7/19/06 – Falcon Northwest is a very well known company when it comes to PC gaming. They have a long traditional of high performance desktop computers systems. They are not as well known in the mobile or notebook computer market. The FragBook DR6800 is one of only two notebook designs they currently offer and is of the larger desktop replacement variety. Let's take a closer look at its specifications ...
Processor:
Unlike most desktop replacements that use mobile processors like the Core Duo, the FragBook DR6800 uses desktop processors to power the system. Users can choose to have the system powered by the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual core processors or the Intel Pentium 4 600 chips. Of the two, users would be better served by the AMD chips as they tend to perform better and have better multitasking support due to the dual cores.
Memory:
The type of memory that comes with the system will be dependent upon whether it uses the AMD or Intel processors. The AMD platform uses PC3200 DDR memory and comes either in a 1GB or 2GB configuration. Although it is older memory design, the integrated memory controller performs well on the AMD chips. Intel platforms use newer DDR2 memory that can be purchase in 512MB, 1GB or 2GB configurations. Avoid getting the 4x512MB 2GB configurations though.
Hard Drives:
Drive selections can vary greatly on the system. The default configurations feature a 60GB 7200rpm hard drive that performs well albeit with limited space. A 80GB 7200rpm drive is also available. For larger drives up to 120GB are available, but they spin at the slower 5400rpm rate. Dual drives are available and can be configured in RAID 0 for performance or RAID 1 for redundancy.
CD/DVD Drive:
Most desktop replacements have a single fixed optical drive in the computer system. The FragBook DR6800 is unique because it comes standard with two 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer compatible burners. This can make it possible to actually be watching a DVD movie with one drive and recording a data CD or DVD on the second drive at the same time. There are very few cases when a PC really needs two optical drives though.
Graphics and Display:
The FragBook DR6800 is really designed as a mobile gaming PC and it shows with its graphics system. A fairly standard sized 17” LCD screen is used for the display, but it has a very high 1900x1200 screen resolution. Powering the display is a GeForce Go 7900 graphics processor. While some newer desktop replacements have SLI capabilities, the FragBook still only uses a single processor. A TV Tuner is also included standard with the system.
Networking:
What's a mobile gaming system with the ability to network? Standard on the system is a v.92 56Kbps modem and gigabit ethernet port. Also included is an 802.11b/g wireless for use on the 2.4GHz wireless networks. This is pretty much standard for all notebooks these days.
Ports:
Connecting peripherals is a fairly important feature for a gaming notebook computer. The myriad of game controllers that one might use need to be able to be plugged into the system. It comes with 4 high speed USB 2.0 ports and two FireWire ports. In addition, it features a DVI connector in case you want to use a second or maybe a larger screen while gaming.
Software:
Software packages are generally not a high priority for most PC gamers. They typically are just looking to get a system with an operating system that is a clean slate for them to put all their programs onto. The FragBook DR6800 is no different in this respect shipping with just the Windows XP Professional operating system. Users can include the Zone Labs security suite if they wish.
Overall Impressions:
It should be noted that the FragBook DR6800 is a somewhat dated design now in terms of desktop replacement notebooks. It was very novel in its approach to using a desktop processor for equivalent performance, but it lacks some key features of newer systems. Most notable among these is the dual graphics processors or SLI configurations. Sure, the GeForce Go 7900 included will still perform well, it just isn't the best available which most people spending for the FragBook DR6800 are looking for.
What Falcon Northwest does do extremely well is personalizing the design of the system by allowing custom graphics to be painted onto the system. There Exotix paint jobs can be ordered on any of there systems but it adds significantly to the price of the system and extends the deliver date for the system. Once it is done, users end up with a very customized system look that likely can't be found anywhere else.
Portability and power will be issues users will need to deal with frequently with the FragBook DR6800. Sure, its not as large as systems sporting the 19 and 20 inch LCD screens, but it still is quite large and has a 12.7 pound weight to it. This is likely caused by the additional space for cooling the desktop components inside of the system. Battery life is extremely limited due to the power draw of the desktop components. Expect to be needing a nearby power outlet at all times when using it.
