For example, with Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and Adobe Acrobat running at the same time, it was sluggish when flicking between the open applications. This was reflected in the laptop's mediocre score of 1619 in PC Mark 05. It's a shame, because we think the machine's Intel Celeron M 430, which runs at 1.73GHz, has enough grunt to hit a higher score if it was backed up by more memory.
Unfortunately, the laptop refused to run our 3D Mark 06 test, but it was obvious from its chugging frame rate in Far Cry that the onboard Intel 945GM Express graphics chip doesn't have the muscle to handle the latest 3D games. You'll be able to play older titles or less graphically intensive ones such as Championship Manager, but hardcore gamers simply aren't catered for here.
In our battery test, the 3693WLWi managed to keep running under its own steam for 1 hour 42 minutes. That's a pretty decent showing, considering its low price. Nevertheless, weighing in at 2.8kg this isn't a particularly light laptop, so it's not going to be the first choice for road warriors.
Conclusion
There's plenty to like about this machine
from Acer. It feels well built and the design is not only attractive to
look at, but practical too. The keyboard feels roomy and comfortable
and the screen really is first-rate. Even the battery life is
impressive for a laptop in this price range.
The only downside is the lack of RAM, which has an adverse effect on overall performance. Acer gives buyers the chance to upgrade the memory to 1GB for an additional £40, and we'd seriously recommend you take it up on this offer. After all, even with the extra memory the laptop costs just £389.95, which is still a seriously attractive price tag.
Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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