PC World
18/04/06
A well priced notebook that should do the job and do it quite well – even if it is graphics intensive.
Fujitsu's latest LifeBook models are moving into the media centre market by providing composite (RCA) inputs on the N-series notebooks. The previous prototype we reviewed, the N6410, was quite bulky. However, the 15.4in N3530 delivers a good balance of performance and features, packing it into a fairly slim unit, weighing 3.6kg.
Tailoring features for the media centre notebook crowd, Fujitsu has included an analog TV tuner and dedicated entertainment hotkeys on the right-hand side. The hotkeys can be switched out of media mode, opening up another four hotkeys for other mappable functions. A remote control is also included so you can sit back while you enjoy movies on the glossy 1280x800 WXGA screen, which also has excellent viewable angles.
Based on Intel's Centrino Duo platform, running a 1.66GHz dual-core processor, the N3530 posted a strong PC WorldBench 5 score of 89. Its battery life was good, and it needs to be if you plan to watch TV. The battery ran for 240min in Mobile Mark 2002. Likewise, 3-D performance was also good, due to the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 graphics adapter, which delivered a 3DMark 2001 SE score of 10,792. This should be sufficient if you plan to run graphics-intensive video-editing software for anything you capture via the video input ports.
Unfortunately the TV tuner wasn't working in the prototype we tested, but it will feature in the shipping version. At $2999, it is a well-priced dual-core notebook that is designed for media editing and encoding. You'll really appreciate the RCA, S-Video ports and the multitasking ability of the dual-core processor. The sound from the speakers isn't too bad and the build quality is very sturdy.
Monash University’s 100 per cent Online Data Science Single Units are designed to provide the foundation for professionals to capitalise on all of these key trends in data science.
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers
Visit our shop for the best deals on hot products
Watch our video news and reviews from around the world
Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles
MSI GS75
As the Maserati or BMW of laptops, it would fit perfectly in the hands of a professional needing firepower under the hood, sophistication and class on the surface, and gaming prowess (sports mode if you will) in between.
MSI PS63
The MSI PS63 is an amazing laptop and I would definitely consider buying one in the future.
Brother RJ-4230B
This small mobile printer is exactly what I need for invoicing and other jobs such as sending fellow tradesman details or step-by-step instructions that I can easily print off from my phone or the Web.
Microsoft Office 365/HP Spectre x360
Microsoft Office continues to make a student’s life that little bit easier by offering reliable, easy to use, time-saving functionality, while continuing to develop new features that further enhance what is already a formidable collection of applications
Microsoft Office 365/Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
I’d recommend a Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and the new Windows 10 to anyone who needs to get serious work done (before you kick back on your couch with your favourite Netflix show.)
Brother PT-P750W
It’s useful for office tasks as well as pragmatic labelling of equipment and storage – just don’t get too excited and label everything in sight!
