Make Room For New Notebook Computers

Gateway and MPC Computers (formerly Micron PC), both direct-sales proponents since the early days of the PC, are now embracing the channel with new programs and impressive notebook computers. Add to the mix a powerful new UltraSPARC notebook from Naturetech, and solution providers have plenty of new choices in the notebook space.

Naturetech's NCM-767C is a serious notebook, intended for Unix environments or for applications that demand extreme computing horsepower. The unit is loaded with a 64-bit, 650MHz UltraSPARC IIi processor, 2 Gbytes of memory and a 40-Gbyte hard drive. It comes loaded with Sun Solaris 8 and will run Solaris 9. StarOffice is included, as is a high-quality leather notebook bag emblazoned with an UltraSPARC patch. Several versions are available, but the model examined by the CRN Test Center features a high-resolution, 15-inch screen with a native resolution of 1,400 x 1,050 pixels.

MARC SPIWAK Technical Editor

One could buy 10 common notebooks for the price of the NCM-767C, but it is one of the most powerful mobile platforms available and is excellent for data-intensive scientific analysis applications.

Customers looking for more a conventional notebook computer might like Gateway's Model 600.

Loaded with a 2.4GHz mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor and 512 Mbytes of memory, the Model 600 is powerful. It also has a 30-Gbyte hard drive, 15-inch XGA (1,024 x 768) display, 56K modem, 10/100-Mbps NIC, two PC card slots and a FireWire port. Other ports include SVGA out, serial, parallel, composite video, S/PDIF digital audio and two USB ports. The 600 features both a built-in floppy drive and a DVD-CD/RW drive. Gateway loads the unit with Windows XP Home Edition and Microsoft Works Suite 2003.

MPC TRANSPORT T2000 CRN Test Center Recommended

Size-wise, this notebook is about as grand as they come. The 600 is a true desktop-replacement notebook with a full-size keyboard, so it's a pleasure to use on the desktop but not so pleasurable to carry. It measures about 14 x 11.5 x 1.7 inches and weighs 8 pounds, including the DVD-CD/RW drive, floppy drive and battery. Trimming the unit's external dimensions would make it more portable.

MPC's TransPort T2000 is more visually appealing than Gateway's unit. It is much sleeker and lighter, yet it sports the same-size screen. The TransPort's 15-inch screen actually has a higher native resolution at 1,400 x 1,050 pixels, resulting in a sharper-looking display. The T2000 packs a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 processor and as much as 1 Gbyte of memory. It also features a 64-Mbyte ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 graphics accelerator, integrated 802.11b wireless and a FireWire and two USB ports. The T2000 also features an integrated biometrics fingerprint scanner, which can be used in place of or in conjunction with a password.

While the Naturetech notebook excels in the Unix environment, the MPC and Gateway units are excellent options for general use. For customers looking for a desktop replacement, the Gateway 600, especially with its large area for users to rest their hands, is a fine solution. For people who travel a lot but don't want to compromise on performance or feature set, the TransPort T2000, with its sleek external dimensions, is the answer.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
> MPC TRANSPORT T2000
PRICE: $2,525
WARRANTY: 3 years parts, repair, tech support
DISTRIBUTORS: Insight, Tech Data
TECH RATING: *****
CHANNEL RATING: ****

CHANNEL OVERVIEW:Nampa, Idaho-based MPC entered the channel in early 2002 and has quickly built a robust, support-rich channel program. Notebooks can be ordered through MPC's distributors, directly from the vendor or through MPC's Build to Order offering. Three levels of sales and marketing support are available, and MPC customizes this support and offers flexible pricing to help secure particular sales. The vendor provides frequent road maps to keep partners up to date on product changes. --Michael Gros

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.

> GATEWAY 600
PRICE: $2,314

WARRANTY: 1 year parts, labor, tech support
DISTRIBUTORS: Direct from vendor
TECH RATING: ****
CHANNEL RATING: **

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Poway, Calif.-based Gateway is intently eyeing the channel and plans on establishing a channel program focused on the SMB market by the fourth quarter of 2003. The program is in the early stage of development, and details have yet to be set. "Gateway is moving toward branded, integrated hardware and software solutions, and so we need integrators to be involved," said Errett Kroeter, director of partner program management. --Michael Gros

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.

> NATURETECH NCM-767C
PRICE: $9,570
WARRANTY: 1 year parts, labor; 6 months battery
DISTRIBUTORS: Michael Craige Corp., Nextcom
TECH RATING:
CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Taiwan-based Naturetech sells its UltraSPARC notebook computers through Michael Craige Corp. and Nextcom, which provide configuration and support. That support includes free phone-based technical assistance during business hours, basic sales materials and joint sales calls via phone. --Michael Gros

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.