Dell Inspiron Mini 9
Dell's entry into the Netbook market means its time to take these low-cost, low-power PCs seriously. The Inspiron Mini 9 is an excellent example of the form, if not radically different from the competition.
Fujitsu LifeBook T1010
With the LifeBook T1010, Fujitsu adds tablet functionality to an otherwise typical 13.3-inch laptop. It's a good choice for students and executives who prefer to take handwritten notes on the run.
Fujitsu LifeBook A6210 (2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400)
Though it's slightly bulky for a midsize laptop, the feature-packed Fujitsu LifeBook A6210 does double duty as both a computer and a portable Blu-ray player.
Dell XPS M1330-126B
Dell offers a suitable competitor to the 13-inch Apple MacBook in its XPS 1330, but we wish this retail version had some more recent components.
Dell Latitude E6400
A total revamp of Dell's ubiquitous business laptop line, the Latitude E6400 offers Intel's latest Centrino 2 mobile platform and introduces a brushed-metal design that works at home or office, but the real highlight here is the long battery life.
Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q701
We appreciate the 17-inch Qosmio X305-Q701's cool looks, low price, and great stereo sound, but just a little bit more cash can buy a laptop that's better for watching movies or gaming.
HP Pavilion dv5-1015nr
A Blu-ray drive highlights the feature-packed HP Pavilion dv5-1015nr, while subpar battery life prevents a higher rating for this 15-inch mainstream laptop.
HP Pavilion dv5-1004nr
At its current discounted price, we'd be willing to overlook the HP Pavilion dv5-1004nr's below-average performance if the battery life wasn't so bad.
Gateway P-7811FX
We don't know how Gateway makes money selling these things, but the combination of high-end components and low price makes the 17-inch Gateway P-7811FX the best mobile gaming deal going right now.
HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr
We recommend the eye-catching, media-friendly HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr desktop replacement for students who want a laptop that doubles as an entertainment center. Gateway, however, has a slightly cheaper 17-inch model that's better suited to gamers.
Lenovo ThinkPad X200
It lacks some basic features you may require--touch pad, optical drive--but the 12.1-inch ThinkPad X200 offers strong performance and the longest battery life we've seen. With a variety of connectivity options and a roomy keyboard, the X200 makes a great ultraportable for road warriors.
Dell Studio S1535-125B
The Dell Studio S1535-125B impresses us with its leading performance in the sub-$1,000 category, thanks in large part to a speedy Intel CPU and generous memory allotment. Striking a fine balance between Dell's XPS and Inspiron lines, we recommend this well-rounded 15-inch laptop for students and home users alike.
Acer Aspire One (XP Home, White)
The Acer Aspire One is easily the best of the current under-$400 Netbooks, but its meager allotment of memory and tiny battery limit its appeal.
Acer Aspire One (Linpus Linux Lite, White)
The Acer Aspire One is easily the best of the current under-$400 Netbooks, but its meager allotment of memory and tiny battery limit its appeal.
Toshiba Satellite A305-S6858
The Toshiba Satellite A305-S6858 is a very good mainstream machine, but we prefer one of its competitors.
HP Pavilion dv9925nr
For less than $1,000, the HP Pavilion dv9925nr is a decent desktop replacement laptop with a broad, 17.1-inch screen. However, you'll get better performance and battery life (not to mention increased portability) from a similarly priced 15.4-inch machine.
Sylvania G Netbook
The tiny Sylvania G Netbook offers decent battery life and can be had for a low price, but it still brings up the rear of the Netbook pack, with a small 7-inch screen, underpowered CPU, and a microscopic touch pad.
HP Pavilion dv5-1002nr
The HP Pavilion dv5-1002nr's good looks, useful feature set, and current discount price may allow you to overlook its middling performance, but its dreadful battery life might be the deal breaker.
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