Packard Bell Easynote T

Compare the test results of this 1.3GHz Centrino Packard Bell Easynote T with the 1.3GHz IBM T40 (page 54), and you'll be struck by the similarities in both Sysmark 2002 and battery performance. They differ purely in 3Dmark 2001, as the IBM uses ATI graphics while Packard Bell has opted for the full Centrino setup with the integrated Intel 855 chip. As a result, 3D graphics performance is nothing to write home about, but Centrino is aimed at business users rather than gamers, so the specification is appropriately minimal.

The sleek chassis only has a single PC Card slot, but there is a mini Firewire port and three USB2 ports, as well as 10/100 Lan and modem to go with the wireless 802.11b Calexico card that is part of Centrino.

The chassis feels very solid and the keyboard has no noticeable flex, while the keys have a good feel and the layout is good. We were surprised at how well the touchpad works, as the mouse buttons are flush in the surface of the chassis, and look as though they might have caused problems.

The screen was average, though both text and pictures were satisfactory, and the viewing angle was adequate. The speakers are integrated in the corners of the screen where they aim the audio directly at you, but they sounded tinny and weak.

The overall feel of the Easynote T is very good and, though it comes with Windows XP Home edition, it is well suited to business users.

Contact: Packard Bell
www.packardbell.co.uk

Specifications:

• Pentium M 1.3GHz processor
• 256MB DDR memory
• Hitachi 30GB hard disk
• 16x CD-RW DVD combo
• Centrino 855GM chipset
• Intel 855 graphics, 32MB shared memory
• 14in 1,024 x 768 TFT screen
• Windows XP Home
• 2kg
• 316 x 274 x 27mm (w x d x h)