BenQ Joybook 7000 Notebook Review Posted!

[Dashken]

You followed our journey to the Loss of Joy (Episode II of the Notebook Purchase Fiasco). Now read the review!

Join Peaz as he explores the features of the BenQ Joybook 7000 and find out of it was worth all the anguish and pain.

Link : BenQ Joybook 7000 Notebook Review!

[siddiq]

ive been waiting for this

interesting got remote control also. the unique hinge and the CD/DVD+RW Combo Drive for that price.

[zy]

finally .. waited for this review & its here

[Adrian Wong]

Ahh.. Something new to report.

Today, I turned on my Joybook 7000 to check my WiFi module (which failed to work at Starbucks last night). It booted up nicely and after the WiFi module connected to my network for about 10 secs, the notebook suddenly powered off and REFUSED to power on!

Of course, I panicked... All my work in there. Gone case, I thought. I tried removing the A/C power but to no avail. It just wouldn't boot up. So, I took it straight to HighPoint.

Luckily, over there, the nice technician discovered it was the battery... some contact problem.

To get the notebook started, he merely removed the battery and started it up using AC power. I should have thought of that!

[zy]

so .. are they gonna replace your battery ?

[peaz]

WOW.. that's a weird problem.... How was is possible that the Battery made ur notebook unable to power up???

[Adrian Wong]

No idea.

They are not going to change it just yet. But if it happens again, I can request for a replacement.

[elton]

I like the remote controller which can hide in the laptop....Other is just like normal, the holding for LCD doesn't look that strong, coz i saw IBM is using steal to hold the LCD screen. How is joybook??/

[peaz]

Originally Posted by elton

I like the remote controller which can hide in the laptop....Other is just like normal, the holding for LCD doesn't look that strong, coz i saw IBM is using steal to hold the LCD screen. How is joybook??/

The screen is bright, one of the brightest I've seen. The LCD is pretty good. nice viewing angle but still losses to the high end fujitsus and Toshiba (those that does not use matte surface but looks glossy one).

As for the latch, yes, i would wish that they could use steel too. BUT, it's suprisingly sturdy and strong. Definately unlike Dell or even Acer. Also, it's partly made of mag alloy if i'm not mistaken.

Basically, everything is pretty good. I'm very satisfied with the notebook. This is basically the only BenQ notebook I can safely recommend. Forget about all the other models. they are pretty crappy, the build and all.

The key reason is that it's using a mag alloy chasis. and that is one hell of a factor when it comes to build quality. Even IBM's R series is not as good. Actually, only IBM's T series is nice... I'm now using the X series in my new company and i don't like it at all. It's small, but feels filmsy.

[m00j]

Yay! the review is finally here!

A few other things to note, specifically for fellow Aussies looking for this laptop:

In Australia the following things are different:
512Mb RAM (mine had 2x256Mb Samsung sticks)
4x Super Multi Drive (i.e. burns CD, DVD+R/W, DVD-R/W and DVD-RAM)
Intel B/G wireless chip (most Aussie retailers are stating ABG but it is not true)
Windows XP PRO
NO Carry bag (some places are offering it, but they are expensive).

The easiest way to get one in Australia is from Retravision. You should be able to pick one up for $2400. You can save another $100 if you shop around though (uMart in Brisbane have em cheaper).


I have found the remote to be a little flimsy and not work all that well all the time. It is sometimes hard to press the buttons and get it to work.


Also, I found that if you uninstall QMedia and install the Microsoft Keyboard software you can gain full control over all 4 hotkeys and then you don't have the QMedia thing annoying you all the time.

Also for reference the review did not mention the other software that comes standard. You get QMediaCenter which is sort of like Windows Media Centre edition, a BenQ update program (which does not seem to work) and Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2004.

On the scales mine weighs in at 2.2Kg.

Gaming performance is decent but nothing compared to my 6800GT in my desktop This machine can easily handle 60+FPS in Half Life 2 multiplayer when you set the detail settings to low and play at the screens native resolution. You could probably even pull of medium without too much trouble.

As for the drive popping open problem – I have not experienced that myself yet. I actually have trouble opening my drive as the button is flush with the case

One thing I would have preferred is for the battery to be centred and not have the foot attached to it. That way when you were using it at a power point for extended periods of time you could remove the battery.


I did a lot of research on what laptop I should buy and the BenQ joybook 7000 was by far the one that came closest. I wanted something light, around 1.6Centrino speeds, 512Gb, and the ability to game on it. The only other laptop that meets all these specifications is the Sony S series which was around 60 - 70% dearer.