X-bit labs

14" Widescreen: Most Optimal Solution? 10 Contemporary Notebooks Roundup (page 35)

Category: Mobile

by Vasily Melnik

[ 06/07/2006 | 10:56 PM ]

Conclusion

The main problem with modern business notebooks, and the biggest hindrance to their development, is the lack of normal batteries they would last on for at least one workday. The performance of the platform is long not a crucial factor – top-end configurations on the ordinary Centrino were more than enough for the majority of users, so all the progress in the platform field has been due to the sheer necessity to progress rather than to any real need. Until there are normal power sources, there is no real mobility and you can’t help this by adding more cores to the processor.

The second problem I am now quite sure of after the numerous test sessions we’ve carried out is that a bulk of notebooks comes with low-quality displays. I don’t have an explanation for that – maybe they are just saving money because you can’t buy a notebook without a screen. As a result, the Sony VGN-FJ1SR is the only notebook in this review to have a really high-quality display. Besides it, the ASUS W3H00V and MSI MegaBook S425 have good displays. Others are equipped with mediocre ones. This looks strange considering the rapid progress of LCD matrixes in desktop monitors, so I’m inclined to think that the manufacturers just don’t want to improve anything because again, you can’t choose the screen.

It’s hard to tell which of the reviewed models is best because it all depends on your personal needs and tastes. In my personal chart the Sony VGN-FJ1SR takes the first place for its excellent design and ergonomics and good battery life. Well, I confess I just like it. The MSI MegaBook S425 is an interesting buy as it combines a low price and an advanced configuration. Moreover, this notebook is your only chance to get a good display for decent money. The other tested notebooks are either inferior to the Sony in the quality of the display or cost almost two times the price of the MegaBook. Purchasing low-end models like Acer TravelMate 2423NWXMi only makes sense when you are not going to do anything but office tasks. Such notebooks just don’t suit for anything more.

It’s only you who knows what exactly you will be doing on your notebook and it’s up to you to make the choice. I hope this review can be of some help to you in making up your mind.