The EasyNote M3 325 is the second notebook computer we've seen that comes with AMD's new 64-bit processor. It costs £200 more than the Advent 7039 (reviewed in issue 155) but includes top-notch graphics, which is a major selling point if you want to replace your desktop PC with a notebook.

The design is consistent with Packard Bell's usual styling. The case is built with a lot of white plastic but looks far better than the majority of notebooks that we see. This is helped by the unusual, yet eye-catching, circular track pad.

At its heart is an AMD Athlon 3200+ processor, with the aforementioned 64-bit technology, Although Windows isn't ready to take full advantage of 64-bit applications yet, the EasyNote's performance was very good, especially in our office software tests. It's not as fast as a desktop PC with a similar processor but is still very capable. It goes without saying that once 64-bit software is available, this notebook will be very well equipped.

A generous 512Mb helping of memory is another form of future proofing and will keep the notebook able for a good few years. The 60Gb hard disk is also generous and will provide ample storage for most, but if you need more room files can be archived using the recordable DVD drive.

Graphics are just as impressive. The ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 is good enough to play most of the latest 3D games, although don't expect a smooth ride if graphic detail levels are turned up to their highest settings. Thankfully, the performance is more than adequate for the two games supplied with the notebook - Splinter Cell and Civilization 3. The 15.4in widescreen display is great for office applications and DVD movies and supports a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024. There's also an S-Video port for connecting to a TV. Like most notebooks, though, the built-in speakers are basic, so only headphones or external speakers will do movies and games justice.

The 4-in-1 memory card reader is useful and every form of connectivity you'd expect is here, including six USB 2 ports and Wi-Fi. There are also seven hotkeys above the keyboard assigned to internet, email and multimedia controls. Battery life was excellent, with the M3 325 lasting just over three hours.

The software bundle includes Microsoft Works Suite, which offers Word XP, Money 2003 and Encarta 2003, plus Packard Bell's own software library, which includes a wide variety of audio, image and video-editing utilities. It also comes with Norton Internet Security 2003 and software for creating DVD and CDs. It's generic for all Packard Bell computers, so you'll find non-relevant information. Still, it's a thorough introduction with a particularly good troubleshooting section.

We've no hesitation in labelling the EasyNote M3 325 a very capable notebook and an investment for the future. It's hard to see any compromises that have been made on hardware but because of this, the price is a little high, especially when compared to similar notebooks.

Contact: Packard Bell 01628 512456
www.packardbell.co.uk