Rod Collins

This is an initial review of the Advent 4211 netbook computer bought from PC World.
Not being a technical junkie it will be simple and straight forward so if you are looking to buy a mobile web browser then this may give you some useful information.

I’ll not bore you with the technical specification as if it means anything to you you’ll already have seen it and if you’re like me you’ll simply want to know how it works.

Size - How Big is it

Advent 4211

I’ve taken some pictures of it using a standard size DVD case for comparison. As you can see it is small but remains very usable. It’s also very light and runs almost silently.

Screen
The screen has a great resolution and is every bit as clear as a standard PC monitor that’s say a couple of years old. I have to say it’s very much better thank I thought.
I’ve experienced no problem so far looking at any websites with no need to side scroll.
Text is very east to read though there is a slight degradation in picture quality compared to a modern monitor or high quality laptop screen- hardly surprising.

Speed - How Fast Does it Run
It boot sup very quickly indeed and runs on full windows XP. Functionally I can see no difference between this and a £1000 Dell laptop I also use. All of the tasks I have performed have, once again, shown no issue with and size and portability appearing not to have dulled performance.

Keyboard - Typing
This is being typed on said computer and it feels excellent. The key are a good size and well spaced. Typing is very easy indeed. Somewhat surprisingly the keyboard feel very positive and of good quality, certainly better quality than I would expect given the price.

Value - How much Does it Cost - Where Can I Buy One
It costs, at the time of writing, £279. I consider this excellent value. Do check out deals though because I wanted to go mobile with broadband and doing the two together got me a great deal.
I believe this model is exclusive to PC World though you can buy them onlinei f you don’t have a store near you.

Caveat
I should say that I am not endorsing the Advent 4211 nor am I suggesting you buy one, or indeed that you don’t. This is simply my opinion and based on the things I have used it for.

Mobile Internet Browser

Summary - Review
It set up easily and works perfectly. It is truly portable, light and works incredibly well when combined with mobile broadband (review to come)
Whilst I do have a full size laptop and mainly use a desktop I have to say I don’t think I’d buy another laptop - I’d go with this.
I can see uses beyond those like me who just want internet access anywhere. School children and students would find this ideal I imagine.
It comes wireless enabled so great for freeing up the home PC.

Should I Buy One
Well I would certainly buy another and don’t intend to be without something of this sort ever again.
You may need to make further enquiries to ensure you can do everything you want on it but I presume most will be able to do so.
I should mention there is no disc drive so you will need an external drive to play CD, DVDs or load software from discs
Overall it is, thus far, it has been excellent better than I expected and unusually with technology does absolutely everything I want, and they claim, it to do - a great piece if kit

Netbook