Gigabyte N601 G-Max

The N601 G-Max is a desktop replacement notebook aimed at users looking for good multimedia functionality. Specifically, it includes a panel that allows direct control of audio-visual applications, making it easy to control playback and volume.

The N601 can play audio CDs without the need to load Windows. Unfortunately it doesn't use a dedicated media-only operating system to do this, so is unable to play video or display images in this mode.

The N601's strongest asset is its impressive 15.4in widescreen display. This wider aspect ratio allows you to display more columns in a spreadsheet and watch DVDs without a border around the picture.

Below the surface, the N601 isn't quite as impressive. Our review model came with a mobile Pentium 4 1.6GHz processor and just 256MB of Ram, so it wasn't the fastest performer. However, it chugged through standard office applications and scored 2,952 in PCmark 2004. Sadly, it wouldn't run our Sysmark tests.

On a more positive note, the N601's 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics processor came in with 2,425 in 3Dmark 2003. This gives it a similar level of performance to many desktop PCs, so you should be able to play games at their default settings without jerky frame-rates.

The rest of the N601's specification is commendable. It has an SD card reader, three USB slots and both mini and full-sized Firewire ports. If you're after a replacement for your desktop PC and aren't hung up on speed, the N601 is a good choice.

Contact: Gigabyte
www.giga-byte.com

Specifications:

• Intel Pentium M 1.6GHz
• 15.4in widescreen TFT display
• 256MB of DDR Ram
• 40GB hard disk
• Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW
• 64MB ATI Radeon 9600 graphics
• 3.05kg
• Windows XP Home
• PowerDVD 5, Roxio Basic VCD