IBM, Sharp Ultraslim Units Don't Hit All The High Notes

Working under these conditions has become the norm lately, but with advances in ultra-mobile notebook technology, there are highly integrated notebooks out there capable of providing users with the functionality they need in a small, lightweight design. CRN Test Center engineers evaluated two ultraslim notebooks that provide excellent portability and adequate functionality. The IBM X40 and Sharp's Actius MM20P are geared towards almost any market, from small individual sales to large corporate notebook rollouts, but the small form factors can introduct some drawbacks.

IBM X40
The IBM X40 is a Centrino-branded notebook based on a 1.4GHz Intel Pentium M processor. It features 512 Mbytes of PC2700 DDRSDRAM, though unfortunately this memory is not upgradeable. The thin, light notebook also features a 30-Gbyte 4200rpm hard drive, a built-in 56K modem and Ethernet NIC. The X40 runs Microsoft Windows XP Professional. The X40 also features the Centrino-mandated built-in Intel 802.11b/g wireless module. Because the X40 is ultraportable, the machine does not include an integrated optical drive; however, users can incorporate a docking station, which includes a combo CD-RW/DVD combo drive, a. bay for charging additional batteries and a 3-port USB 2.0 hub. Users can also purchase a portable USB 2.0 CD/DVD rewritable drive.

There are two battery options; a standard four-cell battery which brings the total weight of the unit to 2.7 pounds, or an eight-cell battery which brings the total weight to around 3 pounds. The battery life on the unit was diappointing, however, and ran down quickly, even when it was fully charged.

Another gripe is that the X40 does not feature a track pad, only a small, difficult-to-maneuver pointer. IBM's PartnerWorld program offers integrators demonstration units, sales and technical training, pre- and post-sales support, competitive tools and co-marketing funds. IBM did not disclose average margin information. The X40 is priced at $2079 and comes with a three year warranty.

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Sharp Actius MM20P
The Actius MM20P from Sharp is priced at $1,599. Test Center engineers find that Sharp's notebooks are among the lightest, most dazzling they've reviewed. The unit is less than an inch thick and weighs about 2 pounds.

The GP22W features a 1.0GHz Transmeta Efficeion TM8600 processor with 512Mbytes of memory, but again, the memory is not expandable. Test Center engineers found the processor was substandard and not up to par with the rest of the system. It also includes a 20 Gbyte hard drive and runs Microsoft XP Home Edition.

The Sharp GP22W features a cradle, which connects to a host PC--a desktop machine, for example--giving a user instant access to the notebook's hard drive. For example, a user could import a file from the host PC to the notebook simply by dragging and dropping the file. CRN Test Center engineers noticed that the batteries in ultraslim notebooks usually offer poor performance, and the Sharp machine was no exception.

Sharp's multitier channel program separates partners based on distributor or reseller status. Sharp provides advance notice of new products and technologies, product training, sales and marketing support and marketing co-op funds. The company did not disclose reseller margins. The Actius MM20P is covered by a one-year express exchange warranty.

IBM ThinkPad X40 Authorization requirements: None Distributors/Integrators: CDW, Ingram Micro, Insight, Synnex., Tech Data Company: IBM Location: Armonk, N.Y. Phone:1-888-SHOPIBM Tech Rating: 4 stars Channel Rating: 4 stars

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Sharp Actius MM20P
COMPANY: Sharp
Huntington Beach, Calif.
1-800-BE-SHARP
DISTRIBUTORS: ICG, Ingram Micro, PC Wholesale, Transcosmos
AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: None
TECH RATING:


CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10