With its moulded edges, translucent plastic trim, and metallic finish, the Compaq Presario 14XL350 certainly makes a striking visual statement. This entry-level silver-and-black wonder aims to attract home users who are both style-and budget-conscious, and it does an admirable job.

The 14XL350's forward-thinking design doesn't stop with cosmetics. Compaq, assuming that most entry-level buyers won't already own much in the way of legacy peripherals, has ditched the old-fashioned serial and parallel ports, replacing them with two USB connectors. It also includes only a single PC Card slot, but adds an S-Video-out connector for aspiring animators and film directors.

The 14XL350 has an external USB floppy drive for old-school media, and it ships standard with an internal Ethernet port for those who wish to hook up a broadband Internet or network connection. As for optical drives, the fixed 24x CD-ROM drive is the Presario's only internal removable-media device. If you want to spin a DVD movie, your only option is to go external.

The 14XL350 is powered by a 700MHz Intel PIII engine with 128MB of RAM (from which 8MB is drawn to handle graphics). Its 15GB hard drive provides adequate storage space for a notebook in this class. The Presario is also equipped with a 13.1 inch TFT display.

The Presario is also packed with great usability features. The keyboard is excellent, although the layout isn't the greatest we've seen. An abbreviated Backspace key is set beside the Home key, where it can cause trouble for fast typists. Overall, however, the feel is exceptional, with substantial travel and a healthy click when a key is depressed.

The programmable Synaptics touch pad is handy, too, featuring tap zones and scrolling options, with two actuation buttons that are both large and comfortable. A third four-way scrolling button enables you to program up to four separate functions, such as simply scrolling in one direction, launching an application of your choice, or inputting a series of keystrokes. The notebook also includes three programmable Internet buttons above the keyboard for launching favourite Web sites, an e-mail client, and a preferred shopping site.

A cluster of stand-alone buttons centred between the two front-facing JBL Pro stereo speakers gives you intuitive control over playing audio tracks, although the Presario won't let you listen to music while the system is powered off. A dedicated MP3 button launches the RioPort Audio Manager, providing quick access to digital music files stored on your hard drive. The volume buttons are responsive, but the lack of a mute button is a major oversight. Nonetheless, the Presario delivers crisp audio with even a fair amount of bass output.

The Presario held its own in battery life, lasting 3 hours and 29 minutes on a single charge. Compaq bundles an adequate software package, including Windows Me and Microsoft Featured Home Collection With Word, which includes the word processor as well as Works 2000 and Money 2000. To maintain the Presario's general health, you'll also find McAfee AntiVirus, along with an excellent set of electronic doctors and troubleshooting utilities.

Concise documents and an easy-to-follow setup guide will ensure a smooth out-of-box experience as well. Compaq backs the Presario 14XL350 with a standard one-year parts-and-labour warranty.

Based on looks alone, the Presario 14XL350 certainly stands out from the pack. This notebook's simple operation, good support, and thoughtful attention to design may prove attractive to students and first-time notebook buyers.

Compaq Presario 14XL350
Company: Compaq
Ph: 13 23 93; Fax: 02 9022 1800
Price: AU$4,499.

Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive, a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved.
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CBS Interactive. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CBS Interactive.