ASUS X551MAV-RCLN06 Laptop (Windows 8, Intel Celeron N2830 2.16GHz, 15" LCD Screen, Storage: 500 GB, RAM: 4 GB) Black

Being a first-year college student, I needed a reliable computer that could do simple tasks--run a word processor, access the Internet to watch YouTube videos, and whatever else I would need for school. I didn't need anything too powerful and of course, something relatively cheap. If you are in the same boat as me (need a new computer for lighter for school, etc.) then look no further, because you have found a fantastic machine. It is surprisingly swift, it boots up in a matter of 10-15 seconds, and it is overall very reliable. You get a webcam, built-in microphone, FANTASTIC speakers, an optical drive, an SD card reader, 2 USB ports (one of which is the new 3.0 super fast port), HDMI, Ethernet--man, the list goes on and on. Is it cheap? Maybe, but the design does not suggest that. Does it have a backlit keyboard? Let's be serious right now, why is that such a big deal? No, it doesn't, but with everything it else it DOES have for how CHEAP it is, who cares? Pros: All the features listed above THE SPEAKERS, LIKE OMG Very thin and lightweight Cons: Windows 8? Maybe? -Being a gamer that's familiar with the layout of my Xbox 360, I had no problems whatsoever navigating Windows 8. It is beautiful, innovative, but may take a little getting used to. No Microsoft Office pre-installed -That is a bit of a bummer, but take a little of that extra money you have left over from saving money with this computer and invest in it. Overall, this is a fantastic computer for a college student, someone who may need a reliable back-up, or someone who wants a lightly recreation computer. -This is NOT a gaming laptop. It is not meant for that, so don't rate it based on that fact.

wow! man is amazon beautiful! three months ago when I started shopping the new pc replacement project; I saw this pc at best buy for 800 dollars! what a great sale price at amazon! so back to the mighty asus x551.my favorite feature for me is the fierce carbon-fiber type finish on most of the pc body plus it comes with a brushed aluminum look in the key-board area.drop-dead gorgeous! a really great all around work horse.it has a really clear focus camera,it plays dvds and cds,it has tons of memory! my hp 5500 printer was very easy to set up! I like this key board a lot you know it is the most important and overlooked part of the pc.believe me I tried many models that lacked the feel or did not print when you know you hit the key.this is a solid feel, not sloppy or loose that gives a solid click,very tight with no board flexing.i believe this is an asus trade-mark.the extra -long cord on the ac adapter is all so a plus.now remember that the asus 551 does not have all the bells and whistles the high end models have,remember this pc does not have touch screen,but you do get a lot for your dollar.hope this helps.

ASUS X551 15-Inch Laptop [OLD VERSION ] If you read any of my reviews, then you are aware that I am ill. As time goes on, I decline and I can no longer work. I use a computer a lot, and have one that's loaded with all of my special software etc...it's a working computer, and with everything on it, getting on the internet was getting to be slow. My husband originally bought me a Chromebook to use when I just wanted to browse etc...I hated it...granted I did not give it much of a chance, I just wanted a laptop and when I saw this, we replaced the Chromebook with this, and I am typing the review from this laptop. I'm coming up on two years, and I have to say I have been using this more than my working laptop. It's much lighter than my other laptop and initially I was whizzing all over the net. Then as time went by, and I am absolutely part of the problem by leaving way too much open and not deleting my cache etc...she was crawling, so I have had to start from scratch on this, but it was totally my own fault for not taking the time to do the basic pc maintenance like deleting cookies etc...Once I reformatted, my machine was whizzing once again, and since then I have made sure I do the regular maintenance along with some extra check ups. Since staying up with that, there is a huge difference in my internet or even computer experience. I would consider this a basic laptop, although it did come with some decent software, and when I purchased this it was Windows 8, I was able to upgrade to 10 for free, and the operating system, minus that last hiccup, has just gotten better and better, My other laptop has a 17 inch screen, and honestly, the 15 inch one is perfect. It doesn't look like it's only 15 inches, but it is. While this is considered "The Old Version" the only thing I noticed between this one and the newer version is the touchscreen ability. The framework is in here, but not all of the elements...and having a touchscreen was not a priority, having a light laptop was the priority at a reasonable price. I've known about Acer since the Pentium 1 (yeah I just aged myself right there), and they were like the IT departments little secret..a reliable computer at a reasonable price. I have purchased several other brands as well, but have always had good luck with my Acer laptops. As mentioned earlier, this was supposed to be for when I just wanted to play...and my other one was pretty much my life....I rarely even use the other laptop anymore, and find I like this one as it is much lighter, I learned my lesson and I clean up my computer now so it does not drag, and while I have a ton of hard drive space, I push everything up to the cloud(s) and a few other places. This keeps my laptop almost like it was out of the box, the only difference might be programs I have downloaded. My husband had his for 4 years and just replaced it a few weeks ago....If you're buying this for someone, find out how they use their laptop. This model is not for the die hard gamer...this is for the home user and I can even see it being used in a smaller business (this model). I'm able to get what I need done on the internet, I have the tools I need for a small business, and great security just like those very very expensive computers. This was definitely a smart buy and perfect for the student as well. I expect a year from now I will still be typing on this laptop barring any unforeseen circumstances. Very pleased with this laptop.

Es more than what I was expecting for the price