Specifications of my model.

Processor
* Intel Pentium processor P6100 2.0GHz,
* 3MB L3 cache
* Chipset: Intel HM55
3GB RAM
320GB 5400rpm
DVD-Super Multi DL drive
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
15.6" HD Acer CineCrystal LED LCD
Integrated Intel HD Graphics
Keyboard and Touchpad
WLAN: Acer Nplify 802.11b/g/n
6-cell Li-ion battery
2 in 1 Card Reader
1.3 megapixel webcam

The 15.6" widescreen Acer Aspire 5742Z carries powerful processing capabilities, despite not featuring the new i-series processors. The slimlined design measures around an inch in width for convenience and a classy, professional body. Battery life is empowered by smart technology that manages power consumption and LED display to extend the batteries capabilities. A fully charged laptop affords me roughly 2 hours of continous use before the need to recharge.

The 3GB of RAM in this model is easily enough for the casual user, supporting multiple applications simultaneously; It easily facilitates the numerous word documents, web pages and applications that I run consecutively whilst conducting research for my studies and completing reports. Additionally, I have experienced no trouble in managing flash based applications, basic flash and browser games, or media, be it audio or visual. The Intel HD integrated graphcis stand in place of a graphics card, though I have not personally tested the abilities of this as I have not used the system for serious gaming.

(Upon testing the system's abiltity through system requirements lab, I have found that it is able to run games with low requirements, such as The Sims, however it could not run more demanding games such as Call of Duty, World in Conflict or Command and Conquer).

The widescreen design of this model means that its design features a full size keyboard, with no minimisation of the outer numerical pad. The touchpad responds well and, as is common with newer models, allows multi-touch functionality such as zooming without the need for the keyboard. However one disadvantage that I have found with the keyboard display is that Caps Lock does not display an LED to signal whether it is turned on or off. A minor issue, however this can be annoying at times.

The integrated webcam is a 1.3 megapixel camera, however it is of a much higher quality than other 1.3 MP models that I have used in the past. The quality is excellent for a webcam, especially an internal component, though it is very dependant on lighting. In low lighting the picture is harder to make out; but in adequate lighting, it is an excellent webcam.