Being a first-year college student, I needed a reliable computer that could do simple tasks--run a word processor, access the Internet to watch YouTube videos, and whatever else I would need for school. I didn't need anything too powerful and of course, something relatively cheap. If you are in the same boat as me (need a new computer for lighter for school, etc.) then look no further, because you have found a fantastic machine. It is surprisingly swift, it boots up in a matter of 10-15 seconds, and it is overall very reliable. You get a webcam, built-in microphone, FANTASTIC speakers, an optical drive, an SD card reader, 2 USB ports (one of which is the new 3.0 super fast port), HDMI, Ethernet--man, the list goes on and on. Is it cheap? Maybe, but the design does not suggest that. Does it have a backlit keyboard? Let's be serious right now, why is that such a big deal? No, it doesn't, but with everything it else it DOES have for how CHEAP it is, who cares?Pros:All the features listed aboveTHE SPEAKERS, LIKE OMGVery thin and lightweightCons:Windows 8? Maybe?-Being a gamer that's familiar with the layout of my Xbox 360, I had no problems whatsoever navigating Windows 8. It is beautiful, innovative, but may take a little getting used to.No Microsoft Office pre-installed-That is a bit of a bummer, but take a little of that extra money you have left over from saving money with this computer and invest in it.Overall, this is a fantastic computer for a college student, someone who may need a reliable back-up, or someone who wants a lightly recreation computer.-This is NOT a gaming laptop. It is not meant for that, so don't rate it based on that fact.