Hands-On Review: SOTEC 3120X Notebook
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Offering a powerful system that weighs 4.4 lbs., is 1.3" thin, comes in an attractive and sturdy magnesium alloy casing, and costs under $1,000, the SOTEC 3120X notebook is the answer to a lot of educators' and students' prayers. It features a 12.1" XGA TFT screen and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive that allows you to view DVDs or burn CDs anytime, anywhere without additional hardware. The notebook is powered by a 1.2 GHz Mobile Intel Celeron Processor with a 20 GB hard drive, and includes a 56K modem, a 10/100 network card, three USB ports, a LAN port, as well as built-in stereo speakers and a microphone. In addition, the 3120X comes loaded with Microsoft XP Home Edition, and useful programs such as Roxio Easy CD Creator and InterVideo's WinDVD.
One of the best things about this ultraportable notebook is that it has a full-sized keyboard and a large Synaptics TouchPad with scroll buttons, which give it the feel of a larger laptop. The notebook also offers four convenient instant-access quick buttons that connect you to your e-mail, Web browsing, online searches and favorite Web links. It comes with a compact Smart Lithium-Ion battery that is easily changed, and can run at full power for more than three hours. Overall, the SOTEC 3120X's portability, power and price make it a great new or additional notebook for any budget-conscious educator.
â Matthew Miller
Contact Information
SOTEC America Inc.
Foothill Ranch, CA
(949) 462-2381
www.sotecglobal.com
This article originally appeared in the 02/01/2003 issue of THE Journal.