Like most pieces of technology, the notebook PC is getting smaller. Advances in mobile computing design have allowed manufacturers to effectively squeeze a desktop PC into a unit the size of a mail-order catalogue.
The MP-XP7210 Mini-Note PC is JVC's first foray into the notebook market, and it proves that it can give Sony's Vaio a run for its money in the style stakes. Measuring less than 230mm by 150mm, it's about as portable as a notebook can get without sacrificing usefulness, but it still comes with most of the features you'd expect to find on a full-size notebook.
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Inside its small shell is a relatively nippy Intel Mobile Pentium III 800MHz processor, 256MB of memory, a 30GB hard disk and 16MB of on-board graphics memory. Combined, this allowed us to run office software quite well and even do a bit of demanding image editing.
However, don't think you're getting the equivalent power of a desktop PC. The MP-XP7210 is primarily designed for those on the move, subsequently putting more emphasis on battery life than outright performance. This is most evident in the graphics, and although Windows runs well, don't expect to play any 3D games unless you like a bit of stop-motion.
As with all Intel Mobile processors, the MP-XP7210 uses SpeedStep, a power-saving technology that adjusts the processor speed to match the task in hand. Word processing, for example, doesn't need 800MHz of oomph; messing with high-resolution images does. The processor only runs at full pelt when it needs to, which means it doesn't drain the battery unnecessarily.
Operating solely on the built-in battery, the Mini-Note managed to stay alive for an hour and 20 minutes. If you want more life, it also comes with a clip-on battery pack that lasts three hours.
Aesthetically, the Mini-Note looks great. The aluminium case makes it both trendy and tough, while its crisp 8.9in TFT widescreen display displays at a good resolution of 1024 x 600.
However, with something this small, something had to give - in this case the condensed keyboard and undersized mini-joystick pointing device. Unless you're a resident of Lilliput, you'll often find yourself pressing two keys at once or missing altogether.
Nevertheless, there are still two USB ports and a mini FireWire socket. You'll need one of these to connect an external CD-Rom drive (upping the price) for installing software, since the only things that come installed are Windows XP Professional and a few utilities.
There are also network and modem ports for internet purposes, while a supplied TV-out cable can transmit picture to an ordinary monitor. Type II PC Card and SD card slots are also built in.
The MP-XP7210 is a snazzy-looking notebook with a solid set of components. However, this one is really aimed at the well-heeled business types who put portability over power.
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