Review: AVADirect Clevo M860TU

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz T9600
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.4-inch WUXGA matte display
• Intel PM45 + ICH9M chipset
• 2GB DDR3-1066 RAM
• 2GB Intel Turbo Memory
• Nvidia GeForce 9800M-GT w/ 512MB GDDR3 video memory
• 320GB 5400RPM Western Digital WD3200BEVT hard drive
• Dual-layer 8X DVD burner
• 7-in-1 memory card reader
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5300 + Bluetooth wireless
• 8-cell 14.4v 4400mAh Li-ion battery

Conclusion

Overall the AVADirect Clevo M860TU is a great gaming notebook with tons of raw power, good looks, and average build quality. The loose AC power jack was more than just a minor annoyance, continuously disconnecting while the laptop was on my lap. The loud cooling fan was also an annoyance, but that was expected and perfectly normal for such a powerful gaming system. To date this is the fastest machine we have tested in our office for gaming, and is no doubt one of the best mobile gaming rigs on the market right now. If you have the cash it would be hard not to give this notebook two thumbs up.

Pros:

• Fastest gaming notebook we have ever tested
• Beautiful WUXGA screen
• More than two hours of battery life in a hardcore gaming rig
• Cool laid back design

Cons:

• Loose AC power jack that likes to disconnect when light pressure is applied
• Loud cooling system under stress

Pricing and Availability

The AVADirect Clevo M860TU is available via the AVADirect website in multiple custom configurations starting at $1,773.20 at the time of this writing.