.
The screen latching design was one element that stuck out for me, where it was the simple design that I loved. It is a latchless system that uses magnets and the hinge tension to keep the notebook lid closed. Unlike hinge tension only setups, the magnets keep the lid firmly closed, and give a satisfying click when "latched".
One area that has us concerned with the screen cover is the glossy finish did not hold up as well as we had expected, and scuffed very easily from day-to-day use. If you are looking at purcashing one of these notebooks, I would put thought into a notebook case with a soft interior to keep the screen cover perfectly glossy from day one.
For a 12" ultraportable notebook the Avertac AV2500 series is somewhat larger than you would expect, more in line with a 13.3" notebook. Some of this size you can see around the screen bezel where there is almost an inch of space on each side of the LCD. On the keyboard side this extra space is used to make a larger keyboard than you would usually see on a 12" notebook.
Build quality is excellent, having a very rigid chassis with minimal flex. The screen frame is very strong, although it doesn't keep away all the ripples on the screen when you try to flex it or press on the back of the cover. The screen hinges gave a good amount of tension and usually required the use of two hands to open up the notebook.
The screen latching design was one element that stuck out for me, where it was the simple design that I loved. It is a latchless system that uses magnets and the hinge tension to keep the notebook lid closed. Unlike hinge tension only setups, the magnets keep the lid firmly closed, and give a satisfying click when "latched".
One area that has us concerned with the screen cover is the glossy finish did not hold up as well as we had expected, and scuffed very easily from day-to-day use. If you are looking at purcashing one of these notebooks, I would put thought into a notebook case with a soft interior to keep the screen cover perfectly glossy from day one.
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