BenQ JoyBook S52 (Pentium M Processor 730 1.6GHz, 256MB RAM)

BenQ's first Sonoma takes the form of the Joybook S52. Though the dedicated graphics are lacking, we were glad the elegant notebook did well in terms of performance and features considering its fairly affordable S$2,499 (US$1,839.89) price.

Editors' note: The Joybook S52 comes in two configurations, the S52-E01 and the S52-E03. The E01 (S$2,499 (US$1,839.89)) comes with a 60GB hard drive and DVD/CD-RW combo drive while the E03 (S$2,699 (US$1,987.15)) is fitted with an 80GB drive and DVD±RW burner.

	The spacious keyboard of the BenQ Joybook S52

Design
The BenQ Joybook S52 is one sturdy notebook that manages a fine balance between aesthetics and build. The S52's frame measures 324 x 227.7 x 36.9mm, fits in a 13-inch widescreen and weighs a fairly light 2.26kg (with the 6-cell battery). Though not as dazzling as the Toshiba Qosmio E10's 600 nits of brightness, 200 nits was enough to suit our needs for screen clarity. We did have a problem with the latchless lid which closed not with a reassuring clunk but more with an irritating dose of clicks.

As with the many BenQ notebooks, there's no pointing stick though there's a slightly wider touchpad than usual. As for the keys, they give light tactile feedback, but on the bright side, each gives you enough space to type to ensure fewer mistakes are made when rushing a report. Layout-wise, the top left holds two customizable quick launch buttons and a power key which glows blue when the laptop is on.

	The right side of the front edge holds the 5-in-1 card reader.

Features
This Joybook is BenQ's first Sonoma offering built with a Pentium M processor 730 (1.6GHz), a minimal 256MB RAM (though our test unit came with 512MB), and a large 80GB hard drive. We were a tad disappointed to see no dedicated graphics so users will have to be content with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. If you need graphical power, we suggest the older 14-inch BenQ Joybook 7000 running on the 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9700. The S52-E03 comes with a DVD±RW burner (with no dual-layer support) while the less expensive S52-E01 sports a DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

The notebook came with a decent array of connectivity options in the form of two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, VGA-out, Ethernet, modem and port replicator connector. Though there's no S-video out, we were pleased to find a 5-in-1 card reader supporting SD/MS/MS PRO/MMC/xD formats. As for networking, there's no Bluetooth here but you get a choice of 802.11b/g wireless LAN, 10/100 fast Ethernet and a modem to keep you happy.

For audio, BenQ adds a built-in SRS 3D audio for surround sound. This can be a good feature if you want people a few meters away to hear what's happening though sound clarity is compromised. Thankfully, you have the option to turn it off if you need to.

Performance And Battery Life
MobileMark 2002 was used to test the performance and battery life. We were content with the performance score of 203 churned out. This fits in well with other 1.6GHz thin-and-lights lying in the 190 to 230 range, though we have a rough idea that Sonoma notebooks don't necessarily perform any better than the old Centrinos.

Battery life was neither too good nor too bad at 197 minutes (approx. 3.25 hours). We'd have liked a little more juice from the 6-cell battery given that some thin-and-lights hit the 4-hour mark.

Service And Support
A standard one-year carry-in warranty for parts and labor is provided. On BenQ's Web site, you can get access to the S52's drivers, firmware updates and manual. FAQ, warranty and contact center information are provided. For product enquiries, you have a section called "Ask The Expert" to cater to your needs.

Along with Windows XP Home Edition, the Joybook bundles an assortment of software such as PowerDirector 3, Nero OEM Suite, QPower and QMusic. DVD playback is handled by PowerDVD while DVD editing is managed by PowerProducer Express and the Nero software where home movies, photos or other data can be transferred to DVDs or CDs.