Schenker currently price tags the mySN XMG A500 at 679 euro in the minimum configuration - a fair offer. The price can quickly exceed 1000 euro with the according configuration, though. For example, our well configured test device with a Core i5-580M, an eight GB DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB HDD (7200 rpm), a DVD burner, WLAN and Windows Home Premium 64 bit adds up to 1144 euro. By the way, Schenker has been cooperating with the internet shop, notebooksbilliger.de, for a short time. It also has the mySN XMG A500 in a few configuration alternatives available.Dell Inspiron Mini 1018 Battery

Plain caseThe mySN XMG A500 is based on the brand new B5130M barebone from Clevo. Aside from Schenker, it is also sold by other manufacturers. The black, 15.6 inch case can be carried around without ado, with a weight of 2.77 kg and a size of 37.4 x 25.0 x 4.3 cm. Clevo hasn't tried anything new in terms of design. It can be described as plain and conventional.Dell Inspiron M101 Battery

Although plastic is solely used as material, the material's impression is nevertheless good. The matt surfaces, which prove to be very smudge resistant and insensitive against exterior influences have to be mentioned positively. Scratches are a foreign word for the mySN XMG A500 (with exception of the high-gloss display bezel). The workmanship is also at a high level. All components are fitted cleanly where they belong.Dell Inspiron M101z Battery

At least there's hardly anything to complain about in terms of the base unit's stability. DELL Vostro 3450 Battery A slight yielding can first be determined when stronger pressure is applied towards the center (touchpad height). The lid proves to be - as in most notebooks - quite unstable in return. For one thing, it can be twisted evidently and for another, pressure on the display back can lead to image distortions. On the other hand, the hinges leave us with mixed feelings. They have a good grip on the display in cases of underground vibrations. But the base unit lifts extremely when the notebook is opened.DELL Vostro 3550 Battery

As known from Clevo, the connectivity is impressive on a broad scale.DELL Vostro 3750 Battery Starting with the rear that has the power socket (angled cable) and a Kensington lock. A USB 2.0 port and three audio sockets (microphone, headphone, S/PDIF-out) follow on the right. Most interfaces are however found on the left (not ideal for lefties). Whilst the RJ-45 Gigabit LAN port allows access to the world wide web and the VGA, respectively HDMI out makes using external monitors possible, there are two further USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA port for hard disks, input devices or other peripherals. Dell Studio 1735 Battery

Clevo has even installed a cutting-edge USB 3.0 port. A cardreader, which is supposed to be capable of up to nine formats, finishes the array off (see data on the right). The buyer only has to live without a FireWire port and an ExpressCard slot, with which many competing products can serve.Dell Studio 1737 Battery

Wireless communication is possible either via Bluetooth (standardly installed, version 2.1) or WLAN (optional for a surcharge, 15 to 40 euro).

An integrated microphone, a webcam with 2.0 megapixels and a fingerprint scanner that is located between both touchpad keys belong to the additional equipment.Dell Studio 17 Battery

Schenker restrains itself exemplary in terms of software installation. The mySN XMG A500's system is very organized and only the necessary drivers are found. Resource devouring bloatware is fortunately looked for in vain.Dell Studio 1535 Battery

The scope of delivery turns out somewhat modest. Schenker hasn't put anything apart from a 90 watt adapter, a short manual and a driver, respectively software DVD into the box. Customers who order an operating system at least receive an original Windows 7 DVD, which makes the otherwise annoying burning of recovery media superfluous.Dell Studio 1536 Battery

In terms of warranty, Schenker offers 24, 36 or 48 months pickup & return service. 6, 12 or 24 months of these are even with immediate repair (in Germany).Dell Studio 1537 Battery

Adept users will likely recognize the mySN XMG A500's keyboard. The installed model is also used in other Clevo barebones, such as the W860CU. The full-sized keyboard can't only score bonus points with its separate keys and sufficiently sized keys (14x14 mm), but also with its good typing feel. The pressure point is well defined, the stroke pleasantly crisp. The feasible layout is another advantage. You'll have accommodated perfectly within the shortest period.Dell Studio 1555 Battery

However, we didn't like the trigger noise quite as much. It's fairly loud and clattery. Clevo has unfortunately waived on a practical light. The installation of a separate number pad conciliates us again though. Beyond that, the so-called VGA button in the vicinity of the left hinge is worth a mention. It forces the system to solely use the incorporated graphics unit.Dell Studio 1557 Battery

The positive impression is continued with the 90x45 mm sized touchpad. The touchpad is only slightly submerged and it is only insufficiently separated from the wrist-rest in terms of color. In return, the slightly corrugated surface grants a good amount of feedback. Additionally, the touchpad is also precise in the practical test. The scroll function responds reliably; the supported multi-touch control is intuitive.Dell Studio 15 Battery

Because it's not absolutely in line with the space key, the risk of typos is reduced in games. If you don't want to take any risk, you can simply disable the touchpad completely. Merely the touchpad's gliding traits could be a bit better. The finger glides more smoothly on some other devices. We find the wobbly touchpad keys worthy of improvement. The key stroke length is partly too long.Dell Inspiron 1210 Battery

Gaming suitable multimedia notebooks with a matt display are rare at the moment. The mySN XMG A500 is one of these rare exceptions. The 15.6 inch screen can serve with an LED backlight and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The screen diameter is 39.60 cm. The resolution of 1600x900 has been cleverly chosen. It provides enough work surface for multi-window use without taxing the graphics card in games too much.Dell Inspiron Mini 12 Battery

The image quality is one of the mySN XMG A500's strengths. While typical run-of-the-mill displays frequently don't exceed a brightness of 200 cd/m2, the installed AUO13EE screen can score with a good average brightness of 211 cd/m2. Even if the illumination of 77% isn't overwhelming, you don't notice the difference of 181.6 cd/m2 at the darkest spot and 236 cd/m2 on the brightest in use.Dell Inspiron 910 Battery

The black value proves to be pleasantly low with 0.29 cd/m2. Dark sequences only drift slightly into the gray range. An overall very good contrast of 759:1 is the result. Color and brightness gradations are sufficiently differentiated. Of course, the matt display can't keep up with the color brilliance, saturation and contrast ratio of comparable, glossy models, despite its good rates. But the other assets compensate these shortcomings.Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Battery

OutdoorsThe mySN XMG A500 is very well suitable for outdoor use due to its matt surface and fairly high luminosity. You can even still recognize something on the screen in direct sunlight. There are hardly ever irritating reflections in opposition to glossy representatives. The eyes aren't stressed additionally.Dell Inspiron Mini 9n Battery

A positive verdict can also be given for the viewing angle stability. Slight image changes first turn up at larger angles on the horizontal plane. Color and brightness falsifications turn up earlier on the vertical plane (particularly from the lower side). Nevertheless, the competition usually doesn't do as well in this matter.Dell Vostro A90 Battery

The mySN XMG A500 can be equipped with various Intel dual core processors. Our test device was configured with the brand new Core i5-580M, which belongs to the currently fastest mobile dual cores beside the Core i7-620M and Core i7-640M. The Core i5-580M is based on Intel's newest Nehalem architecture and is manufactured in a cutting-edge 32nm process. The power consumption of 35 watts isn't exactly low, but in view of the installed memory controller and the incorporated graphics chip (GMA HD), the consumption is relativized a bit.Dell Vostro A90n Battery

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