4. Audio: Line-in Input And Digital Audio Output On The Front

The two speakers are located on the left and right of the glossy, polished front. The IR port, status lights, one on/off switch each for the BT and WLAN modules, audio connections, and one of the three USB 2.0 ports are arranged from left to right.

Easy access: audio and USB ports on the front.

When the wireless communication modules integrated within the device are activated, the button for Bluetooth glows blue, while that for WLAN glows orange.

Convenient: WLAN module (802.11g) and Bluetooth switches on the front.

One special feature is the line-in port that the machine is equipped with. Gigabyte also integrated another digital optical output into the headphone output, greatly enhancing DVD movies and games using a home stereo system with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.

Great for movie watchers: optical audio output integrated into the headphone output

The battery meter on the front of the case has one interesting feature: it blinks as a reminder when the battery is empty or near empty, whether or not the notebook is on. This should help prevent the annoying scenario where the user takes off for a trip with an empty battery in his/her W511A. The battery and hard drive status lights are inconveniently placed on the front, however; they cannot be seen under normal working conditions due to the slightly angled front of the case.

Status LEDs inconveniently placed outside the normal field of view

In its basic configuration, the W511A comes with a DVD/CD-R/RW combo drive. For an additional $90 you can order a multi-format DVD burner.

The optical drive is removable