Review: Scan 3XS Graphite LG5

Final thoughts and rating

A third-generation 35W Intel Core processor, dedicated GeForce GT 650M graphics, 8GB of RAM and a 120GB Corsair SSD in an 11.6in laptop for £660. What's not to like?

Scan's doing what it does best by meeting the requirements of performance aficionados. The 3XS Graphite LG5 packs a serious punch for such a little machine, and when configured with the optional quad-core Core i7 processor, it would no doubt run circles around almost everything else in this segment.

Coupling the responsiveness of an Ultrabook with true gaming potential in an 11.6in form factor is a job well done, but the Graphite LG5 isn't hitting all of the right notes. The display needs to be brighter, the keyboard isn't the most comfortable, and if you do decide to take it for a spin in your favourite game, be prepared to put up with a fair amount of heat and noise.

And if you like your laptops sexy, the Graphite LG5 probably won't tickle your fancy. The plastic Clevo chassis is by no means an eyesore, but its drab exterior is hardly likely to set hearts aflutter. Then there's the issue of exclusivity; how does Scan make the Graphite LG5 stand out when so other vendors are building practically identical Clevo machines at around the same price?

There are questions yet to be answered, but Scan's commitment to performance, build quality and customer support makes it a welcome player in the burgeoning laptop marketplace. The Graphite LG5 is a solid start, but we suspect there's more to come.

The Good

Great performance for an 11.6in laptop
Available with a quad-core CPU
Has gaming potential
No bloatware

The Bad

Looks won't set hearts aflutter
Can get hot and loud
Average display

HEXUS Rating

Scan 3XS Graphite LG5

HEXUS Awards

Scan 3XS Graphite LG5

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Scan 3XS Graphite LG5 laptop is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.