which sticks out about an inch from the back of the unit

Calendar September 7, 2010 | Posted by admin

Hopefully you won’t need it; the built-in ShockShield Data Protection aims to prevent data loss and allows for some of the inevitable rough handling.

The nVidia GPU is a step up from integrated graphics, and will handle light 3D gaming if you don’t mind dialing back the resolution and eye candy.

Our N200 delivered a playable 34 frames per second (fps) on F.E.A.R. at 640×480 resolution with the effects set to a mix of medium and minimum.

Our configuration came with Windows Vista Home Premium, a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Works 9.0, and a trial version of Norton 360. Gateway backs the UC Series with a one year warranty on parts and labor.

The GPU easily handled Vista’ Aero effects, even with multiple windows open at once. Similarly, with all the eye candy set to maximum levels, it produced a speedy score of 106fps on our F.E.A.R. test.

The N200’s nine-cell battery, which sticks out about an inch from the back of the unit, lasted just over 2.5 hours on our DVD rundown test; it should last closer to 4 hours in typical use.

We had a copy of XP Professional to spare, but if you don’t have that or XP Home Edition (or a dispensation for Linux), you’ll have to factor in that cost, too. (And we must reiterate: If you intend to install the OS from a CD, make sure you have an external optical drive or know someone who can lend you one.)

But assuming you already have some of the right spare parts, the Neutrino is a good way to get a competitive netbook for less than the going rate.

On the first of our real-world gaming tests, Company of Heroes, it scored a very nice 139 frames per second (fps) on the DirectX 9 (DX9) version of the test and an excellent 51.2fps under DirectX 10 (DX10).

When we ran our second gaming test, Far Cry 2, the G73Jh scored a strong 92fps for DX9 and 53fps for DX10. Considering the price, these are all very impressive scores. Only the most expensive laptops, such as the $4,849 Alienware M17x, trump these numbers.

A dongle is included to convert the HDMI port to VGA, something you’ll likely need to remember to bring along if you use the Envy 15 for presentations.

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