Averatec N3400 Inside and Out

Inside the box we found the notebook, an external optical drive unit of measurement that connects via USB and comes standard as function of the package, a suede carrying pouch, quick start guide, power cord and Air-conditioning adapter. Instead of a printed user manual, Averatec included a digital copy on the desktop in PDF format.

Because nosotros received the N3400 weeks earlier the Windows vii launch, our review sample shipped with Vista Home Premium 64-chip. A quick check at some of the online retailers offering this unit of measurement shows it is eligible for a costless Windows 7 upgrade now that information technology has become available.

The start affair yous'll notice nearly the N3400 is its slim contour and aluminum external shell. At its thickest betoken, the notebook remains under the 1" mark measuring just .98 inches. The front of the notebook has no buttons or switches to clutter the bezel, while the right side features SPDIF compatible headphone and mic jacks, every bit well as two USB 2.0 ports, a Kensington lock slot, and a cover that hides the network and VGA-out ports.

The back of the system is totally plain with no connectors in sight. Moving to the left side nosotros find the power connector, fan exhaust vents, a third USB ii.0 port and a 4-in-ane card reader (Secure Digital, Retention Stick, Retentivity Stick PRO, Multi Media Card).

On the bottom there are four cooling vents every bit well as two circular openings for the integrated speakers. The N3400 uses an internal battery instead of using the traditional lock latch establish on nigh laptops. Yous may also have noticed there is no quick access the hard bulldoze bay and memory slots.

To access the internals you must first remove the iv prophylactic feet -- I had to use the tip of a pocketknife to pry them out. Under each foot is a unmarried screw. Remove all 4 and the lesser console slides off. This pattern helps Averatec achieve a make clean look for the N3400, and too explains why they include an extra ready of rubber feet as role of the package.

Inside the laptop we notice two memory slots, both of which are populated, likewise equally the hard bulldoze and battery. The bombardment is held in place by four tiny screws, so I assume it could be replaced a few years down the road when information technology loses its capacity to hold a sufficient charge.

Opening the lid we discover a very slim only sturdy glossy display. The inner bezel of the screen and keyboard are black -- I half expected the aluminum from the outside to deport over but no such luck. The minimalist approach is practical here equally well. Bated from the power button, there are no additional buttons for hotkeys. Instead, Averatec has integrated these features into the touchpad ("Dual Pad").

The touchpad operates unremarkably until you tap the top right corner and switches the device into 'Icon mode'. From here, yous can tap any of the seven icons on the outskirts of the touchpad to actuate the corresponding program. These include a Windows Media Player fundamental, Internet Key, Email key, Book key and 3 programmable hotkeys. The touchpad also features a multi-gesture system that allows you lot to pinch, pic and swirl your fingers in various programs to flip through pictures, roll through spider web pages and many other tasks.

The touchpad itself is big enough but I am non a fan of the buttons used. I prefer a ii-button system instead of the solid, single big push Averatec used. I also found information technology difficult to locate the mouse click button without looking, as in that location isn't much distinction between the button and the bezel surrounding it. Perhaps an inset button or more than pronounced push of some sort would accept worked better.

The keyboard is full sized and uses flat meridian keys. The keys have a nice feel to them but if you haven't typed on flat keys before, it may take some time getting used to. Each row of keys is slightly inset every bit you lot pull your fingers from the top row downwards towards the bottom. This helps to keep you lot from slipping down to the adjacent row accidentally as you type. It somewhat reminded me of stadium seating at the movie theater.

My but complaint with the keyboard layout is the placement of the Function key, in the bottom left corner where the Control cardinal should exist.