All Laptops

The Bottom Line: A mainstream laptop at a Netbook price, the Acer Aspire 5735 provides the basics plus a movie-friendly 16:9 aspect display.

The Bottom Line: Toshiba's Qosmio G55-Q802 adds some dubiously useful gesture control gimmicks, but the real promise is in speedy video transcoding--as long as you use the right software.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 10.8 lbs, 18.4 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bits)

The Bottom Line: Despite its upscale looks, the 15.4-inch Compaq Presario CQ50-215nr is marred by pokey performance and abbreviated battery life.

The Bottom Line: Lenovo didn't shed too many features in rolling out its cheapest ThinkPad to date, the 14-inch SL400. Don't let the glossy lid fool you, there are a lot of familiar ThinkPad touches that make it a good bet for business users.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.26 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 5.5 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista Business

The Bottom Line: The Dell Inspiron 1525-139B is a classic midsize, mainstream laptop, but this specific retail-only configuration has a wimpier battery than its predecessor.

The Bottom Line: Double down on the memory and the 13-inch Toshiba Satellite U400-S1001X becomes a well-rounded laptop that will withstand the rigors of business travel.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.1 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 4.4 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, Microsoft Windows XP Professional

The Bottom Line: Double down on the memory and the 13-inch Toshiba Satellite U400-S1001X becomes a well-rounded laptop that will withstand the rigors of business travel.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.1 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 4.4 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade

The Bottom Line: Lenovo's "me, too!" entry in the Netbook sweepstakes, the IdeaPad S10, gets the price and features right, but falls behind on battery life.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.6 lbs, 10.2 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

The Bottom Line: Lenovo's "me, too!" entry in the Netbook sweepstakes, the IdeaPad S10, gets the price and features right, but falls behind on battery life.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.6 lbs, 10.2 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

The Bottom Line: Lenovo's "me, too!" entry in the Netbook sweepstakes, the IdeaPad S10, gets the price and features right, but falls behind on battery life.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.6 lbs, 10.2 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition