Dell XPS M1730

The XPS M1730 is Dell's new 17-inch high-performance gaming notebook, the replacement for the aging M1710. It is based on the latest Intel Santa Rosa platform and features cutting-edge Nvidia GeForce SLI graphics.

Our test unit specifications are as follows:

• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Intel Core 2 Extreme X7900 (2.8GHz/4MB L2/ 800MHz FSB)
• 17-inch WUXGA display
• Dual Nvidia GeForce 8700M-GT in SLI (256MB each)
• Dual 200GB 7200RPM Hitachi drives in RAID 0 (striped data)
• 2GB DDR2-667 RAM in dual-channel
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN wireless
• Integrated Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband
• 8X DVD Burner
• 9-cell battery

Build & Design

A simple glance at the M1730 establishes that this notebook is not for those who do not want to show off. There is no other notebook like this on the market. For starters, the M1730 is absolutely enormous; its weight starts at 10.6 pounds and is two inches thick.

Dell chose an intimidating design scheme for their flagship notebook. The visible exterior has a deep glossy black surface with a 'hydrographic' design pattern. The intricacy of the design can best be seen in a well-lit room. The back of the lid deserves special attention – two clear plastic windowed areas on the sides have a color background that is illuminated by the LED lights; our test unit has the Smoke Grey panels. The XPS M1730 is also available with Sapphire Blue, Crimson Blue, and Bone White. In the center of the lid is a large shiny Dell logo illuminated by a bright white LED backlight. The lid is an instant attention-grabber and the most visually striking part of the M1730 in this reviewer's opinion. The speakers in the front of the machine are illuminated by LED lights as is the touchpad and its buttons. While the LED lights on the back of the lid do not change colors, the ones on the front can. All the colors in the rainbow are available (more or less) and each speaker as well as the touchpad can be individually controlled via the Dell QuickSet software. The keyboard is LED backlit and visually impressive. This is the first machine I have ever tested with a backlit keyboard and I would like to see more notebooks implement this feature. It is useful in low light scenarios and for those late-night gaming sessions.

Sony VAIO VGN-TZ18GN (Centrino Duo)

Ultra Chic and Slim

It's been a decade since Sony introduced its first ultra portable notebook, the VAIO 505 in Japan. Expensive, classy but undeniably handy, this tiny notebook measured less than an inch thick, seemed to weigh even less and most of all, had an irresistible charm that has become a key requirement of the VAIO design philosophy. While its price and niche genre probably restricted it to a small audience, the notebook has its share of fans (there's even an old web ring for VAIO 505 owners with tips and information) and now, ten years from that moment, Sony has sought to commemorate this milestone with a new take on the ultra slim notebook.

The end result is the new VAIO TZ series, designed by some members of the original development team that came up with the VAIO 505 and others who have been inspired by it. Their goal was like most product refreshes - keeping with the style and elegance of the original while updating it with the latest technology. For the top model, the VGN-TZ18GN, this includes a cutting edge solid state drive (SSD) using flash memory, an ultra low voltage Core 2 Duo processor from Intel and the latest Microsoft Windows Vista OS. Meanwhile, the latest advances in material sciences and LCD technologies mean that this VAIO comes with a light but sturdy carbon fiber chassis and a vibrant, bright display that puts others into the shade, literally.

So yes, maybe we seem to be hyperventilating a bit now. But, don't take our words for granted, check out the ultra thin notebooks below and tell us honestly you don't fancy them. We received both the TZ17GN and the TZ18GN from Sony for this article, but we will only be focusing on the premium VGN-TZ18GN here. Hence, the specifications for the table are based on the TZ18GN. However, there is virtually no difference on paper between the two except for the SSD on the TZ18GN instead of the usual SATA hard drive (and the price tag of course).

New Acer TravelMate 8200 Dual Core Napa Notebook Revealed

The Acer Travelmate 8200 will be announced this week, this is a new Intel dual core processor based notebook with a 15.4" widescreen. The TravelMate 8200 will have an Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz processor, carbon fiber cover (like the Ferrari), fast GDDR3 memory, an ATI X1600 256MB graphics card and a built-in camera 1.3MP camera with a unique 225-degree swivel ability. Yeah, it's hot.

Acer TravelMate 8200 Specs:

• Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz processor (Intel Yonah processor)
• 2GB RAM 533/677
• 15.4" WXGA screen
• Seagate 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
• ATI Radeon X1600 256MB (256 dedicated while 256MB can be borrowed from main memory)
• DVD-DL Burner
• Built-in 1.3 Mega pixel camera, with 225-degree swivel ability
• New Intel Pro wireless 3945 a/b/g
• Built-in VOIP capability
• Weight of 6.6lbs
• Approximately 6 hours of batterylife (87W 7800mAH )
• Carbon Fiber finish lid

This notebook also has a bunch of security options built-in, but it is focused on the consumer market and with the ATI X1600 graphics card and Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz processor it'll offer unbelievable performance and gaming possibilities. Acer should have this on the show floor at CES 2006 where it will be officially announced.

HP Compaq 8710p

The HP Compaq 8710p is HP’s premier business class notebook offering. Featuring a massive 17” screen, the Santa Rosa platform, and a top notch DX10 graphics card, there is no doubt this laptop is a beast. I’m sure you have questions about the power and portability of this machine, so come on in and read our full review!

The 8710p starts out at a relatively low $1499, but the price can quickly ramp up by choosing more powerful technology such as a faster processor or a BluRay drive. The most powerful versions of this laptop top out at about $3000!

My review unit though, was configured as follows:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 Processor (Santa Rosa, 2.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Microsoft Genuine Windows Vista Business
• 17.0” WSXGA+ Display (1680 x 1050)
• 512MB (256MB Dedicated) nVidia Quadro NVS 320M GPU
• 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM (1x2GB Configuration and quickly upgraded to 4GB)
• 160GB 5400RPM Fujitsu 2.5” HDD
• DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
• 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Ethernet, Modem, and Bluetooth Connectivity
• 8-Cell 73Whr Battery
• 3 Year On-site Warranty
• Dimensions: 15.5” x 10.8” x 1.3” (at front)
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (Actual Measurement)