eMachines M5116 budget notebook

Unusually, this being a budget laptop, eMachines has included 802.11g Wi-Fi networking. This is a great addition as you can connect the M5116 wirelessly to the Internet at any number of Wi-Fi hotspots. This is also handy if you use your laptop for work and need to connect to different networks in various offices.

Looking at the ports, starting at the left hand side, there's a single Type II PC Card slot, headphone and mic sockets as well as connectors for the integrated 56kbps V.90 modem and 10/100Mbps Ethernet. Around the back is the power connector, three USB 2.0 ports, a single four-pin FireWire connector as well as a D-SUB. Not an amazing array of ports, but you can't expect everything from a budget notebook.

The keyboard is very good and there is enough travel in the keys for a comfortable typing action, even over extended periods. The only complaint is that the Ctrl key has been moved inwards to make space for the Fn key. The Fn (for 'Function') key gives access to extra features on the laptop such as enabling/disabling the built in Wi-Fi networking or adjusting the brightness of the display. It's not uncommon for laptop manufacturer to place the Fn key in this position, but it means that if you're used to a normal keyboard you'll end up hitting it in stead of the Ctrl key. This is a particular problem for anyone who uses a lot of keyboard shortcuts.

The touchpad looks like something borrowed from an HP laptop as it has a separate scroll section that I have so far only come across on HP models. This is quite handy and much easier to use than special scroll zones and centre buttons seen on other laptops.