Neo Basic B2143 N laptop Review

I just got myself a brand new neo laptop last 12 April 2009. I bought it for P20,499.00 from Compex at SM Fairview. As to this writing, I currently enjoyed using it for almost 2 weeks. I know its so early to have a review on it but i just wanna share some of my experiences with neo.

My neo laptop's specs are:
Processor : Intel Celeron M585 2.16 Ghz, 1MB Cache, 667 Mhz
Core Logic : SIS M672 + SIS 968
Memory : 2 GB
Storage : 160 GB
Display : 14.1 Inch WXGA
Operating System : FREE DOS
Board: Intel Celeron, Celeron M 585
Wireless: 802.11 b/g
Graphics : SiS Mirage 3+
Optical Drive: DVDRW SuperMulti
LAN: 10/100 Mbps
Modem: 56K MDC
USB: 4 x USB 2.0
Card Reader: 4-in-1
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Battery: 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Dimensions: 343 x 245 x 35-38 mm
Weight (Approx): 2.4 kg
Carry Bag: NEO Bag

Since it only has Freedos OS, I installed Windows XP SP2 to it (as per the salesman/technician, recommended OS is Windows XP SP2 or latest because the wifi driver might not be installed properly if older windows os is installed). Also, I installed Microsoft Office 2003. And to allow dual boot, I also fed my laptop with Ubuntu OS (looks so nice in its orange theme, hehe).

All applications, OS, office were installed so fast and w/o any problem. Even I have so many applications, the start up speed is amazing (to think i have lots of games - Sims 2).

Opening many program isn't a problem too coz of its 2Gb of RAM. Even when using the office together with other applications. Itunes, yahoo messenger, & mozilla firefox, programs that usually eat lots of memory, can be used all at the same time.

Networking function is also great, no problem encountered since at the start. LAN supports 100Mbps, same with the wifi. I read other reviews saying that neo wifi is poor at getting signal, but based on my experience even I'm 20m away from the router, i still get a great signal.

Webcam is great when used in web broadcast, like in ym. But captures image poorly when used to get pictures. Even I supply lots of light to my face, my image still is dark. Now I'm trying to download an application to enhance my cam when taking pictures. Will let you know, once I fixed this one.

Mouse and keyboard is ok. You could easily familiarize yourself to the keyboard since it looks so similar to desktop computer keyboard, not like other laptops with so many keys placed on the keyboard.

LCD is, i think, one of its strength. Very bright and clear. Very eye-friendly.

I'm using my laptop at least 5 hours a day and almost 10 hrs when weekend. I usually turn it on then off to test the battery and hard disk capabilities. Hard disk is ok. Battery usually lasts 1 1/2 hr when playing songs/gaming, but usually drains up 2hrs or more when in stand by mode.

Ok, now lets move on to the CONS. Like other reviews, I agree that neo laptops easily heat up. Even its power adaptor heats up so high. So its adviseable to get yourself a laptop cooler to exhaust some of the heat, CD-R King sells lots of laptop gadgets at a very low price, i got my cooler at P180 only! I just hope it lasts long, hehe. If you can't get a cooler, try putting your laptop near a fan to cool it up a bit.

Another thing is the camera, like I mentioned earlier.

Physical appearance looks cheap since its outer skin is made up of plastic, hehe. Maybe you could try designing it to make it look a bit classy, hehe.

Since it only has an embedded memory for video card, some games won't work properly. Like when i installed the sims 2 expansion pack after open for business, the walls started to flash in red. Its annoying cause you won't be able to see the designs you make on the wall. I ended up uninstalling 3 expansion packs (seasons, pets, bon voyage, huhu).

Sounds are not so good. So you might want to resort to connecting a high end speakers to it if you plan to use it for multimedia presentation.

For me, neo laptop is great for those who consider the price, but be forewarned that many have bad experiences with neo, especially with their technical services . But as to me, I didn't regret buying neo, I enjoy it so much.

As of now, that's all i can say about my new laptop. Will keep you posted when something serious will happen, hehe, hope none.