The Bottom Line
While OCZ's update to the Hypersonic Aviator SR7-R2 does give it additional processing power and a newer high speed graphics processor, it still trails behind many similarly priced systems in overall features. It is a good system for gaming, but there are less expensive options that perform just as well or higher perfoming systems for roughly the same cost.
Pros
* Very Strong Processor
* Fast 3D Graphics
Cons
* Exprensive
* Lacks HDMI Output
* No Productivity or Security Software
Description
* Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 17" WUXGA (1920x1200) Wide LCD with 2.0MP Webcam and Intergrated Analog TV Tuner
* NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX Graphics with 512MB Memory
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/g/n Wireless, Bluetooth 2.0
* Four USB 2.0, FireWire, DVI, ExpressCard/54, Fingerprint Reader, 7-in-1 Card Reader
* 15.6" x 11.5" x 1.8" @ 8.4 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium
Guide Review - Hypersonic Aviator SR7-R2 Gaming Desktop Replacement Laptop
The Hypersonic Aviator SR7 chassis is fairly old now and is showing its age by the lack of a number of features that can be found in many similarly priced notebook computers. The system is designed as a gaming platform and it thankfully has received some needed updates to keep its performance high. Included in these is the new Core 2 Duo T9300 processor that gives it outstanding performance. It isn't as fast as the new Core 2 Extreme mobile processors but definitely a step up from previous generations. They also have upgraded to the NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX graphics core that better supports the 1920x1200 LCD display.
Many other features of the notebook have not been updated. This includes the 2GB of memory that is what one would expect on a base model system rather than a performance one. The hard drive also remains at the 250GB 5400rpm model. This could have been upgraded to either a higher capacity or faster spin rate to boost performance. Also, Blu-ray drives are becoming much more common for a system of this price rather than a standard DVD burner.
The system still features an integrated TV tuner than is a step up from the ExpressCard tuners offered on most desktop replacements. The problem is that this tuner only handles standard definition TV signals rather than digital high definition signals. To add to the issues with the TV features, the system uses an older DVI connector rather than an HDMI connector used by most HDTV sets. This really does limit its ability to be used as a mobile multimedia platform.
The end result is that the system does perform well as a gaming platform, but fails as a media center or general performance system, especially considering its high price tag.