SIGMA 650
PC Direct (July '00)
Rock's Sigma, along with its almost identical twin, the Viglen
Dossier, is one of the heavyweights in this notebook review.
This is largely compensated for by its excellent build quality
and solid casing, which makes it one of the most robust.
The Spacebar and Enter keys are large and there's little
bowing in the keyboard even if you press hard. There's nothing
to complain about either when it comes to the touch-sensitive
pointing device or its two mechanical mouse buttons.
It scores highly on features, being supplied with a DVD drive
and a built-in modem as standard. The Sigma's audio subsystem
is slightly disappointing though. Whereas the quality of sound
produced by its two built-in speakers is good, and free from
distortion except at very high volumes, this notebook doesn't
have wavetable synthesis, relying on a basic Crystal SoundFusion
FM chip.
With a 14in diagonal and 1024x768 pixel resolution, the Sigma's
TFT panel gives a particularly sharp and colourful image.
Users who wish to link their notebook to a conventional TV
rather than a computer monitor will appreciate the provision
of an S-Video output in addition to the VGA-style connector.
You won't find any useful office applications in the software
bundle. Instead, there's a copy of Bitware for communications
and a software DVD video player, a soft carry case, a copy
of Windows 98SE and a well-written user manual.
MODEL |
Rock Sigma 650 |
RATING |
8/10 |
PRO'S |
One of the most impressive results we have seen from
a Power notebook. |
CON'S |
....... |
VERDICT |
Excellent build quality and solid casing, which makes
it one of the most robust. |
PROCESSOR |
Intel Mobile Pentium III 650MHz |
RAM |
128Mb |
HARD DISK |
12Gb |
DISPLAY |
14.1 XGA TFT |
DRIVES |
32xCD-ROM/8x DVD |
OTHER |
Internal 56k modem |
OTHER |
|
OTHER |
|
WARRANTY |
1 Year Collect and Return |
PRICE |
£1,699 |
WINSTONE |
25.6 |
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