(Jun 10, 2009)
Dan Ackerman
Senior Editor
Mainstream used to mean the standard, 15.4-inch laptops everyone lugged around in backbreaking shoulder bags before ultraportable systems became popular. For general household computing, both 15- and 14-inch laptops will work fine, but we're seeing more people turning towards 13-inch and smaller laptops for travel, and larger desktop replacements for home use.
Samsung X460
If you want a thin-and-light 14-inch laptop or just love the distinctive look, the Samsung X460 is an impressive piece of hardware, but you'll find better value elsewhere.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Dec 5, 2008
Very good
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Asus X83VB-X2
Asus' X83VB-X2 is a pleasant surprise for casual gamers -- a generic-looking budget 14-inch laptop with discrete graphics.
Price: $614.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 2, 2009
Very good
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Toshiba Satellite A305-S6916
The Toshiba Satellite A305-S6916 offers up a unique design, slightly better graphics performance than the competition, and a couple fun extras that make paying more for it worthwhile.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Feb 20, 2009
Very good
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Lenovo IdeaPad Y650 4185
Online media consumers who want a portable laptop with high style and plenty of screen real estate should give the Y650 a look.
Price: $1,249.00 (check prices)
Review date: May 7, 2009
Very good
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