Labs

Though the Znote only has a 15.4-inch display, its 1,680 x 1,050 resolution is even higher than this month's 17-inch models, matching a 20-inch desktop monitor. That means you get extreme detail and sharpness from the rich, glossy screen, but icons and text look tiny, so you'll need good eyesight and fine trackpad control for everyday tasks. You can turn the resolution down, but as with all flat panels this degrades the picture quite noticeably.

If you want high resolution andhave the eyesight to appreciate it, the Zepto is a fine portable

ADVERTISEMENT

package. It feels exceptionally solid and usable, with a good keyboard and a stylish low-profile trackpad. General 2D performance was strong, ranking second only to the supercharged Hi-Grade. Most unusually, it's even equipped with a pretty powerful 3D chipset, which proved more than twice as fast as most of the competition: it won't get the best out of brand new 3D games, but turn the detail down and they should be perfectly playable, which is something of an achievement for a portable.

Driving this high-end hardware takes juice, and in our battery tests the Zepto came in last place, not even managing two hours of light tasks. Coupled with a weight of 2.9kg - unusually heavy for a 15.4-inch model - this makes the Znote a questionable choice for a portable computer. It did last nearly as long playing a DVD, though, and took no longer than average to recharge.

Powerful components come at a price, and at nearly £1,100 all-in, the Zepto is this month's most expensive machine. You can save money by specifying your own configuration on Zepto's website, butyou'll never get near to the Acer in termsof value.