Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Update!!: my review below was originally written 07/2019. I wanted to add an update THREE years later, 07/2022. This little laptop is still kicking. I use it every single day from comfort of my couch to write reviews, do basic doomscrolling (lol), write emails, etc. Camera still works. Speakers still good. No major issues. I never did do any adjustments to it. Just sort of kept using it as is. I;m maxed out for memory, so it isnt something I would rely on for loading pictures onto, but as mentioned.. if you just need something to get online with and do some shopping or searching, then this is fine. Has been worth it. I happen to be sniffing around for another laptop so I can go more photo work with it, but I havent been in a rush. I came back to this review so I could refresh my mind on the specs. It was then that I realized 3 whole years has gone by! OK.. back to orginal review: It's a basic laptop. The price is right. You aren't paying a lot for a little. You are getting quite a bit of what you need for a couple hundred dollars. Cheaper than most tablets. If you just want something to get you online, to browse the internet, watch some videos, listen to some music, write some messages, play some basic games, do some video chatting, then this might be for you.I think most people want that. It doesn't have a lot of memory or speed, or a slew of storage- but it will get you far if you don't expect a lot from it. I'm a gamer, so I won't be playing any MMOs on this (nor on most prefabs that are out there). But I will use it to play a variety of offline and online games such as those found on FB or POGO (ie; puzzles, word games, board games, hidden object, casino style, etc). I use youtube to listen to music, watch videos, listen to podcasts etc.. the speakers are fine. I can hear what I need to, clearly and loudly, if I wish. Some of the sounds that come through are more dynamic than I expected, so that is a plus. I do a little bit of office stuff, so I will continue to make use of Google docs but there is an option to activate a free 1 year trial of Office 365 which includes 1TB of storage (One Drive); after that there is a fee. The Microsoft website breaks down the pricing options, which include pay for the year, or by the month, if that is of interest to you. This Windows 10 is in S mode, which is a special mode that essentially limits Windows 10 in a variety of ways to make it run faster, provide longer battery life, and be more secure and easier to manage. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KEEP IT THIS WAY! The idea is that there is less security with non proprietary items (apps, browsers, internet security), and greater chance of phishing, slower processes, decreased PC health, etc. So "S Mode" isn't a different version, it is simply a different mode, with the usual Windows 10 home, underneath. From what I understand, you can take it out of S Mode, and you will have Windows 10 Home (and then you can use browsers of choice, apps of choice, security software of choice, etc) BUT you CAN NOT switch back to S Mode. It is a once and done deal. S Mode default browser is Microsoft Edge, the default search engine is Bing. I'm used to using a different browser, and having more freedom of choice, but I am curious how this S Mode will do, as I have noticed in my time of using it that it never bogs down. It is likened to Chrome on Chromebook- it seeks to streamline all the while being as secure as possible. If at any point I just don't like it, at least I know I have the option of just using Windows 10 Home. But again, it is a ONE WAY DECISION. The laptop itself is super light weight. It comes in at just 3.24 lbs according to description. Full keyboard, touch pad, USB 2.0, USB 3.1, headphone/microphone port, media card reader, web cam, 3 prong charge plug with long cord. Attractive black textured design. I've got some fingerprints on the lid/cover, but doesn't look bad. No dvd/cd player. I bought a cheap external for those times I want to use it for storage, watching a video, or listening to a CD. Hey, I like options. Set up is quick and easy. When Cortana (Microsoft virtual assistant) came on, I let her guide me through the start up process. I could answer a lot of her questions with speech. It did well with recognizing my words. I still have quite a bit of learning to do about this laptop. One thing that I find interesting is that it has an option to use a phone app- where it will link your laptop and phone to each other, so you can (according to Microsoft website) -Link your phone and PC to unlock a variety of cross-device experiences for Android and iPhone. -See recent photos from your phone on your PC for Android only. -View and send text messages from your PC for Android only. Again, the price is right. This does come into play for me in terms of rating. For a couple hundred dollars, I am able to scroll through FB endlessly, add some comments without tapping them out on my phone or tablet, can access full webpages, can take pics, or video call with web cam, can play some lightweight games, etc.. At this point in time, I give it a full rating. I mean, I wouldn't go below a 4 for this anyway, and a 5 might be pushing it, but it is a nifty little machine, and I am happy so far. Once I realized that I am not stuck with S Mode, that boosted my opinion of it (not all PCs or laptops are given this S Mode option). If I learn anything more that I think you will find useful, I will come back to update. I hope what I have provided thus far has been helpful to you. Take care :)