BenQ Joybook R55

Driven by an Intel Core Duo (1.66GHz) CPU and 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 RAM, BenQ's 15.4in Joybook R55 managed to complete most tests with relative ease. It took 157 seconds to encode 53 minutes worth of WAV files to 192Kbps MP3 files; it scored 88 in PC WorldBench 5, with fast results in video editing; it scored 11,982 in 3DMark 2001 SE, thanks to the installed GeForce Go 7400, but only mustered an 814 in 3DMark 2006, so it's not suitable for newer games.

Battery life using MobileMark 2002 was two hours and twenty minutes. Our worst-case scenario test lasted one hour and fifty minutes. This isn't exceptional, but balances nicely with the size of the screen and the level of performance it achieves.

It comes equipped with a 15.4in (1200x800) screen that delivers a clear image from all angles. Despite BenQ's claim that its 16ms is the fastest pixel response time available for a notebook, it still showed noticeable amounts of ghosting (using Windows' scrolling marquee screensaver as a test).

The hinges for the top bezel only allow it to open up to around 120 degrees, which can restrict vertical viewing angles. The hinges are mounted on the rear of the unit, which makes the bottom edge of the screen sit almost level with the keyboard. While snug, the keyboard is fairly comfortable to use and there's some simple hotkeys for Windows navigation. The build quality is solid overall, but flex is evident when holding the unit by its front edges.

It comes with a full set of ports and also has an 8x DVD-RW dual-layer drive.