This laptop is indicative of where whitebox manufacturers are at regarding the adoption of the new Core 2 Duo processor, which is set to unapologetically take the performance crown away from the competition. If you want a laptop with grunt and longevity, then on paper you should be looking for specifications similar to the Optima Centoris. Why? Firstly, it's powered by Intel's new (and astounding) Core 2 Duo processor, secondly, its design is mostly well thought out; and finally, it's good value for money.

Like many whitebox laptop designs, the audio connectors and four-pin FireWire socket are at the front of the laptop. There's a headphone and optical output, a line in and a mic in connector. The rest of the outputs are on the left, including S-Video, 2 USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet and a port replicator to complement the DVI connector -- a thoughtful addition.

On the right, there's a DVD burner, ExpressCard/54 slot, SD, MMC and Memory Stick Duo reader, two more USB ports and a modem jack. There is no Bluetooth, but Wi-Fi is supported up to the G revision, which you can turn on and off with a dedicated button on the chassis or a transposed function key.

The 1280 x 800 screen is powered by Intel's 945GM graphics chip, and is sufficiently bright despite not having a glossy reflective coating. Although the hinge is fairly strong, it shares the Apple and Sony trait of not opening past 120 degrees. Regardless of who started this trend, we find it annoying and think it limits usability.

We like that the keyboard doesn’t feel cramped in the slightest, even though it feels a little on the squishy side. We’ve used far worse. Furthermore, while the touchpad is small it's seamlessly recessed into the chassis, which is another win for design.

The real test will be our benchmark suite, and we are putting the Centoris V660 through its paces at the moment. Expect to see it in an upcoming issue of PC Authority. We have been advised that $1899 is an expected, not final, RRP.