VERDICT: A large usable machine with benchmark scores that don’t reflect how well the system handled in day-to-day use

The appearance of AMD’s Athlon 64 processor is becoming more widespread, with a number of manufacturers choosing to offer it` as part of their desktop replacement range. The Time Platina A64 3000+ (£1399 inc VAT) is a two-spindle machine that weighs 3.9kg. While not intended as a mobile machine, under test, it scored a satisfactory 231 minutes from a single charge.

The AMD Athlon 64 has migrated over, from servers and desktop PCs, to a size and thermal capacity that can be supported in a mobile form factor. Designed for 64-bit processing, users will see a slight increase in 32-bit applications.

Using MobileMark 2002 the Platina scored a benchmark of 128, which is in keeping with the Evesham Voyager 64 3000+ (January 2004) with which the Platina shares a chassis design. However, this still falls short of the 197 scored by the AJP 8355 in the same issue. It’s becoming clear that the current level of benchmarking isn’t readily able to take advantage of the 64-bit processor. Until specific 64-bit benchmarking software is designed, we won’t see the true benefits of opting for the latest processor.

The system is completed with 512MB of DDR SDRAM and a 60GB Toshiba hard drive. Both are sufficient for all purposes. It’s not until you start using the Platina on a day-to-day basis that it becomes evident the processor is more than up to the job. We found the system was more than capable of handling tasks with ease. Microsoft Worksuite 2004 and Time’s Home and Family Software Pack are supplied with this system. There are currently no 64-bit mobile specific applications, but with the increasing use of applications running in the background, whether in the form of antivirus software or music players, the extra capacity from a processor such as the AMD Athlon 64 is a welcome addition.

PRICE: £1199/£1399 (EX/INC. VAT)
PROCESSOR: AMD ATHLON 64 3000+
MEMORY: 512MB DDR SDRAM
HARD DRIVE: TOSHIBA 60GB
SCREEN SIZE AND TYPE: 15.1-INCH TFT
DISPLAY RESOLUTION: 1024 X 768 PIXELS
GRAPHICS CARD: ATI RADEON MOBILITY 9600
DIMENSIONS: 325 X 288 X 44MM
WEIGHT: 3.9KG
PC CARDS (TYPE II/III): 1/0
WIRELESS LAN: 802.11B
ETHERNET: YES
MODEM: YES
USB PORTS: 4 X USB 2.0
FIREWIRE: 1
STANDARD WARRANTY: 1 YR RTB
WARRANTY UPGRADE: NOT SUPPLIED
CONTACT: 0800 771 107 WWW.TIMECOMPUTERS.COM

RATINGS AND TEST RESULTS

BATTERY LIFE: 231
MOBILEMARK 2002: 128
3DMARK 2001: 9744

VALUE FOR MONEY: 8
PERFORMANCE: 7
FEATURES: 7
MOBILITY: 5
BUILD QUALITY: 6
OVERALL: 7