Acer Aspire 8920G 18.4in laptop

Does a video-friendly 16:9 screen make any real difference?

By Andrew Tiney • Get more from this author

21st August 2008 11:02 GMT

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Networking features sit on the left-hand side of the machine – with a modem socket and Gigabit Ethernet in place. Wireless connectivity comes in the form of 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Those wanting to connect external displays can do so using the VGA port, and HD content can be sent out over HDMI. Audio options include line-out, a microphone and SPDIF sockets. You’ll also find two USB ports. The power connection is neatly integrated into the outer side of the cylindrical hinge.

All the networking ports are on the left side

A further two USB ports sit on the right side of the Aspire, along with an ExpressCard 54 slot and a Blu-ray Disc drive that doubles up as a multi-format DVD writer.

Speakers aside, the only feature on the front of the laptop is a media card reader, stated as being capable of supporting SD, MMC, MMCplus, MS, MS PRO and XD. We also had no trouble with SD HC cards.

The rear of the Aspire is free from ports, as it’s covered by the bottom of the display when the laptop is open. Inside the laptop, there’s a fingerprint scanner located between the touchpad buttons. A 1.3-megapixel webcam sits on top of the display, with a microphone on either side for web calls. The microphones operate in sync to improve voice pick-up.

Build quality is one of the 8920G's better features, with tough plastics in use throughout. The screen is firmly held in place, and doesn’t wobble when you're typing. The top of the laptop remained impressively cool to the touch, even when used for gaming or for long periods of time.