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August 1, 2007
Dear CNET members,
A couple of week's ago I brought to your attention the topic of Shovelware (aka crapware or bloatware) that comes preloaded with many new computers--and of the 430 comments made to the hot topic--a majority of you agreed that we can do without all that useless junkware (another new name for it?). Because of so many of your responses, CNET has put together an Insider Secret video on how to rid yourself of crapware, featuring editors Dan Ackerman and Rich DeMuro. So check it out.
Now, for this week's topic of discussion, I bring your attention to a Crave blog, "Meet the cheapest laptop in the world," by CNET editor Matthew Elliott, who writes about a whopper of a laptop deal. No, it's not a $699 or $599 laptop after 20 mail-in rebates, but a $150 laptop shipped with no rebates required! Now that's dirt-cheap! But wait, is it made of cardboard? Does it even come with a screen or keyboard? Does it even turn on? This sure does sound way too good to be true, because my laptop replacement battery alone cost almost as much as this laptop. So how can this be? Matthew just updated his blog and has successfully placed an order for this cheap laptop, but he's still currently awaiting its arrival. So if you're thinking about buying one, I personally would hold off at least until we get some sort of verdict from Matthew. He promises to update this blog once the laptop is in his hands. For the time being, let's talk about this incredibly cheap laptop--would you order one? Why or why not? Maybe you've ordered one already, tell us--how is it working out? I've also read that more and more manufacturers will be coming out with extremely affordable laptops around the same price--how do you think manufacturers such as these are able to slim the cost of laptops to these prices? What do we gain or lose from these inexpensive laptops? Whatever is on your mind, tell us what you think of this incredibly dirt-cheap laptop!
Speaking of laptops, join us Thursday, August 2 at 11am PDT, when CNET Senior Editor Dan Ackerman will be hosting the Ask the Editor chat event--where he will be answering your questions on laptops and mobile computing. Find out how to pick the proper screen size, speed up a sluggish system, score the best deal, and more. Join us right here.
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This week's hot topic:
The world's cheapest laptop When CNET editor Matthew Elliott blogged, "Meet the cheapest laptop in the world," many of our members were quick to post their opinions about it--ranging from calling it a scam to ordering one themselves to see if it comes through. Check out what some of our members had to say.
"This is ridiculous..."
"1. Nobody has seen this PC yet. The company could easily have shipped a few working production samples to the press to establish some baseline confidence...they haven't. 2. Any laptop must be approved for the various countries requirements concerning power CE/UL etc. and RF (WiFi) e.g. FCC. Also a lot of..." (Read more)
"Just to mention..."
"Someone said that is almost impossible to have a working laptop with this specs for that price. Well, maybe if you live in Europe, but us less fortunate who are living in Serbia, it is not impossible at all. With one catch - you can build this kind of laptop (or even better) for less then 150$ because: Almost all..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member H4N5O1
"I am anxious to hear more."
"I want to know more about the success (or failure) of this laptop. It sounds like a great idea for those who have been excluded from owning computers because of price. Sure the specs are not the greatest, but not everyone drive big luxury SUV's either. It's about time that technology was put within reach for the..." (Read more)
"Don't think it's a scam"
"I've had confirmation from the payment processors that they don't release the money to the supplier until the goods have been received - so it's hard to see how this can be a scam. Here's hoping it's not! I've ordered mine. Someone on cnet.co.uk reckons they've already received theirs..." (Read more)
Speak up!
Now it's your turn to speak up. Would you order one of these laptops? Why or why not? Maybe you've ordered one already, tell us--did you get it and how is it working out? How do you think manufacturers such as these are able to slim the cost of laptops to these low prices? Do you think this laptop is too good to be true? Whatever is on your mind, tell us what you think of this incredibly dirt-cheap laptop!
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News.com hot discussions
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Weigh in on this week's poll:
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How much did you pay for your latest laptop?
(Please click on button to vote) |
 Below $499
$500 - $699
$700 - $899
$900 - $1,199
$1,200 - $1,399
$1,400 - $1,799
$1,800 - $2,199
$2,200 - $2,499
Above $2,500
I don't own no stinkin' laptop
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week's poll results
Which factor would most likely make you upgrade to a Blu-ray or HD DVD player?
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