Desktop Replacement. Those searching for a performance-oriented gaming notebook whose technology doesn’t already belong to yesteryear are well served by the barebones manufacturer Schenker. The 17-inch XMG P701 PRO shines with a slick design and high-end components of the first order.FUJITSU FPCBP160

Though with other manufacturers one is more or less limited to predetermined hardware configurations, Schenker gives customers carte blanche to choose their own components. With exception of the display, the XMG P701 PRO can be tailored in various ways on their homepage mysn.de.Fujitsu FPCBP160AP

For gamers the graphics card is,FUJITSU FPCBP159 naturally, of great importance. Instead of the standard GeForce GTX 560M, the current reference models from Nvidia and AMD can be substituted. The GeForce GTX 580M and the Radeon HD 6990M are the current category heavyweights for mobile graphics in the notebook market. The processor is also of strong lineage, Schenker offering nearly the complete palatte of Intel’s most current Sandy Bridge processors.Fujitsu FPCBP159AP With a look at the performance capabilities of the aforementioned graphics cards, we would recommend to you nothing less than a quad-core on the level of the Core i7-2630QM or the 2760QM (the most expensive model is only warranted in certain circumstances). FUJITSU FMVTBBP111

The memory shouldn’t play second fiddle to the rest of the components—a maximum of 32GB of DDR3-RAM is possible, although for most users 8GB is more than plenty. The greatest variety comes when choosing a hard drive. Thanks to two different bays, the available HDDs, SSD’s and SSH’s (hybrid modules) can be combined in wild fashion. FUJITSU FMVTBBP112

On the entertainment front Schenker also delivers the goods. Instead of a normal DVD-burner a Blu-ray combo drive or a Blu-ray burner are optional. A radio-module is not part of the standard FUJITSU FPCBP207package—depending on the model one will pay up to 40 euros extra. Lastly, there aren’t any surprises when it comes to the operating system, the 64-bit variants of Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate are available. FUJITSU FPCBP207AP

For the rather sparsely equipped basis configuration, Schenker is asking 1199 Euro. Those who long after one upgrade or another are quick to land at a measurably higher price: our well-equipped test model (see the specifications sheet on the right hand side) came in at over 2000 Euros. FUJITSU FPCBP208

straightforward caseThe matt-black chassis leaves an impression of quality behind on the user. The underlying Clevo P170HM-barebone has, by itself, a very frugal appearance. In comparison to other manufacturers, Clevo has foregone color and design experimentation that wouldn’t have done the notebook justice. The single highlight is the removable XMG-logo on the cover.FUJITSU FPCBP208AP

Qualitatively speaking the 17-incher is worth a glance or two, as the display lid and the palm rest are made of high-quality aluminium.FUJITSU SIEMENS S26391-F421-L200 The shiny (and therefore extraordinarily sensitive) plastic bezel pieces could have been spared, though when it comes to workmanship there is very little to complain about. Disregarding the loosely situated strip above the keyboard and the not-quite-so-perfect way that the battery locks into place, the chassis keeps a tidy figure. FUJITSU SIEMENS S26391-F421-L300

Furthermore, the notebook has a passable solidity to it, FUJITSU SIEMENS SMP-EFS-SS-22E-06 though the chassis does demonstrate a little bit of give in the optical drive area when a great deal of pressure is applied. As with most notebooks, the display lid could also be a bit more stable and the relatively heavy-duty looking display hinges weren’t completely confidence-inducing, as the display wiggled back and forth when the base was shook. Positive: the process of opening the lid only allows the base unit to move a marginal amount. FUJITSU SIEMENS S26391-F6120-L470

In short: a large number of users will be completely satisfied with the design of the chassis. For routine transport though, the notebook is not as friendly, as it weighs around four kilograms—a number that does not lend itself to those always on the go.Fujitsu CP335311-01

The ample interfaces available on the XMG P701 PRO are one of its greatest strengths. As long as one is willing to overlook the lack of an ExpressCard slot, users will find all of the interfaces that one can expect these days from a desktop-replacement. Fujitsu FPCBP175

Four sound ports (surround-sound), five USB-ports (2x USB 3.0) join two digital video outputs (DVI and HDMI), as well as a Firewire and eSATA port. The package is rounded out by a 9-in-1 card reader, a Kensington lock and an antenna input (TV card not pre-installed). Fujitsu FPCBP198

The placement of the interfaces is something worthy of praise: since all of the ports are situated close to the back or on the back itself there is plenty of room—even with many cables connected—for a mouse. Super! Fujitsu FPCBP234

Schenker outfitted our test model with the most expensive of the wireless radios on offer. Bigfoot’s Killer Wireless-N 1103 network adapter (WLAN a/b/g/n, 2.4 and 5 GHz) doesn’t have Bluetooth but counters with a comprehensive software suite. For the hardwired, the standard RJ-45 Gigabit LAN connection allows one to dive in to the limitless expanse of the internet. Fujitsu FPCBP234AP

Also included on this gaming notebook is a fingerprint scanner, an integrated microphone and a webcam with 2.0 MP of resolution. FUJITSU CP345809-01

Those who order the XMG P701 PRO with the OS included need not worry about superfluous software installations. Apart from the free Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Schenker only provides the drivers necessary for the chosen hardware. As such, after the initial startup the experience is pleasantly smooth. Other manufacturers who take enjoyment in filling up their devices with useless programs should take a page from Schenker’s book. FUJITSU FPCBP186