Fujitsu Siemens LifeBook B-2545

Even the port replicator adds only 0.3kg to the weight and gives you access to the old serial, parallel and PS/2 ports as well as passthroughs for the VGA and RJ-45 outputs and an external floppy drive connector.

The B-2545 has a gorgeous silver chassis, and a well-lit touchscreen protected by a magnesium alloy lid. It's well built and designed, attractive, light and versatile too. With the addition of a Pentium III/600 processor, it's also a strong performer. The only remaining issue is battery life, which although vastly improved with the Ultra Low Voltage processor, is still a fair way behind the 127 minutes it took for the Pentium III/650-based Sony VAIO PCG-SR21K (reviewed issue 81, p149) to run flat. All of this could add up to a hefty fee though, so hopefully it will be sensibly priced.

Author: Ben Hardwidge