JVC Mininote MP-XP731GB

Fashions seem to come and go very quickly in portable computing, but good looks and dinky dimensions will always win hearts - JVC relies on it.

The Mininote range has been with us for nearly two years, and this third-generation model is the best JVC has to offer.

The most important change this latest model brings to the range is the addition of an Intel Centrino chipset, making it the smallest notebook to use this technology.

This model features a 1GHz Pentium 4-M processor. Combined with 256MB of DDR-Ram, the specification is fair rather than awe-inspiring and performance can be similarly summed-up. The hard disk is a 40GB model, although around 5GB is partitioned off to store the Windows installation files and other system data.

The list of connections on offer is good for such a modestly proportioned machine. There are two USB2, single network and modem ports, and a Type II PC Card slot. The inclusion of a mini-Firewire port is understandable, as JVC is a big player in the DV camcorder market, but it's difficult to see this notebook being used for any serious cutting and splicing. The Centrino chipset means that there is wireless Lan integrated too. A proprietary video-out socket is used for hooking up a full-size monitor and, happily, the cable to do so is included.

In value for money terms, the JVC makes laughably little sense, but you don't go shopping for a notebook like this with a cold heart. The Mininote is a premium product and is one of the few PCs that can out-pose a Mac. The black and silver chassis is sombre and reminiscent of an IBM Thinkpad, while the build quality is superb.

The keyboard is small and can be fiddly but it has a better feel than many full-size notebooks. There's a trackpoint instead of a touchpad, which makes a proper mouse a necessity.

The biggest compromise made in order to keep the size down is the 8.9in screen. The 1,024 x 600 native resolution is a challenge for even the most optically gifted among you. That said, the screen is excellent quality for the size.

The provided external optical drive is a DVD-Rom/CD-RW combo drive. As it connects using the USB2 port, transfer is fast enough to watch a DVD movie and, while a 40GB hard disk may take some filling, the removable storage provided by the CD-rewriter is a must for backups and sharing data.

A port replicator is also included for working at a desk, to save unplugging everything each time you move. The operating system provided is Windows XP Professional, reflecting the fact that this is a computer for people shopping with the company credit card. Provided your needs don't stretch to multimedia intensive work and you can hook up a proper keyboard and screen for desk work, the Mininote is a great machine.

Contact: JVC 0870 330 5000
www.jvc.co.uk

Specifications:

• Windows XP Professional
• 1GHz Intel Pentium 4M
• 256MB PC2100 DDR SD-Ram (MB and type)
• 40GB
• Intel 855GM 8MB shared memory
• 8.9in screen (1,024 x 600)
• 1.075kg
• 225 x 29 x 177mm
• 1-year RTB