Definitely Worth a Look!
Written: Apr 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Design, modularity, gorgeous screen, lightweight
Cons: Lack of bundled software, confusion of their Resellers & Support & Website
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| GuythePi's Full Review: Sharp Actius A800 (PCA-800) PC Notebook |
I recently bought the Sharp Actius A800 (now being called "The Ultralite"??). This is my first Laptop, but I've purchased several within my job as a Purchasing Agent and a Systems Administrator. I spent 3 weeks looking at every little angle, trying to discover the weaknesses of each Laptop I was considering. Ultimately, my choices were narrowed down to a few from Sony's VAIO series, and this one from Sharp. Here are my insights, FWIW...
a) Sharp needs to improve their Website and access to information on this model. The site was somewhat vague and confusing, to me. Pertinent details on Warranty Coverage -- and this unit has one of the BEST from the Manufacturer, which also covers the screen -- was somewhat hidden.
b) The Retailers are confused, as well. For instance, there is a smaller unit built by Sharp which does not have the XGA screen -- which is bigger than most on this unit. There is an external battery that plugs into the spine of the smaller unit and extends its life to about 6 to 8 hours, supposedly. Many shopping sites list this battery as fitting "all Sharp Actius units" -- but it does not. It most definitely is NOT for the A800. So be careful.
c) Comparing against the Sony units, I had to go with the very lightweight advantage of the Sharp, in tandem with its excellent display -- which is also one of the brightest, and has a better view off-angle than most all of the others. Coupled with the light weight, add in the excellent ability to swap out the CD player with the Floppy Drive -- and keep in mind that BOTH are bundled at no extra cost. To get these with the Sony, you'll have to double the weight (at least, unless they've recently released a comparable unit I'm not aware of -- which is possible, because Sony seems to create "new" laptops every few weeks, right??).
One drawback of this unit (and they all have them)is its case material. Great gripping power of the gritty metallic finish, but it can get seemingly "scarred" or rubbed easily. Whereas, the Sony can seemingly take more abuse and keep its (dare I say it) "plastic" finish. At least, the Sony appears fresh weeks later compared to the Sharp. The Sharp, however, has a more high-tech look, to me. It isn't that the Sharp actually loses its finish, though. If you've ever worked on one of those laboratory tables where you could see signs of rubbing on its surface from odd angles, you'll know what I mean. Looking at it straight on, everything appears as crisp as usual -- but certain lighting angles make it look like someone took a ballpoint pen cap and rubbed it along the surface. Not entirely distracting, mind you. I thought I should just point this out.
I also like the response on the Sharp's glidepad. I can't stand an eraser-head controller for the mouse. Against some of the wrong entries I found on Websites, the A800 does, indeed, have one USB connector on the main body (some are listing none, some are listing two). There is not, however, nearly as much software bundled with the Sharp, as there is on the Sony units.
Another false report I got from Sharp's own Tech Support during a pre-Sales information call: You do NOT have to mail in the laptop to update its memory. You can buy it direct from Sharp (or some other Supplier) and install it yourself in two minutes. Sharp's Tech Support seems to have details on the A800 confused with their previous, smaller unit in the Actius line which DOES require you to mail it in for memory upgrades.
Other nice features: 1) You can recharge the battery from the Power Plug. It has an inline transformer and cable that is in two sections. One section plugs in the wall -- and then into the other section of cord that then goes to the laptop, itself. 2) An extra battery only measures 1/2-in x 3-1/2-in x 6-1/2-in and slips easily into a breast coat pocket or thin travel-bag pocket. 3) The Floppy or CD units are THIN -- and are internal when installed; not external, as on other competition.
So, if you want something that you'll see listed in every catalog you can imagine, consider the Sony. They are really nice laptops, in their own right. Solid performers -- and full of useful software. If you want to save some weight, have just as large a screen (or larger -- depending on weight comparisons), and bundled CD and Floppy drives that are interchangeable and internal, look at the Sharp.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
GuythePi
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 1 member
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