Current netbooks with Intel’s Atom N450 or N455 CPU. For example, Asus’ Eee PC R101 offers similar rates in terms of performance and battery life, but at a significantly lower price. Even stronger models, like the Asus Eee PC 1015PEM with an Intel Atom N550 are cheaper than this Sony netbook. HP 501114-001

Pentium Business. An office book for little money? This TravelMate comes in question. How good is the Pentium P6000? Will even fastidious office fans be thrilled about the antiglare 15.6 incher? All answers can be found in this detailed review.HP HSTNN-LB60

Acer TravelMate 5740Z-P602G25N (LX.TY302.002) with Pentium P6000Inexpensive office machines belong to the notebook category that is sold to consumers in large numbers.HP HSTNN-OB60 This time, we have acquired a sample of Acer’s TravelMate line. These notebooks are available in the most different sizes and in a vast amount of configurations. We want to remain less than 500 euro and discover the TravelMate 5740Z-P602G25N (LX.TY302.002) with a Pentium P6000 (2 x 1.86 GHz). The application performance won’t likely climb to the highest level with a 2 GB DDR3 RAM and a small hard disk of 250 GB.HP HSTNN-XB60 

Can the 5740Z nevertheless become a good office companion with its strengths and weaknesses? The basic approach of a quiet system noise, a useable keyboard and matt screen make a good start. Find out everything about the TravelMate 5740Z in our detailed review.KU533AA

Inconspicuous details (power on slider)Haven’t we met before? We’ve already made acquaintance with the case in the sister model, Acer TravelMate 5740G-528G64N (Core i5-520M, ATI HD 5650). The interior features differ extremely, but the exterior details are exactly the same.HP 346970-001

Our hands lie on a matt, hard and smooth working surface. The gray, fairly high-end looking plastic is typical for TravelMates. Fingerprints or greasy stains haven’t got a chance of endurance. The same applies to the lid, which is made of the same material. Matching the austere and serious notebook case’s look, the Acer logo hasn’t been placed in the lid’s center. Rather, it is in the upper right in a rectangle.HP 350836-001

The case is overall solid, and even gaps and the finish provide for the matching quality. We could twist the base unit with both hands to an extent. The base plate could also be dented significantly in some areas. The vents on the elongated maintenance cover are so fragile they broke in part as we probingly pressed them with one finger. The large cover bids upgrade options: hard disk, RAM, WLAN module. HP 371913-001

In return, the wrist-rest fits tight everywhere on the work surface.HP 371914-001 Although pressure can’t dent it, it can dent the key bed. It coils in the center while typing, as well as over the DVD drive.The hinges keep the lid tight in place and there is only a slight teetering. We need both hands for opening in order to move the hinges. The maximum opening angle is wide: 165 degrees. We can twist the lid slightly when it’s picked up at a corner. But only to an extent. The lid’s surface can resist light, selective pressure well, but it dents evidently over the surface.HP 378858-001

The battery can be removed for use on the desk.HP 378859-001  No gap in the work environment is created. There aren’t any feet on the flush-fitted battery.Webcam night photo with 1280x1024The basic fare is given for the connections. No ExpressCard, eSATA or USB 3.0. In this regard, the low-end business device doesn’t differ from the low-end consumer notebook, Aspire 5741G. Our test device’s base unit looks exactly like the Aspire (with exception of the top). If you want more connections, but want to stick to TravelMate, you might take a liking to the TravelMate TimelineX 8572T. Aside an Acer Easyport IV connector, it also has a fingerprint reader and UMTS module (option). However, there isn’t an ExpressCard or eSATA here, either. Not even on the docking station.HP 383965-001 

The right and left ports’ positioning isn’t very reasonable.HP 383968-001 Connected USB, VGA or HDMI cables impair the use of a mouse and add chaos to the desk. Righties and lefties are equally disadvantaged. Particularly a notebook that will usually be on a desk and take over the role of main computer (connected peripherals & TFT), should have its main connections in the back. Unfortunately, only few manufacturers seem to focus only on the optics (sunken hinges = deep hanging hinges) and barebones’ cross-platform usability. User-friendliness details are always neglected.DP390A

A wireless network, respectively router access has been standard for some time. DP399A The Broadcom 802.11n network adapter supports the fastest transmission standard, draft-n. Acer’s SignalUp technology is supposed to provide a better reception with improved antennas. The user doesn’t have to forgo on a Bluetooth module (2.1 + EDR) in the sparse configuration, either. If you prefer to use a conventional cable, you can connect your TravelMate with the Gigabit switch in the office (Broadcom NetLink Gigabit Ethernet). The wireless card is Wake-on-LAN ready (remote maintenance). The 5740Z is therefore state-of-the-art in terms of network technology. HSTNN-DB02

Whilst the competition from the high-priced business division protects hard disks against data loss (DASP – Disk Anti-Shock Protection, Shock sensor), prevents data theft (LoJack, TPM) or allows remote maintenance (Intel Pro), the TravelMate comes empty-handed. The security features are restricted to user and supervisor password settings in the BIOS and the Kensington Lock Slot.HP HSTNN-DB03 

Nothing of the like is in the box, but it wouldn’t have been expected in this price category. The user has to burn his own recovery media to be on the safe side in case of a hard disk failure.Acer offers a 2 year warranty, incl. year International Traveler’s Warranty, for all TravelMates. The two years are made up of 1 year product warranty plus a 1 year Advantage warranty extension.HP HSTNN-DB04 

The keys provide us with a slightly unclear pressure point and a too short key stroke length. The key field coils in the center and over the optical drive. All this results in a slightly spongy typing feel. However, the user can get used to it. HP HSTNN-DB14

HP 484171-001 , HP 485041-001 , HP 485041-003 , HP 487296-001 , HP 487354-001 , HP 497694-001 , HP 498482-001 , HP EV06055 , HP HSTNN-CB72 , HP HSTNN-CB73 , HP HSTNN-DB72 , HP HSTNN-DB73 , HP HSTNN-IB72 , HP HSTNN-IB73 , HP HSTNN-LB72 , HP HSTNN-LB73 , HP HSTNN-UB72 , HP HSTNN-UB73 , HP HSTNN-XB72 , HP HSTNN-XB73 , HP KS524AA ,

At present HP is selling the notebook in a variety of different configurations. Our model is the ProBook 30s-LH335EA (identical to the ProBook 4730s-LH343EA), which is equipped with an Intel Core i5-2410M and an AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics card. dell studio 1535 battery

Dell Studio 1536 battery The HP ProBook 4730s has been completely redesigned, and now looks very different to its predecessor the ProBook 4720s. Whereas the older 17-inch model still had high-gloss surfaces, you will find only matt plastic or brushed aluminium surfaces on the ProBook 4730s. At the back, the notebook’s height is 43 mm, which tapers down to 32 mm at the front. The display lid and the upper side of the base unit are both fitted with aluminium brushed in straight lines. The laptop’s underside and screen edging are made of a matt black plastic. The build quality of the case as a whole is good.Dell Studio 1537 battery

The base unit is very robust.Dell Studio 1555 battery It does not give way to concentrated pressure in one spot, nor can it be twisted as a whole. Only in the keyboard area does it give way very slightly, which it must be said is not particularly problematic for everyday use. The display, on the other hand, is very unstable despite being 9 mm thick. It can be twisted one way then another, and feels almost flabby. The hinges also have difficult holding up the heavy lid, and some wobbling occurs. The opening angle of 133° is also a little restrictive when you want to use it on your lap.Dell Studio 1557 battery

Toshiba PA3534U-1BRSThe notebook’s underside consists almost entirely of a large access panel, which is released using the same sliding catch as the battery, and can then simply be pulled forwards and off. Underneath in an easily accessible position is the RAM, with only one of the two slots occupied, and the hard drive, which is wrapped in a layer to protect it from radiation. The hard drive can also be changed easily, using a small cross-headed screwdriver.toshiba pa3535u-1brs battery

The range of ports is another thing that makes it hard to see the ProBook as a business machine. 360482-001 With four USB 2.0s (two on the left, two on the right), HDMI, VGA and Gigabit LAN (all on the left), the notebook doesn’t have a lot to offer. 360483-001 The only concession to the business sector is the Express Card 34 mm slot on the left side, well-hidden amongst the USB ports. You have to do without USB 3.0 or eSATA, and so data transfers to external storage media will be slow. The audio ports are positioned in front, a headphone output port and a line-in/ microphone port, along with a 2-in-1 card reader (SD Card, MultiMediaCard). 360483-003 

The ports on the left are positioned extremely close to one another. So you will need a very narrow VGA connector, if you want to use the LAN port at the same time. We should also mention that all ports are located towards the front of the laptop, causing an annoying ‘spaghetti junction’ of cables on your desk when you use a lot of peripherals. 360483-004 

The ProBook gives you a choice of three communications technologies: Compaq 360484-001 the usual Gigabit LAN, b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0. There is also an HP program for switching off WLAN and Bluetooth quickly and easily while in flight mode. On the right side of the laptop, between the DVD burner and the USB ports, there is another plastic cover with a telephone symbol over it. In more expensive models, this is where the modem connection would be.Compaq 364602-001

HP provides the user with a whole host of utilities.Compaq 365750-001 For example, HP Power Assistant determines rough energy consumption figures for the notebook and makes it easier to set-up energy-saving measures. HP Connection Manager activates and deactivates your network connections. HP ProtectTools is particularly comprehensive, allowing you to set up facial recognition, data encryption, data shredding and notebook location for if the laptop is stolen.365750-003

The warranty length is a standard one year, but can be extended to as much as 6 years. However, it is doubtful whether this would be worth it for the additional cost of 300 Euros; you would be better off buying a new computer in six years’ time. Compaq 365750-004

The keyboard is done in a chiclet style with flat keys.Compaq 367457-001 It is comfortable to type on, with sufficient travel and clear tactile feedback. The number block is useful for inputting longer numbers, although this is practically standard for 17-inch notebooks. The arrow keys made a negative impression on us, as the up and down keys are compressed to both fit into a single row. This makes it difficult to hit the right one without looking. There are two special function keys inset into the speaker bar on the right, for turning WLAN on and off and for starting up internet browsing.Compaq 372772-001

The touchpad supports multitouch, with all the well-known functions. Unfortunately the touchpad is only mediocre in terms of the physical properties of its surface. With fast movements, you ‘hop’ across the surface; also, the sensitive area cannot be clearly differentiated from the palm rest by touch, so you sometimes stray from the pad accidentally.Compaq 382553-001

HP has used a matt panel made by Samsung (SEC3254) for the ProBook 4730s, with a resolution of 1600 x 900 which is not quite FullHD. The distribution of brightness is very good at 89%, even though the screen gets darker as you go from the bottom to the top. Compaq 383220-001

Compaq nc6100  Battery, HP Compaq nc6105 Battery, HP Compaq nc6110  Battery, HP Compaq nc6115  Battery, HP Compaq nc6120  Battery, HP Compaq nc6140  Battery, HP Compaq nc6200  Battery, HP Compaq nc6220  Battery, HP Compaq nc6230  Battery, HP Compaq nc6300  Battery, HP Compaq nc6320  Battery, HP Compaq nc6400  Battery, HP Compaq nx5100  Battery, HP Compaq nx6100  Battery, HP Compaq nx6105  Battery, HP Compaq nx6110 Battery , HP Compaq nx6115  Battery, HP Compaq nx6120  Battery, HP Compaq nx6125  Battery, HP Compaq nx6130  Battery, HP Compaq

The ventilation duct is at the rear and is covered a small bit by the lid when fully closed. However, Samsung R470 battery, this hard no negative effect on the cooling capabilities. The Samsung Silent-Mode (Fn+F8) is as always available and proves itself once again. During simple office tasks (Word, Excel, mail, web-browsing), the fan remains off, even during short periods of load on the processor (Silent Mode). The Normal-mode assures a steady rotation of the fan with 30.6 dB(A), there is no longer a cutoff. Samsung R478 battery,

A disadvantage of the Silent-mode: The clocking of the CPU is limited to 1.200 MHz. That is enough for surfing or typing in Word. But ,users wont be able to edit photos in this state. Yet, for an office laptop, the Silent-mode is very convenient. Samsung R505 battery,

How do things look under heavy loading in the stresstest? Samsung R507 battery, The fan now spins with maximum power (Speed-mode) and the volume level rises, though not over 35 dB(A). Turning on the Silent-mode throttles the fan to 30.6 dB(A). But this leads to the performance limitations mentioned above. When only the 3DMark2006 computes, then the volume hardly rises above that of at idle: 31.8 dB(A) in the Speed- and 30.8 dB(A) in the Silent-mode. Samsung R510 battery,

Regardless of what we threw at the Samsung R530 in testing, the case always remains cool. The Silent-mode leads to a small amount of heat buildup in the chassis. It is because of that that the temperature picture (idle) on the palm rest shows higher temperatures than the same graphic under load. Samsung R517 battery,

When surfing in the Internet and doing undemanding tasks, the temperatures look like those shown on the blue idle-graphic. Above and below, the average remains clearly under 30 degrees. Samsung R518 battery,

The temperature hardly changes during maximum load situations. After a two-hour stresstest (Furmark and Prime95), the upper side of the case is no more than 33 degrees warm (in spots). The palm rest doesn’t get beyond the 30 degree mark. The base plate had a maximum spot temperature of 34 degrees in the area near the air outlet. Samsung R519 battery,

The CPU sensors show a harmless maximum temperature of 76 degree Celsius. This attests to an excellent heat transference. Samsung R522 battery,

The sound of the stereo loudspeakers is only something for the undemanding office mate. Though the sound is undistorted, it is strained in the mid- and high ranges. The SRS sound improvements can only improve this a small bit. With this the acoustic becomes slightly more balanced. Yet the small loudspeakers leave deep tones out across the whole spectrum. The volume is decent for a 15.6-incher. Samsung R540 battery,

The user can hook up external loudspeakers or headphones via the 3.5 millimeter jack on the left side. The sound level from the notebook appears to silent (hearing test – no measurements). Samsung R560 battery,

The weak capacity of 4.000 mAh (44 Wh) Samsung R610 battery from the battery doesn’t foreshadow strong runtimes. Yet the results are acceptable for a laptop in this price class. Just under three hours (178 minutes) are possible with surfing the net (WLAN test). The maximum runtime (idle) of the R530 is 263 minutes. But these 4.23 hours are unrealistic. WLAN was deactivated, the brightness glowed at its lowest level and the processor was not at work. , Samsung R700 battery

It takes 119 minutes to fully charge the battery. After that we can put in a DVD and start a film. The Lord of the Rings ended after 141 minutes, just enough for a long film. If the 35 watt TDP (CPU) is exhausted under load, the runtime shrinks to 71 minutes (BatteryEater Classic-Test)., Samsung R710 battery,

Before turning off the R530, we can inform ourselves of the battery’s state of load via the battery condition indicator. Thus when underway, we always know whether it is even worth it to boot the PC. Samsung R718 battery,

The R530 behaves quite frugally, a quality which we would also expect considering the limited performance of the Pentium T4500. If there is nothing to do at idle and all energy-savings options are activated (incl. Silent-mode, luminance on lowest level), then the current consumption is at 13.4 watts. An average of 16.7 watts in idle are realistic (balanced profile, Normal-mode). Samsung R720 battery,

Working in the same case, the Core i3-330M (TDP 35W) of the Samsung P530 Pro only needed 10.8 watts at idle (minimal). Even an Acer Aspire 3820TG-334G50N (i3-330M, HD 5470)only needed 8.2 watts (idle minimal) despite its dedicated graphics. With that in mind, the at idle energy consumption of a Pentium T4500 system is relatively high in comparison to the current processor generation. Samsung R780 battery,

We got a maximum current consumption in the stresstest with Prime95 and Furmark. The multimeter showed 52 watts. The small 60 watt power pack (246 grams) is thus sufficiently dimensioned. Samsung P210 battery,

With the R530, Samsung has created a 15.6-incher suited for office duties at an attractive price just in time for the Christmas season. The Pentium-T4500 processor (2 x 2.3 GHz) provides respectable performance which is above that of low-end single-core configurations. Samsung P460 battery,

The grippy and impervious case impressed with its pattered surfaces. Yet the case can’t get fully away from a slightly stiff cheap-plastic-feel. But, the matte construction is a step in the right direction. Samsung P560 battery,