Fujitsu Siemens' AMILO GraphicBooster ready to hit the market

by Parm Mann on 28 November 2008, 11:48

Tags: AMILO GraphicBooster, Fujitsu Siemens

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External graphics solutions for notebook systems aren't entirely new technology, but they're rarely found readily available. One of the very first to hit retail, says Fujitsu Siemens, is its AMILO GraphicBooster.

The AMILO GraphicBooster, pictured below, is an external unit that plugs into the AMILO Notebook Sa 3650 to provide additional graphics oomph - it hasn't yet been confirmed if it'll work with any other notebook.

Measuring 18cm x 13cm x 3.35cm, it houses a 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 graphics card - enough to provide a 470 per cent graphics performance boost on the aforementioned notebook, which itself features an on-board ATI Radeon HD 3200.

In addition to providing more graphics power, the GraphicBooster also expands on connectivity. The unit features DVI and HDMI connectors, allowing users to connect three external displays to their notebook, and there's a pair of USB ports for attaching keyboards and mice.

There's no mention of pricing, but Fujitsu Siemens expects availability in December '08, and it'll be interesting to see just how well the unit fares. External boxes such as this could be just what the increasingly-popular netbook needs when used at home.

Official press release: The dynamic duo from Fujitsu Siemens Computers



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

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They're going to have to set the price point very carefully. Even then, I can't see this being a great seller. There doesn't seem to be to be a great market out there for this sort of device.
I disagree. I think if marketed/designed right this could be an amazing product. We are know people are moving the way of the Notebook. But upgrading the parts outside installing new memory is an absolute pig. How brilliant would it be if you could buy an off the shelf component to allow you to play the latest games? I use a laptop myself, each year i find myself unable to play the latest games. Rather than forking out £1000+ each time, how much better would it be if i could just pay £300 for a 4870 in a box. then replace that with a XXXX in two year time.
How much better again would it be if you could have external pci-e x16 outputs on laptops, and connect to an external box that allowed the use of desktop graphics cards.

Still, at least its a step in the right direction.
I bet it will cost quite a bit! I just don't see this catching on unless its priced below £150 and has no issues with drivers etc.
Generally speaking, peeps into PC gaming will have made/purchased a gaming rig for said purposes, or have a console. This I see is for the casual gamer who may not have a capable rig, or console. But will they be prepared to shell out what will in all probability be a substantial wad of cash, in order to play the odd game at a decent resolution & framerate?