Introduction
The Crown P 15:2 reviewed here is PowerNotebook.com's version of the Compal HEL80, a 15.4" mid-range notebook with a wide array of features. The main focus of the HEL80 is performance while still retaining some portability and battery life. It features an Intel Core Duo processor, 256MB Nvidia graphics, and a high-resolution display.
Build and Design
The HEL80 is about as solid as they come. The chassis is very rigid, and there is hardly any flex on the unit. The only flex I found was when putting more than usual pressure on the palm rests. The aluminum areas surrounding the keyboards are rigid and flex-less. Copper trim surrounds the keyboard, and gives it a sharp and elegant look. The plastic used on the rest of the unit is high-strength and the whole unit feels like it is put together well. Tapping the plastic yields a solid sound, not a cheap, rattling noise as so many notebooks exhibit.
The lid is equally well enforced, with much of this due to the fact that it is covered in aluminum Although it has a small amount of flex, no ripples appear on the screen unless extreme pressure is used.
All around the display are small rubber squares, which ensure an even and secure fit when the notebook is closed. You can lift the lid up without having to hold down the bottom of the notebook; the hinges are not too tight and not too loose. A satisfying 'click' results when the display is shut.
The overall feel and design of the HEL80 is well beyond that of a mainstream notebook. No corners were cut in putting this together, and attention to detail is superb. |
