Specifications
WinBook has been using Intel brand processors for quite some time, but in an effort to reduce costs to the systems, they have opted to use SiS chipsets as the base for the V series notebook computers. Desktop Celeron and Pentium processors are also used to help reduce the costs. Below are the base specifications for the V220 model:
- Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz Desktop Processor
- 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory
- 60GB 4,200rpm Hard Drive
- 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Optical Drive
- 15" XGA (1024x768) TFT LCD Display
- SiS 661MX Integrated Graphics with 64MB Shared Memory
- AC'97 Compatible Audio
- V.92 56Kbps Modem
- 10/100 Ethernet
- 802.11g Wireless Controller
- Two USB 2.0 Ports and One Type II PC Card Slot
- 13" x 11.2" x 1.8" Dimensions
- 7.7 Pounds Weight
- Windows XP Home Operating System
- Norton Anti-Virus 90-day Trial, WinDVD4 and Roxio Easy CD/DVD Creator 6
Since the system uses a desktop processor, a lot of the design focuses around ensuring that the notebook try to stay cool. One of the prominent features is a fan port just above the keyboard. This resides over the processor with a large number of air ports around the side edges in this corner. The bottom also has two small studs that help the WinBook V220 sit above a flat surface for airflow.
Performance
Performance for all computer systems tends to center on four key areas: CPU, Memory, File and Graphics. A standard series of tests are used to evaluate each of these components to give a general understanding of the WinBook's V220's relative performance.
Processor performance for the V220 is very strong thanks to the desktop Pentium 4 processor. It easily can keep up with desktop systems running equivalent processors. It scores around 7700 MIPS through the Sandra MAX! 3 benchmarking application which puts it slightly slower than a desktop Pentium 4 2.8GHz CPU.
Memory performance was below normal with a rated throughput of 910 MB/s via the Sandra benchmark. This is an unusually low number for the PC2100 DDR memory. Investigation found that the bus speed is run at a lower 90MHz rather than standard 100MHz to help reduce power usage but it also reduces memory bandwidth.
The file system performance was strong for a notebook system. The hard drive scored a 16GB/s transfer rate thanks in part to the larger 60GB drive.
Graphics are acceptable for 2D graphics, but 3D was very poor. The 3DMark2001SE benchmark scored a very low 1721. A test with Doom 3 showed unplayable framerates at only 4fps at 640x480 with low detail.
Battery Life
As notebooks have become extremely popular as replacements for desktop computers thanks to their portability, the amount of time that they can run without an AC outlet is also very important. Those planning to use a notebook at airports, on planes, at coffee shops or in classrooms need to have a long battery life.
To test the battery life of a notebook computer, a standard DVD movie is played on the system immediately after the system boots and the time is recorded from when the system is started until the system goes into hibernation mode. The standard portable power profile is used in Windows to determine how the power management will be done.
During testing, the WinBook V220 had a very low battery life of roughly one hour from power on to hibernation mode. The primary reason for this low battery life can be attributed to the desktop Pentium 4 processor. It provides desktop equivalent performance but also uses a larger amount of power than mobile specific processors.
Conclusions
Overall the WinBook V220 budget notebook computer system is a fairly decent system. It definitely has its strengths, but it also has a major weakness as well.
The system performs very well as a desktop replacement. Those who do not need a high level of mobility will be provided with a desktop level of performance from the processor that should help them go through general applications quickly. It also has suprisingly good performance with its storage options.
Of course, there are two major drawbacks to the WinBook V220. Most notable of these is the battery life. The power draw from the Pentium 4 desktop processor does not allow the V220 to run very long when away from a power outlet. This severely limits the mobility of the V220.
The other area that the V220 could use improvement is in the memory performance. The underclocking of the memory means that the V220 may encounter slowdowns in memory intensive applications such as graphics or digital video applications.
As a result, the WinBook V220 is a good recomendation for those who don't need a lot of mobility but still want a fast machine. Those looking for a highly mobile system would do best to look for a notebook with a better battery life.
