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Dell goes full-throttle with its latest XPS notebook, the M1730, which packs an Intel Core 2 Extreme X7900 processor, dual Nvidia graphics processors in an SLI configuration, and Ageia's PhysX controller, which theoretically makes games look more realistic than before. Although the whole experience is still a work in progress, at $3,824, the XPS M1730 is ready for whatever you can throw at it

The latest revision to Dell's flagship line, the massive XPS M1730 features a redesigned case that combines familiar touches, such as flashing LEDs beneath the speaker grills, with newer elements, such as the integrated Logitech GamePanel LCD and 10-key numeric keypad. But, as with any gaming-oriented system, the most important features are inside the case. Like its predecessors, the XPS M1730 offers the highest-end components available--in the case of our review unit, a top-of-the-line Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, Nvidia SLI graphics, the first mobile PhysX processor, and two massive 7,200rpm hard drives. All that adds up to strong performance scores on our mobile benchmarks and chart-topping frame rates on our games tests--though a similar system with DirectX 9 graphics from Alienware did post higher scores on our F.E.A.R. benchmark. Still, when it comes to all-around features and technologies that can handle the latest in emerging games, the XPS M1730 is the best gaming rig on the market today.

The tanklike XPS M1730 may be the first Dell laptop that obviously has been influenced by subsidiary company Alienware. At first glimpse the glossy black plastic case (you can also choose white, blue, or red), patterned to look like the surface of a liquid, reminded us of the Alienware Aurora mALX we reviewed more than a year ago. And while the M1730's lid includes the familiar XPS branding from previous iterations, Dell has added a glowing logo as well as an LED-lit sculpted ridge that echoes Alienware's sculpted alien eyes. Also glowing: the touchpad and speaker vents, which can be programmed with your choice of 16 color shades and four light effects (or turned off, if you're the ascetic type). It's all a bit over the top, which frankly we like in a $4,000 machine. What we don't like in such an expensive machine: creaking hinges and a squeaky plastic sound that we heard every time we moved the lid.

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The Toshiba Qosmio G45-AV690, the world’s first notebook to feature an HD DVD-R/RW drive, is now available for purchase.

This optical drive in the Toshiba Qosmio G45-AV690 entertainment laptop can play HD DVD movies and burn, erase, and re-burn data. The notebook features a 17-inch widescreen 1920×1200 display supporting 1080p content, an HDMI port, which can send 1080p high definition video to a HDTV along with 5.1 digital audio, and the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT 512MB video card.

This mobile multimedia system is based on the Intel “Santa Rosa Refresh” notebook platform with the Core 2 Duo T9300 45-nanometer “Penryn” processor at 2.5GHz. The Qosmio G45-AV690 comes with 3GB of system memory, expandable to 4GB, and two hard drives for 320GB of storage capacity.

The latest Qosmio comes with an external HDTV tuner and a remote controller, and features four built-in Harman Kardon speakers with one subwoofer, enabling Dolby Home Theater surround sound. There are also an embedded web camera, microphone, and a fingerprint reader.

The Qosmio G45-AV690 has the Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN (802.11a/g/n) connection, a Bluetooth module, Ethernet LAN, and a 56K modem, as well as PC Card and ExpressCard slots, five USB ports, a 5-in-1 media card reader, and a Firewire port. Along with an HDMI, the notebook provides VGA and S-Video outputs.

The Toshiba Qosmio G45-AV690’s weight starts at 10.6 pounds. It runs Windows Vista Ultimate operating system.

HP Pavilion dv6700t Review

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Hewlett-Packard has unveiled this week the HP Pavilion dv6700t 15.4-inch entertainment notebook, replacing the dv6500t series.

The Intel “Santa Rosa” platform-based Pavilion dv6700t features a processor ranging from the Pentium Dual-Core Mobile T2330 clocked at 1.67GHz to the Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 at 2.2GHz. Graphics options include the integrated Intel GMA X3100 and the dedicated Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS 256MB video card. These GPUs manage the notebook’s 15.4″ 1280-by-800 pixel display. The dv6700t supports up to 4GB of system memory and comes with up to 250GB 5,400rpm hard drive. Optical drive options include a DVD burner, HD DVD ROM, and a Blu-Ray ROM.

Regarding networking, there are a 802.11b/g module or the Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN supporting 802.11n draft Wi-Fi standard, an optional Bluetooth, Ethernet LAN port, 56K modem, and an optional broadband wireless Verizon ExpressCard.

The HP Pavilion dv6700t also features integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers, and optional web camera, fingerprint reader, and ExpressCard TV Tuner.

Along with an ExpressCard slot, the dv6700t has three USB ports, a 5-in-1 media card reader, Firewire, and a remote control receiver, as well as S-Video and VGA outputs. When configured with the 8400M GS video card, the dv6700t additionally provides an HDMI output.

With a standard 6-cell battery, the laptop’s weight starts at 6.14 pounds. The notebook features the “Radiance” HP Imprint Finish and comes with Windows Vista OS.

The Pavilion dv6700t basic configuration is currently priced at $649.99 after rebates.

Hewlett-Packard has also unveiled the Pavilion dv6700tse (Special Edition) laptop, which features a white “Influx” finish instead of a standard “Radiance” found in the dv6700t.