With so many employees working on the move, notebooks have become an essential piece of office equipment. Rather than stay chained to the desktops, notebooks allow users the freedom to work on the move or from home.
We contacted manufacturers around Ireland and asked them to submit a machine aimed at the small business market, worth less than EUR2600 including VAT.
Unfortunately, some brands there were not available in time for this round-up. Sony is currently in the process of releasing a new machine on to the market. The PCGFX902P is due for launch in March, aimed specifically at businesses. Priced at EUR1779, the notebook is powered by a 1600+ Mobile AMD Athlon XP Processor, 256Mbyte of SD RAM and has a 14.1-inch TFT XGA display. The floppy drive and CD-RW/DVD ROM drive are both removable. Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Sony Vaio World software are also included with the package.
Advent and Dell were also unable to supply a machine at this time.
Apple PowerBook G4 — EUR2,297.79
When it comes to aesthetics, there are very few notebooks that can compete with the Apple range, and especially with the Powerbook G4. The 12-inch model is sleek and sophisticated with its silver exterior, and although it may be small, it’s big enough to handle most tasks that business users would require of it. And despite its size, the Power book is sturdy and a bit weighty.
The Powerbook runs on Mac OS X operating system. It is powered by an 867Mhz PowerPC G4 processor. It includes 256 Mbyte of PC2100 DDR SDRAM, but supports up to 640Mbyte.
The 40Gbyte hard drive is massive by the standards set out in this review, and will give you more space than you could feasibly need for storing your important data (but don’t forget to back up!). The slot loading combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive eliminates the need for the standard floppy drive for transferring files — instead simply burn them to a disc.
Users are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking ports for transferring your data. A Firewire 400 port is included for fast data transfer. Two USB ports are also available. For the mobile user, the machine has built-in Bluetooth 1.1 to connect to devices wirelessly. The Powerbook is also ready for Airport Extreme wireless networking, once you have the right cards and base station.
Wireless networks aren’t for everybody; if it isn’t your cup of tea, the notebook can also be connected to a wired network, as it includes built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet.
The Lithium Ion battery included with the notebook will give up to five hours of battery life, which is better than most notebooks.
The one area the Powerbook lost points in was the productivity software. Most businesses would use some sort of word processing package — unfortunately this wasn’t included on the Powerbook we reviewed. The Notebook had all the usual leisure programs such as iTunes, iPhoto and iMovie, but very little for the business user. The scheduling software, iCal, would be useful, as would the address book. The closest the machine gets to word processing is the TextEdit application, but this is quite basic. FAXstf X is also included. Businesses could find themselves shelling out more money for the necessary basic productivity software to use this machine in their business.
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Form factor: 9.5Technical specification: 9Business software: 5Connectivity options: 9Warranty and support: 7.5Value for money: 8Total: 48
Apple Ireland: 1800-923898 (Ireland only)
iQon Qompanion 8402 — EUR1,813.79
The iQon Qompanion 8402 is aimed at the small to medium sized business market, making it ideal for this review.
On opening the box, the Qompanion 8402 earned its first bonus points in our eyes — it included a carrying case, which is an additional expense for many notebook users.
Powered by an Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz processor, the iQon machine is a fast worker, thanks to the 256Mbyte DDR RAM that comes with it.
The 30Gbyte hard drive is more than adequate for the needs of small businesses.
An external USB floppy drive is provided with the package, but given the inclusion of DVD/DCDRW Combi drive in the machine, it hardly seems necessary. In fact, it will more than likely end up being just another piece of equipment to carry about in the case or gather dust under your desk.
The notebook itself is silver and grey, which gives it a bit of a sophisticated air. Although it may not be the thinnest notebook we reviewed, it’s sturdy rather than bulky, which should be reassuring to some consumers.
The 14.1-inch TFT LCD display is bright and reproduces colours well.
The iQon notebook offered us a choice of connectivity options, including four USB ports, one IEEE 1394 Firewire port, a 10/100 LAN and a slot for a PCMCIA card. A 56k modem provides the means to get connected to the Internet. The rest is up to you.
Five easy-start buttons can be programmed for your most-used applications, allowing you to start up Word, Excel or whatever takes your fancy, at the touch of a button.
In business, having the right productivity software can make all the difference. The 8402 did better than some machines on productivity software. Using Microsoft Windows XP Professional as its operating system, the machine also included MS Small Office Business Edition and Norton Anti Virus 2003. If computers aren’t your area of expertise, the included ECDL course (on DVD) should help point you in the right direction.
Of course, not everything in life has to be about work. The SoundBlaster Pro Compatible Sound, the Ultra AGP graphics and the DVD ROM drive can help turn this machine into a leisure tool. All work and no play… Hardly!
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Form factor: 8Technical specification: 8Business software: 9Connectivity options: 8Warranty and support: 7.5Value for money: 8Total: 48.5
iQon: +353 (0)42-9327270
IBM ThinkPad R31 — EUR1,400
This was the only machine in the review powered by a Celeron processor rather than a Pentium chip. Whether this makes a difference to the speed of your work is something that will depend on the nature of your job. The Celeron processor included with this machine is a 1.2GHz chip, which would probably be adequate to take care of most business needs.
The machine comes with 128 Mbyte of SD RAM as standard — this can be expanded to a maximum of 102Mbyte.
A DVD/CD-ROM drive is a standard part of the package. The drive has a speed of 8x for both CD and DVD functions.
Aesthetically, there is little to distinguish the R31 from other notebooks currently on the market. With its black casing and keyboard, it is quite ordinary, but more durable than the lighter coloured alternatives. The 14.1 inch TFT screen has a maximum resolution of 1024×768.
The included operating system was Windows XP Professional, but unfortunately, the ThinkPad fell down on productivity software. However it did include applications such as Adobe Acrobat reader, Norton AntiVirus 2002, PC-Doctor Diagnostics and Rapid Restore PC.
The R31 is no slouch when it comes to connectivity options; it can certainly hold its own. An infrared port can transfer data at speeds of up to 4Mbit/sec, while the 10/100 Ethernet port can hook you up to a network.
Expansion ports include S-Video out RJ-45, RJ-11, Microphone in, Display and an AC adapter jack.
The ThinkPad uses a trackpoint stick rather than the touch pads most models reviewed here used. It really comes down to a personal choice — some users prefer the touchpad while others find the Trackpoint system easier to use.
Multimedia options have also been given some thought. A 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro 16 compatible system with two integrated speakers gives excellent sound; for visuals, the R31 uses Intel 830MG Integrated graphics.
The ThinkPad’s hard disk is pretty average at 20Gbyte. However, as much of the space on larger hard disks is unused anyway, the 20Gbyte will probably suffice.
The six cell lithium-ion battery provides 2.6 hours of power while you’re on the road.
For those who are concerned about security for their sensitive company data, the IBM ThinkPad has several built-in security features that should allay fears. The hard disk password is combined with the IBM security slot, a supervisor password and a power-on password.
Price is also a big factor. This laptop came in enough under our price limit of EUR2600 to warrant the extra expense of software. Optional extras include the carrying case and the port replicator.
A one-year parts and labour warranty is included.
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Form factor: 8Technical specification: 7Business software: 5Connectivity options: 7.5Warranty and support: 7.5Value for money: 8Total: 43
IBM: 1850-205205 (Ireland only)
Acer Travelmate 273XC — EUR1,813.79
On starting up this laptop, there was a bit of confusion. The Acer Travelmate 273XC is a dual load machine, with both Windows 2000 and XP Professional to choose from. After a couple of false starts, we finally got the machine up and running, using Windows XP Professional as the operating system of our choice.
The Travelmate 273XC is powered by a Pentium 4 1.7 GHz processor. This is backed up by 256Mbyte of DDR RAM. A 20Gbyte hard drive is included with the package.
The 14.1-inch XGA TFT monitor has a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768
As with many of the machines reviewed here, a DVD/CD RW combo drive came as standard with the notebook.
The Acer Travelmate has a number of ports to choose from, including Serial, Parallel PS/2, IEEE 1394 and three USB ports.
However, unlike other models reviewed here, it doesn’t have the infrared data port, which can be useful for transferring data quickly, and wirelessly, between devices. There is no Bluetooth or wireless LAN technology included on this machine either, which puts it at a disadvantage against those that have wireless technology built-in.
It also seems a bit bigger than it actually is — perfect for those who want something that makes its presence felt, but it might not be suitable for those want something more portable.
On the software side of things, the Acer felt a bit lacking. Burning software such as File CD and NTI CD Maker has been included, as has Adobe Acrobat Reader, but there is very little else of interest to the business user. PowerDVD is available for those who want to use their notebook for a bit of leisure time. It is Sound Blaster Pro and MS DirectSound compatible.
However, once again more productivity software would be a welcome addition to the notebook. This could possibly be reflected in the price. A two-year return to base warranty covers the notebook.
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Form factor: 8Technical specification: 7.5Business software: 5Connectivity options: 7Warranty and support: 7.5Value for money: 7.5Total: 42.5
Emcee Distribution: +353 (0)1-4567911
**** BEST BUY ****
Compaq Evo N800c — EUR2,219
The Evo N800c is another machine aimed specifically at business customers
Powered by a mobile 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 processor, the N800c replaces the Armada E500. The black and silver machine is sophisticated enough to look at home in any office.
The notebook we reviewed came with a large 30Gbyte hard drive, 256Mbyte RAM and 64Mbyte of video memory. Programs started up quickly and multi-tasking didn’t appear to cause the machine too much stress.
At just 2.5kg, the N800c is thin and light enough to carry around without too much hassle — essential for those workers who are constantly on the road.
The MultiPort feature supports Wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology so workers can connect wirelessly. The Wireless LAN is optional, but was included on our review model. Another bonus for the N800c is the inclusion of USB 2.0 ports, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1. An infrared data port was also part of the port line-up.
A bright 15-inch SXGA+ display is ideal for most business and leisure uses.
An eight speed DVD ROM/CD ROM drive is included as standard, although no CD writer does put this machine at a slight disadvantage to others in the review.
The operating system included with the machine was Windows XP Professional. On the productivity software side of things, the Evo N800c scored well. It included Microsoft Office and Small Business Tools — ideal for the small business user.
Convenience appears to be a major factor in the design of this machine. A number of one-touch buttons are located on the notebook, starting up programs such as the media player, email and a search application. The Compaq’s layout was extremely easy to get used to, and within minutes we were pointing and clicking like pros.
A three-year warranty is included with the machine, which is above the average that we’ve seen so far.
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Form factor: 7.5Technical specification: 8Business software: 9Connectivity options: 8Warranty and support: 9Value for money: 8Total: 49.5
HP: +353 (0)1-6158200
Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 — EUR2,358
The Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 notebook is a bit of a heavyweight in this sector. The brand name carries a lot of weight on the market, based on its reputation for producing quality machines. This machine is no exception.
A 1.8 GHz Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor provides the power for this machine, teamed with 256Mbyte DDR RAM. This can be expanded to 1024Mbyte if required. A 30Gbyte hard disk is will give all the space you need to add programs to your notebook without clogging up the hard drive, while the 15-inch screen is bright and displays colours well. A Slim SelectBay eight speed DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive is included with the machine.
However, ‘heavyweight’ is a term that could also apply to the notebook itself. At 3.1kg, the notebook is a little heavier than some of the thin models reviewed here, but it is still manageable.
Windows XP Professional was the operating system of choice for this machine. The bundled software included Toshiba Management Console, Spanworks 2000, Bluetooth Service Centre and WinDVD 2000, but little else.
Like others reviewed in this notebook round-up, this machine came with an external floppy disk drive, but it also has an SD card slot, giving users the option of portable storage on a larger scale.
Ports include one serial port, one RJ-45, two USB, one RJ-11 and one parallel (ECP) port. Users can also take advantage of the fast Infrared port to transfer data without connecting wires. To connect to the Internet, an international v90 56K modem is included with the notebook package. A 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet LAN connection will hook you up to a wired network, but if you would rather something a little more cutting edge, the notebook is WiFi compliant and Bluetooth upgradeable.
Graphics are provided courtesy of nVidia GeForce4 420 Go, while audio is provided by built-in stereo speakers with direct 3D sound compatible with SoundBlaster Pro 3.01 and Windows Sound System 2.0.
An AccuPoint II pointing device replaces the regular mouse we all know and love.
The MousePoint is integrated into the keyboard, four mouse buttons, including two programmable buttons and a scroll function.
There are also several security features integrated into the machine to help safeguard any sensitive data you might have stored on your machine.
A BIOS password, PC Card lock, hard disk password and SecureSleep should help protect your data, though nothing can ever be completely secure.
A slot for Kensington Cable Lock has also been built in. If you want to step up the security even more, an optional fingerprint card reader will provide security at BIOS level.
The one-year international warranty is adequate, but won’t mean anything spectacular to most business users.
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Form factor: 8Technical specification: 8Business software: 6Connectivity options: 8Warranty and support: 7Value for money: 8Total: 45
Toshiba: +353(0)1-2481248
20/03/2003
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