All Computer Systems

The Bottom Line: Attempting to create a premium-priced version of a Netbook, Sony has added an HD display to the Vaio W. It's an attractive step-up package, but the internal components are the same as are in cheaper models.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.66 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 2.6 lbs, 10.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: The stylish design and high-end feel of the Toshiba U505-S2940 don't make up for mediocre ergonomics and performance that can be had for less in other laptops.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 400 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 5.3 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPEAT Gold, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: The stylish design and high-end feel of the Toshiba U505-S2940 don't make up for mediocre ergonomics and performance that can be had for less in other laptops.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.1 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 4.9 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS, EPEAT Gold

The Bottom Line: Swelling the ranks of 11.6-inch Netbooks, the Asus Eee PC 1101HA impresses with its design and battery, but having to overclock a slower version of Intel's Atom CPU is a dodgy workaround.

Specs: Intel Atom, 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 3 lbs, 11.6 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: Swelling the ranks of 11.6-inch Netbooks, the Asus Eee PC 1101HA impresses with its design and battery, but having to overclock a slower version of Intel's Atom CPU is a dodgy workaround.

Specs: Intel Atom, 1 GB DDR II SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 3.0 lbs, 11.6 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 is a no-frills budget wireless-N router, with excellent range and a handy and comprehensive Parental Control feature. It's a good fit for those who just need a simple wireless network and the ability to control access to the Internet.

Specs: Wireless router, 7 in x 5.1 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 14.1 oz

The Bottom Line: Despite its quirky case design, Acer's Aspire M3800-U3802A is an affordable, feature-competitive midtower that you might find appealing if you're in the market for a cost-effective desktop to use for upgrading. If you want the best PC for your dollar, you can spend just a bit more on another system and get much faster performance.

Specs: Intel Pentium E5200 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: If you must buy a Nettop, the eMachines EZ1601-01's large screen and category-competitive components make a decent argument for its value among other systems like it. One look at a true budget desktop, or even a Netbook, and the appeal of this system diminishes quickly.

Specs: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: Dell's Mini 10v keeps a lot of the features of the more expensive Mini 10, while dropping the price below $300. It's one of only a handful of $299 Netbooks that doesn't look and feel especially cheap.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3, 10.1

The Bottom Line: If you're searching for a great-looking thin-and-light laptop at a good price, the Lenovo IdeaPad U350 bridges the gap between personal and professional and is worth checking out. But its design is more successful than its horsepower.

Specs: Intel Pentium (1.3 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 3.5 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, EPEAT Gold, RoHS, EPA Energy Star