Low cost, high performance Tablet PC convertible
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Tablet PC newcomer Averatec created quite a stir when it announced its C3500--a full-featured, 12.1"-class Tablet PC convertible with an internal optical drive and all sorts of goodies, all for a lot less money than its primary competition. And yet they delivered. For just $1,345 the Averatec C3500 has the fastest processor of any Tablet PC (a 2200+ Mobile AMD Athlon), a huge hard drive, an internal DVD/CDRW optical drive (yes, it can be done), four USB ports, fast WiFi, a stylish case, and all sorts of other eye-opening goodies. On the negative side, the C3500 runs hot, has a not-very-precise digitizer, no dedicated SD or CF slots, and an inexplicably cramped keyboard when enough space was available. Also, as of our last review, Averatec did not offer the Hydis wideangle display. Still, this handsome and well-made machine provides a lot for the money.

Sadly, Averatec's 2007 lineup no longer includes the C3500 or any successor.