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Intel's new mobile Pentium 4 was designed to fit into the cramped interior of the latest notebook PCs. However, AJP has used the desktop version of the 2.2GHz chip in the 5600P. Partly as a result, it's one of the largest notebooks we've seen in recent years.
Weighing in at 3.2kg and with dimensions of 329 x 290 x 44mm, you wouldn't want to carry it around for long. However, its design means there's little compromise with usability and features.
The styling of the mostly silver case might not be striking and the majority of it is made from plastic. However, the build quality is high. There's some flexing of the display surround, but this doesn't affect the 15.1in. TFT panel.
The screen has a native resolution of 1,400 by 1,050 pixels and is bright and sharp. It's driven by the ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 chipset with Triple-View, which lets you work on the LCD and an external monitor via the D-Sub VGA port or a TV screen via the S-Video port. The graphics chipset is also backed by a massive 64Mb of video memory.
The 5600P has 512Mb of DDR SDRam in its standard configuration, with space for expansion via a pair of 144-pin SO Dimm sockets. The comprehensive specification continues with an eight-speed DVDRom drive and a built-in floppy disk drive. Either can be exchanged for optional modules, such as a second battery pack (£140 ex. VAT) or a combo CD-RW/DVDRom drive (£99.99 ex. VAT).
It has an array of controls set into the front panel for playing audio CDs, and there's an LCD track number display. Audio output is enhanced by the use of a 5.1-channel controller, complete with optical S/PDIF output at the rear. A pair of speakers set into the panel below the display produce reasonably good quality sound.
Of similarly high specification is the hard disk drive, a 40Gb E-IDE unit supporting the Ultra ATA/100 interface. This can be removed and replaced, while connectivity is provided by a V.90 modem and 10/100Base-T network adapter.
A single Type II PC Card slot is provided for other uses, such as memory card data transfer, and there are four USB ports at the rear of the system. An IEEE 1394 port offers input for digital video and other high bandwidth applications.
The keyboard has translucent keys, which are mostly full-sized. In particular, the space bar, enter, backspace and right-shift keys are all the proper size, while the function and cursor keys and left-shift are smaller.
Set into the wrist rest is a track pad with two conventional buttons, plus a pair of scroll buttons, although you can plug in an external mouse via the PS/2 port should you prefer.
There are some limitations though. The essential twin cooling fans in the base make the unit rather noisy and mean that it's best used on a desk or table, rather than on your lap.
The battery life of around one hour isn't too impressive either, despite the smart Li-ion battery. This is mainly due to the desktop processor, graphics adapter and screen sucking up the power.
The unit comes with a similarly chunky mains power supply module, along with a printed user's guide and driver/backup CDRom. Fortunately, a carry case is included which is essential given the size and weight of this system. AJP offers a one-year, return-to-base warranty.
These drawbacks mean that the 5600P isn't a suitable machine for travelling professionals. Rather, it's aimed at people who spend most of their time in one office, but occasionally have to move and take their applications and data with them.
However, the size and weight are compensated for by its desktop PC-like performance and features. As a replacement desktop PC, it's not a bad choice.
Price: £1,699 (ex. VAT)
Specifications:
- OS: Windows XP Professional
- Processor: 2.2GHz Intel Pentium 4
- Memory: 512Mb of DDR SDRam
- Graphics chipset: 64Mb ATI Mobility Radeon 7500
- Hard disk: 40Gb
- Optical drive: DVDRom
- Display: 15.1in. SXGA+
- I/O: Four USB 1.1 ports, IEEE 1394, IrDA, V.90 modem, 10/100Base-T, S-Video, S/PDIF
Contact: AJP 020 8208 9777
www.ajp.co.uk
See also:
If you're looking for a system you need to only take out occasionally, this could be the answer. 18 Apr 2002
Among the Notino 2200's attractions are a DVD drive and a very reasonable price. 04 Apr 2002
All Notebooks & Tablets PCs
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