Acer TravelMate 4501WLMi

Port placement is also a strength, with only power, a D-SUB monitor port and a docking connector hidden at the rear. The DVD writer is on the left, so all connectors are ranged along the front and right edges where they're easy to get at. These include three USB 2 ports, a mini-FireWire port, S-Video out, V.92 modem, 10/100 Ethernet and infrared. There's also a memory card slot for SD/MMC/Memory Stick formats and a Type II PC Card slot. A back-lit button on the front edge quickly toggles the 802.11b/g wireless LAN connection on and off, and there's another labelled for Bluetooth even though the latter isn't currently an option in this machine.

If you want to customise the configuration you also have the options of adding an EasyPort Replicator III to the docking connector (£85), or replacing the optical drive with a second hard disk (80GB, £199) or another battery pack (£90).

In packaging a 15.4in widescreen display in a chassis that weighs under 3kg, the TravelMate 4501WLMi offers full desktop-replacement features that can be taken from the office when needed, and the great battery life ensures you can use them for a good length of time. Considering everything that you're getting, including Windows XP Professional, it's excellent value. If partnered with a sturdy carry case this TravelMate makes a good purchase.

Author: Roger Kirkwood