ByteSpeed is probably not a computer name that is familiar to most. I stumbled upon an older model ByteSpeed computer on Ebay and curiosity prompted me to find out more about the company.
ByteSpeed is an Intel Platinum Technology Provider and a top 25 system builder and one of the top Direct Microsoft OEM resellers in education. ByteSpeed Computers was founded with the vision of manufacturing the highest quality computers with ‘uncommonly superior customer service.’ They’ve been doing just that since 1999. They build computers using only high end components from Intel, Seagate and Kingston and the newest Intel motherboards and processors. All their computers are backed with their lifetime tech support.
ByteSpeed custom-builds desktops, laptops, netbooks, net tablets and servers for education providers, financial institutions, healthcare facilities and city and county governments across the nation. Although the bulk of their business comes from these larger groups, they will also custom build computers for individuals and smaller businesses as needed. All their customers receive the same personal service from ByteSpeed Sales Representatives. The sales rep for Maryland is Jessica Hadley. Visit the ByteSpeed Sales Team page and contact Jessica or the sales representative for your location about building your own ByteSpeed PC or laptop. They will be happy to consult with you to determine what your computer needs are. Visit ByteSpeed online or give them a call at (877) 553-0777.
If you are contemplating purchasing a larger group of computers for your business or organization, you might want to request a free demo unit for a 30 day trial to see if the computer will meet your needs. Quantity Discounts are available. I am told that even if a company decides not to purchase computers for their entire organization, they usually buy the demo model anyway because once you try a ByteSpeed computer, you will be hooked.
I contacted ByteSpeed and my evaluation model of the ByteSpeed SP15R laptop arrived in about a week. It came equipped with the following:
- 15.6" WSXGA LED Backlight Display
- Intel Core i3-2310M - a dual core processor for laptops. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the faster Core i5, the i3 does not offer the Turbo Boost technique for the CPU part and is therefore clocked at 2.1 GHz (max). Intel Core i5-2520m DC 2.5GHz and i7-2620m DC 2.7GHZprocessors are also available.
- VGA + HDMI ports
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 USB 3.0 port
- 1 eSATA/USB (2.0/1.1) port
- ExpressCard Slot (not compatible with older PCMCIA cards)
- Flash Memory Card Reader
- Integrated Numeric Keypad
- Intel HD Graphics Technology
- Integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Camera
- Integrated Bluetooth Module
- DVD+-RW Super Multi Drive
- Intel Pro Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n
- 10/100/1000 GB LAN
- 4 GB DDR3 1333
- Seagate 250 GB SATA 7200, ST250LT021 Hard Drive
- Headphone out and Microphone in jacks
- Built-in Stereo Speaker system
- 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery (1-Yr Warranty)
- 3-Year ByteSpeed Laptop Warranty
- Microsoft Windows 7 Professional with SP1 32BIT
- CD disc with drivers and Hardware Manual
The SP15R laptop comes in black only. It has a textured matte finish which does not show every fingerprint or dust mark that comes its way. The textured surface also makes it easy to grasp the 5.6 lb. laptop in one hand. Silver metallic trim frames the laptop’s cover and keyboard. The ByteSpeed name is set across the middle of the cover in shiny silver letters. It is a simple but elegant design that exudes the power and confidence of the user. Isn’t that the image you want to present to your clients?
Open the lid to reveal the beautiful widescreen display and the keyboard. This keyboard is special. It’s divine in every way. Not only does it have an integrated numeric keypad that will appeal to anyone who works with numbers, but all the keys are half again bigger than the keys on the standard keyboard for my desktop system. If you have large hands and a problem with striking more than one key when typing on a standard laptop keyboard, you will fall in love with the ByteSpeed as soon as you take it out of the box. The keyboard has that certain feel that makes me want to sit down and type. If you use a keyboard a lot, you know exactly what I mean.
The glide pad mouse area is the same matte finish as the rest of the computer instead of a little glass panel. As with most modern laptops, there is keyboard control for volume, screen brightness and all the standard things you find on a laptop keyboard. There is a light panel across the top that will show battery status, drive activity, wireless and bluetooth activity. There is also a button that will turn your wireless connection on and off if necessary. ByteSpeed also offers an optional Docking Station for this laptop at a price of $139. That was not part of my evaluation model.
I turned the laptop on and connected to the Internet via my wireless router. Some Win 7 computers come with Windows Live Essentials already installed. This one did not but ByteSpeed includes an entry in the Start Menu with the option to get Windows Live Essentials which is a free download from Microsoft. Live Essentials includes many of the applications that usually come pre-installed with your operating system such as Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Windows Live Mesh, Writer, Mail and more. I installed Live Essentials and then customized my desktop and Internet Explorer until it all felt what I’m used to using. I’m starting to like Win 7 Pro. This is, at least in part, because there is no bloatware on the ByteSpeed to make my journey into Win 7 more difficult. When was the last time you got a computer with no bloatware pre-installed?
The SP15R laptop is a beautiful machine with performance to match. This would qualify as a desktop replacement laptop. Most of these have poor battery life so that was something I was determined to test. I loaded a long Harry Potter movie on the laptop and let it play without interruption. I did this a couple of times and the results were a comfortable 3 hours of battery power. My Alienware can only manage an hour and a half at best. Of course most people will use the computer and let it drop into standby and then use it again as needed so real life battery power should be quite a bit more than the 3 hours in my test.
Anyone who uses a laptop knows that heat can be a real issue for computer performance and your own personal comfort. Sit with a modern day laptop on your lap and you’re likely to get burned. The ByteSpeed laptop is the exception to the rule. After 3 hours of playing that movie, I placed my hand on the bottom side of the computer. It was barely warm. I was amazed.
When a new computer comes into my house, the first thing I do is visit PC Pitstop online and use their OverDrive PC Health Scan. This creates an in-depth analysis of each computer, ranks it with other similar machines and suggests any improvements that might prove helpful. Several years ago, when I bought my $3100 Alienware laptop, I put it through the OverDrive scan. It only rated in the top 3% of computers scanned and there were many suggestions for improving it. I was crushed. For that kind of money, it should have been perfect. I ran the ByteSpeed through the same tests with vastly different results. It ranked in the top 0% (the best possible score) and there were no suggestions for improvements. I think that speaks volumes for the quality and care that goes into every ByteSpeed computer.
In addition to the personal service you will receive before you buy a ByteSpeed, the service you will receive after the sale will spoil you for life. All of their computers come with ByteSpeed’s excellent warranty, service contract and lifetime technical support. For most products this is a 5 year warranty. Laptops come with a 3 year warranty on the computer and a 1 year battery warranty. The ByteSpeed Clamshell and Classmate netbooks marketed to schools also include a ByteSpeed’s 3 year Equipment Protection plan.
In the event of a problem with a hard drive or other component, ByteSpeed will send you a replacement part along with a pre-paid return label for the defective part. Most companies make you ship the part back first before they send a replacement leaving you without your computer for days or weeks. ByteSpeed’s service gets you back up and running in no time. Customers who purchase ByteSpeed computers in larger quantities may want to request the On-Site Parts Locker option. This would probably include a couple of hard drives, memory, and other crucial parts so repairs can be performed on-site without any down time. Ask your ByteSpeed sales representative about this service.
All ByteSpeed computers are built to the highest quality standards using Intel, Seagate and Kingston for the highest quality computers that are built to last. When you purchase a ByteSpeed computer, you are purchasing the service of their entire staff. When you have a warranty problem or a technical question, just call their toll-free number. They promise to answer your call within 2 to 4 rings to personally assist you. They do not out-source their support calls to Canada or India or Bangladesh. All of their support people are based in this country and speak English. You won’t find that with any of the big cookie-cutter type computer makers you see advertising on TV or in computer magazines.
Clients and business associates will judge us on what we know, but they will also notice the equipment we use in the business setting. I might be happy with a fire engine red netbook for myself but if my attorney was using one, I’d probably find another attorney who was of a more serious mind. If you want your customers and clients to see you working on the same cookie-cutter brand computer as the kid who lives down the street and plays fantasy RPGs, then a ByteSpeed laptop or system is probably not for you. If, on the other hand, you want to present yourself as an uncompromising business professional, then a ByteSpeed computer will convey that message loud and clear.
The ByteSpeed SP15R laptop is solidly built without the bulk and is half the weight of my Alienware laptop. The widescreen display is clear, bright and makes movies and everything else look spectacular. Its keyboard with extra large keys will reduce hand strain and typing errors. High quality components give you smooth, powerful performance without the heat. An integrated numeric keypad is real plus for any business person on the move. The look, feel and performance of this laptop is a delight in every way and this was just a demo machine. Just imagine how spectacular a ByteSpeed computer, custom built to your own specifications will be.
If you still aren’t convinced, you can read real testimonials from satisfied ByteSpeed customers. Then call ByteSpeed and see what they can build for you. The ByteSpeed Advantage gives you Free shipping, free imaging, lifetime tech support, parts closet option for quantity orders, reliability, fast support, and competitive prices. You can’t go wrong with ByteSpeed!
Check out their Seasonal Specials at great prices while supplies last.
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