Foreword:

This is one of those workstations built for graphics professionals. It is built on the same principles as a gaming laptop is – cram in the most powerful laptop innards you can find and worry about the parts later. At $4,048 the price is definitely jaw-dropping (for the wrong reasons, of course!). The laptop runs a Core 2 Duo T7600 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM. The graphics are processed by a FireGL card from ATi.

The outer body is composed of magnesium alloy clothed in black. Not only does it feel good, but at 5.6lbs the laptop also feels durable. The quad metal hinges, according to tests, can handle 30,000 openings and closings. The 14” screen also makes it portable enough to make any place your “workstation”. The resolution maxima is at 1400×1050 for great clarity, while you can decrease it to 1024×768 for large fonts. The keyboard is responsive and the touchpad is decent, while the IBM staple TrackPoint stick also makes its appearance in this laptop.

+Ves:

• The build is very sturdy, with a fantastic keyboard from Alps and touchpad and TrackPoint input systems. The FlexView screen using IPS is nothing short of brilliant.
• The standard wireless peripherals – Intel 3945abg card, Bluetooth and Verizon’s WAN card.
• Integrated TPM (Trusted Platform Module) security system to protect your hard drive with full encryption, a fingerprint reader linked to the TPM as well as a management software for controlling these systems.
• The fastest Core 2 Duo processor money can buy is bundled along for amazing graphics work and will make mincemeat of Vista’s gargantuan requirements.
• Dual Layer DVD burner for backup ease.

-Ves:

• Noisy AC adapter with no ground post.
• No FireWire or SD card slot, like its smaller cousin the X60.
• Heavy 9-cell battery.
• The palm rest has a slight flex that makes typing uncomfortable on occasion.
• No DVI slot for video out in this multimedia-rich laptop makes me wonder why.

Final Word:

While you can get a cheaper version at $2488 direct, the best build of this machine is tailor-made for graphics-intensive workstation needs. Its fast interiors will make short work of most demanding work, while it provides enough security systems to make sure you are not worried about the security of your business secrets. The cheaper version has ATi’s X1400 card for graphics needs – good enough for many.