This notebook has been designed with classic Sony style: rounded edges, hidden IO inputs and a sleek widescreen footprint. From a connectivity point of view, this 'book has it all, boasting front-mounted Memory Stick Pro port, iLink 4-pin FireWire port and three USB ports.

While we wait with bated breath for the imminent (or was that eventual?) release of Microsoft Media Centre into Australia, the number of companies cashing in on the media functionality of next generation consumer electronics is growing quickly.

An inexpensive laptop that, when it comes to style and quality, more than punches above its weight

A decent notebook but too expensive for the features on offer.

The new model in Benq's V series may just be an evolution, but under the skin there's a power revolution.

Great ergonomics are let down by a few mediocre components and limited portability. But some features will tempt many.

A new Core2 Duo based laptop has found its way into the labs, and from the outset, we like it.

A notebook fortress to equip your workforce with confidence, but sub-par performance.

Good features for the price. It’s just not very exciting.

The screen isn't great, but everything else about this notebook is very good indeed.

The sweet taste of AM2, in the form of an ultraportable powerhouse.

Great looks, a good software bundle and hardware that almost completes the package.

Small but packed with features, this Lifebook is a stunner.

An excellent mid-range laptop for work, but not fun.

Everybody, who hasn’t already got one, wants a decent laptop.

The Acer Aspire 1692 WLMi is a story of compromises; a +/-/RAM dual layer burner and gigabit Ethernet are offset by Windows XP Home, only 512MB of RAM and the slowest processor and hard disk of the bunch.

Stylish and packed with features, it is not the cheapest 12 inch notebook available. This said, if you simply must have the features on offer inside this 'book, then this notebook does it all with style.

The Aspire is a very good unit with several features which enhance its usability. It will suit on-the-go entertainment and productivity, at a price that won't burn your wallet.

Widescreen is still one of the flavours of the month for notebooks and plenty of users are opting to banish boring old 4:3 aspect ratio LCD panels to the land of wind and ghosts.

Apple and style are synonymous and the rounded lines and gloss white plastic chassis add to its durability and looks. Its slot-mounting combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW means there are no moving parts to break off in accidents, and serve to provide additional storage space should the comparatively small 30GB hard disk not be enough room for your files.