Specifications
The Intel Pentium M Processor dominates the portable market. The X530 uses this popular processor with the updated Intel Centrino chipset that supports the 802.11g standard. Below are the base specifications for the X530 model:
- Intel Pentium M 725 (1.6GHz) Processor
- 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory
- 80GB 5,400rpm Hard Drive
- 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Optical Drive
- 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) TFT LCD Display
- Intel Extreme Integrated Graphics with 64MB Shared Memory
- Vinyl AC'97 Compatible Audio
- V.92 56Kbps Modem
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Intel 802.11g Wireless Controller
- Three USB 2.0 Ports, One FireWire Port, One Type II PC Card Slot and One SD/MMC/MS/xD Media Slot
- 11.4" x 9" x 1.2" Dimensions
- 4.6 Pounds Weight
- Windows XP Professional Operating System
- Norton Anti-Virus 90-day Trial, CyberLink PowerDVD and Nero Express
Due to the limited dimension of the system, WinBook had to get creative to fit all the ports. What is really odd is the layout of the third USB port. In order to make room, a small cover exists below the CD-RW drive. By unlocking and removing the cover, the third USB port is revealed about 1 inch deep in the system. This location prevents some devices such as flash memory drives from being used in this port.
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 X530's relative performance.
Processor performance for the X530 is very good thanks. While not as fast as some of the more recent Pentium M processor, it still does very well. It scores around 6500 MIPS through the SiSoft Sandra 2005 benchmarking application putting it slightly slower than a desktop Pentium 4 2.8GHz CPU.
Memory performance was average for the PC2700 memory and the Intel Pentium M Processor chipset used in the system. Testing showed a memory bandwidth of around 2.1GB/s which is more inline with PC2100 memory, but that is caused by the model choice of Pentium M.
The file system performance was very strong for a notebook system. The hard drive scored a 27GB/s transfer rate thanks to its high density and 5,400rpm spin rate.
Since the system uses the Intel Extreme integrated graphics, 3D testing of the system was skipped as the graphics chipset does not provide adequate performance for 3D gaming with today’s games.
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 X530 scored a respectable 2 hours of battery life. This isn’t the best that has been seen with Pentium M notebooks, but it is still good. The limited 2 hour battery life is most likely the result of the 4000mA battery.
Conclusions
Overall the WinBook X530 is a very good general purpose notebook computer that has very compact dimensions. The system performs very well thanks to the Pentium M processor and hard drive. The inclusion of the Windows XP Professional software is also a very nice bonus.
Of course there are a few areas that can use improvement. Two minor drawbacks can be overclooked through. Like most notebook computers, its 3D graphics are very limited, but this isn’t a problem for most people. The lack of productivity software might be a drawback but adding on a software package as an option can offset this.
The items that are of more concern are the battery life and the third USB port. While the battery life is good, it could be improved. Some thin and light notebooks with the Pentium M processor can last as long as three hours. Also, the third USB port is almost unusable due to its awkward location.
Yet, for all these nitpicks, the WinBook X530 is still a very good overall system. The compact dimensions and low price make it very attractive to those wanting a highly portable computer that doesn’t skimp on features.
