Reading the feature table entry for the MSI PR200 (page 60), there aren’t many differences between it and the Labs-winning Acer. Both have similar processors and fingerprint readers for added security, there’s simply very little between them on paper. The main changes are the MSI’s 40GB smaller hard disk and lack of draft-n wireless connectivity.

The MSI bests its rival in one area, though, and that’s battery life. The 4800mAh battery lasted a shade under six hours in our light-use test, putting it near the front of the pack behind the Sony. This despite sporting a proper Core 2 processor. Indeed, the 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7300 raced to a decent score of 0.95 in our benchmarks, meaning only the expensive Sony can better its combination of power and longevity.

It’s well equipped in the ports department, too, with the interesting inclusion of an HDMI port – with only a standard DVD writer, you’ll have to download HD content to play on an HDTV – as well as three USB ports, an ExpressCard/54 slot, an SD card reader and a digital TV tuner. Wireless connectivity comes in the form of both 802.11g and Bluetooth adapters, and the 120GB hard disk offers plenty of space.

But where the MSI can’t compete – and where it drops points for Features & Design – is in its ergonomics. Like the Acer, it’s right on the 2kg boundary, but the battery juts out a little at the back, and the major difference is that it simply doesn’t look very desirable. We don’t have a great deal of confidence in the strength of either the lid or hinge. The keyboard is far too clicky to be comfortable, despite the fairly spacious layout, and the speakers lack the bass to enjoy music on them.

The LCD is its strong point, though. It’s a 12.1in glossy display, making colours vivid and edges crisp, and there’s a 1.3-megapixel camera in the frame above it. All in all, there’s plenty to like here, and if the ergonomics don’t bother you the MSI PR200 offers tremendous value at just $1529. It’s a close call, but the $43-cheaper Acer’s durability and design just edge in front this month.