Advent 4211 Netbook Comments

You allude to the 4211 not having Bluetooth in the paragraph just before "Verdict", though you have it correct (it does) in the Spces on the following page.

Also it appears to support SDHC as I transferred some files onto my 4211 using an 8gb card. Others on the msiwind.net forums mainly report success with the hardware identical Wind.

Very nice review. My SDHC cards have been fine.

One point to note is that the Bluetooth and WiFi toggling is done on the same function key. So you loop around the combinations of having neither, one, the other, or both. However, my Advent crashed and fell in a heap every time Bluetooth was turned off (dodgy Bluetooth drivers, that makes a change...). So even though I didn't actually want to use Bluetooth, every time I wanted to switch off the WiFi to save battery, I couldn't. Interested to know whether this is a problem on other Advents, or the Wind.

After the lack of availability of the MSI Wind throughout this month, I also went in search for the Advent 4211 and managed to reserve and collect one last week. Unfortunately it had a memory hardware problem and kept 'blue screen' rebooting itself frequently.

The replacement unit is working very well and both Bluetooth and WiFi are operating as expected. The toggling is annoying but if you do it quick enough, the computer doesn't complain.

I even like the orange battery light that stays on after the machine has shut down, if the battery is very low (less than 10%)

There is a huge Huge! problem with these and the new atom processor. I actually work for Pc World in the UK and after a week of these being on the shelf, almost every single one was being brought back to us as faulty, all with the same issue. I'm really not sure how you have not had this problem..
Everyone that came back had the claim that it would not turn on at some point.
Me and a colleague after a bit of testing and research have found out its a problem to do with static.
While the machine is running, the processor is building up static, all but harmless while its running, but when the machine is turnt off, that static remains. When turnt back on again, the CPU will not power on properly and so the machine does not turn on.
A simple fix is available however. If this problem arises, simply disconnect the power, remove the battery, and unplug anything usb with power threw it (speakers, external hdd ect). and then hold the power button in for 10secs. This will discharge all of that static. Now plug back in everything to the machine and it will turn on absolutely fine.

However!, we have been in contact with advent and they are fully aware of this problem but do not class it as a fault, and so, No Refunds!!!

We now try to explain this to every customer within our store, but as for other i am not so sure. But be aware of this before you purchase!!!

Bizarre and disorientating how PCW seem currently to be the price leader on the Wind product. Another rebranding of the identical PC (other than software package) seems to be the Medion Akoya mini netbook E1210 - this brand usually on offer of course from Aldi, though not widely available as yet. The nominal price seems to be £349 though maybe this will figure in one of the Aldi biweekly special offers at a reduced price. But Sainsburys are also listing this product for £299 ('selected stores only') - obviously still not apparently as cheap as PCW. The only caveat here is whether the Medion model might have the far more desirable 6-cell battery rather than the Advent's 3-cell one - nothing in the online specs to indicate one way or the other.

After reading reviews on the Advent 4211, I bought. I am more than delighted with the machine. Having used it all day in many locations including being carried in motorcycle panniers for a week there are no problems. Screen very good, keyboard good for typing, speed sufficient, spearkers a bit poor, only drawback is battery time. A 6 cell will make a big difference. PC world price really sets this as a hot seller for people on the move.

I have had the Advent 4211 for a couple of weeks now and love it. I have come from using Sony laptops (VGN X505VP 10" and PCG C1-MHP 8.9")and I can honestly say that the keyboard layout on the Advent is vastly superior in some ways. The large right shift key and return key makes fast and large quantity typing a delight. I'm typing my thesis on it so have been using it for many hours each day, not just typing but also downloading journal articles and searching other internet sites quickly for research. I needed Word for my work so I removed Microsoft Works and download Office instead but this is just a personal choice. The fast internet connection is briliant and has a most efficient wifi. It was so easy to set up, taking only minutes to do so. When you first connect the wifi remember to unlock it first. The whole feeling of using the Advent 4211 is that it is a perky workhorse and I really look forward to using it each day which has to be a good sign. The only improvement for me would be better battery life but when all the accessories are out I expect this will be available. All parts are identical to the MSI Wind so this widens your options. The MSI Wind forums are a great help for any little bits of advice: http://msiwind.net/
I haven't used it for anything other than internet/e-mail and heavy duty word-processing so can't comment on any other applications to be honest. Would thorougly recommend for the uses I have mentioned.
This machine doesn't come with a case but these can be bought from:

http://wrappers.typepad.com/ipod/10-inch-msi-wind-advent-4211-sleeves/
or
http://www.fabrixcases.com/store/index2.html
or
http://shop.carphonewarehouse.com/accessories/elonex/protective-notebook-sleeve-/

Another worthwile point is that PC World offers replacement or mend for £2 a month which takes away the worry (I hope!)

The 4211 is the most brilliant machine. I am a working professional photographer and have so far used the 4211/msi wind with the 1 extra gig of memory, ( easily added ). I run CS3 Photoshop, Pinancle Video Editing, Office 2007 with not a problem. The SDHC slot works a treat and allows me to upload video straight into the Video editing package. Bluetooth and wifi are spot on. The wifi module is not the greatest in the world so I use a usb wifi g/n usb stick for better reception. The battery is good for over two hours and boot up is quick. For the money and spec it's unbeatable. I also have a 17inch laptop and a smaller 12 laptop both highly spec'd and they haven't been turned on since getting the advent 4211. For the extra £12 get the other gig of memory. I edit video on thr go and transmit over wifi or bluetooth through a phone back to our website. Buy one.

Just bought the advent 4211 and I am having wireless connection problems - no icon appears and there is no device for this. the spec lists an intel wireless network connection which I cannot find in the device manager. Any thoughts or just return to shop?

I presume that you know to get the wifi working you have to pres function and the wifi/bluetooth function key to scroll through both on, noth off, wifi only, bluetooth only. No wifi until you turn it on.

Mine didn't function out of the box, even when I right clicked in the tool tray and tried to 'repair' the problem. Function and F11 activated it. Don't suppose your problem is this simple?

Thanks for the replies and yes done all the obvious but no network coonection icon which makes me suspect no network adapter present which is strange but I will take it back to the shop at weekend.

I recently acquired one in the UK tho I live in Spain. As my first laptop it is living up to my hopes (a near-perfect combination of size / weight / power as well as looking and feeling, to me, better than the smaller Asus and Acer models -despite any other dis/advantages they may have-) and has so far worked well, tho I haven't pushed it at all so far as a user with limited needs (tho the installed Microsoft Works is a very poor option IMO, as noted above by others). But does anyone know how the 1 GB memory handles basic photo editing (I have yet to install a program, tho CS3 Elements is the most likely) and more importantly, as someone frequently away from power supplies for a while when working, is the 6-cell battery readily available yet? Additionally, does anyone know a simple way to avoid carrying the what I consider to be rather heavy and bulky power cable around? Thanks.

Could someone please advise as to the INPUT VOLTAGE to this unit? - could it be powered up via a 12v car battery?

I absolutely love this netbook! It does all i want and is perfect for travelling, especially as i am a student! The only downside i can see is that the battery runs out so fast, but then again it charges up so quickly. I would easily give this a 9/10

John M - the only suggestion I have is to cut the main supply cable back to near the plug that goes into the transformer and fit a new mains plug (the built in one cannot be re-used as (at least in the UK) a moulded plug). The original cable and plugs weighs nearly 220 grams. I estimate the two plugs weigh about 40 grams each leaving just under 140 grams for the cable - so cutting back could save up to around 110 grams - but you'll need to be a metre closer to the mains socket.

Iainb - INput voltage is 5v and it needs 2A so it cannot be powered diretly from the car. However, it may be possible to find a 5v 2A convertor for the car that plugs into your cigar lighter. If not, you can get inverters that plug into the cigarette lighter and will lift you car voltage up to mains voltage - with appropriate socket. e.g. A03GW from Maplins for the UK. But they are bulky and £30ish!

Iainb - Sorry I did a typo. The Input Voltage is 20V at 2A NOT 5V.

Since posting previous query, I've purchased this superb little machine as have an inverter anyway. It's doing ALL I could have asked for (and then some!) Have thrown away the MS Works & installed MS Office which works no prob, also runs Memory Map well (including the bluetoothed GPS - which connected first time unlike on my older IXIUS Machine which was bought for "the job", was never was very successful - and is DAMN HEAVY!!) Connects to 'net wirelessly first time EVERY time - unable to source a 6 cell battery tho, any suggestions anyone? - also been advised by "The TechGuys" at pc world in Chester that memory expansion by a further 1gb is not possible as it's "on the board" [Quote1: I am a working professional photographer and have so far used the 4211/msi wind with the 1 extra gig of memory, ( easily added )] [Quote2: For the extra £12 get the other gig of memory.] - - - Any comments on this one please? Iain

Can anyone tell me the weight of the power pack with a UK plug (why do reviewers never include this vital information - when you're travelling it all counts! What's the point of super light device that needs a brick to power it?)

I'm impressed by the positive reactions to the Netbook. It doesn't appear to have a CD/DVD facility. How would I install programs like Office and QuarkXPress from my disks?

Recommended this for a clients son, based on MSIWind; purchased before they went on holiday but not opened. On return it BSOD'd repeatedly or wouldn't start up at all straight out of the box - PCWorld Staples Corner staff were apparently less than helpful, apparently verging on the rude and repeating '28 days' as if a stuck record. Techguys helpful though and arranged for return and repair; "may take a few weeks though, there are a lot like this". Customer bought an Acer instead in the meantime and VERY happy. PCW? Positively C**p W*****s.

I can connect to the internet wirelessly on the 4211 but the machine seems to constantly disconnect and reconnect itself every few minutes. How can I stop this?

i wanted to ask what people have thought about this there experiance and usefullness beacause i have recently started my engineering course and was planning on getting a laptop to take to and from uni to write up my reports, course work and so on the list could go on, i have been comparing these to the standard size laptops as well and after seeing this i think this would be perfect but i am still wondering if i was to install MS office would it be able to run and use it without any problems i think if i am not mistaken i had read someone put it on but i wasn't sure what version you could use on it weather 2004 or 2007 for example. any helpfull information would be much appreciated or advice

hello Matthew, some guys mentioned there is no problem of running cs3 photoshop, which takes far more memory & cpu than office 07. Guess it's powerful enough for everyday college use. Though I seriously doubt if you can play any games on it... (spore etc.) Treat it as work... work.. work ... work........

great thx i wasn't planning to play games on it thats what my desktop is for i made at home lol well will def be getting this then thanks for the help

arh.. anyone has experience installing memory on this little devil??
i know it's ddr2, what's the spec of the mem?
also... am i trying to unscrew all the screws on the back? it seems quite a job to do!

just in case anyone needs this info..

memory needed for upgrade: PC5300 DDR2 667MHz 200 Pin SODimm can be found at play.com rather cheap £11.99 with free delivery.

methods how to install mem on 4211 can be found at a number of places, just google it & you won't be disappointed...

p.s. soooooo attempting to install vista on 4211... wait & see..

advent 4211 ... on my SECOND one of these in a MONTH ... the WIFI just STOPS working it wont find and networks and acts as if the card has packed up!!! when you talk to tech support all they want to do is a complete recovery so you loose all data and installed software .... BUT the solution is unplug it and take the battery off ... replace battery and away you go wifi starts working again. i was very pleased with my netbook until i have had problems ... BUT its a MAJOR PAIN IN THE ARSE having to do this nearly everytime you disconnect and then reconnect the mains power supply. not good !!! nice piece of kit but seriously floored

In relation to WiFi I have had similar problems where it keeps connecting/reconnecting. It seemed to start happening after running okay for a while and gets to the point where its completely useless.

I read on other sites people downloading latest wireless LAN drivers from the MSI website and that fixing the problem. I also read another fix where you just uninstall your driver the wireless LAN, power off, power on and let Windows reinstall it.

I've done the latter as it seems simpler and so far so good.

If you have any wifi problems (or any other problems for that matter) take it straight back. If you've bought it from PC World they will give you a new one immediately as long as it's within the month. They know it's a problem so there won't be any argument, go straight to the TechGuys counter. You have a year's guarantee anyway and you shouldn't have to bother to download new drivers etc on a new laptop, so just take it back.

I bought this laptop 2 days ago from PC world, so far i am extremely pleased with it, apart from as people have said the WiFi keeps connecting and disconnecting, and when i try to send things with bluetooth, it says bluetooth not ready :S does anyone know when it does be ready? i have installed MS 2007 onto it, and alot of other things, and they are working fine. very vey good laptop and not too small eitherr, just the right size.

I'm going to buy the Advent 4211 but note that it will need an external CD/DVD drive. PC World sell one by LG.
Can anyone recommend a DVD drive that works well with the 4211?
Has anyone tried to play a DVD movie from an external DVD drive on the 4211? Does it work ? Is there any problem with the transfer speed from across USB?
Thanks

After agonising for months whether to buy the Advent 4211, I finally bought one from my local Currys store a couple of weeks ago. Everything worked fine, that is until I switched the Bluetooth function on last night. Since then the Wifi just disconnects and reconnects every few minutes, a problem I can see other users have experienced. It's driving me mad and it is going back to the store tomorrow.

I TOOK THE ADVENT 4211 BACK TO CURRYS IN WIGAN, DECIDED TO GIVE IT A SECOND CHANCE AND ACCEPTED A REPLACEMENT RATHER THAN A REFUND. GOT HOME AND THE STORE HAD GIVEN ME A 'USED PRODUCT'!!! NO PACKAGING INSIDE THE BOX, FINGER MARKED. IT WAS OBVIOUS IT HAD BEEN USED AND RETURNED (MINUS ANY OF THE INSIDE PACKAGING). WISH I'D LOOKED AT IT IN STORE, WOULD HAVE SAVED ME A TRIP BACK WITHIN THE HOUR. ANYWAY I'VE NOW RETURNED IT AND GOT A REFUND, COULDN'T FACE ANY MORE HASSLE WITH IT. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. I'M GOING TO LOOK FOR A DIFFERENT PRODUCT.

I too had on/off problems with the WiFi on my Advent 4211, as others describe. Mistrusting PC World's abilities to solve it, I went to my local specialist computer shop in Guildford, and they diagnosed a faulty WiFi card. It was replaced by an Intel PROset card (physically larger, but will still fit the chassis) at a cost of £25. Since then the Advent has worked perfectly 24/7 on Wireless. The only tiny problem - liveable with - is that the Advent boots up more quickly than the PROset card does (by about 30 seconds - just like an old-style modem). And the PROset card has a strange mini-icon on the taskbar, rather like an overgrown leek. Otherwise- I thoroughly recommend this card swap. It transforms a sows' ear of a mini-laptop (in wireless terms) into a silk purse !

I have had my advent 4211 for about four months now and have experienced no problems whatsoever with it. I could not have asked for a better netbook for what I am using it for. I am a university student and it is perfect for carrying around with my to do my work in the library, lecture halls etc. It runs microsoft office 2007 no problems, SPSS (Statistics program) no problem, and no wireless problems either. Also I am very impressed with how quietly it runs. In fact, I was so pleased with it that I started recommending everyone to buy one!

However, having read all of the comments on here, I am surprised that so many people are having problems with their 4211s. Everyone I know who has one now hasn't experienced any of this. Strange!

I bought a 4211 in September last year. I am delighted with it except for one thing. When I am typing, strings of letters suddenly jump onto the wrong line or even into a different programme! It is very irritating because I have to cut and paste them back where they belong Surprisingly, whilst typing this it has not jumped once! Quite a miracle!! I wonder if anyone else has had this problem and if so how did they solve it?

Week 3 of ownership and I'm really enjoying my Advent 4211c. Poor battery performance seems to be its only drawback so far. Has anybody invested in a 6-cell battery yet and if so would you recommend? And/or a more portable AC adapter/mains charger (e.g. UA1224059112 http://www.ultimate-netbook.co.uk/index.php/Advent-4211/Advent-4211-Batteries-Chargers/Advent-4211-NetBook-UK-Mains-Charger-AC___23.htm?Details )?

I purchased a refurbished ADVENT 4211C yesterday and everything's perfect except the touchpad. The touchpad uses pretty much the same material/texture as the netbook's cover and for me its not as smooth to move about on the touchpad than other ADVENT laptops - I have an ADVENT 5611 laptop for example. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't really want to use a mouse too much, as I purchased this machine for ultimate portability.

The netbook is fantastic - the keys are a little smaller than on a standard laptop but they're probably surely bigger than other netbooks; you get use to the keys after an hour or so of first use.

The size of the touchpad doesn't bother me, its the texture/material of it that is difficult to move your finger on without it being jittery/juddery.

I had initial wireless connection problems where it wouldn't connect and the status was continually "Acquiring network address" and sometimes it would connect but it would state "Limited or no connectivity available". I initially installed the new wireless drivers available for the netbook: http://support.thetechguys.com/layout.aspx?ID={e3a3c398-7c18-45be-ad1a-f7ea950d509b}&CatID={789879f1-f9f1-470a-86b6-3445bf15cc31} (this wireless driver update will also fix the problem for those having sudden wireless connection drops) and then went to the Start menu -> right click on 'My Computer' and selected 'Properties'. From there I went to the 'Hardware' tab and selected the 'Device Manager' button. From the Device Manager next to network adapters press the + icon and then right-click on whatever is labeled 802.11b/g Mini Card Wireless Adapter #2 or similar and select 'Uninstall' and confirm you'd like to uninstall it. Then once that's done go to 'Action' from the menu in device manager and select 'Scan for hardware changes' and it'll install the wireless driver back and it should connect!

For those PgUp, PgDn, Home and End FN keys don't work there is a BIOS update available that'll fix that and many other issues: http://support.thetechguys.com/layout.aspx?CatID={4249b70b-6186-4e78-a736-48376dd4aac3}&ID={5369a6ed-3e45-4381-9b3f-89014d901f4d} make sure before and while installing the BIOS update you remove the battery pack as instructed on the TechGuys article on how to install the BIOS update.

Im thinking about buying the ADVENT 4211-C Netbook, But I'd like to know if I can watch films on it, via an external hard drive. Can anybody help.