Novatech's X50MV Pro gaming laptop reviewed, SideShow makes surprise appearance

Man, remember when everyone thought their next laptop would have a minuscule SideShow display baked in the lid? Yeah, whatever happened to that fantasy? Apparently the engineers over at Novatech never got the memo that said technology was doomed for failure, as they certainly included a 2.5-inch color display on the lid of the X50MV Pro gaming laptop. That nifty inclusion aside, the unit also packed some pretty stout internals, though reviewers did lament the GeForce 9600M GT graphics chip. Still, the LCD was deemed gorgeous to look at, the inbuilt TV tuner was a welcome extra and performance was highly lauded in every area except hardcore gaming -- which is obviously odd given the nature of the beast. In the end, critics couldn't wholeheartedly recommend this machine over a litany of others for close to the same price, but there just might be a few unique features here that push you over the edge.

[Patriks7 @ Dec 4th 2008 11:26AM]

Ha, I at first read it "SlideShow" in the title, thinking you guys were talking about it being really slow or something :p
BTW anyone know what the difference is between the 9400M and 9600M in fairly light gaming? (I'm not going to try play stuff like Crysis, but might try something like Need For Speed..)

[Skyride @ Dec 4th 2008 12:07PM]

It would be quite alot but playable on either. NFS most wanted runs quite well on my vostro with an 8400GS so im sure it would be fine on whatever you want to use.

[noi5ia @ Dec 4th 2008 11:41AM]

but will it run GTA4?

[Chin-Poh @ Dec 4th 2008 12:51PM]

Oh yeah, the PC version of GTA4 is the new Crysis, even more hardware demanding. :D

Oh and yes on all low settings. : )

[Kris120890 @ Dec 4th 2008 12:20PM]

Novatech laptops are mainly rebadges but I do recommend them.

[Ebzy @ Dec 4th 2008 1:40PM]

I kinda agree.

Novatech in the UK is a really good place to get components and some models of laptops and desktops. The problem with most of their ready assembled stuff is that despite them being good in price, you can always find an alternative with an OS cheaper else where.

[Ops @ Dec 4th 2008 12:29PM]

pro gaming = 9600gt

please dont make me laugh. thats a joke i am sure (wipes milk from nose)

[Human1 @ Dec 4th 2008 3:30PM]

Not pro, but I've got a 9600 in my lappie and she does just fine at just about everything I throw at it. It certainly can't "play Crysis" as the standard seems to be, but from what I've seen in the sales figures, no one plays Crysis.
Still, the card works just fine, admirably, even.