4. Graphics, Display & Sound

The AV1050 uses the graphics unit integrated into the memory controller hub (formerly known as the Northbridge) of the 855GME chipset. As such, the graphics chip doesn't possess its own dedicated video memory. Instead, the graphics core dynamically borrows up to 64 MB of system memory. What makes this relationship "dynamic" is the fact that the chip does not continually reserve those 64 MB. Instead, it only allocates the amount of memory needed by the current application. This is not only a very cost-effective graphics solution, but also an energy efficient one. After all, fewer memory modules equals lower power consumption, and consequently longer battery life.

Naturally, this type of shared graphics solution, which is also called Unified Memory Architecture (UMA), is not going to help you win 3D gaming tournaments, but that's not what sublaptops are about anyway. When it comes to playing back DVDs and handling everyday office tasks, the architecture is easily up to the task.

The 10.8" display offers a native resolution of 1280x1024 pixels, and the screen's maximum brightness reached almost 190 cd/m². We determined the black to white contrast to be 218:1. While this isn't an overly impressive result, it is still sufficient to allow the unit to be used outdoors, albeit it preferably in a shaded environment. For a conventional display - one using a non-reflective screen - the technical specifications are quite good. From a subjective perspective, we found the screen's illumination uniformity to be quite good as well. We also liked the fact that Averatec didn't choose to use a purely mechanical system to keep the laptop closed during transport. Instead, the AV1050 uses a spring-loaded hinge that keeps the display closed.

Important Note: Take one thing into consideration before buying a laptop that has a screen measuring only 10.8" across with a resolution of 96 dpi: working for several hours at a viewing distance that is greater than the classical reading distance of about 12 inches can be quite a strain on the eyes, due to the small size of the characters. However, this is not a problem when watching DVDs.

The same rules that apply to the speakers of your stereo system at home also hold true for those found in laptops. Smaller speakers may have no trouble reproducing high-pitched and mid-range sounds clearly, but when it comes to pumping out a stiff bass line, a larger speaker chassis or a subwoofer are needed. Obviously, the petite AV1050 has neither, so while the laptop's speakers render music quite clearly, they sound very thin and seem too quiet overall.

Although the driver includes an equalizer, it is still not able to improve the situation. Therefore, our recommendation is to use headphones when listening to music; this helps the little laptop sound almost as good as one of the big guys. Sadly, the AV1050 sports neither an integrated microphone nor an optical digital output.

Playback Of HD Video Nearly Impossible

As we mentioned above, a graphics system based on an integrated solution drawing on shared memory has its limitations. This also applies to playing back increasingly popular High Definition content, such as videos with very high resolutions. For example, the AV1050 is unable to render 1080i movies smoothly; 720i content, on the other hand, could be played back without any stutter whatsoever, albeit with a CPU usage of between 80 and 90 percent. This makes multitasking practically impossible, and even an incoming email may be sufficient to give the system a severe case of the hiccups.