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When Intel launched Centrino technology, it meant longer battery life and mandatory Wifi for notebook computers.
Its latest Centrino update for the portable PC is codenamed 'Santa Rosa', which means Core 2 Duo (dual-core) processors and faster memory for notebook computers bearing the new Centrino Duo sticker.
It should also mean even longer battery life; dual core processors can now have one of the cores turned off when not in use to save power.
Zepto, Scandinavia’s largest notebook computer producer and relative newcomer to UK shores, has used a Core 2 Duo T7100 processor (running at 1.8GHz) inside the Znote 6625WD. It also includes 1GB of fast memory (improving on that used in older Centrino notebooks) and a spacious 120GB hard disk.
Its performance in office and Windows applications was fast but not streaks ahead of previous Centrino Duo computers.
One place the performance does stand out is with graphics. Using Nvidia’s fastest DirectX 10 graphics card, the 512Mb Geforce 8600M GT, we found it to be almost twice as quick as notebook computers with DirectX 9.
3D Games looked excellent as did the special effects in Windows Vista. What's more, even after several hours of gaming, the Znote 6625WD kept reasonably cool, which is an impressive step forward for mobile gaming.
Everything’s displayed on a bright 15.4in widescreen display with a crisp 1,280 x 800 resolution. The screen also has a reflective coating to improve image contrast, which makes DVD movies very clear.
The Z note 6625WD also comes with the latest and fastest Draft-N Wifi, which is also part of the Santa Rosa specification.
Shortcut buttons for Media Center are located on the front of the notebook while the stereo speakers are impressively loud. Combined with the large hard disk, the multi-format card reader and four USB ports, this notebook computer is ideal for storing digital photos, music and videos. There's also a multi-format DVD writer and multi-directional webcam conveniently placed above the screen.
The notebook has simple black and grey styling and is, for the most part, solidly constructed. However, the keyboard is made from thin plastic, resulting in a flimsy, damp feel that isn’t nice to type on. What’s more, it curled up a little on the right side. Annoyingly, the trackpad lacks a proper surrounding frame, which makes it easy to accidentally activate. At, 3.3Kg, it's a little heavy too.
Our biggest qualm was its disappointing battery life. Lasting for just 80 mins in our DVD playback test and two hours when using a Word processor, we expected a lot more from Santa Rosa.
Zepto sells its notebooks without an operating system, which is great for those wanting to install a free operating system like Linux.
Windows Vista Home Premium adds £70 to the tally, bringing the grand total to £937. At this price the Znote 6625WD packs a lot of powerful hardware for the money, however there's a nasty £27 credit card surcharge and delivery costs also to consider. The 12-month warranty is stingy too.
Vista compatible: Yes
See also:
A good value notebook in an uninspiring chassis 27 Apr 2007
A truly portable tablet PC, but one that's dogged by poor battery life 23 Mar 2007
All Notebooks & Tablets PCsTags: Notebook Computer
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