NEC Generation Performer

Both have 14in wide-aspect screens running at a 1,280 x 768 resolution - a sensible compromise between providing lots of Desktop space and legibility. They lack a touch of brightness, but they're crisp, with viewing angles that strike just the right balance between privacy and visibility.

We're pleased to see a healthy complement of ports - a Type II PC Card slot, mini-FireWire, two USB, 56K modem and Ethernet are all grouped along the left edge, with a further two USB ports, VGA and S-Video outputs on the back. The front edge sports infrared, audio and a media card reader supporting SD and Memory Stick formats. Inside, there's 802.11b/g and even Bluetooth. It's an impressive line-up for the price.

For a notebook designed for people who aren't paying for it, and so are less likely to look after it, the Generation isn't as solid as we'd like. However, there's no specific area of weakness, and a custom-designed rucksack is available. At 2.2kg, smaller shoulders shouldn't have too much trouble, and a battery life of four hours provides some flexibility to move about too.

The keyboard is the only area we'd criticise outright, with a spongy feel that takes some getting used to, a single-height Enter key and slightly temperamental mouse buttons.

But our criticisms are very few. With the insurance, security and manageability features in place, the Generation addresses many of the concerns about supplying valuable kit to children. While you can certainly buy cheaper notebooks for home use, nothing else on the market can match the Generation's features.

Author: Ross Burridge