HCL Y series Leaptop

The laptop comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home, Microsoft works and Kaspersky Antivirus

Specs

• Processor: Intel Celeron M ULV Processor
• Motherboard chipset: Mobile Intel 945GU (ultra low voltage) Express
• Memory (RAM): 1013MB DDR2
• Storage: 80GB SATA memory
• Display: 7in WVGA Widescreen TFT LCD Swivel Touch Screen Display, 1024 x 600 pixels screen resolution
• Graphics: Intel GMA 950
• Audio: High Definition RealTek audio controller
• Webcam: 1.3-megapixel
• Optical storage: None
• Weight: 960g
• Dimensions: WxDxH - 227 x 170 x 33 mm
• Warranty: 1 year
• OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home

The HCL Y series leaptop is an upgraded version of its very popular Y series leaptop. The basic construction and the hardware more or less remains the same, barring for a couple of free software bundled with the V series. Right from the outset the small diary sized dimension make it look anything but a fully featured laptop. But looks are often deceptive as they say, and a bit deeper delving into the device makes us realize why.

The leaptop, as HCL identifies it, features a 7-inch WVGA Swivel Touch Screen display. The touch screen navigation can be quite a task to manage considering the small dimensions of the screen and even smaller Taskbar icons. The precision requires dexterity, and the Tablet PC concept hasn’t picked up in India yet. Thankfully, HCL does provide the conventional two button mouse navigation panel and also an additional navigation on the side of the screen. This additional quick launch panel offers multiple navigational features such as touch screen, thumb-board, digital stylus, touchpad mouse and one touch buttons. It comes into play especially when the swivel screen is fully rotated and covers up the conventional keypad.

The overall looks and build quality is very appealing and the system seems very reliable for daily rough handling, yet is sleek enough to be flaunted merrily. Hardware specifications too are slightly muscled up in the Y series as compared to its earlier version. The system is powered by an Intel Celeron processor @ 800 MHz and houses an 80GB SATA hard disk memory and a 1GB RAM. The display supports resolutions up to 1024 x 600 and is supported by Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset.

We tested some high-res slideshows and even though the 7in screen seems a bit crammed, the display was quite clear and crisp. The colour displays and contrasts however were not very good at different viewing angles. This can be attributed to the ‘Resistive touch screen’ system in the Y series, which transmits only about 75 percent from the monitor. Also on testing some videos we found that the fluidity of the video was hampered in the full screen mode on most standard media players. This one is definitely not for heavy graphics and fast paced games.

The best feature of the X and Y series (and their upgraded versions) leaptops is the ultra-portability. Weighing just under a kilogram, the term UMPC befits the compact machine. Despite its small dimensions, it packs an array of hardware features and connectivity ports. The Y series is integrates Intel Wireless LAN connection, Bluetooth v2.0 wireless connection and an Ethernet LAN connection. In addition, HCL Mileap Y-Series leaptop also features integrated 1.3 Megapixel webcam and built-in Microphone. However, the laptop does not sport any option for internal optical drive (CD/DVD) or internal fax/modem card.

The Microsoft Windows Vista Home premium preinstalled laptop is equipped with Intel High Definition RealTek Audio hardware and build-in Stereo 2 stereo speaker system 1.5 Watts each. Plus it also offers 2 USB v2.0 fast ports for wired connectivity, a 4-in-1 Media Card Reader and a standard IEEE1394 expansion slot. The sound quality delivered cannot be expected to replace your desktop speakers or headphones, but it does a decent job. This edition from HCL also comes preinstalled with Kaspersky Antivirus for 12 months and Microsoft Works Office Suite and is delivered in a sleek pouch.

These UMPC’s are targeted to woo the entry level consumers and beginners, however with the features packed in the Y series are good enough to satiate the business computing needs as well. The portability being its USP, now one can stay connected and entertained anywhere and anytime. The price it demands to be bagged is very much commensurate with the specifications and performance it delivers.

We say:

Good points: Economical pricing, ultra-portable, lightweight design, good basic performance
Bad points: Small 7in display, no optical drive, no fax/modem card support,

Overall: A good ultra portable laptop, bridging the gap between the basic computing and business needs. Gamers stay away though.

Rating: 3 star

Contact: HCL India
Info: sachin.tyagi@hcl.in
Retail Price: ­­­Rs 33,990
Buy: ­­­­­­­­­­­www.hcl.in