Rock Xeno SP

If you're looking to buy a notebook computer, both desktop-replacement and ultra-portable models are extremely enticing. Unfortunately, their price tags are usually less so and for most people, a straightforward 'notebook' is the most affordable option.

At £1,057, the Rock Xeno SP is perhaps at the upper end of what could comfortably be called an 'affordable' notebook but its blue and silver livery looks appealing and on paper at least, it has a good specification.

Despite the 2.66GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor and 256Mb of memory, the Xeno only performed adequately in our overall system test. The poor graphics test score illustrated that it's also not really up to playing games.

It's up to playing DVD movies on the move though, thanks to the built-in DVD-ROM drive, and the three-hour battery life means that you should be able to cram in a film and some work while you're away from the mains.

The 1024 x 768 resolution screen is crisp and clear too. Unfortunately, the three USB, one mini-FireWire, network, modem, mouse, monitor and TV-out sockets are on either side of the case, which leads to a messy desktop if you have lots of things plugged in at once.

Contact: Rock 0870 990 9090
www.rockdirect.com