Asus W5fe review

We were more than happy with its colour reproduction and the motion handling. It's also got amazingly good viewing angles, so is equally at home whether you're editing photos, writing a document, or watching a film. The 1280 x 768 resolution is a little restrictive if you're used to keeping several windows open at once, though.

Key features

The other key area that's very important if you are using your laptop on a day-to-day basis is having a good keyboard and again, the Asus delivers here. It feels reassuringly solid under your fingers and is laid-out sensibly - all the keys are where you'd expect to find them and, despite the limited amount of space, they aren't crammed in next to each other. We're not fans of the trackpad though, which feels a little bit unpleasant when you run your finger over it. It's nothing that plugging in a USB mouse wouldn't solve, though that's not always convenient.

For storing all your documents, there's a 160GB hard disk inside. This will only become restrictive if you're keeping masses of video or hundreds of CDs, and most people won't even get close to filling it up. Should you want to burn files for backup or archival (or for making Video DVDs), there's a DVD writer on-board, which will work with all the popular formats of disc except DVD-RAM. Dual-layer discs are also supported, storing up to 8.5GB of data. There's also a media card reader in the side, which will cater for the cards of most digital cameras, although not CompactFlash or xD formats.

Get connected

The feature list is comprehensive elsewhere too, with details such as a 1.3-megapixel webcam nestled in the main TFT's bezel - a nice touch. Three USB ports is an adequate, if not extravagant, number to be going on with and there's mini-FireWire for attaching kit like camcorders.

Bluetooth also comes as standard, for communicating with mobile phones, and we like the inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet connection (faster than the 10/100 standard if you've got compatible networking hardware), as well as the now standard 802.11a/b/g wireless networking. There's also a 56k modem if you're still on dial-up.

The version of Windows Vista supplied in our review sample was the Business Edition. There's nothing to stop this from being a perfectly good choice for most people - just be aware that it doesn't contain some of Vista's more entertainment-focused aspects. This version doesn't include Windows Media Center, which for many is one of Vista's most compelling elements. If you want that, you'll need to pay slightly more for the Home Premium or Ultimate Editions.

It all adds up to a compelling, if fairly expensive package. While you're getting plenty for your money, you could make do with less. It isn't the epitome of style, either, but this form factor is a great balance between usable size and mobility. If you want something that's a bit different, then the SideShow element is unique now, and will grow tremendously in capability in the future. If you're looking for a fully-featured and mobile laptop that makes the most of Vista, it's well worth considering - only the lack of gaming potential and the low screen resolution will put off the demanding.