We’ve all heard of notebooks built with specs that could trump the average persons’ desktops. But how about a notebook that totally kicks your desktop’s silicon-based behind? US-based enthusiast system builder Smooth Creations presents the world’s first Intel Core i7-based laptop, the X58 SmoothBook.
Taken from its name, this 17-incher runs on Intel’s X58 chipset that supports the quad-core Intel Core i7 (from the 2.66GHz Core i7 920 to the top-end 3.2GHz i7 965) and up to 12GBs of triple channel DDR3 memory. Also packed into the X58’s large frame: a 1GB Nvidia GeForce Go GTX 280M GPU (for powering up the 1920×1200 screen), space for up to three hard drives, and a dual layer DVD burner.
Besides being obviously powerful enough for high-end mobile gaming, it can also be set up as a mobile workstation or server. For these purposes, the X58 SmoothBook is capable of fitting an Intel Xeon X5580 processor (3.2GHz), and up to 1.5 Terabytes of storage-–via three 500GB, 7200rpm SATA-300 hard drives capable of RAID 0, 1, and 5 configurations. It also features a built-in UPS, so that’s another bonus this laptop has that your desktop might not.
Basic specs include a 12 cell battery, card reader and Gigabit LAN. Numerous options for customization are available on the SmoothBook’s order page, including an extra TV Tuner, 2MP Webcam, 64-bit Windows Vista installations, Wi-fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, extra batteries, and a selection of different paint schemes for the exterior.
the X58 SmoothBook comes with a 1 year warranty (3 years if you’re willing to pay for the extra coverage), and one more thing that your desktop might not have: a price tag that starts at $3,200.
