While most desktop replacement notebooks have moved away from the use of desktop processors thanks to the performance of the Core 2 Duo mobile processors, Falcon Northwest returns to the use of desktop processors with the FragBook DRX. Users can choose between several models including the E6320, 6420, E6700 and Extreme X6800 versions. This offers the DRX some unsurpassed performance in a mobile platform, but it also greatly reduces the battery life when the system is not plugged in. Expect to be around a power outlet frequently.
There are only two memory configurations for the FragBook DRX system both using the same type of DDR2 memory. The system can come with either 2GB or 4GB of PC2-6400 DDR2 memory. 2GB is plenty for most applications to run smoothly. Those looking at 4GB of memory will see improved performance from heavy multitasking.
In order to ensure high levels of performance, Falcon Northwest has elected to use the high speed Seagate Momentus notebook drives. These drives all spin at 7,200rpm, the same as desktop hard drives. Capacity is not as high with only a selection between 80, 100 and 160GB drives, but the system can hold up to a total of three hard drives for nearly a half terabyte of space possible.
The FragBook DRX comes equipped with only a single drive option, a 8x dual layer DVD burner. It would be nice for such a high-end system to also have the option of coming with a newer high definition DVD drive such as HD-DVD or BluRay.
As the FragBook DRX is design to the a mobile gaming platform, Falcon Northwest chose to use a daul NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX graphics processor setup. This is vitally important because they also use a high resolution 17 inch display capable of the 1920x1200 resolution. In order to drive such a high resolution display while gaming, it is necessary to have a top of the line mobile SLI setup. Matched together with the desktop processors, and the FragBook DRX has some of the best overall graphics available on the market. And jut in case you wanted to use it for a media center, they also include a TV tuner.
Even thought the latest wireless networking standard hasn't been fully approved, it is making its way into more and more notebook computers. Falcon Northwest chose to include draft-802.11n networking with the FragBook DRX. For gamers this can mean a big difference in terms of overall bandwidth, but it could also end up being a headache once things are finalized. Of course, the wireless also supports the 802.11a/b/g standards as well. The obligatory gigabit Ethernet and v.92 56kbps modem are also included for wired and remote networking when wireless isn't available.
One would thing that with the extra size of the FragBook DRX, a few extra ports would be included for attaching peripheral devices. Even with its bulk, it features an average number of ports. A total of four USB ports, a mini FireWire port, ExpressCard/54 slot and 7-in-1 reader match what is found in more desktop replacements. In addition to this, Falcon also includes a DVI-D with HDCP support monitor connector in case you need extra space to the high resolution LCD display.
As with many custom built prestige systems, software selections are very limited. There is a choice between three different operating systems for the FragBook DRX, Vista Ultimate, Vista Home Premium and XP Professional. The only other software selection is for one of the several versions of the Microsoft Office productivity software.
One of the first things that people may wonder about with the FragBook DRX is its size and weight. Most 17-inch notebook systems tend to weigh in the seven to 9 pound range. The FragBook DRX tips that scales at over twelve pounds in weight. In addition to this weight is its 2.5 inch thickness. All of this bulk comes from the use of powerful desktop components that require additional cooling and space. It provides its extremely strong performance but also reduce its battery life.
In terms of gaming performance, the new FragBook DRX certainly pushes the levels of performance well beyond what their older DR6800 notebook did. By linking a desktop Core 2 Duo processor with the high end SLI mobile graphics processors, it can push out some of the highest frame rates on the market. Of course, all of this performance comes at the cost of battery life and more importantly price.
Low cost systems are not something synonymous with the Falcon Northwest brand. Most people are coming to them for high performance systems with a level of personalization that can be found from a large company such as Dell or HP. Those desiring a truly unique computer systems can generally get one of the Exotix custom paint jobs done on the notebook. Of course, this greatly adds to the cost of the system, but also provides something that is truly unique from other desktop replacements.
For the price of the FragBook DRX though, it is possible for one to buy a high end notebook and desktop gaming system and still have cash left over. And that is the problem that will prevent most people from even considering buying this notebook. If Falcon Northwest really does want to expand their business, they should look into producing some more affordable options for consumers.
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