by Ahmed Ragheb

Overview

Prostar’s brand new X8100 introduces the world to its first 18.4’’ laptop equipped with Nvidia SLI Technology. Enhanced with standardized 2x Nvidia GeForce GTX 285M with 1GB GDDR3 Video Memory, for a total of 2G virtual memory, and Intel Core i7 Extreme Processor, the X8100is a veritable monster of a gaming laptop, utilizing cutting-edge gaming and entertainment capabilities to actualize previously unreachable levels of dynamic and realistic play. 8GB Maximum DDR3 1333MHz Memory can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, eliminating lag and optimizing computing speed. Optional three hard drives can store a total maximum of 1.8TB capacity. The 18.4’’ 1920x1080 Full HD GlassView display is optimal for gamers who desire a true multimedia system.

Build & Design

The exterior aesthetics of the Prostar X8100 are deluxe yet distinguished. It is the same case as Prostar M980NU. The top case boasts a uniquely reflective mirror-top finish hued vibrant ebony black. Offset against the glossy inkiness is the classic “Lotus” pattern, which acts as the proverbial cherry on top of an already luscious case design. For all the simplistic beauty of the shell, it is the kaleidoscope of flashing flights that appear when the laptop is powered on that steals the aesthetic spotlight. Scattered throughout the laptop are several built-in LEDs, which light up the hot keys and the touchpad, as well as the front and back cases, in 7 different and brilliant colors. The X8100 is a heavyweight in the laptop world, coming in at an impressive 11.8 lbs to make it the perfect choice as a desktop replacement.

The build quality of the Prostar X8100 is exceptional. The chassis is smooth, hard, and solid, resembling a highly polished black diamond in terms of both texture and appearance. The palm rest area is specially designed for superlative comfort, abolishing wrist flex that would deter from a prime gaming experience. The lid of the notebook is of estimable solidity, its smooth, unbendable hardness equivalent to a sturdy sheet of glass. Pressing on the back of the lid has no visible affect on the display; the images on the screen remain perfect, complete and undisturbed.

Display

The 18.4 inch, 1920x1080 pixel display is satisfactory. While Prostar does have 17”+ models that possess higher resolution, the color reproduction and view angles on the X8100 are outstanding. The vertical viewing angles range from 15 to 20 degrees and the horizontal view angles hover around the 75 degree spectrum. Coupled with excellent color reproduction capabilities, the wide view angles enable the Prostar X8100 to generate high resolution images of utmost clarity, crispness, and color that can be viewed at prime quality from most angles. This makes it an excellent display for presentations in small office rooms.

Input and output device

The Prostar X8100 features four built-in speakers for a singular surround sound effect. There is one speaker each on the sides of the keyboard and two more located at the front of the laptop. There are a total of 4 USB ports, one of which is a combined eSATA/USB interface. The left side of the laptop contains a DVI-port and an HDMI-out, as well as a LAN-port, card reader port, Express Card port, Firewire port, and optical drive. On the right side is a headphone jack, microphone jack, S/P DIF output jack and Kingston lock jack.

The full numeric keypad on the keyboard is a must for accountants. The Prostar X8100 is equipped with a Synaptics touchpad that showcases an elegant and professional matte finish. The touchpad encourages easy, unimpeded movement of the fingers, and sensitivity is superior, retaining its feather-light responses even under the command of a sweaty hand. The buttons at the bottom below the touchpad obey orders with amazing effectiveness and soft, gentle clicks. The LED light underneath the touchpad glows and flashes, providing visual interest along with excellent feedback.

The test unit comes with Intel Wireless 5300 533AGN support 802.11 a, b, g and n wireless formats. The Internal Bluetooth comes standard. There are 8 touch sensor instant keys that dictate Color, Camera, Bluetooth, Silent Mode, WLAN, Web, Sound Effect, and Mute capabilities. There is also a touch sensor for Volume Control, a unique addition previously unseen in notebooks.

The test unit also brandishes 8 unique Programmable Gaming Key using the G1 to G8 keys. This feature engenders increased convenience and promotes ultimate gaming movement and speed.

Performance

The specifications of the test unit as follow:

• Intel Core i7 920XM Extreme processor (2.0GHz, 8MB Smart Cache)
• 18.4” Full HD GlassView display
• Dual nVIDIA GeForce GTX 285M with 1GB DDR3 Video Memory in SLI mode
• 4GB DDR3-1333MHz
• 500GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
• Intel Wireless 5300 533AGN
• 8X max. DVD Burner Multi Drive
• Windows Vista Ultimate Edition 64 bits

3DMark06 Results and Comparison:

Notebook	3D Mark 06 Results
Prostar X8100(Intel Core i7 Extreme 920XM 2.0GHz, Dual nVIDIA GeForce GTX 285M with 1GB)	18,575
Prostar D900F (Intel Core i7 Extreme 965 3.2GHz, nVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M with 1GB)	13,288
Prostar 9194/Clevo D910C (Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz, Dual nVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTX with 1GB)	12,088
Gateway P-171XL FX (Intel Core 2 Duo X7900 2.8GHz, nVIDIA Go 8800M GTS with 512MB)	8,831
Dell XPS M1730 (Core 2 Extreme X7900 2.8GHz, Dual nVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT with 512MB)	8,545
MSI MegaBook GT627 (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz, nVIDIA 9800M GS with 512MB)	8,323
Alienware M9750 (Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 2.33GHz, nVIDIA GeForce 7950 GTX with 512MB)	7,328

Conclusion

This system is of outstanding value and achieves peak performance. I would definitely be interested in testing the dual VGA cards version of the X8100 when it is available. I believe it will be superior to any of the other notebooks available on the market today. The expertly constructed shell greatly enhances the interfacing experience, and the flashing LEDs located in various spots throughout the notebook add an extra, unexpected spark to the overall design. The Prostar X8100 is unparalleled, armed with enough power and speed to tear through anything you throw at it, be it world wars and racing, or flight simulations and online gaming—it is the last gaming notebook you will ever need.

Pros:

• Best mobile Core i7 extreme processing power
• Best hard disk performance with triple drive RAID
• Best graphics with the latest Nvidia DX10 solution and SLi Technology
• 7-color LEDs lights
• 8 programmable keys for gamers

Cons:

• 45 minutes battery life