Packard Bell EasyNote Butterfly XS: Review

Packard Bell EasyNote Butterfly XS

Is this compact machine as powerful and versatile as it is pretty?
The EasyNote Butterfly XS is a notebook, or maybe a netbook, or both, or perhaps something new altogether – in fact, is an actual distinction really necessary or even possible? What it is, is a versatile laptop that aims to provide netbook portability and accessibility with the added punch of a larger notebook. However, does trying to please all users all of the time result in a machine that is jack of all trades and master of none? In this case, no. For entry-level users it has carefully thought-out features, and handles most day-to-day tasks with assurance. As long as the more demanding user isn’t relying on it as a main source of processing power, there are real advantages to be found over and above its competitors.

Portability and precision: Its design provides an enhanced on-the-go use, with its full-size keyboard and multi-gesture touch pad – delivering the same experience as a notebook

The Butterfly is marketed at style-conscious users who need mobile computing all day. It’s an attractive machine, available in black or cherry red, and with an emphasis on simple, functional design. A high-gloss lid adds a bit of class, and chrome screen hinges are a nice touch. The EasyNote Butterfly XS is the size of an A4 pad and not much thicker, at one inch. Despite being a little heavier than most netbooks at 1.6 kilograms, it’s readily portable. It may be compact, but the Butterfly has a full size keyboard. These are positive but perhaps a touch too sensitive for the clumsy typist. The multi-touch pad does respond well to confident commands.

Power comes from its 1.3GHz Intel Celeron SU743 processor with 2GB of DDR2 memory, which is more than your average netbook, and even more than some of its closely priced notebook competitors. This is enough to cope with basic tasks in Photoshop, but start throwing larger filters at it and load times become heavy-going. Experienced users who move quickly around the CS4 interface with shortcuts may also experience a bit of lag – nothing too drastic, but frustrating if deadline hour is approaching. However, for everyday tasks and entertainment the Butterfly scores well, with built-in microphone, webcam and optical drive DVD rewriter. Because the Butterfly is not intended as a main computer, Packard Bell offers its Xsync USB dongle to make synchronising with a main PC straightforward.

Crucially, the Butterfly XS does not compromise power for longevity. With the application of an Ultra Low Voltage processor, LED backlit screen, six-cell Li-ion battery and optimised Sleep mode settings, Packard Bell claims the Butterfly can last up to eight hours on one battery charge. We were able to work on a host of applications for well over six hours before this device ran out of juice.

HD resolution: HD resolution is available on its 11.6-inch HD Packard Bell Diamond View display. You can take it all to a larger external display via the HDMI port

One of the Butterfly’s key attractions is its 11.6-inch screen – larger than the more common 10.1-inch netbook size. In addition to showcasing websites more effectively, the 1,366 x 788 display has obvious advantages when working in Photoshop – that little bit of extra width providing room for palettes and toolboxes. This is enhanced by its remarkable clarity. The Butterfly XS boasts high definition and is clearly visible at a good range of angles – again a real advantage when working on detailed images. The screen housing does feel a little fragile though, which is a symptom of its weight-saving design.

The Butterfly XS comes loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium, Photoshop Elements 7, standard Norton Security software and Nero 9 Essentials for burning data and movies. Communicating with the wider world is facilitated by gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, optional 3G and Bluetooth 2.1, great for working on the move. It also offers a range of connectivity features to make accessing and output work as easy and versatile as possible, including a 5-in-1 card reader, three 2.0 USB readers and HDMI output – a useful function displaying portfolio work on large screens. Despite its diminutive size the Butterfly XS excels at versatility. It may struggle with high-end Photoshop tasks, but as a secondary machine it ticks a lot of user boxes.