HP Laptops

The Bottom Line: Equipped with a big screen and a fast Core i7 processor, the HP Pavilion dv7-3085dx is a speedy all-around Windows 7 laptop, but in this price range we expect either Blu-ray or faster gaming graphics.

Specs: Intel Core i7 (1.6 GHz), 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 7.7 lbs, 17.3 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: As long as you're not looking for extremely long battery life, the HP Pavilion dv4-2045dx is a well-rounded mainstream budget laptop with above average looks and performance.

Specs: Intel Turion II mobile processor (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 5.3 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: You can find a better-designed, longer-running, Blu-ray equipped 15.6-inch for less than the HP Pavilion dv6-1375dx.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 MHz), 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.4 lbs, 15.6 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: Its massive battery extends awkwardly from the bottom of the laptop, but the HP Pavilion dv3-2155mx is an otherwise compact thin-and-light laptop that should get students to class and back on a single charge.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.1 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 4.9 lbs, 13.3 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: HP's slick-looking 12-inch Pavilion dv2 carves out a niche between entry-level Netbooks and expensive ultraportables.

Specs: AMD Athlon Neo (1.6 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 4 lbs, 12.1 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: For less than $1,000, the HP Pavilion dv9925nr is a decent desktop replacement laptop with a broad, 17.1-inch screen. However, you'll get better performance and battery life (not to mention increased portability) from a similarly priced 15.4-inch machine.

Specs: AMD Turion 64 X2 mobile technology (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 7.7 lbs, 17 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Silver

Specs: Windows 7

Specs: AMD Neo mobile, Windows 7

Specs: Windows 7