PC Nextday Zoostorm 89-2411 review

The Zoostorm 89-2411 is generic-looking laptop that we've seen a few times before, and the most exciting thing about it is its pearlescent off-white keyboard panel. White keyboards are great for those who can't touch-type, especially in low lighting and, although it rattles a bit as you type, the keyboard has a light action, firm feedback and a standard layout, and includes Home, End and page navigation keys along the right edge.

The touchpad is a single square of plastic with a thin metal strip separating the buttons from the pad. The pad itself isn't as big as we'd like and the buttons are too stiff, but it's responsive.

Above the keyboard is a thin metal strip that includes the power button and three shortcut buttons, one of which launches a web browser. The 15.4in screen is bright, with a reasonably even backlight. Its glossy finish and narrow vertical viewing angles can be frustrating when trying to avoid reflections.

For a laptop costing almost £700, the 89-2411 isn't as well equipped as we'd expect. An HDMI output is standard these days for any laptop with an HD-capable graphics chipset, and the 500GB hard disk is par for the course at this price. There are only three USB ports and no Bluetooth or 80211.n WiFi. On the plus side, there's an ExpressCard slot, an eSATA port and a digital audio output.

Performance in 2D applications was average, but 3D graphics were a let-down. A score of 10.4fps in Call of Duty 4 means that 3D-games, especially recent ones, won't be playable even with settings turned right down. Older games, and more sedate genres such as strategy and adventure, might run at lower settings.

Weighing 2.7kg, the 89-2411 is too heavy to lug around on long journeys, and a battery life of under two hours means it can't be used away from a power socket for long anyway. When it is plugged in, it consumes more power than any other laptop in the group. Although there's nothing seriously wrong with it, there's equally little to justify the price, and we can't recommend it over the cheaper alternatives.