(Nov 23, 2009)
Dan Ackerman
Senior Editor
The most common question we get around here is simple: "What laptop should I buy?" Being a generally difficult person by nature, I usually respond with my own series of questions: "What size screen do you want? How much do you want to spend?" and so on. But sometimes people just want a simple suggestion, based on what I actually like. So, here is a jargon-free list of the current crop of laptops that I'm digging, either because they give you good bang for your buck, they excel in their specific category, or because they just plain rock.
Apple MacBook Pro Summer 2009 (Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Nvidia GeForce 9400M, 13-inch)
Previously known as the MacBook, the basic 13-inch aluminum unibody laptop has been promoted to the "Pro" series. In addition to all-metal construction and GeForce 9400M graphics, the 13-inch Pro regains a FireWire port, and adds an SD slot.
Price:$1,149.00 - $1,199.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 laptops , Best thin and light laptops
Read full review
HP Mini 311
HP's Mini 311 adds a larger, high-definition display and advanced graphics to a basic Netbook, while keeping the price very appealing. Once it starts shipping with Windows 7, this could become our favorite Netbook.
Price:$399.99 - $399.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 laptops , Best Netbooks
Read full review
Alienware M15x
Alienware's big and bulky 15-inch M15x pulls out most of the stops, thanks to a superpowered CPU.
Price:$1,399.00 - $1,849.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 laptops , Best mainstream laptops
Read full review
Asus UL30A-A1
If you're in the market for an affordable thin-and-light, the Asus UL30A-A1 provides great value and a solid Core 2 Duo CULV processor in an attractive package.
As shown: $799
Check manufacturer site for availability
Filed in: Best 5 laptops , Best thin and light laptops
Read full review
Toshiba Satellite T135-S1310
Toshiba's slick entry into the thin-and-light laptop world is timed for Windows 7, but if you're going to get one, make sure it's the dual-core T135-S1310, and not its single-core cousin.
Price:$699.96 - $739.26 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 laptops , Best thin and light laptops
Read full review
