Clarion VRX785BT
Clarion VRX785BT 7-Inch Single DIN Multimedia Station with Fully Motorized Touch Panel Control with USB Terminal iPod and HDD Navigation Ready
From Clarion Mobile Electronics
Description
in-dash DVD receiver with internal amp (19 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 watts peak x 4 channels) * plays CDs, CD-R/RW, DVD-Rs/RWs, DVD+Rs/RWs, DivX playback, MP3/WMA/AAC on CD and DVD * 24-bit digital-to-analog converter * dual zone capability * Digital Z Enhancer (time alignment and a 3-band parametric equalizer) * Magna Bass EX * built-in high- and low-pass filters * compatible with: CD changer, HDD navigation system, satellite radio (XM Mini-Tuner direct connection ready)
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Details
* Brand: Clarion
* Model: VRX785BT
* Dimensions: 13.00 pounds
Features
* Digital-ready in-dash DVD receiver with built-in 50W x 4 MOS-FET amplifier, fully motorized 7-inch QVGA color LCD monitor, 24-bit digital-to-analog converter, AM/FM radio and more
* Plays CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DivX video files, and MP3/WMA/AAC audio files on CD and DVD
* 2-Zone entertainment feature allows front seat passengers to enjoy the radio, play a CD, listen to their iPod, or follow directions from the NAX980HD, while rear seat passengers view video entertainment
* Direct USB iPod control enables you to connect your iPod for charging and enjoying your media
* One-year limited warranty
Editorial Reviews
Brains, beauty, and brawn. The VRX785BT has it all, from its flowing cosmetics to the unparalleled connectivity options. Your search for the ultimate multimedia control ends now. Large buttons stand out to achieve superb operability, and the 7-inch touch screen allows real world control. Compatibility with DivX and iPod Video allow for endless viewing options, whether being viewed on the units built 7-inch flip monitor or shared throughout the vehicle utilizing the included dual zone feature. Throw in the optional HDD Navigation, and this unit meets all of the demands of a full-scale Multimedia Station.
Your search for the ultimate multimedia control ends now. Click to enlarge.
To connect iPod, please use the USB cable attached to iPod.
The built-in High Pass and Low Pass filters allow your music to be played at the precise levels that they were intended to be heard.
Front seat passengers can enjoy the radio, play a CD, listen to their iPod¨, or follow directions from the NAX980HD, while rear seat passengers view video entertainment.
Deliver your phone call audio through the vehicle's audio system, allowing for hands-free communication.
The XM Mini-Tuner allows you the versatility to bring XM Satellite Radio with you wherever you go for the price of one paid subscription.
The look of sophistication with functionality to accelerate your mobile experience
* DVD-Video/DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW/CDDA/CD-R/RW ready
* MP3/WMA/AAC Compatible with ID3-TAG display
* Official DivX Certified product
* Plays all versions of DivX video (including DivX 6) with standard playback of DivX media files
* 18 FM / 6 AM station presets
* Rear USB connector
* WMDRM10 compatible through rear USB
* Fully motorized 7-inch QVGA color LCD monitor
* Built-in Bluetooth Hands-free(HFP & OPP) and Audio Streaming(A2DP & AVRCP)
* iPod direct control via USB
* XM Mini-Tuner Direct Connection Ready
* 3-band parametric equalizer
* MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
* CeNET Control of: HDD Navigation (NAX980HD/970HD)
* RGB input for navigation
* Built-in LPF/HPF
* Subwoofer volume control
* 24-bit D/A converter
* 6 ch RCA output and 2 ch RCA output for 2-Zone
* 1 AUX AV input (2 ch Audio + Video)
* 50 W x 4 Built-in MOS-FET Amplifier
* 2-Zone entertainment: Front and Rear separate source control
* DSP tuner with variable bandwidth
* Optional 3rd Party OEM steering wheel remote ready
* Builtin IR Eye (RCB187 Remote Included)
iPod Direct Control via USB
The best in iPod control, Clarion's Direct USB iPod control enables you to connect your iPod. No extra cables and no need for costly custom installation, once again Clarion delivers the best in connectivity.
* To connect iPod, please use the USB cable attached to iPod.
* For video playback , optional CCA723 cable required
* Please see the Clarion website for iPod models that can be connected.
HPF/LPF
The built-in High Pass and Low Pass filters allow your music to be played at the precise levels that they were intended to be heard. Better mid-bass, crisper tweeters, its all there, Clarion engineers are as fanatical about great sound as you are, all you have to do is listen to hear the difference.
Digital Media Ready (DivX)
DivX is a common media language that delivers a pure digital experience, Clarion had provided DivX playback on most of its 2008 In-dash video line-up. DivX enriched video files deliver superior video quality and allow more information on a single disk. Once again Clarion delivers the features you expect.
2-Zone Entertainment
The VRX785BT and MAX685BT feature a 2-Zone entertainment feature. This means front seat passengers can enjoy the radio, play a CD, listen to their iPod, or follow directions from the NAX980HD, while rear seat passengers view video entertainment.
Built-in Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
Mobile telephones have become a necessity in business and in life. Clarion has once again broke the connectivity barrier by including built-in Bluetooth connections in both the VRX785BT and MAX685BT. This allows your Bluetooth capable mobile telephone to deliver your phone calls audio through the vehicles audio system and allowing for hands-free communication.
XM Mini-Tuner Direct Connection
The next evolution of satellite radio, the XM Mini-Tuner allows you the versatility to bring XM Satellite Radio with you wherever you go for the price of one paid subscription. Simply Connect the XM Mini-Tuner and XM Mini-Tuner Dock to Clarion's XM ready devices and let the entertainment begin.
HDD Navigation Expansion
Expand your horizons with the NAX980HD Hard Disk Drive Navigation system. This extremely advanced system seamlessly integrates with the VRX785BT and MAX685BT, and utilizes an easy-to-use touch panel control accented by a high-resolution graphic interface. This is all made possible by the proprietary high speed signal processing and dedicated CPU which makes route planning and POI selection faster and more accurate than you have ever experienced. The included on-board Graphics Processing unit allows for high-resolution 2D and 3D maps as well as menus that can deliver more in-depth information.
What's in the Box
Clarion VRX785BT, Remote control (battery included), Warranty card, Installation manual, Instruction manual, Power supply cord, RCA pin cord, mounting bracket/accesories
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The Honda Accord Hybrid was a Hybrid vehicle version of the North American Honda Accord, offered in model years 2005 through 2007. It was the company's third hybrid when the 2005 model was introduced in late 2004, following the Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid was priced US$3,000 higher than the EX V6 model Accord, and retained substantially the same trim and feature levels (although the 2005 model did not include the power sunroof). Honda positioned the Accord Hybrid at the top of its (non-Acura) lineup.
While this new vehicle shared the same displacement as the regular seventh generation Accord V6 powerplant, the engine in the Hybrid was derived from the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan and has the ability to shut off 3 of the 6 cylinders under certain conditions for better fuel economy (a technology that Honda calls Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)). The new engine features iVTEC technology and drives a new compact transmission, developed to allow the inclusion of the electric motor sandwiched between the transversely-mounted engine and transmission. Power of the gas engine is up from 240 to 255 hp (179 to 190 kW) and torque rose from 212 to 232 ft·lbf (287 to 315 N·m).
Fuel economy was originally estimated at 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) city and 37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp) highway, but was later changed to 25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg-imp) city, 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) highway, after Honda's addition of standard sunroof and spare tire (not included on the 2005 model) bumped the car to a higher weight class for United States Environmental Protection Agency mileage testing. The 2006 model has also been rated an AT-PZEV vehicle. AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) is an emissions standard created by the California Air Resources Board. In 2007, the EPA estimates were changed yet again to 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) city and 35 mpg-US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg-imp) highway.
Honda put the emphasis on performance and targeted high-end buyers. Unlike traditional hybrid designs, the new Accord hybrid uses a more powerful engine than its non-hybrid counterpart. Together with the Integrated Motor Assist, the hybrid version provided slightly higher performance than the conventional V6-engined Accord. However, the marketplace did not embrace the Accord Hybrid, and 2007 was the final model year available.
2006 US-spec Accord Hybrid
The 2005 Accord Hybrid Sedan is also 4 inches (102 mm) longer than the 2005 Accord Sedan. The 2005 Accord Hybrid Sedan comes in four colors: Graphite Pearl, Desert Mist Metallic, Silver Frost Metallic, and Taffeta White. For 2006, the Accord Hybrid comes standard with Vehicle Stability Assist, and like the conventional US-spec Accord, received a minor exterior facelift. Accord Hybrids from model year 2006 and up can be identified by the amber rear turn signals whereas their fully gasoline counterparts have red rear turn signals.
According to road tests conducted by Consumer Reports, the V6 Accord Hybrid averages 2 MPG better than the regular V6 Accord and 1 MPG better than the 4-cylinder Accord.
Honda has announced that there will be no hybrid version of the next generation (2008 model year) Accord; instead, there may ultimately be a diesel model. Another replacement for the Accord Hybrid is the mid-size Honda FCX Clarity, with the production model to debut at the 2007-08 Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the FCX Clarity and Accord Diesel will debut as 2009 models. The Accord hybrid sold 25,000 since 2004, and 6,100 of the 2007 model.
Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Slot Loading SuperDrive)
From Apple Computer
Product Description
MacBook has everything you need to do everything you need. Advanced NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and more memory standard deliver power and performance. And MacBook offers a slew of innovative features, including a built-in iSight camera for video chatting on the go, fast Wi-Fi so you can work from anywhere, and a glossy 13-inch widescreen display that makes graphics and video come alive. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M brings amazing graphics performance to MacBook, so you can enjoy your favorite 3D games from Spore to Call of Duty with fast, responsive game play. Graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smooth and responsive. Movies and video offer rich colors and fine details. NVIDIA performance even makes a difference as you flip through your music library with Cover Flow or use Dashboard. Built-in stereo speakers; Built-in omnidirectional microphone; Combined optical digital input/analog line in (minijack); Combined optical digital output/analog line out (minijack) Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) / iLife '09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD) Unit Dimensions - Height - 1.08 inches (2.75 cm) x Width - 12.78 inches (32.5 cm) x Depth - 8.92 inches
Product Details
* Brand: Apple
* Model: MB881LL/A
* Dimensions: .95" h x 12.78" w x 8.94" l, 5.00 pounds
* CPU: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz
* Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
* Hard Disk: 120GB
* Processors: 1
* Display size: 13.3
Features
* 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
* 2GB of DDR2 memory
* 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Stylishly and intelligently designed for your on-the-go digital lifestyle, Apple's MacBook is the perfect confluence of affordability, innovation, and powerful computing. This latest iteration of the affordable "white" MacBook line (model MB881LL/A) gets a boost in video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics chip and doubles the RAM to 2 GB (with a 4 GB maximum capacity). You'll enjoy quick and nimble multitasking thanks to the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor--which bumps the frontside bus speed from 866 MHz to 1066 MHz--and the 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display provides the perfect combination of pixels and portability. This MacBook also features a 120 GB hard drive and an integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN that provides compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme.
Measuring 1.08 inches thin and weighing only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). See a larger version of this image
Measuring a mere 1.08 inches thin and weighing in at only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). A durable polycarbonate shell in white keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life. It also offers a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile--which means you experience a firm, responsive touch when typing. Other standard Apple "extras" includes a built-in iSight video camera and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.
It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser.
Other hardware features include a 24x combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 400 port, DVI video output, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of shared memory.
Apple Innovations
One of Apple's most celebrated innovations is the MagSafe power adapter connector with offers a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook flying off a table or desk--the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.
Cleverly integrated above your MacBook display is an iSight camera, providing easy video chat capability when using iChat. You can also snap photos in Photo Booth to send via email, as well as record videos and then edit them in iMovie before uploading them to web sites.
The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook, if you trip over the cord.
With two-finger scrolling, the trackpad becomes a fast track to wherever you want to go.
The trackpad can tell if you've got one finger on the pedal, or two. With two, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus. When you need right-click functionality, simply open "Keyboard and Mouse" in System Preferences and enable the secondary click preference. Opening and closing your MacBook is also a pleasure, thanks to a magnetic latch that catches without a catch. And because it's a magnet, there are no moving parts to snag, jam, or break.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, ultra-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With a substantial 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 120 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 512 MB) have 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Display and Graphics
Whether you're working on a Keynote presentation or watching a movie before you catch a flight, every document, video, and photo on your MacBook will look sharp on the glossy 13.3-inch widescreen display. With pixel-perfect 1280-by-800 resolution, it's great for viewing and working with media. Video is powered by the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, which shares 256 MB of DDR2 SDRAM with main memory. Graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smoother and 3D game play--from Spore to Call of Duty--is faster and more responsive. You'll get extended desktop and video mirroring, with simultaneous support of full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display--both at millions of colors
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Other Features
Connect to your network, a desktop monitor and all your peripherals with two USB 2.0, one FireWire, one DVI video output, and one Gigabit Ethernet.
* 24x slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive (writes 24x CD-R, 16x CD-RW; reads CDs at 24x and DVDs at 8x)
* Mini-DVI port for video output (VGA adapter and mini-DVI to DVI adapter sold separately)
* Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
* Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in
* Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out
* Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port
* Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
* Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
* Kensington cable lock slot
* Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
* Measures 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5 pounds
Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks).
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '09
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:
* Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
* A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
* Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
* Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
* A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
* Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.
Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.
The MacBook also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an email address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand); Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive; iWork '08 (30-day trial)
What's in the Box
MacBook, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
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The Asus W90Vp-X1 comes up big in several ways. Aside from its massive dimensions, it delivers blazing productivity and graphics performance and is loaded with top-shelf multimedia features, including a huge high-resolution display and a rocking sound
Key Specs
Processor: 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9600
Memory: 6GB RAM
Storage: 320GB hard drive
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
Screen: 18.4 inches (1,920x1,080)
Graphics: Dual ATI Radeon HD4870 (CrossFire, 512MB)
Weight: 11.5 pounds
Dimensions (HWD): 2.5x17.4x12.9 inches
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Every so often a notebook comes along that is so impressive that it raises the bar for all comers. The Asus W90Vp-X1, available exclusively at Newegg.com, is that notebook. Not only does this desktop replacement set new 3D-graphics and productivity-speed records, but it also features a beautiful HD display, a powerful audio system, and an easy-to-use overclocking utility that lets you squeeze a few extra clock cycles out of the processor. All this, plus a generous warranty program and a relatively affordable $2,199 price, earns the W90Vp-X1 our Editors’ Choice award.
Measuring 2.5x17.4x12.9 inches (HWD) and weighing in at 11.5 pounds, the W90Vp-X1 is one of the heaviest laptops we’ve seen, outweighing the dual-screen Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds by nearly half a pound. Factor in the gargantuan power brick (it alone measures 7.7x3.7x1.7 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds), and you’re looking at nearly 14 pounds of total travel weight. Fortunately, Asus includes a free Republic of Gamers backpack for those who want to take their game on the road.
Beneath the brushed-aluminum lid, you’ll find a gorgeous 18.4-inch LCD with a 1,920x1,080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, which means it can display HD content at 1080p without stretching or scaling. The brightly lit screen delivers incredible color quality and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for gaming and viewing videos. We only wish the high-gloss coating weren’t so reflective. Alas, this particular model lacks a Blu-ray drive, so you’ll have to settle for watching standard-definition DVD movies, which nevertheless look great on the big screen. Asus assures us that a Blu-ray model will be available through the retail channel in the near future, however.
A 2-megapixel Webcam embedded in the screen’s upper bezel makes conducting video chats and capturing and editing video and still images easy, especially with the included Asus LifeFrame software. The camera’s image quality tends to be grainy, but it's more than adequate for Skyping and chatting purposes. As with the Asus N80Vn-A1, the last notebook we reviewed from Asus, the Webcam can be used with the SmartLogon software as a face-recognition security tool.
The spacious keyboard deck sports a black brushed-metal finish with a glossy black bezel that frames the keyboard, which is roomy and features a dedicated number pad on the right side. The touch pad is also sizable and much more responsive than the one that comes with the N80Vn-A1. A fingerprint reader is sandwiched between the two highly polished mouse buttons, and a set of touch-sensitive media-player controls and a volume slider are positioned to the left of the keyboard.
Above the keyboard are a touch-sensitive display-brightness controller and six function keys, including a speaker-mute control, a touch-pad on/off button, a zoom button that magnifies the area of the display where your mouse cursor is positioned, and a Turbo Gear key that lets you enter into a power-saving mode and toggle between standard and overclocking modes. The Turbo Gear utility lets you bump up the W90Vp-X1’s bus speed incrementally by 3, 5, 10, 15, or 17 percent, which in turn speeds up the processor clock. At its highest setting (17 percent), the CPU runs at 3.28GHz (versus 2.8GHz, its native speed).
There’s also a key that launches the LifeFrame application, and the Splendid key lets you switch among five preset display modes (normal, gamma, vivid, theater, soft). At the far right is the main power button, and an Express Gate button is on the far left. The Express Gate button lets you launch specific applications, including a Web browser, a photo viewer, a media player, a gaming portal, and Skype, without having to boot into Windows. Audiophiles will appreciate the W90Vp-X1’s robust sound system, which consists of four speakers plus a subwoofer and provides lots of volume with booming bass.
here are plenty of I/O ports scattered around the back and sides of the chassis. On the left are two audio ports (headphone and microphone) and a USB port; on the right are three additional USB ports, a FireWire port, and an eSATA connector. Here you’ll also find the DVD±RW drive, a Wi-Fi switch, an ExpressCard/54 slot, and a multiformat flash-card reader. Around back are VGA and HDMI video outputs, modem and Ethernet jacks, and the power jack. The system comes with a 320GB hard drive spinning at 7,200rpm, which comes loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit), CyberLink DVD Suite, and a handful of Asus utilities such as AI Touchmedia, a media-center application; CopyProtect, a password-data-protection tool; and NB Probe, which monitors system health, including hard drive usage and internal temperature. The system also has room for an additional 2.5-inch internal SATA drive if you require more storage capacity.
The W90Vp-X1 uses an Asus X38-based motherboard populated with a Core 2 Duo T9600 processor (2.8GHz) and a whopping 6GB of DDR2 memory. Video is driven by two ATI Radeon HD4870 controllers running in CrossFire mode. This powerful combination churned out some very impressive scores on our benchmark tests, and in some cases, took top honors compared with the best-performing notebooks we've seen. On FutureMark’s PCMark Vantage 64-bit productivity test, the W90Vp-X1 turned in a leading score of 4,665, beating out Gateway’s P7808u by a single point and besting the Alienware M17 by more than 1,100 points. We overclocked the CPU to 3.28GHz and ran the test again for a score of 5,040 (an 8 percent increase). The system completed our iTunes encoding test in a quick 3 minutes and 9 seconds, giving it the number-one spot in its class.
Its Windows Media Encoder time of 5 minutes and 16 seconds was also above average but trailed the Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds and the Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q708 by more than a minute and a half. It completed the same test in 4 minutes and 29 seconds with overclocking enabled.
When it comes to 3D performance, the W90 performed brilliantly. Its 3DMark06 score of 12,903 while running at its native 1,920x1,200 resolution overtook both the Toshiba and Lenovo systems, as well as the Maingear eX-L, which scored 12,665. When we overclocked the system, it returned a score of 14,680, a 14 percent increase over the standard clock speed. At 1,024x768, the system also beat the record with a score of 13,297, beating out both the Toshiba and Lenovo systems, which scored 12,707 and 12,639 respectively, though it couldn’t pass the Maingear’s 15,364.
On our Company of Heroes DirectX 9 test, the W90Vp-X1 scored a blistering 151 frames per second (fps) while running in native mode, beating the Gateway by more than 30fps. While overclocked, that score jumped to 167fps, a 10 percent increase. Running the same test in DX10 mode produced a score of 54.6fps, which is the highest notebook score we’ve seen for this test. It should come as no surprise that the W90Vp-X1 lasted only 1 hour and 9 minutes on our DVD battery-rundown test, despite being equipped with a big 12-cell battery. Still, we don’t expect users to stray too far from a power source with this system.
Asus covers the W90Vp-X1 with a generous two-year warranty that comes with one year of accidental damage coverage, including drops and spills. Better still, the company will pay for shipping in both directions if you have to send the system in for repair.
Leading performance, killer multitimedia features, and a reasonable price make the Asus W90Vp-X1 easy to recommend to hard-core gamers or anyone who demands true desktop performance from a notebook.
Price (at time of review): $2,199
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