what is the advantage for buying this product + SSD + RAM + power cable + display? if i can just get a i3 laptop for about $300? less hassle, right? what's the real application for this approach? what is the advantage for buying this product + SSD + RAM + power cable + display? if i can just get a i3 laptop for about $300? less hassle, right? what's the real application for this... » Read More what is the advantage for buying this product + SSD + RAM + power cable + display? if i can just get a i3 laptop for about $300? less hassle, right? what's the real application for this approach? « Show Less
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The advantage is using it as a stand alone appliance or server with no display. Also, an i3 laptop will not have an SSD for $300 and it will have less RAM than an Intel Next Unit can hold. The slow part of a laptop is typically the hard drive and the CPU is underutilized.
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My main reason for purchasing this computer is to use it as a fanless HTPC. This is the cheapest route to building a fanless system that meets my specs. There are a number of fanless replacement cases available for this model NUC, some as inexpensive as $75. I went with the Akasa Newton.So, yes, as a general purpose computer it is over priced. But for my specific application, it is the lowest cost solution.
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Efficiency. And this would be much tougher than a laptop, particularly when an aftermarket fanless chassis is used..
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The cool thing about this platform is that it is well designed to run a kiosk or other stationary item. The unit is solidly built, and can be serviced and upgraded easily. It can also be mounted on the back of a monitor or tv through the VESA mounting pattern. This lets you have any size monitor and even supports dual display.Tl;dr this is more expandable and robust, a laptop is cheaper for a portable solution.
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I bought mine to bolt to the back of my TV as an OpenELEC computer. It's fast and works effortlessly.
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If you are looking for a personal computer - cheap laptops have commodity pricing, are mobile (have a battery and power cord!) have more features (display, keyboard, touchpad, HDD, RAM, OS!) less hassle, and warranties (you can't just take back to Staples or Apple Store and get it fixed/exchanged). For media center - go get a Roku for $99. For server - I am looking to replace a Synology NAS, (I love the software, but you have to overpay for hardware ($299 for a weak ARM CPU and 512MB RAM - their Core i3 models are around $3000!). But I might still go the cheap laptop route, as long as it has a USB 3.0 port for storage and I can replace the HDD with a decent SSD. If you are looking for a personal computer - cheap laptops have commodity pricing, are mobile (have a battery and power cord!) have more features (display, keyboard, touchpad, HDD, RAM, OS!) less hassle, and warranties (you can't just take back to Staples or Apple Store and get it fixed/exchanged). For media center - go get a Roku for $99. For server - I am looking to replace a Synology NAS, (I love the software, but you have to overpay for hardware ($299 for a weak ARM CPU and 512MB RAM - their Core i3 models are around $3000!). But I might still go the cheap laptop route, as long as it... » Read More If you are looking for a personal computer - cheap laptops have commodity pricing, are mobile (have a battery and power cord!) have more features (display, keyboard, touchpad, HDD, RAM, OS!) less hassle, and warranties (you can't just take back to Staples or Apple Store and get it fixed/exchanged). For media center - go get a Roku for $99. For server - I am looking to replace a Synology NAS, (I love the software, but you have to overpay for hardware ($299 for a weak ARM CPU and 512MB RAM - their Core i3 models are around $3000!). But I might still go the cheap laptop route, as long as it has a USB 3.0 port for storage and I can replace the HDD with a decent SSD. « Show Less
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Hello, I bought the NUC because of configurability and portability. Also, in the long term I would save money by reusing the hard drive and RAM
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I bought this because it is small and novel and because I wanted it. I've been building PC's as a hobby since about 1997. I'll be putting this on my bedroom chest of drawers as a means to watch my Blu-Ray movie collection over the network. It's replacing a small, but still too big, PC that's there now. I have a laptop with HDMI and Blu-Ray drive that I use on trips to watch movies and TV shows on the motel TV set. This isn't cheap, by any means, but it is much smaller than a laptop, and stays hooked up to my TV set. I have a total of $500 in it including the OS and wireless keyboard/mouse. The laptop I purchased was $700 and I had to buy an SSD to put in it for another $100. I bought this because it is small and novel and because I wanted it. I've been building PC's as a hobby since about 1997. I'll be putting this on my bedroom chest of drawers as a means to watch my Blu-Ray movie collection over the network. It's replacing a small, but still too big, PC that's there now. I have a laptop with HDMI and Blu-Ray drive that I use on trips to watch movies and TV shows on the motel TV set. This isn't cheap, by any means, but it is much smaller than a laptop, and stays hooked up to my TV set. I have a total of $500 in it including the OS and wireless keyboard/mouse.... » Read More I bought this because it is small and novel and because I wanted it. I've been building PC's as a hobby since about 1997. I'll be putting this on my bedroom chest of drawers as a means to watch my Blu-Ray movie collection over the network. It's replacing a small, but still too big, PC that's there now. I have a laptop with HDMI and Blu-Ray drive that I use on trips to watch movies and TV shows on the motel TV set. This isn't cheap, by any means, but it is much smaller than a laptop, and stays hooked up to my TV set. I have a total of $500 in it including the OS and wireless keyboard/mouse. The laptop I purchased was $700 and I had to buy an SSD to put in it for another $100. « Show Less
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I have purchased one of these little gems. My use for this is for my bedroom HTPC. Excellent performance, in a tiny tiny format. When size matters, this is when it shines.
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I haven't tried to but Crucial sells 240gb 2.5 inch internal SSD for this computer for about 125 bucks. Is this what you mean??
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ram isnt expensive. installing is simple. im currently running 1gb ram and its fine for me. but with vista they reccomend 2gb of ram. it depends on what you plan on using the laptop for. if you plan on using it mainly for internet, word processing, and simple tasks then 1gb of ram is fine. if you plan on running many processes at once. (ie, music player, internet, word processing, and games) then i would reccommend 2gb of ram. makes your computer run a little faster
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I asked HP that very thing... only answer I could get was; "You may upgrade the RAM, processor, and the graphics card after the warranty expires." HP also told me that this version could not be upgraded to using an SSD and would require different mother board. That makes me worry that you might need to also change out the mother board to go to better processor as well. Perhaps same board will go to i5 but not i7 ?? I was not able to get direct answer from HP on that. BluRay player would not work well with this lower resolution 1600x900 video output of i3 with Intel 2500 video. With i5 and i7 you can get into their 4000 and 4600 onboard video that goes to full HD. Or even add a separate video card to get there... but even though this is sold as a "desktop" it is really built with notebook/laptop parts so limited in that respect for upgrades after warranty period. FYI... you CAN get this model in "customized" version and have it built as you want to... price climbs quickly. BUT... even a couple hundred dollars more and you get much better PC. Check it out at HP site ~ HP ENVY 20-d030xt TouchSmart All-in-One Desktop
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memory is hard to upgrade. detailed instruction on youtube, but 1 Gb is plenty sufficient if you are using windows XP or better yet, UBUNTU. excellent machine for the price and portability. just have to be patient to be shipped when i does become available. other models with solid state hard drive are availabe at almost $ 100 cheaper.
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It takes a few weeks for it to really speed up your work because it "learns" which programs you use the most then stores them on the ssd for faster access. If you really want to speed up your machine you can add RAM too.
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I understand they offer a laptop with 4 GB RAM installed, as mine. On the other hand, specifications clarify that it supports adding memory modules up to 16 GB. Depending on your specific needs, 4 GB combined with the i5 processor has proved to be quite fast and reliable to me. I own another EliteBook with 4GB + i7 processor and differences are not huge. If not enough for you, check first if suitable modules are available and purchase all together.
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It's definitely overpriced. Buyers shouldn't reward sellers who gouge. As it were, Best Buy online currently has the 16gb model for sale at the MSRP of $399. Why anyone would may this kind of markup is beyond me. ASUS will be ramping up production soon enough to meet demand. A little patience will save a significant chunk of change.
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I upgraded both the ram and the hard drive to a solid state drive.But bewarned it takes ddr2 ram which cost twice as much as ddr3 ram.Also I recommend getting this macbook because it heats up very fast and barely can run a 1080p YouTube video.You're better off saving you money for a better laptop.
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Hi Oscar. It's an awesome laptop! The laptops we sell with Amazon are built and ready to ship. Upgrades can be done after the purchase though and you could add for example a 240 GB Intel 530 or Crucial M500 mSata drive allowing you to keep the original drive for extra storage. Our laptops are built to allow owners to easily upgrade them.
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That configuration is not offered from the factory as of the time of this answer, but you can upgrade the SSD and the RAM. There is a Youtube video currently available to show you how to do that. You will void your warranty if you open the unit to upgrade it. Also, you can add an SDHC card if you need more local storage space.
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I've had this laptop for 6 months and haven't had a single problem. However, anecdotal evidence is hardly what you need. If people are alleging component failures, it's probably true. Then again, that's what a warranty is for.Unrelated: Cross your fingers that you don't get the Sanforce SSD. I was lucky and got the faster SSD. According to the reviews it makes a huge difference in performance. You won't know which drive you get until you open the box.
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Best Buy has been running 2 GB's for 54.99, online and in store - reg. 189.00 - it ends today. I haven't ck'd this am but they still had some yesterday afternoon. No rebates, they handle all those , finally a company that understands how frustrating getting those rebates actually mailed to you is - so the 54.99 is the pay for price, my state taxes + S&H; came to $64.64. Can't get 2GB's at that price anywhere. But check to see what your laptops max expansion is - my laptop has a 4GB max - some have NONE.
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Hello.Im a software engineer, then I hope I could answer your question.... well I love this computer its the perfect balance between price and performance. Also about the ram memory, the msi laptops are easily to uncover and have 2 ram memory slots, (have only one with 8gb), then you could put another DDR3 laptop memory 8GB 1600MHZ to upgrade it to 16 gbs or buy other memory cards. You need to know that the ram's memories must be with the same frequency then please make sure if the laptop's ram memory have 1600 MHz the other one must have 1600MHz, if aren't the same the computer only use one.I'm sure that you'll love this computer, enjoy it! Hello.Im a software engineer, then I hope I could answer your question.... well I love this computer its the perfect balance between price and performance. Also about the ram memory, the msi laptops are easily to uncover and have 2 ram memory slots, (have only one with 8gb), then you could put another DDR3 laptop memory 8GB 1600MHZ to upgrade it to 16 gbs or buy other memory cards. You need to know that the ram's memories must be with the same frequency then please make sure if the laptop's ram memory have 1600 MHz the other one must have 1600MHz, if aren't the same the computer... » Read More Hello.Im a software engineer, then I hope I could answer your question.... well I love this computer its the perfect balance between price and performance. Also about the ram memory, the msi laptops are easily to uncover and have 2 ram memory slots, (have only one with 8gb), then you could put another DDR3 laptop memory 8GB 1600MHZ to upgrade it to 16 gbs or buy other memory cards. You need to know that the ram's memories must be with the same frequency then please make sure if the laptop's ram memory have 1600 MHz the other one must have 1600MHz, if aren't the same the computer only use one.I'm sure that you'll love this computer, enjoy it! « Show Less
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i looked at this same laptop on dell.com and it's selling for $899 for this same model. with that configuration you get: 3 Year Basic Hardware Service with 3 Year Mail-In Service
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The only issue you will encounter is if you want to use both the 750gb and the ssd, you will have to find a bracket/caddy for it, and not in stock atm, not that expensive though like $20, but hard to get them in stock.
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As a life long Apple user I'd be the first to tell you if it was worth it for the Apple display, but it's not, not when this screen is $300. This screen would be amazing if it was $600, thats how beautiful it is. Don't get any ideas Asus. Seriously though, don't get the Apple Display. If you buy this screen I personally promise that by the end of month one, you'll love it just as much as the computer you use it with. if you're a gamer I would pass on this display, but for everything else this is what you need. I'm looking at it right now (it's hooked up to my PS4) and i'm smiling. Thats how happy this amazing screen makes me, but to answer your question, it's works perfect with the macbook pro. As a life long Apple user I'd be the first to tell you if it was worth it for the Apple display, but it's not, not when this screen is $300. This screen would be amazing if it was $600, thats how beautiful it is. Don't get any ideas Asus. Seriously though, don't get the Apple Display. If you buy this screen I personally promise that by the end of month one, you'll love it just as much as the computer you use it with. if you're a gamer I would pass on this display, but for everything else this is what you need. I'm looking at it right now (it's hooked up to my PS4) and i'm smiling. Thats how... » Read More As a life long Apple user I'd be the first to tell you if it was worth it for the Apple display, but it's not, not when this screen is $300. This screen would be amazing if it was $600, thats how beautiful it is. Don't get any ideas Asus. Seriously though, don't get the Apple Display. If you buy this screen I personally promise that by the end of month one, you'll love it just as much as the computer you use it with. if you're a gamer I would pass on this display, but for everything else this is what you need. I'm looking at it right now (it's hooked up to my PS4) and i'm smiling. Thats how happy this amazing screen makes me, but to answer your question, it's works perfect with the macbook pro. « Show Less