Its nice to see someone is paying attention – BenQ’s new Joybook brings a taste of Apple to the PC notebook world.

Performance – 4 ½

The Joybook 8000isn’t the most overpowered notebook we’ve come across however it’s no slouch either – it features a Pentium – 4M 2GHz processor, 256Mb RAM, 30Gb Hard Drive and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive, which is the kind of Apple-like thinking we like to see. The monitor is pretty impressive too, with a high response time, high contrast, brightness and colour making it great for DVD, games and even TV. A laptop for work and play then.

Practicality – 5

In terms of connectivity the Joybook is teeming with ports – it’s got four USB ports, S-video and SPDIF optical audio output for all manner of multimedia options. It also comes packed with BenQ’s own range of Q-Media software again with a distinct multimedia ethos – there’s CD-player, CD-maker, DVD-player, Photo-Editor and Movie-Director.

Style – 5

Now you’re talking – the joybook features an excellent 15:10 screen capable of displaying resolutions up to 1280x854. It’s not quite up to the Apple G4 PowerBook’s 16:9 widescreen display, but it allows two windows open side-by-side or the ability to watch a DVD at a decent size while working. Bang goes our productivity then.

Value – 4

When it comes to the crunch the BenQ has very few rivals – it’s as close as you’ll get to an Apple Powerbook running windows and as such BenQ can afford to charge a premium and still expect customers to come rushing. We’re all seriously tempted. And if you’re quick you can take advantage of a launch promotion that includes a WLAN USB + Flash drive…absolutely free.

Overall – 5

BenQ know exactly where to draw their inspiration from and this marriage of PC notebook and Apple PowerBook really does deserve the moniker Joybook.

Boys Toys, July 2003