GIZMO GALLERY

Noteworthy

HP, Fujitsu, Lenovo and Sony have launched sub-Rs 70,000 notebooks.

Apple Computers made a dynamic entry into the notebooks' market with Intel processors, prompting PC/notebook vendors to make their products even more visible. The best way to do so is launch a new product in the market and trumpet the fact. Hewlett-Packard (HP), Fujitsu, Lenovo and even Sony have launched notebooks in the sub-Rs 70,000 bracket to battle Apple. HP India has launched the HP Pavilion dv2025TU notebook that's decked up with HP's Imprint Finish technology (gives the machine a feminine look). Pioneering the use of Imprint technology for notebook design, HP has managed to get the looks right "� almost endearing.

The machine also features the 'capacitive' touch technology, a technical jargon for buttons (similar to a touchpad) meant for audio/video launch and volume controls. A slight touch or tap over these backlit media launch buttons facilitate access to the entertainment mode. At Rs 58,000, the Pavilion dv2025TU is not a costly affair if you consider its features that are skewed towards an entertainment centre. Hence, the best part is its QuickPlay Direct (that lets you access DVDs and music without booting up), a 14-inch WXGA wide screen, a hard drive that can be expanded up to 120 GB, 1.3 mega pixel integrated webcam and a tiny remote control which is quite handy while running multimedia applications.

Nifty features

HP delivered a far superior sound output than Lenovo 3000 N100 qualified at best as a 'squeal effect' while playing music/videos. But then it's not an entertainment notebook "� it really cannot be. Lenovo shares the same screen size as HP Pavillion, but makes a better impression with its processing power (Intel's core duo processor at work here). Lenovo's N100 looks as if crafted to simplify operating a Windows PC since it has automated many security and maintenance tasks through a suite of productivity tools "� Lenovo Care. These tools (skimmed version of ThinkVantage) help alleviate the need for a dedicated IT helpdesk by offering a central location for essential PC tasks such as diagnosing and recovering, managing wireless connections, as well as keeping on top of critical updates and drivers.

The inclusion of a fingerprint reader and integrated web camera for communication are plusses for any business user, but lack of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip (added level of security) and Active Protection (protects the hard disk drive from jerks) is disappointing. ThinkPads have both the features, which is why they are still slotted above any other business laptop. N100 incorporates a 4-in-1 multi-card reader for downloading digital pictures from multiple types of memory cards, four USB ports (all side mounted), 4-pin FireWire and S-Video port. Having said that, N100 might not set the market on fire but it sure has an attractive price tag of Rs 58,700 (plus taxes).

Plain expectations

On the other hand, Fujitsu's LifeBook series of notebooks seem to take a much more traditional approach when it comes to design. Rather than fixed drives and widescreen displays, LifeBook C1320 (Rs 42,990), S2110 (Rs 62,990) and S6240 (Rs 82,000 "� another variant with DVD writer is available at Rs 93,000) are a bunch of modular looking notebooks.

The S6240 is powered by the Intel Pentium M 750 (1.86 GHz) processor "� a norm in most thin and light systems but a 60 GB hard drive seems a bit below average. A 13.3-inch LCD screen does allocate a very compact form factor, the dimensions and weight (293 x 236.5 x 0.5 mm & 1.65kg) barely push the machine past the ultraportable size. Seems like portability was the focus for Fujitsu, so do not use the system for much 3D graphics as it will only leave you disappointed.

While running the S2110, it was noticeable that the underside of the chassis got really warm and it can surely be no coincidence that this region has a thin layer of furry material that can only be to prevent thermal (heating) problems. Fujitsu LifeBook S2110 runs on a 64 bit AMD Turion mobile processor that comfortably runs up to three hours (with Wi-Fi on).

Ideal mate

An ideal Lifebook could be a 64 bit processor, with an outstanding battery life, highly-capable gaming graphics card that emits minimal heat. The S2110 comes a tad closer but not quite there on the graphics part. These aluminium framed Lifebooks are not the cheapest or lightest in their class, but perhaps make a good choice for business and corporate road warriors who demand longevity and a steady performance while away from the office. Battery run, in the above mentioned notebooks, averaged around three to four hours (with Wi-Fi on) with the exception of Fujitsu Lifebook C6240 running a straight 4.5 hours before giving up. The only thing common between Apple and other vendors seems like the Intel platform, since each one has a different lullaby for its consumers.