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- Review count7
- Helpfulness votes33
- First reviewAugust 4, 2008
- Last reviewJune 17, 2014
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- Average rating4.7
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- First answerDecember 24, 2009
- Last answerJune 17, 2014
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burntham77's Reviews
Lenovo IdeaCentre 27" A730-57320990 All-in-One Computer: This computer's sleek, ultrathin design disguises a lot of multimedia power, including a Blu-ray player for high-def movies, a massive hard drive for your videos, photos and music, and dedicated graphics card for action-packed games. And with a large, responsive touch screen and voice recognition software, it's all extremely fun and easy to use.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
When I finally decided I wanted to replace my old SFF desktop workstation with an all-in-one PC, it was a different sort of purchasing experience. With a desktop system I could cherry pick every part, but with an AIO I had to use whatever the manufacturer decided to cram together. Due to my fairly specific hardware requirements, my choices were limited, especially since money was very much an object.
I noticed that there were three different styles of AIO computers. The first looks like a standard monitor, because all of the hardware is embedded behind the screen. One advantage to this style is that some models are VESA mount compatible. Companies like Dell, Apple and Asus use this style.
The second style involves putting the hardware into the base of the monitor, so the base ends up being relatively large (often about the size of a small Blu-ray player). Lenovo and Vizio offer this style, and I prefer this because it allows for clean cable management and a thin monitor. However, this style does not allow for VESA mounts.
The third style looks like a large tablet. It's just a big slab of plastic with a kick stand, although some "performance" models have compartments that protrude on the back to accommodate faster, hotter hardware (like MSI's AIO gaming PCs). Of the three AIO styles, the large tablet style is the lightest and most portable. Some can be mounted to monitor stands.
After trying a Dell and an iMac, I ended up with a Lenovo IdeaCentre A730 AIO PC. The display is very nice, with impressive viewing angles and beautiful colors. I like that the components are in the base, because it allows them to use a thin monitor. In fact, Lenovo claims it's the thinnest touch-screen AIO on the market, and based on my time browsing systems, I think that's accurate.
The overall look of the Lenovo AIO is very pleasing. It's not quite as fetching as an iMac, but it's one of the better Windows AIO systems I saw at any price point. Too many of the systems I saw looked clunky and toy-like. In a perfect world, I would have been able to find a tablet-style AIO that matched my 27" MSI AIO gaming system, but with a 1440p screen, but sadly that did not happen.
One bonus of using an AIO system is having everything within arms reach. Easy access to USB ports and easy viewing of the hard drive indicator light are minor but noticeable conveniences. No more climbing under my desk to plug in USB peripherals anymore.
The display looks fantastic. The 1440p resolution on the big 27" screen ensures a crisp, clear picture. When the screen is completely black, the color isn't quite uniform from certain angles, but it's rarely a problem. This is computer that can be used to get some real work done, including tasks that require accurate color representation.
What I find most impressive is the quality of hardware that they managed to cram into the small base. The Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor runs at 2.40 GHz. Not only is it a quad-core CPU, but it has Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, which allows it to run up to 8 threads at a time, depending on the software. I took a closer look at the specs at http://ark.intel.com/products/75117 and noticed it's a 47 watt CPU and it can run at up to 3.4 GHz. Clearly this is a CPU that means business.
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 are enough for general workstation tasks, but for some reason Lenovo was generous enough to include a NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M with 2GB of video memory. According to NotebookCheck.net, the 745M is a "middle class" GPU that can run modern games, but generally not on the highest settings. For example, Metro: Last Light, which is a game that is very demanding of computer hardware, can be run smoothly only on low settings. On medium or higher, frame rates drop to choppy levels, especially at 1440p. So while I would not consider this system a gaming PC, it does allow for some gaming if you want. A person who only occasionally plays PC games, even modern titles, or someone who plays games that don't ask much of the hardware, like Blizzard titles, would probably find that this system meets their needs. A more "hardcore" gamer is going to want to look elsewhere.
Another advantage of having discrete graphics is that it frees up the system memory for other tasks. This Lenovo AIO comes with 8 gigs of RAM, which I consider the perfect amount. Any less and things can get a little sluggish while multitasking, but anymore is generally overkill. If I ever need to upgrade the RAM, I am pretty sure I can access the internals, although I am not yet sure how much memory this system can handle. Most modern motherboards can handle at least 16 gigs of RAM. As is, 8 gigs is perfectly fine for my workload.
The storage drive is the only thing about this system that is disappointing. The 1TB 5400 RPM hard drive has plenty of space, but the slow rotation speed holds overall system performance back. Luckily, I only notice the slow speed of the hard drive during boot-up. Even after Windows 8 has loaded, it's still at least another 30 seconds before the system becomes fully usable. It's not enough of a problem to make me replace the drive with an SSD or hybrid drive, but it's noticeable.
In another unexpectedly generous move by Lenovo, they included a slot-loading Blu-ray drive. Do people use optical drives anymore? I guess it's not all that generous, since watching Blu-ray in Windows is a chore. You are better off just buying a stand-alone Blu-ray player instead of messing around with Blu-ray playback software in Windows. Trust me on this. There was a time when people were putting home movies onto DVDs via DVD creation software, but these days people just put everything on YouTube, so DVD burning just isn't needed much. I have no need for the drive at all, so thanks for nothing Lenovo.
Actually, I take that back, because Lenovo did a good job with the included keyboard and mouse. They are both wireless, the mouse is comfortable, and the keyboard has proper volume controls. It's not the best keyboard for serious typing, but at least all the keys work (unlike a recent Dell keyboard I had that had a sticky space bar).
Of all the AIO PCs I found, this one was the best value. Even the models that were more expensive did not offer enough of a performance boost to justify the higher prices. I considered an iMac for a time, but after running some tests on a Mac Mini at home, I found the system to be lacking in certain features (mainly, networking was shoddy). I still love Apple computers, but they just don't do what I want them to do at home.
The audio quality of the speakers is good enough, but not great. I can't speak to the technical aspects of audio, like decibels and hertz, but I would say they are good enough for doing audio editing on content that is mostly vocals, but not good enough for people trying to produce music. They are better than the speakers on my Surface Pro but not as good as the speakers on my iMac at work.
USB 3.0, HDMI, card reader, Gigabit ethernet, and WiFi round out a very nice, capable, practical desktop computer. I love that all of the cables and ports are on the base of the computer, so cables stay neatly out of the way.
This is a great system, but it's not perfect. To achieve perfection, I would bump the RAM up to 16 gigs, I would add a faster storage drive (an SSD would be ideal if the cost was low enough, but a hybrid drive is a more practical option), and I would add a DisplayPort connector to allow for an external high-resolution monitor.
As is, it's still a really solid workstation that I am hoping will remain on my desk for years to come.
My Best Buy number: 2170199126
What's great about it: beautiful 1440p screen, space-saving form factor, fast CPU, big HDD, easy to hide cables, some upgrade options
What's not so great: Slow HDD, speakers aren't great
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
4
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+4points
5of 6voted this as helpful.
SynopsisWhether it's shredding your guitar riffs on stage, or pounding out show-stopping drum solos — you have brought your unstoppable passion to some of rock's most beloved songs. You've jammed with your closest friends, and brought down the house in some of the world's top venues. You've mastered guitars, bass, drums and vocals throughout your illustrious Rock Band career. Do you think you can step up with your bandmates again and take on the next challenge while conquering the music world?Get ready to rock out like never before with Rock Band 3. Featuring a massive 83-song setlist from some of the greatest bands around the world and throughout music history, Rock Band 3 prepares you for the next step in music gaming. Sing three-part vocal harmonies with other players just like in The Beatles: Rock Band, and play the ivories for the first time ever with the all-new keyboard peripheral. Has anyone ever asked you why you weren't playing a real instrument? Rock Band 3's Pro gameplay allows you to develop musical skills through various tutorials and difficulty levels. With more music than ever before, new modes and instruments, Rock Band 3 will allow you to fully bring out your inner rock star.
Customer Rating
5
The breath of fresh air the genre needs
on November 24, 2010
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
This newest addition to the Rock Band series continues the tradition of caring first and foremost about the customer. The developers have setup the series so that you really only need the newest game handy to enjoy everything the series offers. I like that with RB3, I can access not only all of the DLC, but almost every single song from the first two RB discs, as well as the Green Day and AC/DC exported tracks. There is no disc swapping required, as there is with the Guitar Hero series. That alone makes it a perfect party game.
Not everyone will appreciate the Pro modes, but it is nice that it is there. It actually makes the game accessible to the casual rocker as well as the musicians who want to learn how to play. However, the pro guitars are expensive, but still probably cheaper than a real one plus lessons.
The new features, such as better graphics, easier track browsing, smoother difficulty transitions (going from medium to hard is no longer as jarring as it used to be), the addition of keyboards and the stellar disc tracks make this a worthy addition to the series. I look forward to rocking out for years to come.
What's great about it: Moves the series forward, great selection of new tracks and features
What's not so great: Pro mode might not appeal to everyone, pro guitars are pricey
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
SynopsisFeel the rush of adrenaline as you take the stage as multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning group Green Day. Hear the roar of the crowd as you start your set with your band — vocals, guitar, bass and drums coming together to rock this venue. You're bringing your awesome rock-and-roll fantasy to life.Green Day: Rock Band lets you step on stage as a rock star for an immersive gaming experience. Play as custom 3D characters featuring the likenesses of Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool as you unleash hot tracks, including American Idiot, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Brain Stew, Jaded and Hitchin' A Ride. Progress through the story to unlock more than 100 collectible images and more than 40 minutes of rare and unreleased. Get your friends in on the action with three-part vocal harmonies in multiplayer mode.
Customer Rating
5
For the fans
on November 24, 2010
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
Being a huge fan of Green Day, I love almost every minute of playing this game. It has a big selection of songs, including three full albums. It even inspired me to go buy their "Warning" album to complete my CD collection. If you love this band, or just like some solid rock music to add to your Rock Band playlist, you can't go wrong with this game. Being able to export every song is a huge plus.
I do wish they had given us more songs from their albums following Dookie and before American Idiot. Another dozen songs would have made the game feel a little meatier, but the game has dropped to 40 dollars, so it's still a great value.
Also, some of the animations before the songs last just a tad too long. There are times when I find myself thinking, "Ok guys, stop showboating and let me sing." That's a very minor complaint, though.
I enjoy this game so much that I own both the 360 and PS3 versions.
What's great about it: Lots of songs, Caters to fans of the band
What's not so great: More songs would have been nice
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Robocop [WS] [Blu-ray] [1987]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8594/8594229_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Great Movie but No Extras
on August 30, 2009
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
The movie itself is great and works on several levels. The violence is memorable and occasionally disturbing. The action and plot are solid. The premise is interesting too. Seeing Murphy deal with his humanity after he becomes a cyborg is touching and definitely makes the audience sympathetic to the main character. The Blu-ray release has good image quality but not great. This is the "directors cut" of the movie, so some of the violence is extended, which was a big selling point for me. There are no extras here though, so if you are into that sort of thing, you might be better off finding the Criterion Collection DVD. Otherwise, this is a great buy.
What's great about it: One of the best sci-fi movies of its kind
What's not so great: No extras on the Blu-ray
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+25points
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![Iron Man [WS] [Ultimate Edition] [2 Discs] [Blu-ray] [2008]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9078/9078981_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Awesome
on October 12, 2008
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
This is the best superhero movies since Batman Begins. There is just so much to like about this movie. Really the only thing I can complain about is the bad guy at the end of the movie got a tad cheesy. Other than that, this movie is excellent.
What's great about it: This is the way superhero movies should be done.
What's not so great: The villian gets a little cliche at the end
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Transformers [Blu-ray] [2007]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8936/8936896_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for HD
on October 12, 2008
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
This movie was made for HD. The whole thing is such a visual powerhouse, it is just a lot of fun to watch. The plot is good, but flawed. The dialog is funny. The acting surprisingly good for it being an action movie.
However, the comedy does descend into the realm of juvenile. The script could have been rewritten to be a little more serious, in my opinion. Some of the dialog was bad. Optimus Prime saying "My bad." really made me cringe. I know the original cartoon was kind of silly, but that's no excuse for making this movie overly silly.
Still, Transformers is a flawed but fun movie to own.
What's great about it: Great action, superb special effects, funny
What's not so great: Juvenile comedy, plot could have been better
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Van Wilder [Blu-ray] [2002]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8404/8404103_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Great Comedy
on August 4, 2008
Posted by: burntham77
from Las Vegas, NV
This movie still holds up even now. The Blu-ray version just makes it all the more fun. Some of the gross-out humor is even more gross this time. I could not even watch the pastry scene! The film transferred very well to HD, with only the occasional noticeable grain (but that was only once or twice).
What's great about it: A comedy you can watch over and over; Very nice HD version
What's not so great: Extra features are in SD, but most Blu-rays are that way
I would recommend this to a friend!
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burntham77's Answers
Lenovo IdeaCentre 27" A730-57320990 All-in-One Computer: This computer's sleek, ultrathin design disguises a lot of multimedia power, including a Blu-ray player for high-def movies, a massive hard drive for your videos, photos and music, and dedicated graphics card for action-packed games. And with a large, responsive touch screen and voice recognition software, it's all extremely fun and easy to use.Learn more about the New Windows ›
can you get this computer with a 2TB memory?
No, but you can upgrade the hard drive on your own.
9 years, 10 months ago
by
burntham77
Las Vegas, NV
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
do you have a platstation 3 cleaner
do you have cleaner for platstation 3
No, I do not. But you can buy it Best Buy, near the PS3 accessories.
14 years, 3 months ago
by
burntham77
Las Vegas, NV