BenQ aims for flash with Joybook R56

BenQ has announced a 15.4-inch laptop, the Joybook R56, meant to appeal on both an internal and external level. Driving the system is the Intel Santa Rosa platform, in this case a 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo running on a PM965 motherboard; crucially, graphics are supplied by a dedicated Nvidia card, the GeForce 8400M G. 1080p output is supported via HDMI, and the computer further has an eSATA port for rapid data transfer. The system also has an unusual emphasis on sound, as its 2W main channels are joined by a 3W subwoofer, as well as noise and echo cancellation software.

Options include 802.11a/g/n wireless, an 8x Super Multi Drive, and up to 2GB of RAM. The case of the R56 meanwhile has been highly stylized, with two shades of blue on both the lid and the keyboard. Edges of the chassis have been deliberately rounded, and the touchpad's left- and right-click buttons have been joined together and illuminated with a blue glow. BenQ has yet to publish details on the R56's pricing or release schedules.