Computer hardware retailer Scan has today launched its first ever range of gaming laptops. There are three chassis models on offer which can be configured with your choice of CPU, dedicated GPU and other key performance components. Prices start at £499 (ex VAT) and, as you can customise the spec, the upper price limits are up to you.
The three chassis on offer are the Scan 3XS Graphite LG5, LG10 and LG15. Scan says of its new offerings “Unlike other so-called 'gaming laptops', all of our Graphite mobile gaming systems have high performance GPUs so you can enjoy DirectX 11 games at their best. Whether you're a road warrior who needs a compact gaming rig or a desktop replacement you'll find what you need in the Graphite series.” The screen size, weight and expandability of the laptop increments with the model number. As usual a specification table is the best way to show you what is on offer;
Scan Graphite Gaming Laptop range base specifications
|
|
Scan 3XS LG5 |
Scan 3XS LG10 |
Scan 3XS LG15 |
|
Screen |
11.6 inch 1366 x 768 |
15.6 inch 1920 x 1080 |
17.6 inch 1920 x 1080 |
|
Weight |
1.8Kg |
3.1Kg |
3.9Kg |
|
CPU |
Intel Core i3 3110M, 2.4Ghz, dual-core |
Intel Core i5 3210M, 2.5GHz |
Intel Core i5 3360M, 2.8GHz, dual-core |
|
GPU |
2GB Nvidia Geforce GT 650M |
1.5GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 670M |
2GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M |
|
RAM |
8GB 1,600MHz DDR3 |
8GB 1,600MHz DDR3 |
8GB 1,600MHz DDR3 |
|
HDD |
320GB HDD |
128GB SSD + 320GB HDD |
128GB SSD + 500GB HDD |
|
ODD |
External options |
Sony Blu-ray reader /DVD+-RW |
Sony Blu-ray reader /DVD+-RW |
|
ETC |
USB 3.0, HDMI, 1.3 MP webcam, card reader, wireless, Bluetooth, HD Audio, Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
USB 3.0, Firewire, HDMI, card reader, wireless, backlit keyboard, Bluetooth, HD Audio, Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
USB 3.0, Firewire, 2 MP webcam, HDMI, card reader, wireless, backlit keyboard, Bluetooth, HD Audio, Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
|
RRP |
£499 + VAT |
£889 + VAT |
£1,049 + VAT |
As we mentioned earlier these Graphite Series gaming laptops from Scan are customisable to your pleasing. The most portable model, the Scan 3XS Graphite LG5, understandably has the most limited customisation and expansion options. The LG5’s GPU is a 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics card, which is not changeable. However Scan says that you can choose from a range of “Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, plus your choice of SSD or hard disk” to suit your needs. This model also has no room within its chassis for an ODD.
Both the larger models, the Scan 3XS Graphite LG10 and Scan 3XS Graphite LG15 do have more GPU options to accompany all the other customisation choices you have. To go with your choice of i5 or i7 third generation Intel CPU you are able to choose from “a selection of Nvidia GeForce 600-series or AMD Radeon 7000-series graphics cards”. These chassis also come equipped with a Sony Blu-ray reader /DVD+-RW ODD drive as standard; a good choice for watching full HD 1080p movies upon their 1920x1080 displays.
The largest of the pack, the Scan 3XS Graphite LG15 desktop replacement gaming laptop, featuring a 17.3-inch HD screen, can be configured with up to three internal drives; SSD or HDD options aplenty there.
The new gaming laptop range base prices are given above, all the base prices include Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit. On the more information pages for the respective laptops there are both “add to basket” and “configure” options letting you specify exactly what you want and calculating the price of your options for you. As well as the hardware options you can choose to buy without an OS.
There are no options for choice of LCD screen technology and battery capacity, I’d like to see more info on these standards in the specs.
