BIOS: Technology Means Business

Fujitsu Siemens is set to launch a powerful workstation laptop. Designed primarily for professional graphics applications, such as CAD and visualisation, the Celsius H230 features outstanding graphics and long-lasting batteries. The system is based on Intel's latest 915PM Express chipset, Pentium M processor and Centrino Mobile Technology, but the real stars of the show are ATI's PCI Express-based Mobility FireGL V5000 3D graphics accelerator, which includes a whopping 256MB of graphics memory, and the two batteries that promise up to six hours' cable-free operation. The high-resolution UXGA display (1600x1200 pixels) should be impressive too, and is based on IPS (in-plane switching) technology.

Pros: High-end PCI Express graphics card; dual batteries; Gigabit LAN
Cons: Display is only 15.1in.; no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth as standard

Edited Release: The upcoming CeBIT trade fair (March 10-16 in Hanover) will be the stage for the launch of the new Celsius H230 from Fujitsu Siemens Computers. This powerful mobile workstation was designed primarily for professional graphics applications such as CAD and visualisation, but is also ideal for digital content creation (DCC). The Intel 915PM Express chipset with the latest Intel Pentium M processor and Intel Centrino Mobile Technology provide the basis for the system's extraordinary computing performance.

The Celsius H230 has an outstanding high performance, which increases the productivity of mobile power users. The most impressive feature is its graphics capabilities, thrust into a new dimension with 256MB graphic memory thanks to the new OpenGL graphics subsystem-capable ATI Mobility FireGL V5000 3D graphics accelerator, which utilises new PCI Express technology. The brilliant 15in. IPS liquid crystal display is easy on the eyes, while the two batteries enable cable-free operation for up to six hours.

The high-resolution UXGA display (1600x1200 pixels) is based on IPS (in-plane switching) technology. At the same resolution, the brilliance and sharpness of IPS displays is superior to conventional models, remaining clear and focused even at a 170-degree viewing angle. Engineering, simulation and finance data also needs to be protected at all times. This is where the multi-level security concept of the Celsius H230 enters the picture. It features a security panel and BIOS, boot and hard-disk passwords, as well as an optional SmartCard reader.

The extraordinarily functional Celsius H230 comes with a comprehensive range of options to keep users connected regardless of location. Network connections are seen to by a Gigabit LAN port, V.92 modem and optional wireless LAN. Four USB 2.0 ports, an IEEE-1394 FireWire interface and an optional Bluetooth module ensure smooth interaction with a range of external devices, from the keyboard, mouse, camera, printer and scanner to external hard disks and mobile phones.

A ModularBay for optical drives, additional hard disks and batteries is standard on the new workstation, as are slots for PC cards and ExpressCards as well as SD and MMC cards. External analog and digital displays, meanwhile, can either be hooked up via the VGA port on the system or the DVI on the optional PortReplicator.

Thanks to our strong relationships with numerous independent software vendors (ISVs) and solution providers, the Celsius H230 is ISV-certified for all established CAD, DCC, visualisation and finance applications. As a result, users can count on comprehensive software support from these partners.