Best desktop replacement laptops

(Updated January 23, 2012 1:17 AM PST)
Dan Ackerman
Dan Ackerman
Senior editor
Scott Stein
Scott Stein
Senior editor
Go big or go home, one could say (we wouldn't, but someone could). If you want to ditch the desktop once and for all, without sacrificing your gaming and multimedia experience, these 17-inch-plus laptops are the answer. Just don't try to open one of these sitting in a coach airline seat.

Alienware M18x Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)

Alienware again pushes the boundaries of laptop performance (and price) with high-end parts and a great-for-gaming 18-inch screen.

As Reviewed: $1,999.00

Similar Model Starting at: $1999.00

4 stars

Excellent

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Alienware M18x Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)

Toshiba Qosmio X775-3DV78 3D Laptop

Those in the market to spend more than $1,000 and get a 3D-enabled, Blu-ray-equipped laptop with plenty of horsepower for games should strongly consider Toshiba's latest high-end Qosmio. It's not cheap or portable by any means, but it's certainly powerful.

Price: $1,728.98 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Toshiba Qosmio X775-3DV78 3D Laptop

Origin EON17-S

As one of the few high-end boutique gaming PC makers serious about laptops, Origin offers nearly any set of components you'd want in the overclockable, have-it-your-way EON17-S.

AS SHOWN: $3599.00 - Origin

4 stars

Excellent

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Origin EON17-S

Dell XPS 17 3D

Dell's XPS 17 3D is for those who want a powerful media and gaming 17-inch laptop, but in a more aesthetically upscale package than offered by Dell's Alienware brand. The stereoscopic 3D is gimmicky, but a certain breed of PC gamer will love it.

Price: $1,219.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Dell XPS 17 3D

Sony Vaio VPC-F215FX/BI

Sony makes some of the best-looking multimedia laptops out there, and the 3D Vaio F215FX is no exception. But you'll have to be willing to pay extra for that sharp design.

As shown: $1,499.99
See manufacturer site for availability

4 stars

Very good

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Sony Vaio VPC-F215FX/BI

Asus G74SX-A2 (Core i7-2630QM 2GHz)

Asus has built a very nice sideline over the years with its gaming laptops, including the G74SX, which is a strong, if expensive, quad-core rig that works fine, but looks like it should cost less.

As Reviewed: $2,099.00

Similar Model Starting at: $1799.99

4 stars

Very good

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Asus G74SX-A2 (Core i7-2630QM 2GHz)