2. A Common Hardware Platform, Continued

Most desktop replacement notebooks are hardly featherweights, and these models are no exception. Both weigh a bit over 15 lbs each: put into perspective, that’s about three times the weight of a typical modern notebook with a 15" widescreen. Of course, these machines have a nice 17" widescreen display with 1920x1200 resolution. Notebooks capable of displaying a 1080p video file are still quite rare.

With the larger screen comes a larger keyboard as well. Note the full numerical keypad with dedicated keys - these are a rarity on notebooks, where the typical solution is to simulate a number pad via a function-key activated subset of regular keys.

Both models have DVI, VGA, S-Video, CATV, RJ11 and RJ45 connectors. A FireWire (IEEE-1394) port, a PCI slot, and four USB ports offer expansion options. A multi-card reader is also included.

The integrated Realtek ALC883/Intel 82801HB ICH8 High Definition audio solution is a cut above that of many notebook offerings. In addition to the typical headphone and microphone jacks there is a line in jack, and what I believe to be a line out jack represented with a symbol I’m not too familiar with.