Acer Aspire 1363WLMi

The 1363WLMi comes ready for wireless networking with 802.11b/g integrated as standard, and there's the fallback of a V.92 modem connection. PCMCIA expansion options are also better than many notebooks, with a Type III PC Card slot that's large enough to take two stacked Type II PC Cards.

More disappointing is the old-fashioned layout of the USB 2 ports. We can't complain about the quantity - there are four in all - but they're in a tightly packed group round the back of the chassis, and are horribly awkward to use. The two 3.5mm jacks for headphones and a microphone are also relegated here. Similarly, you'll have to fiddle about to use the S-Video, 10/100 Ethernet, D-SUB VGA and parallel connectors, with just the mini-FireWire and infrared conveniently located around the left-hand side.

These gripes about port placement are irksome, but they're not deal-breakers in this class of budget, primarily deskbound notebook - you could always add a USB hub or an extension lead for easier port access. When you consider the whole package, with the well-protected widescreen display, DVD writer and moderate graphics power, this Sempron system is impressive value for money. Home- and small-business buyers should give it serious consideration.

Author: ROGER KIRKWOOD