Connection and commissioning were completely unproblematic and done in about 30 minutes. (It would have been even faster if they had not been first loaded and configured tens of Windows Updates during initial setup.) The required for setting up Microsoft account, you can recreate in the context of the first application, if necessary. As apparently (almost) all new computers and this is literally littered with tons of bloatware and Apps. Most were erased relatively quickly; some were somewhat stubborn and could be uninstalled only after several attempts. Matching the senseless (for me) the Apps Explorer comes with an equally pointless toolbars. However, I do not care, because I've used only once - namely to install a different browser. On the Internet I'm currently just over a LAN connection; whether and how it works via USB Adapter with Wi-Fi, I have not tried yet.
Who does not know Windows 8, will have to get used to the new look and partially revised operation once (the good old Start button, for example, to have all the previous versions, one seeks in vain). A Quick Start Guide that explains the most important thing to get started, the device not included. Win8 newbies have so on the long-standing 'learning by doing'- (sometimes also' trial and error'-) fall back method. I know the operating system in nearly two years and have long been used to it. An advantage over older versions, I (at least for devices without touch screen) not recognize, but I'm now equally well with it as with its predecessors.
The DVD drive is on edge tucked on the front behind a cover. Including two USB ports, a card slot and color-coded jacks for microphone and headphones are attached. On the back of the case there are network and electricity, also four additional USB ports, HDMI and VGA outputs and additional connection possibilities for speakers and microphone. The device is gratifying quiet operation. Even the DVD player hums (compared to my laptop) very little. Speaking of DVD: The position of the disc cover (edgewise) I find especially when inserting little comfortable. The specialist also hooked me when retracting from time to time, so I have to pull it partially manually. The device is but still not particularly sensitive and even plays older DVDs without objection from.
The device is well suited for typical standard applications, such as occur for me and many people in everyday life - in other words: Internet, Office, CDs / DVDs / play smaller games. For the memory with average 4 GB and the processor are built (at least dual core, 3.1 GHz, integrated graphics card) perfectly adequate. These applications run fast and smooth, even parallel programs or multiple open websites cause no noticeable delays. The disk space is 1TB even pretty good. I have therefore all possible text, image and music files stored on the PC as a backup. As gaming PC would be the device on the other hand hardly useful. For this purpose, sufficient memory and processor and the only integrated graphics card certainly not. For the same reasons, the device should (etc. including comprehensive image / movie editing) also come relatively quickly to its limits even with very intensive multimedia use. For (semi-) professional applications there are better-equipped units (at a higher price).
The price is a one-year license for McAfee Life Save is that needs to be activated online. At times, there was the PC even without this subscription for well below 300 euros. Should this option be offered again, personally I would leave and McAfee antivirus software of my choice to buy separately (or download for free). My experiences with preinstalled McAfee software are mediocre (one is the license even after the end or only with difficulty going), so I have not checked Save Life here.
Overall I am very satisfied with the device. It is gratifying compact and pleasantly quiet and offers at the usual standard applications at a reasonable price a very decent performance.
