1 Beyond Debuts Quad-Core HD Notebook

Video-oriented PC maker 1 Beyond has announced the GoFlex317, the first notebook with quad-core processors, RAID 5, GeForce Go 7950 GTX graphics...and a big price tag.

Hardcore gamers are known for spending all sorts of money to pimp out their notebooks in order to achieve the fastest, highest-resolution explosion-and-splatter experience possible…but, some would humbly submit, the gamers still have to catch up with the kind of kit carted around by video professionals, particularly now that the whole world is going HD.

As an example, boutique computer maker 1 Beyond has announced an update to its GoFlex317 notebook computer system. From the name, it might sound like just another refresh of an existing notebook design…until you read the specs. The GoFlex317 is the first notebook to offer Intel’s quad-core Q6600 and Q6700 desktop processors running at 2.4 and 2.66 GHz, respectively, for truly groundbreaking portable performance. And that’s not all: the GoFlex317 sports three 7,200 rpm hard drives with RAID 5 support and Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 PCI Express graphics with 512 MB of dedicated video memory.

The rest of the system isn’t bad either: DVI output for driving a second monitor at 1,920 by 1,200 pixels, support for up to 4 GB of RAM, gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, and FireWire port, Dolby Surround Sound with four speakers, 7.1 192 KHz/32-bit audio, 7-in-1 card reader, an 8× dual-layer DVD burner, and an Express Card slot. 1 Beyond will fit out the system with WIndows XP or Vista, and Adobe Creative Suite 3, Avid Express Pro with Mojo, and Grass Valley Edius are available as bundled software.

Of course, the GoFlex317 is intended for on-the-go high-definition video production and post-production work, not LAN parties, and carries a starting price tag in line with those purposes: $6,595. Of course, the company might Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme versions for a slightly lower price. Might be worth asking.

And if the GoFlex317 doesn’t satisfy serious notebook fans…1 Beyond also makes military grade ruggedized notebooks.