Winbook X1

By Stephen F. Carpi

In an age of high-speed portability and rich multimedia presentations, WinBook packs power and versatility in an 11.63- by 9.42-inch package. The WinBook X1, tested with a 1GHz mobile Pentium III processor, 30GB hard drive, and standard 350MB of SDRAM, delivers robust business application performance and multi-site downloading with ease.

The X1 boasts great features including an internal modem and Ethernet, two USB ports, and a DVD/CD-RW drive. However, this costly laptop is not equipped with a 3.5-inch floppy drive (available only as an external USB drive for $99) or a second PCMCIA slot. A port replicator is available for the X1 at an additional cost providing four USB ports, a parallel, and a serial port.

Additionally, the battery lasted well over two hours in the optimized mode, which is quite an accomplishment for a machine of this caliber.

DVDs played on the X1 are choppy and out of sync. The moderately bright 13.3-inch XGA screen has a maximum resolution of 1024 by 768dpi in both LCD and VGA modes and loses luster when switched to battery mode. The fan in the X1 idles indefinitely. Furthermore, during DVD play, CD burning, or moderate use, the fan speeds up and becomes increasingly louder.

Although the WinBook X1, weighing in at 5.2 pounds (6.15 pounds with AC adapter), falls just short of the ideal ultra thin/ultra light laptop, don’t be surprised when you receive kudos for running business applications and presentations seamlessly and professionally.

Winbook X1

: 89

Manufacturer: WinBook800-254-7806; www.winbook.com

Price: $3,098

Configuration: 1GHz mobile Pentium III processor; Windows 2000/Me; 30GB hard drive; standard 350MB of SDRAM; internal modem/LAN card; two USB ports; DVD/CD-RW drive; four USB ports; a parallel port; serial port; a PS/2 mouse; keyboard port

Pros: Downloads multiple sites with ease

Cons: The X1 has a loud cooling fan; a dim screen; only one PCMCIA slot