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| System | CPU | RAM | L2 cache | PC WorldBench 4 | MusicMatch Jukebox 7 (seconds) | Adobe Photoshop 6.0.1: Lighting effects (seconds) | Adobe Photoshop 6.0.1: Multiple filters (seconds) | AutoCAD (seconds) | Windows Media Encoder: Audio file conversion (seconds) | Windows Media Encoder: Video file conversion (seconds) | Battery life (hours:minutes) |
| Dell Inspiron 8200 | 1.7-GHz Pentium 4-M | 256MB of DDR SDRAM | 512KB | 98 | 26 | 78 | 102 | 457 | 77 | 85 | 2:39 |
| Dell Inspiron 8100 | 1.2-GHz Pentium III-M | 256MB of SDRAM | 512KB | 101 | 32 | 73 | 96 | 451 | 82 | 97 | 2:47 |
| Micro Express MicroFlex NP7120 | 1.2-GHz Athlon 4 | 224MB of SDRAM1 | 256KB | 85 | 32 | 82 | 97 | 607 | 81 | 102 | 2:33 |
HOW WE TEST: All systems were tested with PC WorldBench 4, PC World's applications-based benchmark. In the MusicMatch encoding test, we time the conversion of a raw 14.3MB .wav file into an .mp3 file using MusicMatch Jukebox 7. In the Photoshop 6.0.1 lighting effects test, we time the running of a macro that applies a series of lighting effects to a 1.6MB image file; in the multiple filters test, we time the running of a macro which applies a series of other filters to the same image file. In the AutoCAD test, we time AutoDesk Group International's AUGI Gauge benchmark, which runs CAD tests. Working with Windows Media Encoder 7.1 (which uses Windows Media 8 format), we time the conversion of an 8.9MB .mp3 audio file to .wma format; in a separate test, we time the conversion of an 11.2MB .avi video file to .wmv format. For the battery life test, we drain and fully recharge the battery twice and set power-saving options to match consistent high-performance and default profiles where possible. Office workers use Windows 9x applications, periodically saving and allowing regular idle time. Notebooks are rotated among workers. We report the time elapsed when the notebook shuts itself off. For PC WorldBench 4 and the battery life test, higher scores are better; elsewhere, lower is better. All rights reserved.
1An additional 32MB is used for graphics.