Its a shame I have to write this review (In some 50+ deliveries this is the only item I have ever had problems with ... so far). The machine itself appears to be in perfect working order from a hardware point of view. My problem (that I haven't contacted the seller about yet) was that it was loaded with 'PUP' software (Potentially unwanted programs) PC Pro Optimzer a browser redirector and various other junk. One particular 'PUP' appears to come from one of the lenovo 'bloatware' programs included on the machine. Problems started when the machine was turned on before enabling wireless or wired internet access or connecting to a router. The laptop was behaving like it was taking part in "international POP UP day" if there was such a thing. One of the reasons I haven't contacted the seller is that I am a computer science graduate and work in IT so could remove the offending programs myself. I performed a factory reset installed malwarebytes adwCleaner and a few other useful tools including Mcafee. After a few program removals, quarantines and scans the machines up and running so far to date with no complaints. Its worth noting that this machine was a refurb and to be honest I think whoever performed the checks on the return just got sloppy and failed to pick up on the software problems. For me it was roughly an hour of cleaning and checking but for anyone that is say a first time PC buyer or wants something to work 'no hassle' out of the box then I am sure the item would have been returned. For those of us from hobbyist to professionals it will present an amount of time tinkering and annoyance. So the machine itself 4/5 stars for the software hassle that came with the machine (poor checking on the suppliers part) 1/5 stars. Overall the experience has been okay ... could have been worse but also on the other hand could have been better.
There are many tech reviews out there on the net of this machine I won't bore you with the details but in summary its an excellent machine hardware wise for the money. I'd say from my own experience when buying a refurb expect to tinker a little.
20/3/2015 I know its a while since this review was written but I have recently had to correct another Lenovo machine asked by an associate for someone she knows but she also informed me of an article the BBC wrote regarding this problem http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31533028
So apologies to Amazon who have done nothing wrong it appears the source of the infection was from Lenovo all along.
| Brand | Lenovo |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 56.4 x 33.8 x 7.4 cm; 2.9 Kilograms |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Item model number | 59423057 |
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
| Series | Z710 |
| Colour | Black |
| Form Factor | Laptop |
| Standing screen display size | 17.3 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Type | Core i7 |
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz |
| Processor Count | 4 |
| RAM Size | 12 GB |
| Memory Technology | DDR3L |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Size | 1 TB |
| Hard Disk Description | HDD |
| Audio Details | Speakers |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M |
| Graphics Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Graphics Card Description | Nvidia G840 |
| Graphics RAM Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 2 GB |
| Connectivity Type | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11bgn |
| Optical Drive Type | DVD |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 5 Hours |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Lithium Battery Energy Content | 41 Watt Hours |
| Lithium Battery Packaging | Batteries packed with equipment |
| Lithium Battery Weight | 0.23 Grams |
| Item Weight | 2.9 kg |
| Guaranteed software updates until | unknown |
