Labs

Although you can't see it in this picture, the exterior of the CR21Z/R's lid is a rich metallic red, with the VAIO logo inset in chrome: hence the "/R" in the name. The effect is, as we've come to expect from Sony, distinctive and quite beautiful.

There's plenty of personality on the inside, too. The "Scrabble tile" keyboard is much nicer to type on than it looks, although the action isn't very positive. The retro-style serif lettering is a cute touch, though, as are the quick-access buttons. Not only do these provide volume controls and one-touch capture from the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, but also access Sony's AV mode

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The glossy 1,280 x 800 X-black screen is excellent, with great contrast and vibrant colours, although it measures only 14.1in across. The speakers are clear, but lack power. Together, the smallish screen and speakers limit the CR21Z's suitability for entertainment.

Technically, the CR21Z is a capable notebook, scoring 0.97 in our 2D benchmark - not quite top, but a strong performance nonetheless. An ATi Mobility Radeon X2300 chipset gives it a modicum of 3D power, too, although hardly enough for serious gaming: it limped to an 11fps average in our lowest test. Its generous 200GB hard disk is well above average, though.

Yet it isn't without shortcomings: battery life is unremarkable, lasting 3hrs 28mins under light use and with a very slow recharge time of 3hrs 10mins. It's a shame to see only 10/100 Ethernet, and the ExpressCard slot is only of the 34mm variety. The return-to-base warranty is the meanest on offer, too.

Weigh the overall package against the £149 cheaper Acer and the Sony looks like questionable value. But if its limitations don't concern you, the CR21Z/R's sheer style elevates it far above the competition.