The holiday season may be nearing the end, but it doesn’t mean the gifts have stopped coming. This morning the netbook stork dropped off a little bundle of Joy (puns haven’t been this good since the MSI Wind first blew into town) – the BenQ JoyBook Lite U101. Straight from Taiwan, the JoyBook Lite U101 appears to be just another 10-inch netbook but it has a few special perks that could separate it from the crowd.

We will be posting our full review of the netbook in the next day or so, but for now here are our first impressions and a hands-on video. Enjoy (last pun we promise)!

Wordsearch Styled, Lid
BenQ, like us, must have felt that netbooks were starting to look too similar to each other. The JoyBook Lite’s lid sports an “emoticon design.” Small symbols (reminiscent of the Wing ding’s font) are imprinted in the navy blue (also available in white, black, and pink) lid. After giving the lid some really careful inspection, we realized that the words “Joybook Lite” are spelled out in a diagonal pattern. It reminds us of a WordSearch. The lid design is different (and I like it), but we aren’t sure it will appeal to everyone.

The 10-inch netbook weighs 2.6-pounds (3.2-pounds with its AC adapter). It measures 10.1 x 7.44 x 1.25-inches. When placed next to the MSI Wind, it appears wider but thinner.

Disappointing Keyboard and Trackpad
BenQ may claim that the keyboard on the JoyBook lite is 90-percent full size, but it is more comparable to that on 8.9-inch netbooks. There is space on both sides of the keyboard which could and should have been used to extend the panel. Additionally, the right Shift key has been shrunken and is placed to the right of the up arrow key. Beyond all of that, the keys are comfortable and we were able to type this post at a decent speed.

The trackpad, while small, was fine for navigating around the desktop. However, the single mouse bar is extremely loud.

16:9 Aspect Ratio Display
The JoyBook Lite’s 10.2-inch display has a 16:9 aspect ratio with a native resolution of 1024 x 576 (most netbooks come have a 1024 x 600 resolution). One of the first 10-inch netbooks with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the JoyBook will allow for viewing movies or DVD (using an external optical drive) without the small borders along the top of the screen. While this aspect ratio on larger 16-inch notebooks makes a difference, we don’t really see the benefit of this on a smaller screen that one won’t frequently watch DVD or high-def movies on.

Additionally, subtraction of 24 vertical pixels limits the amount of space you have vertically on the screen. Check out the screen captures below comparing the NYTimes.com homepage on the JoyBook’s screen and the 1024 x 600 screen on the MSI Wind. The Wind grabs at least one more line of text on the page (you can see the caption below Michael Phelps on the Wind but not on the BenQ). More scrolling is in order on the JoyBook. If you can look past the missing vertical pixels, the glossy LED screen is bright and pleasant to use.

Initial Performance Impressions, Easy Modding
We are in the process of running benchmarks on the JoyBook Lite, but in our short hands-on, it provided the netbook performance we have come to expect from a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor bundled with Windows XP. Our unit seems to be registering 1.5GB of RAM, though according to BenQ’s site it has a maximum of 1GB. Writing this post in Microsoft Word 2003 (a full version oddly came with the netbook!) while listening to tunes over Slacker.com in Firefox was smooth. The 160GB hard drive booted the Windows XP Home operating system in a not-too-shabby 45 seconds (see the video below)

A first look around the system also indicates that it could be a modder’s paradise. On the backside of the system are two slots – one that is labeled SSD and another that opens up to the RAM, etc. BenQ covers the SSD slot with a sticker that says “Warranty Void if Seal Damaged.” Oh well!

The SSD slot is empty but has a PATA/ZIF slot and room for a very tiny, 1.8-inch disk. The RAM slot has access to an open mini-PCI-e slot that could potentially accommodate a PCI-e SSD card or 3G modem (there is a SIM card slot behind the battery). If you take off the battery, you can also access the laptop’s 2.5-inch hard drive (see more pictures in the gallery).

Early Verdict
The BenQ JoyBook U101 shows some early weaknesses, including a troublesome keyboard. We also don’t really see the benefit of having a 16:9 aspect ratio on a netbook. But other than that, BenQ’s stylish lid, free reign to exchange its internal components and basic netbook performance is bound to pull in some fans.

Review Video:

The BenQ JoyBook is an excellent all-rounder at an affordable price, attempting to cater to the widest user base possible. Unfortunately, this also means that it had become a Jack of all trades, master of none. For users with more specific needs, like security or hardcore gaming, the JoyBook X31 just falls a little short of perfection.

When we first heard that the X31 holds the high-end Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT video card, gaming was the first to come to mind. But then we learned that it uses a low-voltage processor and fingerprint sensor, we suspected that it was also gunning for corporate users, except that it lacks strong security features and docking options. The touch-sensitive multimedia buttons and HDMI output hint at an entertainment focus, except that it forgot to include a TV tuner or remote control.

According to BenQ, the X31 is targeted at professional graphics designers, gamers as well as students. But we felt the X31 is suited only for the last group. At S$2,299 (US$1,538.51), it is possibly one of the cheapest thin-and-light laptop with an integrated optical drive and discrete graphics performance. Its nearest competitor, the LG P300, holds the same distinction except that it costs a whopping S$3,799 (US$2,542.33). Even Dell finds it hard to compete as its popular XPS M1330 costs a few hundred more despite having a much less powerful video card.

Design

Despite its low price, we’re glad BenQ did not skimp when it came to designing the chassis. Bucking the trend of glossy surfaces, the magnesium-aluminum chassis has a low-maintenance matt body. The top cover has a nice rubberized brown paint job, which reminds us of the kind used in the military that doesn’t require constant cleaning and is a little resilient to scratches. Weighing in at 1.95kg with a footprint of 320 x 229 x 25.3mm, it may not be the lightest 13.3-incher in the market. But with its discrete graphics chipset and integrated optical drive it is an easy compromise to forgive.

Thanks to LED backlighting technology invading laptop displays, the X31 has a very slim LCD which can be tilted a full 180 degrees. An integrated Webcam with a microphone sits above the 13.3-inch panel. Like many entertainment laptops today, the multimedia controls are now touch-sensitive and glow with a blue light when powered up. Though we agree that the slot-in DVD drive adds a little snob appeal to the device, we have our concerns that frequent loading and unloading of discs may result in some scratching.

The full-sized keyboard is comfortable to work with, while the trackpad is reasonably responsive. Though it may not turn heads like the Sony VAIO SZ series, or have as many color options as the Dell XPS M1330, the simple and functional design of the JoyBook X31 more than serves its purpose without requiring frequent cleaning.

Features

The JoyBook X31 is a mixed bag of gaming, entertainment and business features. This is great if you are a student looking for a general purpose machine at an affordable cost. Unfortunately, it also means that if your needs are more specific, the JoyBook X31 probably won’t be able to deliver.

For gamers looking for a thin-and-light capable of rendering graphics with the best of them, their only choice used to be the LG P300 which, unfortunately, was priced above larger but more powerful machines such as the XPS M1530. The S$2,299 (US$1,538.51) JoyBook X31 is a lot more affordable, while its high-end Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card with 256MB of discrete memory can handle even the latest titles (though not at maximum resolution and texture settings). However, this is where the BenQ hits its first stumbling block.

By going with the low-voltage Core 2 Duo processor to preserve battery life, the X31 removes one of the two foundations of a gaming machine. While the graphics processor handles the eye candy and is the most prominent component when it comes to games, the processor is fundamental in calculating in-game physics as well as the raw number-crunching power needed to realistically simulate the virtual environment. This may be the reason the X31, despite its graphics card, can only handle Crysis at 20fps on medium setting at 1,280 x 720 resolution. It also runs exceptionally hot, though this is to be expected due to its powerful graphics engine.

Recently showcased at the Product Demonstration 2008, Joybook S33 is the fashionable notebook from BenQ which featuring 13.3-inch screen display with BenQ’s UltraVivid technology with DBEF(Display Brilliance Enhancement Film) that enables increased screen brightness and sharpened details.

Powered by Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400, the S33 supports Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. Other features included SRS TruSurround XT technology with a built-in 1.5W stereo speaker and a 2-megapixel webcam. BenQ Joybook S33 comes in two different colors such as white and navy.

When we reviewed the JoyBook S41 17 months ago, it was one of the first to insert a high-end discrete graphics processor in a 14.1-inch laptop. Moreover, at just over S$2,000 (US$1,338.42), it was also very affordable considering that larger machines with the same video performance cost much more.

The Taiwan company is at it again and the latest update, the JoyBook S42, continues the tradition of equipping a thin-and-light with high-end video performance. Thanks to the latest Centrino 2 platform, this machine also has a new trick up its sleeve in the form of Hybrid Graphics. Surprisingly, BenQ also managed to make this S$1,888 (US$1,263.47) machine significantly cheaper than its predecessor.

Design

The S42 uses the same chassis as the JoyBook S41, and hence is a virtual twin of the latter, save for the top cover. While the attractiveness of the polka dot theme on the S41 was debatable, we had no issues with the new blue vein pattern on the S42. Though the cover sports a glossy surface, we were glad to see that it doesn’t pick up finger oils easily and is relatively scratch-resistant. We liked the fact that the machine is built to withstand 50kg of pressure as well as drop-tested at 30cm, making it a hardy machine suitable for the knocks and bumps of urban travel. The aluminum palm rest is a great way to finish off an aesthetically pleasing design.

However, there have been some compromises made to fit a high-end graphics card in a portable form factor. In order to ensure proper ventilation, the body is thicker at 38.7mm compared with most other 14.1-inch machines, though the carry weight was kept at a reasonable 2.05kg. The lack of multimedia and application shortcut keys also means that simple tasks like volume control and brightness settings require two buttons to be pressed. The latter omission is lamentable, it’s not a deal-breaker for most.

Features

Though it is almost identical to the S41 when it comes to feature set, there are some upgrades which deserve special mention. For one, the resolution of the integrated Webcam has been bumped up from 1.3 megapixels to 2 megapixels. The other notable change is in its display.

One of the main drawbacks in the early days of LCD technology was the ghosting effect. This occurred when the LCD pixels were unable to switch on and off fast enough for the video, hence creating a fuzzy image especially for fast-moving graphics. The minimum response time to eliminate ghosting is 12ms. The 14.1-inch screen on the JoyBook S42 has a response time of 8ms, making it suitable for action movies as well as intense gaming sessions. Moreover, the backlights are now powered by LED instead of the older CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) technology. This not only allows the display to save power, it’s also brighter at 220nits compared with the standard 200nits found on other CCFL-backlit machines.

However, a great screen is pointless if the underlying graphics engine (GPU) is powerful enough only for Word documents or Excel spreadsheets. Fortunately, this is one area where the S42 performs. Decked out with a 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT video processor, this thin-and-light has enough raw power for gaming and even high-definition movie viewing, though you might want to hook up to an external full-HD display via the VGA or HDMI port in the latter scenario as the built-in LCD is capable only of 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution. Blu-ray movies are a no-go, either, as the laptop comes with a DVD writer without the option to upgrade to the next-generation optical standard. Another caveat is that the laptop runs rather hot while the GPU is on full blast, though that is to be expected from fitting in a relatively high-end video chip inside a portable form factor.

Because this laptop is built on the new Centrino 2 platform with Hybrid Graphics technology, the machine automatically switches to the integrated Intel video processor when running on battery to conserve power. Simply hook up the notebook to AC power to activate the discrete GPU. If you need to use the discrete Nvidia GeForce chip while on battery, you’ll need to customize the power profiles.

Review Video:

A fantastic specification notebook with all the trimmings you’d expect to find on more expensive notebooks, the Joybook 8100-V13 has a 15.4in widescreen WXGA with native 1280 x 800 resolution. With ATI’s Mobility RADEON 9600 graphics, boasting 64MB dedicated video memory, it’s great for DVD playback or gaming — the unit returned 9,502 marks under 3DMark01SE Pro, more than enough to provide comfortable gameplay with a decent number of fps even in recent games. BenQ has gone as far as to include not just a DVD-ROM for DVD movie playback, but an optical DVD writer, capable of 2-speed DVD+R media writing, ideal for both business archiving or for personal backup.

As attractive as it is functional, this notebook is sure to impress with its speed, features and great looks.

The beauty of simple
The Joybook A52E’s black sheen suggests nothing so much as the sleek surfaces of a piano, the inspiration for its appearance. When the lid with its glistening silvery highlights is opened up, the resemblance becomes even more striking. Even the elegantly laid-out keyboard suggests the musical instrument, completing a design that mingles impeccable taste and visual grace.

Technology made classic
The BenQ Joybook A52E series features a 15.4″ extra-bright glossy widescreen display and exquisitely crafted keyboard. The display uses an LCD with a fastest 16ms response time, drawing on a graphics subsystem based on the ATI Radeon® Xpress 200M. Joybook A52E with Microsoft’s new Windows Vista™ operating system has been subjected to a rigorous battery of more than 25 tests to ensure it meets the highest standard in all aspects. Through every detail, this instant mobile computing classic conveys a perfect harmony of advanced technology and artful design.

When technology finds beauty
The keyboard on the Joybook A52E series provides just the right amount of spring for comfortable typing on the beautifully sculpted keys. And design touches like the subtle mesh texture in the area above the keyboard make this notebook a splendid melding of high technology and refined aesthetics.

UltraVivid technology for video with real-life impact
The Joybook A52E’s gorgeous 15.4″ screen benefits from BenQ’s exclusive UltraVivid technology, with DBEF™ (Display Brilliance Enhancement Film) increasing screen brightness and sharpening details. The result is a scintillating viewing experience whatever is on screen.

World’s fastest response time at 16 milliseconds
With an industry-best 16ms response time, the advanced LCD in the BenQ Joybook A52E ensures fluid, artifact-free video even displaying fast-moving dynamic content such as games and movies.

ATI Radeon® Xpress 200M

With its ATI Radeon® Xpress 200M, the Joybook A52E provides ample graphics power for the hottest games and DVD movie viewing.

Specification:

• CPU: Intel® Celeron® M Processor 440
• Chipset: ATI® RC415MD
• Graphic Chip: ATI Radeon® Xpress 200M (shared VGA memory, max. to 128M)
• Memory: DDRII-667 512MB (max to 2.0 GB)
• Hard Drive: 80 GB (5400RPM-SATA)
• Optical Drive: 8X DVD Super-Multi (Support Double Layer)
• Screen Size: 15.4″ UltraVivid* widescreen display
• Resolution: WXGA(1280×800)
• Brightness: 200nit

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic

The Joybook R58 is designed to suit discriminating taste. With its exquisite design, featuring both gorgeous visuals and sumptuous textures, this is one brilliantly realized laptop you’re sure to take a shine to.

Add some sparkle
Even a cursory glance at the Joybook R58 reveals that it’s no ordinary laptop. Your eyes will delight in the star-like sparkles seeming to glimmer beneath the surface of the lid. Then open up the Joybook R58 to behold and let your hands be pampered by the delicate weave-textured palm rest.

Take it easy on your fingers
With key spacing actually greater than standard, the R58’s keyboard provides a superior typing experience. In addition to greater comfort, you get reduced typing errors and faster typing speeds. And when you need to enter numerical data, the numeric keypad saves time and improves ease of use.

Surround yourself in sound
Devoted to providing a delightful sensory experience, the R58 does not neglect to please the ears. Whether you’re listening to your favorite music or viewing a beloved film on DVD, you’ll feel immersed in captivating sound thanks to the surround-sound effects delivered by SRS TruSurround HD™ and SRS Headphone 360™ technology.

Although it lacks the pizzazz of BenQ’s Joybook S41 V18 and Joybook S32W-PV14 notebooks, the BenQ Joybook R56-BV04 business notebook still has some juice under the lid and its clean-slate feel will appeal to those looking for a simple, but powerful notebook machine.

The design is very much BenQ’s old-school blue-silver layout, but there’s very little else to evoke nostalgia. In fact, with features like its HDMI port and, even more impressive, its e-SATA port, the Joybook R56 is making one small step for BenQ and one fair leap for notebook-kind.

The most interesting feature for this notebook is probably e-SATA as there are currently very few notebooks that offer it, and the ones we have seen are gaming or entertainment notebooks, which are typically more powerful (see also the HP Pavilion HDX9003TX and the ASUS G2S). The e-SATA port has a theoretical maximum speed of 3GBps as opposed to USB 2.0, which has only 480MBps. Devices, such as the Vantec NexStar 3 NST-360SU-BK can be connected via the e-SATA port and are great for transferring large amounts of data in a short time.

Although this unit is not designed as a multimedia device or media centre of sorts, as a computer it is capable. For instance there’s plenty of room on the 160GB hard drive to store movies or music, and of course there’s the DVD re-writer, which will burn discs and play DVD movies. The internal speakers aren’t really noteworthy, but you can always plug in a pair of headphones.

With the HDMI port this experience can be continued at home. Plugging the notebook into your TV or home theatre via HDMI gives you all the benefits of a computer with the quality of your home entertainment setup. If your work requires video conferencing or you’re an avid video chat user you’ll appreciate the 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the screen.

An Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 2GHz CPU with an 800MHz front side bus and a 4MB L2 cache gives this unit most of its grunt, and the 1GB of DDR2 RAM helps. A basic, NVIDIA 8400M G handles the graphics, rather than using Intel’s onboard graphics.

In our benchmarks the Joybook R56 performed well. The score of 74 in WorldBench 6 indicates this machine has plenty of potential. Applications, such as word processors and Web browsers will run without issues and you may even get some reasonable performance out of more taxing applications like Adobe Photoshop.

In the encoding tests we saw reasonable results. Audio encoding is a function primarily handled by the CPU and is a gauge of its performance. These results also give you an idea of how long it might take to load your CD library to this notebook. Using iTunes to encode 53 minutes worth of WAV files to 192Kbps MP3 files took just 89 seconds, while in Cdex, which only uses one core of the CPU took 128 seconds.

Battery tests returned average results. In our DVD rundown test the BenQ Joybook lasted just 84 minutes. This test is particularly draining on the battery and is considered a worst-case scenario, so you can expect longer life from everyday usage.

The keyboard is quite comfortable to type on over extended periods and the touchpad is responsive. The screen, which has a native resolution of 1280×800, produces a fairly bright image, although contrast levels aren’t quite up to scratch. Notebook screens often have poor viewing angles and this is no exception, but for general use it is fine.

Review Video: