Sometimes looking through the market place for notebook computers it can be hard to decide where to start. An overwhelming number of models, manufacturers and optional components and accessories can freeze your brain. I've found short reviews helpful to get some focus and define a starting point.

The Acer Aspire notebook series and particularly the 9500 have impressive features and options that offer a great deal of flexibility at a rational price. The Aspire 9500 Acer notebook will serve as both an excellent tool for business and as a high quality entertainment center. Top drawer ATI graphics, a large 17 inch screen and a fully functional TV-tuner combine with an Intel Centrino Express chipset and comprehensive multimedia software so that this Acer Aspire notebook offers you some of the finest multimedia entertainment available on any affordable notebook..

Using Intel Centrino or Intel Pentium M (760) mobile technology, the Aspire can provide better battery duration, wireless connectivity and excellent performance. The PCI Express architecture, working with DDR2 533MHz or 400MHz memory, provides rapid multi-tasking operations and allows significantly faster access to data residing on external devices. This model of the Acer Aspire notebook also features 100GB of hard drive storage (larger drives are also available) and up to 2GB memory. You get serious storage capacity and remarkable performance.

And if you like TV? You can turn your Acer Aspire into a fully functional TV via an integrated digital or analog TV tuner coupled to a DVB-T digital antenna. And you can get a full function remote control. Just make sure the boss doesn't catch you watching TV when you're supposed to be working.

The TFT LCD screen is a superb 17 inch WXGA CrystalBrite and delivers amazing picture quality and spectacular image clarity from the ATI Radeon X700 graphics. The audio quality is excellent, backed up by S/PDIF and MS Sound components which include a subwoofer as well as two integrated 2.1-channel stereo speakers and stereo microphones. Add in the Acer Arcade or Windows Media Center editions and you have the capability to not only watch movies and listen to great music but you can also do some serious image editing. To top it off, you can choose either a DVD/CD-RW optical drive, a dual-layer DVD writer or the integrated variable-speed DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive which does just about everything. A 5-in-1 card reader is also included

Wireless connectivity on the Acer Aspire notebook is via Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG - a Wi-Fi certified network solution - which supports the Acer Signal-Up technology. Conventional Ethernet connectivity is normally 100Mbps but the Acer has Gigabit Ethernet with the capability of delivering data at 1000Mbps - 10 times faster. Other available options for wireless connectivity are Integrated Blue-tooth and the Fast Infrared technology.

The Acer Aspire notebook has the ability to meet your needs for both work and fun in a single high quality, high performance package.