We benchmarked the Getac 9213’s performance with Passmark Software’s PerformanceTest 6.1 that runs about 30 tests covering CPU, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, memory, and disk and then computes scores for each category and an overall PassMark score. For comparison we added the results of Getac’s own fully rugged B300 notebook as well as those of the semi-rugged Getac P470. The benchmark results show how it all fits together:
As you can see, Despite its frugal nature, the Getac 9213’s SU9400 processor provides very good performance. Anyone considering a Getac machine but wondering if performance might be much less than that of Getac’s rugged notebook lineup will find that the new machine is remarkable quick, with benchmark performance within 5% of the B300 and 20% of the P470 despite its power-efficient processor and lower clock speed.
Overall, the Dell XT2 is a elegantly designed but quite expensive machine that seeks to offer more. It succeeds in some respects (overall notebook functionality, dual digitizer, flexibility), but less so in others (no integrated optical drive or camera, very limited multi-touch implementation). This is a machine for those who want something different and special, even at a higher price.
As far as technical specifications go, the two laptops have both been designed on the same chipset, Intel’s new PM55, delivering support for the chip maker’s new Core i7 mobile processors, including the 1.6GHz Core i7 720QM and the 1.73GHz Core i7 820QM. Both processors are available as configuration options for the two ASUS laptops, but also for the G51J model, providing customers with a wider range of options in terms of design.
Enhanced security may come from elsewhere, however. One vendor says it is working on facial recognition software that uses the Web cam built into the lid of their netbooks for security authentication. They’re not yet willing to go on record about their plans.
Even Microsoft has figured this out, albeit slowly. Microsoft’s Windows 7, based on preliminary reviews, is leaner and faster than Vista. (Yes, there’s Windows Mobile 6.5 but I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying that this isn’t the future of smartphone operating systems.) Intel has got religion too. Its Atom and ultra- low-voltage (ULV) processors both offer significant power savings over standard Intel chip designs.
3 USB 2.0 ports, Firewire, and a 5-in-1 card reader make this a pretty fully featured tablet. Unfortunately we have two problems with the layout: the rear ports and lack of ExpressCard support. Used as a traditional notebook, ports on the rear of the notebook are a hassle. While being used as a tablet, users will probably not care where the ports are as they are all equally accessible.
Disappointingly, Toshiba elected to use the more common PC Card slot instead of the more recent ExpressCard format. While this is good news for mobile users who may rely on a device only available in PC Card format, we prefer notebooks that support the latest standards to increase “future proofing.” With more and more devices being announced in ExpressCard format, in general we recommend users to elect for the newer technology.
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