MusicXPC has introduced the Professional M3, a Pentium-based media production laptop computer designed for audio professionals such as musicians, producers and composers.

The Windows-based Professional M3 is a computer specially “tweaked” for media production. The computer is configured from the BIOS up to handle music applications running dozens of audio tracks, effects and virtual instruments. The M3 is designed by Les Bateman, an industry veteran and Hammond B3 ace who has been in the studio business for more than 30 years.

The Professional M3 features a 15.4″ WXGA wide-angle TFT LCD display and supports resolutions up to 1280 x 800 pixels. It is built around a 2MB cache Intel Pentium M processor running at 1.73 GHz on a 533 MHz front side bus Intel 915GM motherboard. The M3 comes with 512MB of DDR-333 RAM, an 8X DVD-/+RW and an 80GB, 5,400 RPM hard drive. The hard drive has 8MB cache and when combined with the 2MB cache on the processor, results in very fast throughput and high audio track counts.

The Professional M3 supports an external VGA monitor and provides Gigabit LAN for fast connectivity. Virtually all popular interfaces, ports and connectors are supported including FireWire, USB 2.0, PC Card Bus, Memory Card Reader, wireless LAN and 56K modem.

The Professional M3 features heat-pipe technology which ferries heat away from the CPU without the use of the large noisy fans that usually perform this task. The result is a very quiet notebook that is ideal for music production and recording spaces.

The Professional M3 comes with a back-up and restoration utility available on any media computer to date. This system allows the user to restore the computer to factory settings or other user-created states even after a catastrophic failure, a drive crash or even re-formatting. The factory state is stored in an invisible part of the main hard drive. This feature will minimize downtime caused by system failures in the studio.

The Professional M3 is available now at music stores and retails for USD $1,899.00.

Specifications

• Intel Pentium M processor 1.73 GHz 2MB cache
• Chipset: Intel 915GM
• 533MHz Front Side Bus
• Silver and Black Alloy chassis
• 15.4″ WXGA 1280 x 800 TFT LCD screen
• 512MB PC2700 [DDR333] RAM
• DVD+/-RW/CD-RW 24x24x8x8
• Ultra ATA 100 5400rpm 80GB 8MB cache System Drive
• 8MB cache Hard Drive
• Microsoft Windows XPR
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 4 IEEE1394 [FireWireR] ports [1 + 3 on PC card]
• 1 56Kbps, V.92 Modem port
• 1 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN port
• 1 PC Card Bus slot
• 1 3-in-1 Card Reader
• 1 Microphone input
• 1 Line output/Headphone output
• 1 Instant On Media Player
• Wireless LAN 802.11b/g
• VGA output
• AC’97 support for 5.1 channel surround
• Length 360mm x Width 265mm x Height 33mm
• Power 65W external AC Adapter
• CPU Temperature Heat-Pipe technology
• Battery Life 4.5 hours
• Gross weight 2.9Kg [6.5 lbs]
• Optical Mouse included
• Retail price $1,899.00 USD

More information is available at the MusicXPC site.