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Review Zepto Znote 6224W Notebook

Small notebook with great performance. The details of the Zepto Znote 6224W look like a wish-list of many notebook buyers: this black laptop from Denmark is supposed to be small, high-performance and at the same time very reasonably priced. But can this 14-inch laptop, which is based on the Intel Centrino generation and the potent Geforce 8600 M GT graphic of nVIDIA, indeed keep this promise? We made the test.

Test Zepto Znote 6224W Logo

The design is becoming more and more an important reason for buying. Zepto has recognized this and stands out in terms of design from other boring designs. The 14-inch notebook is mostly made of black plastic and especially the matt cover scores with an elegant appearance. But good care is required to maintain its nice external. During the test the surface was always covered with fingerprints and dust. It is recommended to carry along a little cloth to clean at least the worst dirt on the way to places where this laptop needs to look tiptop.

The internal parts of the Zepto Znote 6224W can not disguise that this laptop is within the lower price range. Here dominate simple plastics and straightforward functionality. In particular the speakers below the LCD look very simple and stand in contrast with the nice panel of the Znote 6224W. A silver colored molding around the case and a light-blue shiny power button ensure acceptable design when in open position. Paradoxically the Centrino-Duo- and the nVIDIA-Logo were missing. This way the notebook does not show its true power.

Especially attractive is the good workmanship of the Zepto Znote 6224W. The base of the unit looks very solid and gets through various pressure tests. Only some creak sounds can be heard at stronger pressure. However, even light pressure on the sensitive display causes extensive image interferences. Moreover is it possible that the keyboard presses against the display in closed state and leaves ugly marks.  It is recommended to  use a cloth between keyboard and the display.

Both display hinges are working well. They are easy to adjust and maintain their position even during a bumpy journey. They do not have any seesaw problems. Two small locking hooks ensure that the notebook is properly closed.

The selection of the interfaces is the traditional standard. The four USB ports, firewire and a card reader for SD and MMC cards are the most important interfaces for daily use. Image signals are only transferred to an external image sources by a VGA or S-VHS exit. Digital DVI-D or HDMI exits are missing. Audio signals can be transferred digitally by means of the head phone exit. For wireless communication a W-LAN card from Intel and Bluetooth are in place. By means of a handy slide switch on the left side the laptop can be switched on and off independent of the operating system.

Zepto Znote 6224W ports

On the left side: power-connection, Modem, USB, Firewire, ExpressCard/54, Cardreader

Zepto Znote 6224W ports

On the right side: Audio Ports, USB, DVD, fan, Kensington Lock

Zepto Znote 6224W ports

At the front: Infrared

Zepto Znote 6224W ports

At the back: 2x USB, VGA, S-Video, LAN, battery

The keyboard is available in white or black. Our test console was black.  Eye-catching is the unusual key layout. The enter-key is only single-row, the paste-key is located on the right side of the narrow spacebar and the Fn-key is located on the left side. Some typing errors during the first days are quite normal. Especially because the paste-key enables the overwrite modus and this key is located next to the Alt-Gr-key is take good care in the beginning.

In view of the haptics and ergonomics all is well. The keyboard sits solidly in the case, the strokes are good and even at faster typing no problems occur.

The mouse replacement is a 6,1 x 4,7 centimeter big touchpad. It works with good precision and allows fast navigation thanks to its smooth surface. Because the pad is integrated in the hand rest and is barely distinguishable, it happens often that the pad is triggered accidentally. At operation with an external mouse it is recommended to deactivate the touchpad with the hotkey Fn + F6. It may also happen that one makes leeway across the limits of the pad, because a clear edge is missing.

Zepto Znote 6224W Touchpad
Touchpad
Zepto Znote 6224W Keyboard
Keyboard
Displaymeasurement
Colordiagram

The 14,1-inch broadband display of the Zepto Znote 6224W works with a resolution of 1440x900 pixels (WXGA+). Compared to a classic WXGA-panel this provides more space and precision. This is especially an advantage for demanding multimedia applications and for developers.

In games the high resolution is a disadvantage because the performance of the most graphic chips is insufficient to provide the LCD with its native resolution and fluid image rates. Smaller resolutions extrapolates the Zepto Znote 6224W only with moderate quality. Especially when representing the common resolutions of 1280x800 (WXGA) and 1024x768 Pixel (XGA) the image loses focus and details. Players do not have to deal with interfering lines. The reaction time of the panel is 6 ms.

167.6
cd/m²
188.5
cd/m²
162.8
cd/m²
159.9
cd/m²
184.2
cd/m²
159.9
cd/m²
143.1
cd/m²
157.3
cd/m²
143.5
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 188.5 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 163 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 76 %
Contrast: 184:1 (Black: 1 cd/m²)

Concerning the brightness the Znote 6224W left us with mixed feelings. The display does not reflect and in the power supply operation it provides average 163,0 cd/m², but in battery operation it reduces to a maximum 116.5 cd/m². In spite of the matt surface is it therefore difficult to see anything in bright environments.

The vantage point of the used LCD is in the horizontal direction slightly under average and in the vertical direction clearly under the average. The contrast with optimal conditions are moderate 194:1, the homogeneity of the illumination is with 73.7 % likewise below-average.

Subjectively the display image, in spite of the low measurements, provides a commodious image. Brightness and color are good.

Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability
Zepto Znote 6224W Vantage point stability

Performance

Zepto Znote 6624W Windows performance index
Windows Vista performance index

With the fast Core 2 Duo processor T7300 and the fast video card nVIDIA Geforce 8600M GT the Zepto Znote 6224W is one of the notebooks with the best performance in this price category. The tested notebook is supported by in total two Gbyte working memory and a 120 GByte hard disc from Samsung. It is also possible to order the Znote 6224W with four GByte RAM, a bigger and faster memory and another processor.

With this configuration work on the Znote 6224W can be done fast. No matter if you use it for demanding multimedia activities or office activities; it always provides a good performance.

The video card Geforce 8600M GT  disposes as most efficient median class chip of a good 512 MByte dedicated GDDR2-graphic memory, but this is clocked with poor 400 MHz (800 MHz DDR). A 256 MByte faster GDDR3-memory would surely be better for the performance (like the Asus G1S), especially because the bandwidth memory becomes more important with a higher resolution and the integrated WXGA+-display demands a complying resolution. The GPU works traditionaly clocked with 475 MHz.

For the newest games is it often necessary to reduce the graphic details and the resolution. Neither Bioshock, nor Call of Duty 4 or the demo to the newest part of the famous racing games Need for Speed: Pro Street run in the highest configuration without bucking. Often is it necessary to use lower details and a resolution of 1280x800 pixels to play fluently.

Even higher demands to the hardware have the long awaited shooter Crysis. Both integrated benchmarks for the Zepto Znote 6224W result in the following refresh rates (driver version 169.09):

Crysis - CPU Benchmark
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1440x900Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF10.26 fps
 1440x900Low, 0xAA, 0xAF22.18 fps
 1280x800Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF12.25 fps
 1280x800Low, 0xAA, 0xAF28.19 fps
 1024x768Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF15.34 fps
 1024x768Low, 0xAA, 0xAF34.75 fps
Crysis - GPU Benchmark
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1440x900Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF11.9 fps
 1440x900Low, 0xAA, 0xAF26.58 fps
 1280x800Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF14.24 fps
 1280x800Low, 0xAA, 0xAF32.6 fps
 1024x768Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF17.59 fps
 1024x768Low, 0xAA, 0xAF40.3 fps

Overclocking

To raise the performance in games many users use the overclocking. Especially the performance of the video card can be raised easily with the correct notebook. But this modification is not without risk. With the overclocking of the video card follows a higher heat emission and the notebook loses its guarantee.

The maximum clock frequency of the Zepto Znote 6224W is 650 MHz chip and 450 MHz memory clock. This is a plus of 13 percent compared with the normal version. In 3DMark06 this ensures 19%, in 3DMark05 it ensures even 30% higher ratings. Also Crysis benefits clearly of the higher clock frequency and ensures apart from higher benchmark ratings clearly less slowdowns in the game.

3DMark 05 Standard
5697 points
3DMark 06 1280x800 Score
3310 points
Help
PCMark 05 Standard
4096 points
Help
120 GB - 5400 rpm
Transfer Rate Minimum: 18.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 37 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 29.6 MB/s
Access Time: 18.3 ms
Burst Rate: 70.1 MB/s
CPU Usage: 2.3 %
Doom 3
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768Ultra, 0xAA, 0xAF75.8 fps
 800x600High, 0xAA, 0xAF97.6 fps
 640x480Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF113.8 fps
 640x480Low, 0xAA, 0xAF111.9 fps
F.E.A.R.
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768GPU: max, CPU: max, 0xAA, 0xAF31 fps
 800x600GPU medium, CPU medium, 0xAA, 0xAF101 fps
 640x480GPU min, CPU min, 0xAA, 0xAF342 fps
Quake 3 Arena - Timedemo
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768highest, 0xAA, 0xAF153.3 fps

Emissions

Loudness

The Zepto Znote 6224W is very pleasant in respect of noise levels. In the configuration “energy saving” the fan is only rarely audible. Also the hard disc from Samsung only makes a quiet whirring. The access sounds are only very weakly audible. In the profile „equilibrated&#8220  the fan is louder, but with 38.6 dB(A) from 10 cm distance it is still quiet.  Its underlying whirring attract only negative attention in very silent environments.

Under load the fan is clearly audible. Compared to other notebooks with similar performance the regular sound is still good. The average value is 42.6 dB(A). 

Advanced users can by means of the BIOS influence the fan behavior of the Zepto-notebook. Under the menu „CPU Control Sub-Menu&#8220 can be simply chosen how long and how intensive the fan reacts to which temperature. The reference value here is the processor temeprature. Thereby it is for example possible to set the fan on a low permanent speed to lower the case temperature or to reduce the sound in exchange for increased temperatures. But pay attention: In this menu too high temperatures can be set and even the termic supervision can be deactivated. Wrong configurations can cause a permanent damage to the processor!

Noise Level

Idle
33.6 / 39.6 / 39.6 dB(A)
HDD
34.5 dB(A)
DVD
40.5 / dB(A)
Load
42.6 / 45.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

In spite of the small field conditions of the small 14-inch notebook and the low fan the temperature stays on the top side always cool. The maximal temperature in the middle of the keyboard is 36,0 degrees, the average is 31,8 degrees.  On the bottom side the temperature is somewhat higher. Under the touchpad is the maximum temperature a high 46.8 degrees, the average is 39.1 degrees. With office work the temperature is not remarkable.

Max. Load
 31.8 °C
89 F
25.6 °C
78 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
 35.4 °C
96 F
36 °C
97 F
29.2 °C
85 F
 
 35.7 °C
96 F
35.1 °C
95 F
31.6 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 36 °C = 97 F
Average: 31.8 °C = 89 F
30.4 °C
87 F
38.2 °C
101 F
43 °C
109 F
31.3 °C
88 F
38.3 °C
101 F
42.3 °C
108 F
35.3 °C
96 F
46.8 °C
116 F
46.6 °C
116 F
Maximum: 46.8 °C = 116 F
Average: 39.1 °C = 102 F
Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.8 °C / 89 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.8 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.7 °C / 96.3 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-6.9 °C / -12.5 F).

Speakers

Both stereo speakers are located directly under the LCD. A test shows that this position is not optimal. Basses are only barely audible and even with moderate loudness the high tones start to clank. In total the speakers are below average.

The audio port in combination with headphones is above-average. Only the slight lumpish tones could bother some very demanding users. 

Battery Runtime

The high performance already suggests that the Znote 6224W is not meant for much mobile usage. The 52 watt-hour strong 6-cell battery runs only between one and three hours. With office operation and surfing on internet the average runtime is two hours. The double runtime provides the optional 12-cell battery of Zepto - of course this influences the weight of the notebook.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 28.8 / 37.7 / 45.7 Watt
Load midlight 63.6 / 70.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
2h 42min
WiFi Surfing
2h 9min
DVD
1h 43min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 49min

Vedict

The Zepto Znote 6224W provides high performance and good mobility for a low price. Equipped with powerful Core 2 Duo processors based on the Santa-Rosa-platform and the fast middle class video card provides the notebook a very good performance. Whether you want to do word-processing, use the internet or play current games: The small notebook convinces in every situation. Thanks to the compact size it is easy to take along to nearly every location.

The other features of the 14-inch notebook are also very good. Where other producers save on parts in this price category, the Zepto is provided with the Znote 6224W a WXGA+-display with high resolution and a matt surface and even provides an attractive number of interfaces.  Our test console for about 930 Euro only misses digital DVI-D and HDMI ports. Modern WLAN- technology of Intel, Bluetooth, a Cardreader and even a TPM-security chip is integrated into the small notebook from Zepto.

We could not find many weak points during the test of the Zepto Znote 6224W. Annoying and uncomprehensible is only that the display reduce strongly its brightness in the battery operation and therefore it is unsuitable for the usage outside in spite of its matt surface.  Also the changed key layout makes use at first frustrating. Concerning the low battery runtime, Zepto provides a stronger optional battery. The other detected weak points such as the cheap looking plastics on the inside or the sensitive display cover are minor points keeping the attractive purchase price in mind.

At the time of the test the Zepto Znote 6224W could be purchased for 799 Euro from the online shop of the producer. Unlike our test notebook, this one is equipped with a Core 2 Duo T5450 processor with a  1.66 Ghz clock frequency, one gigabyte working memory and a WLAN-card from Zepto.

Zepto Znote 6224W
Zepto Znote 6224W
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Zepto Znote 6224W
Reviewed: Zepto Znote 6224W

Specifications

Zepto Znote 6224W
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - 512 MB VRAM, Core: 475 MHz, Memory: 400 MHz
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR2 PC6400 800Mhz, 2x 1024MB, max. 4096MB
Display
14.10 inch 16:10, 1440 x 900 pixel, WXGA+, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel PM965
Storage
120 GB - 5400 rpm, 120 GB 
, 5400 rpm, Samsung HM120JI: 120GB, 5400rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC268 HD Audio
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 4 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 Infrared, Audio Connections: Microphone, Headphones (kombiniert mit optischem Ausgang), Card Reader: 3in1
Networking
10/100/1000 LAN Card (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth V2.0+EDR
Optical drive
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SN-S082D
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 27 x 341 x 247 ( = 1.06 x 13.43 x 9.72 in)
Battery
52 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8V 4800mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit
Additional features
24 Months Warranty, Notebook bei Bestellung individuell konfigurierbar, Betriebssystem optional
Weight
2.44 kg ( = 86.07 oz / 5.38 pounds), Power Supply: 530 g ( = 18.7 oz / 1.17 pounds)
Price
930 Euro

 

Zepto Znote 6224W Image
The Zepto Znote 6224W is despite of its price well made...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
The matt 14.1-inch-display provides a high resolution, but allows only low lateral insight angles.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...without becoming very loud.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...its true performance...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
Power inside: The inconspicuous notebook shows only after the start of a current game…
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
Behind another flap the hard disc is located. The model from Samsung convinces with very quiet operation, but this is not one of the fastest.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
Behind the first flap the working memory is located. With the2 GByte DDR2-PC6400-RAM from Kingston our test item is optimally equipped for everyday life. A maximum of 4 GByte RAM.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...which can be opened very fast and allow fast access to the hardware.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
On the backside of the Zepto Znote 6224W are located many airing slots and maintenance flaps,…
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
Handy: A slide switch for the WLAN.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
....but a digital DVI-D-exit is missing. Image signals can only be transferred in analog form to external reproducers.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...the ExpressCard/54-slots and a cardreader are meanwhile standard,...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
The ports are all the common ones, except for the audio port...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
... especially the cover needs a lot of care.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
To keep the nice look....
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...which are quite attractive.
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...like the light-blue shiny LEDs at the front,...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
...and has nice details in its appearance,...
Zepto Znote 6224W Image
Short haul sprinter: Depending on the type of use the battery runs only one to three hours. For an additional time a stronger battery is available.

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Pro

  • Bluetooth-interface
  • WLAN-slide switch
  • Gigabit-LAN-port
  • Solid case
  • High performance in every application ranges
  • Matt WXGA+-display with high resolution
  • Quiet
  • Configuaration possibillities in BIOS
  • Reasonable price

Contra

  • No digital image exit
  • Changed key layout
  • Display reduces brightness at battery operation
  • Short battery runtime
  • Sensible cover

Zepto Znote 6224W - 08/31/2007
Kristian Kübeck

Chassis
83%
Keyboard
82%
Pointing Device
80%
Connectivity
85%
Weight
84%
Battery
65%
Display
83%
Games Performance
90%
Application Performance
93%
Temperature
80%
Noise
83%
Add Points
94%
Average
84%
84%
Multimedia - Weighted Average
Kristian Kübeck, 2007-11-29 (Update: 2012-05-26)