7/21/06 – Polywell may not have the name behind it like Alienware or Falcon Northwest when it comes to PC systems geared towards gaming, but that doesn't mean they don't offer high end systems designed specifically for gaming. The PolyNote T916N-SLI offers a lot of graphics power in a desktop replacement notebook platform. Let's take a close look ...
Processor:
The specifications sheet for the PolyNote T916N-SLI mentions the availability of several AMD Turion 64 mobile processor, but currently it appears to only be available with the ML-44 model. This could easily change based on parts availability. This is a single core processor that is very strong for general computing, but lacks the multitasking performance of dual core processor. Unlike the Core Duo though, the Turion supports 64-bit software.
Memory:
AMD's Turion platform still uses the older DDR memory styles. Thanks to the integrate memory controller the performance is not too far off from DDR2 technology. The PolyNote T916N-SLI comes standard with 1GB of PC3200 DDR memory with the option for the user to upgrade to a full 2GB of memory.
Hard Drives:
Hard drive selections are quite limited with the PolyNote T916N-SLI. It comes standard with a 80GB 5400rpm SATA drive with the option to have it upgraded to a 100GB 5400rpm model. It would be nive to see Polywell offer some 7200rpm drives with the system that is clearly targeting those looking to use the system for PC gaming. The large chassis also only supports a single internal drive.
CD/DVD Drive:
Polywell includes an 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner standard with the PolyNote T916N-SLI. This is pretty much the standard type of drive found in most notebook computer systems now, including budget systems. It allows users to read and record data, music or movie CD and DVD media including the high capacity dual layer DVD media.
Graphics and Display:
Like many other manufacturers, Polywell has designed the PolyNote T916N-SLI to use a larger LCD display. In this case it uses a wide screen 19-inch display. What is different is that they only offer it with the 1680x1050 resolution rather than having an option for a higher 1900x1200 display found on many other gaming notebooks. Driving the graphics is two GeForce Go 7800 GTX processors that provide superb 3D performance with high levels of filtering enabled.
Networking:
Since networking is fairly important for notebooks designed for gaming, Polywell includes a variety of options in the PolyNote T916N-SLI. A software v.90 56Kbps modem handles dial-up connectivity while a gigabit ethernet handles more direct wired local are networking. Wireless networking is also supported with an 802.11a/b/g adapter letting it use the more common 2.4GHz wireless networks or the less frequent 5GHz ones. Bluetooth is also standard for connecting to wireless peripherals.
Ports:
The system comes with a total of five USB 2.0 peripheral connectors that is slightly higher than most desktop replacements. A FireWire port is also included for connecting a DV camcorder to the system. A DVI monitor port is available to allow users to connect an external monitor to replace or compliment the already large 19-inch screen. There is mention of an optional TV-in port but the ordering pages fail to list any such product.
Software:
Users are very limited when it comes to software with the system. The PolyNote T916N-SLI comes standard with the Windows XP Home operating system. An option is available to upgrade this to the XP Professional version. No productivity or security application software is offered with it or as an option.
Overall Impressions:
With the large 19” LCD screen and the powerful graphics processors, the PolyNote T916N-SLI is very much designed to replace a desktop computer system and not really be a portable system. Its large dimensions and heavy weight make it too cumbersome to really be carried around on a regular basis. The heavy power draw of the components will also dramatically limit the amount of use one can get from the batteries before requiring a power port.
The system is clearly targeted towards PC gamers, and there are a number of things to like about it when it comes to gaming. The large screen is certainly quite welcome as is the dual GeForce Go processors in the SLI configuration. This allows it to play the latest games at very high resolution along with high levels of filtering enabled. The problem is there is enough power to easily drive a higher resolution screen that isn't even available as an option.
The biggest drawback to the PolyNote T916N-SLI though is its options or lack of them. There is just too few ways to customize the system to match the computing needs or budget of those purchasing the system. Sure, if the specs they offer match what you are looking for, it might be a good option but there needs to be more choices for the consumer.
