11. Conclusion

Intel's Centrino technology and the marketing machinery linked to it can and should be viewed more critically. After all, for many people this leveling process à la Intel in things mobile is a thorn in the side. That this leveling down, or should we call it standardization, also has positive side effects for sections of the trade is demonstrated by the whitebook.

As FIC has proved with the MB02, it was never so easy even for small system houses and PC dealers to offer competitive notebooks tailored to customers' specific demands.

In the test, the MB02 offered up impressive results thanks to a very sturdy aluminum-magnesium alloy case and an excellent keyboard. For a system with integrated graphics, the notebook's system performance is outstanding. In connection with the standard WLAN functionality (802.11a), the device is eminently suitable as an office system for price-conscious users. Taking into account the battery's low power rating of 53 Wh, battery life of 3.5 hours maximum is typical of this platform.

On the minus side are the average display quality and the memory upgrade that end users will have great trouble coming to grips with.

That said, a whitebook such as FIC's MB02 can certainly keep up with a comparable brand name Centrino device. The test proved this beyond a doubt. All in all, this notebook represents a good business deal for dealers and end customers alike - and Intel itself of course.