The Thinkpad SL300 is the new budget business notebook from Lenovo that aims to offer many of the features of the T/X/R-series notebooks, but at a lower price.

The 13.3" notebook sports a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor, 2GB of RAM, a WXGA LED-Backlit Glossy VibrantView screen, 250GB hard drive, and a DVD multi-drive.

The SL300 has quite a nice look about it, with a shiny black exterior, as opposed to the matte black paint of the more expensive Thinkpads. The keyboard is a bit fiddly, and the key arrangement is not optimal. For instance the @ sign is not where you would expect it, keeping you on your toes, if you’re used to it being on the same button as the 2.

Overall system performance is very good, as the 2.4 GHz processor and NVIDIA 9300M graphics combine to give you a fast boot time, programs that open with minimal lag and good graphics performance. You won’t be getting the same ­experience as with some of the more expensive gaming rigs, as 3D performance won’t be quite as good, but overall you’re getting good value for your money. R10 999 (excl VAT) from Computer Corporation on 08616-08616.