6. Acer Aspire 5672 WLMi Support

Four buttons appear to the upper right on the keyboard deck of this notebook, above the keyboard. These are all programmable using the Acer Launch Manager, and share the same area with the quick start button, the on/off switch, and the status indicators. Clicking the e-button opens the Empowering Technology window. This provides direct and simple access to this notebook's most important functions and settings.

To the left of the keyboard, you'll find six buttons that provide audio and video controls for the notebook. The loudspeakers and video connectors, as well as the card readers are positioned on the front edge of the case for easy access. The cover for the card readers looks kind of chintzy. It also gets wobbly with repeated use, if it doesn't break off the case completely.

On the other hand, we found the on/off switch for the integrated Bluetooth and WLAN module very practical, positioned for easy access on the front of the case.

When you click on this button, it causes these modules to report back status via an on-screen display (OSD).

Easy to reach audio connections and card readers on the notebook's front side

The right side of the Acer notebook has slots for one PC Card and a PCI ExpressCard. The latter is protected with a cover, but the former uses a cheap plastic insert to keep out dust and dirt. The Firewire port is positioned on the right side, next to which you'll find two USB ports and the S-Video port, as well as an exhaust vent.

On the left side a slot load dual-layer DVD burner sits next to two more USB ports, along with a modem connector and a power port for the external brick.

The network port is positioned on the rear of the notebook, along with a DVI connector to link up to an external monitor. A DVI-to-VGA adapter is included with the notebook, for those who might want to connect to an external VGA display.

A rear view of the Acer Aspire 5672WLMi

As an added special feature, this notebook also includes an integrated, high resolution Webcam that's built into the top edge of the frame around the monitor. This Webcam uses a rotating socket mount that permits you to aim the lens (presumably at your face) despite its fixed position. The "Acer Orbicam" program provides the necessary controls. For business use, this software's face tracking function is very practical: If you move your head sufficiently far to exit the viewing frame during a video conference, the camera employs random panning and zooming to lock back in on your face.

By comparison, the built-in microphone on the upper left of the keyboard deck leaves a lot to be desired. Its default input volume just doesn't work for reasonable audio communication.