WinBook W360

5/10/04 - It has only been a few months since the initial release of the WinBook W thin and light notebook with the Intel Pentium-M. In June, WinBook plans to release the new W360 notebook based around the new Intel Pentium-M (Dothan) CPU with 2MB of cache.

The new Intel Pentium M processor has two distinct advantages over the previous model. First it runs at 1.7 GHz compared to the 1.6 GHz. Second, it has twice the internal cache at 2MB. This should provide additional performance in cache heavy applicationss. Matched to this is improved PC2700 memory over the old PC2100 memory. Both of these help increase the base performance of the W360.

Storage in the W360 is also improved. The hard drive has moved from a 60GB unit to a very generous 80GB model, providing sufficient storage for almost any user. Replacing the DVD-RW drive is a newer and faster DVD+RW drive. Also new is a 3-in-1 card reader that can read SD, smart media and memory stick flash cards.

Graphics have moved away from the NVIDIA GeForce go 5200 to the ATI Mobility 9600. Both of these provide better performance than the average Intel Extreme in most thin and lights. The Mobility 9600 increases 3D performance by as much 72% over the 5200 graphics.

There are a few drawbacks to the new W360 though. Battery capacity was reduced which shortens the running time on batteries. Also, the W360 does not come standard with productivity software that is sold as an option.