22. Overall Conclusions: Solid Workhorse With Comprehensive Multimedia Functions

The LW60 Express proves that LG is no Johnny-come-lately when it comes to building notebook PCs. This device shows profound evidence of forethought and experience in its design and implementation. For example, the separate numeric keypad, the easy-to-use driver update feature, and the remotely controllable Instant-On Player all attest to the company's mastery of this marketplace.

The 15.4" Fine Bright display not only does the job nicely with large Excel spreadsheets or when working with multiple windows on the desktop, it also pleases the eye during DVD playback. As one of the few instances of its kind, the LW60 Express makes good use of Intel's high definition audio capabilities, with reconfigurable audio inputs and outputs and an optical audio output. It also features slots for a PC Card as well as for the new PC ExpressCard.

Because LG chose to use fast RAM in this system, combined with a speedy graphics subsystem built around the ATI MR X600 graphics chipset, the LW60 Express is among the fastest devices in the 15.4" notebook class. With a maximum battery lifetime of 3h 41m (MobileMark05 Reader workload), the LW60 also demonstrates how good a device in this class can be.

Whether or not LG's LW60 Express can meet the high expectations of business people in the executive class remains an interesting question. To play in that league, we believe that a high-quality case is essential, and that's one area of weakness with this machine. But that does nothing to change the fact that LG is pursuing this market with both vigor and street smarts. The LG LW60 Express makes a great workplace machine for a team member, and one that offers great capabilities for its users' leisure time as well.