Gateway ID49C08u
The Gateway ID49C08 combines speedy Core i5 performance and automatic-switching Nvidia graphics in a small package at a reasonable price, but several small annoyances take away from the experience.

Asus Eee PC 1215N (black)
The Asus Eee PC 1215N combines Intel's dual-core Atom CPU with Nvidia Ion graphics and Optimus GPU-switching for an impressive overall package, but one that still feels a bit too much like a Netbook.

Gateway LT3201u
Offering a little more Netbook for a little more money, the Gateway LT32 is a solid step up in power, screen size, and price.

Toshiba Satellite T215D-S1140RD
An update to last year's T115, the Toshiba Satellite T215D-S1140RD performs like a slightly larger, faster Netbook with better specs and ports. It's definitely a step up, but it may not be enough computer for those with higher expectations.

Acer Aspire One D260-23797
Acer's Aspire D260 is slim and lightweight, even for a Netbook, but its slightly faster processor doesn't lead to better performance.

Toshiba Satellite T235D-S1345 (black)
The Toshiba Satellite T235D-S1345 is a solid, slim, and affordable 13-inch tweener laptop for ultraportable computing; however, in a landscape filled with thinner and faster alternatives, it no longer stands alone.

HP Envy 14
HP's updated Envy 14 is a well-built high-end laptop with impressive components and a surprisingly reasonable price.

Alienware M11x (Core i7, Nvidia Optimus)
Equipped with Nvidia Optimus technology and new Core i5 and i7 processors, the updated 11.6-inch Alienware M11x has improved performance, but it takes a small step forward, not a quantum leap.

Gateway ID49C07u
As a thin, affordable Core i3 laptop, the Gateway ID49C07u excels as an attractively priced back-to-school buy; however, its ergonomics and thin feature set might turn others off.

Asus UL80J-BBK5
The thin design and Nvidia Optimus automatic graphics switching on the Asus UL80J-BBK5 are appealing, but the underperforming CPU and battery life on this compact 14-incher are disappointments.

HP Pavilion dv6-3055dx
Be it for home, school, or the office, the HP Pavilion dv6-3055dx is a decent mainstream laptop with a few issues that keep it from being as good in reality as it is on paper.

Dell Inspiron M101z
Dell's latest take on the Mini line is a dual-core AMD-powered 11-inch system that leaves Netbooks in the dust in terms of both power and price.

Sony VAIO VPCF12AFM/H
At a hair less than $1,000, the Sony Vaio F12A is an attractive desktop replacement laptop that provides Blu-ray and basic gaming performance; it also includes some bonus free software.

Sony VAIO VPCF126FM/B
Sony's high-end Vaio F126 laptop is fast and feature-packed; however, for the money, we wish it had a true HD display and better battery life.

Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4030
The Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4030 is a decent all-around budget laptop. However, with its short battery life and cheaper options available from the competition, it's not an overly impressive deal.

Dell Streak
The Dell Streak is the first Android tablet worth taking seriously, though its size puts it on the fence between tablets and smartphones.

Asus K50IJ-BNC5
The Asus K501J-BCN5 serves up long battery life, a backlit keyboard, and a year of AV protection. Unfortunately, these Next Class features add a considerable sum to the price; we like a cheaper yet similarly configured Asus K501J model better.

Dell Inspiron iM501R-1212PBL
We'd like the attractive and affordable Dell Inspiron iM501R-1212PBL more if it wasn't so slow and squeaky.