Rock Xeno-SP

Armed with a new battery-saving technology for desktop Pentium 4s, the Rock Xeno-SP aims to combine performance and portability, based on a 2.66GHz Pentium 4 CPU backed up by 512MB of DDR memory.

The well-established Sis 650 graphics chipset suffices for just about everything, apart from games. Our test results bore this out with a respectable score of 205 in Sysmark, but 3Dmark performance was much lower at 1,009.

On the storage front there's a 40GB hard drive and a CD-RW/DVD drive.

The Xeno also includes a new Rock technology, Smartpower, which offers the power-saving options of Mobile Pentium 4s by adding extra features to the Bios. Unfortunately this did not make any difference in our tests, giving just over an hour of use.

The keyboard is well laid out, but the keys don't have much travel or weight. It is, however, set nearer the user than normal, offering a comfortable typing position. The sides and front of the notebook have been designed with regular use in mind.

The only port at the back is the modem; everything else can be accessed easily without moving the notebook. There are three USB sockets, as well as Firewire, Ethernet, Video out, PS/2 and VGA out.

Headphone and microphone sockets are at the front, along with volume control, while four buttons offer application shortcuts.

This notebook performs adequately as a desktop replacement, but will not suit those looking for gaming power or long battery life.

Contact:
Rock 08709 909 090
www.rockdirect.com

Specifications:

• Intel Pentium 4 2.66GHz
• 512MB memory
• 40GB hard disk
• CD-RW-DVD drive
• 14.1in TFT
• Windows XP Home
• 2.85kg
• 30.5 x 27 x 4cm (w x d x h)
• 3yr collect and return