Acer Ferrari 3000LMI Notebook (Acer-LXFR105023)

Behind the wheel, you'll have to navigate a few curves with the Ferrari's keyboard, which incorporates Acer's trademark 5-degree bow that supposedly keeps your hands ergonomically positioned as you type. The slight curve takes some getting used to, but the smart layout, the four programmable quick-launch buttons, and the touchpad with a four-way scroll make for comfortable typing and use.

The 15.1-inch screen has a native resolution of 1400 by 1050 and looks great when playing back DVD movies, but the 3000LMi's audio lacks horsepower: Sound was weak and flat. The battery could use a tune-up, too; it lasted just under 2.25 hours on a charge in our tests, a couple of hours less than the typical Pentium M-equipped notebook. One of the notebook's two RAM slots sits in a compartment under the keyboard, where you can't access it without voiding the warranty; the second is located in the more traditional bottom compartment, where it's easy to reach.

The 3000LMi's documentation is middling. The sole printed aid is a bare-bones getting-started sheet. A complete Acrobat manual comes preinstalled on the hard drive, but searching is limited to bookmarks and a menu command--far less convenient than a linked index.

Upshot: If you're looking for out-of-the-ordinary style and you don't mind donning shades when the bright-red lid starts making your eyes hurt, you'll appreciate the 3000Lmi's flair.

Carla Thornton