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The Mini Note MP-XP7210 from JVC is the company's first foray into the notebook PC market. It previously launched a Windows CE-based device in Germany in 1999, but hadn't until now offered a fully featured notebook PC.
The Mini Note MP-XP7210 is one of the smallest PCs we've seen. Measuring only 22.5 by 2.95 by 15.2cm, it's around the same size as a hardback novel and in its basic state won't weigh a lot more than 885g.
Our review model, the MP-XP7210, came with an ultra-low voltage version of Intel's Pentium III processor, which runs at 800MHz and has 512KB of Level 2 cache.
This is supported by 256MB of PC100 SDRam divided into two 128MB modules. One of these is built in and the other sits in the system's one memory slot. Should you want to increase the memory, you'd need to replace the existing module instead of just adding to it.
Despite its compact size, the Mini Note still has room for a regular notebook PC hard disk drive - an IBM 30GB model. It doesn't have a built-in optical drive, an external one nor any form of floppy disk drive.
Therefore, if you want to install any software onto it, you'll need to have a USB or i.LINK (FireWire) optical drive. It does, however, have an extensive array of connectivity options, including both a V.90 modem and 10/100Base-T adapter, as well as two USB 1.1 ports, one i.LINK, an SD Card slot and one Type II PC Card slot. It doesn't have any type of wireless connection, though, or either Bluetooth or 802.11b.
Due to the limited size of the system, the MP-XP7210 uses an 8.9in TFT. This is a low-temperature polysilicon display. This technology allows manufacturers to make thinner and stronger displays that also have better contrast control. The display is powered by a SiS 630 chipset that uses 16MB of the system's memory and provides a native resolution of 1,024 by 600 pixels.
Although it doesn't have a regular VGA port, you can still connect the system up to an external monitor, as it comes with a proprietary adapter that plugs into the side of the system near the USB, Lan and modem ports.
Another of its limitations is with the size of battery which can be fitted into the chassis. The MP-XP7210 does have one built-in battery that can't be removed, but also comes with an additional 2,000mAh unit that clips onto the system.
A further larger battery is also available for £149.99 (ex. VAT). With just the built-in battery, JVC claims that you only get around two hours of autonomy, but with the second cell, this is extended to five hours and 30 minutes.
We tested the system using eTesting Labs' BatteryMark 4.0.1 benchmark with both the built-in battery, which gave a time of one hour and 24 minutes, and then with the additional battery, which gave a time of three hours and 30 minutes.
Along with its impressive specifications, its main selling point will be its size and design. It seems JVC has taken a leaf out of Sony's style book when designing the Mini Note series. The outer plastic casing has an aluminium look and inside it's black around the keyboard and screen with silver mouse buttons.
The keyboard is fully featured and hasn't been cut down too much to fit the available space. Obviously, the keys are smaller than a full-sized notebook PC and could well put some people off. Typing on it isn't that awkward, though, despite the size constraints.
Unlike many of the PCs of its size, the Mini Note MP-XP7210 doesn't use Windows CE, but instead uses the same Windows XP Professional you'd expect to find on any other new business PC. This is accompanied by Pixela's Image Maker and a copy of Norton's Anti-Virus software.
If you're fed up with lugging around a notebook PC and want something a little more portable, then JVC's Mini Note MP-XP7210 could just be what you need.
Price: £1,200 (ex. VAT)Contact: JVC - (0870) 330 5000
www.jvc.co.uk
Fact file
- OS Windows XP Professional
- Processor Intel Pentium III ULV 800MHz
- Memory 256MB of PC100 SDRam
- Graphics chipset 16MB SiS 630
- Hard disk 30GB
- Optical drive n/a
- Display 8.9in XGA
- I/O Two USB 1.1, four-pin FireWire, 10/100Base-T, Type II PC card, SD, proprietary VGA
See also:
JVC's baby packs the features of a standard laptop, including wireless, into an A5 format 25 Apr 2003
It's JVC's first attempt at a notebook - and from where we're standing, this minute model shapes up well. 30 Oct 2002
If you're looking for an ultra-portable notebook PC, this is the one to go for. 21 Aug 2002
All Notebooks & Tablets PCs
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