A Notebook-Netbook Cross

Built around a 13.3-inch display and full-size keyboard, the Nexlink Cobalt 133 is roughly comparable to a legal-size notebook. But absent an optical drive, we're tempted to call it a netbook. In reality, it's somewhere in between. The handsome unit from system integrator Seneca Data is well-equipped and delivered snappy performance in tests, but is not without its foibles.

Designed with Intel's so-called Spring Peak platform, the Cobalt packs an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, GS4500 graphics circuit and 64-bit Windows 7. The unit was responsive, irrespective of a relatively low combined Geekbench 2.1.4 score of 1,652. We typically expect similarly equipped machines to turn in at least 2,400; some even double that. Still, the newest in the company's ultraportable series is not in the least bit dated. Ports include eSATA for transfer rates up to 3 Gbps. This makes it practical for full system backup of the unit's 320-GB SATA drive, and whenever USB's 12-Mbps rate won't cut it. HDMI, VGA and ExpressCard 34 ports and three-way card reader add expansion versatility.

With its textured outer skin, it's easy to grasp the 13.25-by-9.5-by-1-inch system, which alone weighs just 3.75 pounds; 4.5 pounds with its small power brick. We also like lids that don't require a button-press to open, as here. Inside reveals a wide, bright LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is good for multitasking, working on spreadsheets and viewing wide-screen media. On that subject, the fully charged lithium-ion battery in the Cobalt with power-saving features disabled played video continuously for about 2.5 hours before it conked out.

Nice touches include a screen cloth and a dedicated "all radios off" button, handy for air travel and general power conservation. We also like that no connections are on the front or rear, which tend to be stressful areas. The unit is power-efficient, sipping just 14 watts. Surprisingly, the thermals are a bit on the high side, with the bottom right side reaching as high as 106 degrees.

Now some negatives:

Indicator lights are not visible when the cover is closed, a minor nit perhaps, but there's no way to tell without opening the cover if it's charging or sleeping, for example. The Backspace key, which is normally near the upper-right corner, has been supplanted by the Home key in a nonstandard column that includes PageUp/Down and End. We kept hitting Home instead of Backspace. Annoying. Also, there's no user manual. Instead, a leaflet provides support info and an overview of the unit and most of its ports. The Express-Card 34 slot is not documented. Keyboard controls to vary brightness don't include an "off" position and the lid seems a tad flimsy.

Reseller cost starts at $750 for a unit that includes a single-core Pentium D, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 320-GB SATA drive, 2 GB DDR3 RAM and Windows 7 Pro. The Nexlink Cobalt 133 is available now with two- and three-year warranty options. The systems integrator in late March is set to begin shipping a 15.6-inch version of the unit along with docking stations for both.

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