Best midsize laptops
Apple MacBook Pro Winter 2011 (2.2GHz Core i7, 15-inch) 
It's a hefty investment, but the combination of new high-end Intel processor options and AMD graphics makes the 15-inch MacBook Pro an all-around powerhouse, with the new Thunderbolt I/O port as an added bonus.
Price: $1,799.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
HP Envy 15 (winter 2012)
HP's Envy line has always been a reliable high-end PC laptop line, and this new redesign adds some useful features, such as a volume wheel, while keeping the upscale look and feel.
Price: $1,099.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung Series 7 (15-inch)
Samsung's Series 7 Chronos 700Z5A-S03 is the closest Windows equivalent to a MacBook Pro in terms of specs, power, and design and even nearly matches on battery life, but it's $500 less expensive than an entry-level Apple 15-incher.
Price: $949.99 - $1,313.19 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
HP Pavilion dm4-3090se Beats Edition
The only real knock against this chic-looking 14-inch multimedia laptop is its plastic body; other than that, this is a great midrange laptop with a unique, eye-catching design.
Price: $809.95 - $939.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung Series 9 NP900X4B-A02 (15-inch)
The latest Samsung Series 9 goes extra-big, and the gamble pays off with the most portable and comfortable 15-incher you're likely to find. However, its high price and lack of higher-end features don't make it the best value.
Price: $1,429.00 - $1,506.26 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
