10. Lenovo IdeaPad U330
9. Gateway NV5807u
8. Lenovo IdeaPad U350
The stylish Lenovo IdeaPad U350 occupies the space between tiny, relatively low powered netbooks and more powerful but also bulkier laptops. While that compromise position continues to some extent, there have recently been some very important improvements to it in terms of computing power that make it a far more attractive package. For other highly rated devices in this category, check out our Laptop Computer Review site.
Standout Features
Nearly as significant is the leap from Windows Vista which was previously offered as the operating system to the far superior Windows 7 Home Premium. This is an upgrade that loads of Vista users willingly pay for so it really is a tangible bonus for Lenovo buyers.
Network and internet connectivity is always an issue for laptop users and this unit has the issue covered. It has a gigabit Ethernet port for wired connection but more practically provides wireless internet and LAN access via Wi-Fi including the high speed 802.11n protocol. Bluetooth, both mono and stereo, is also furnished. This is handy for users who would like to connect to interface with wireless devices like a mouse, cell phone or even headphones.
The U350 comes with 4GB of RAM memory which is pretty substantial for a small laptop. Storage is provided by a 320GB hard disc drive. One item that is lacking is an optical disc drive. That helps in the size and weight category means that an external drive would have to be connected in the event that a user needs to transfer information to or from a DVD or CD.
The computer includes an integrated 1.3-megapixel web cam which is typical of this category. An unusual use of the camera, however, is the Lenovo VeriFace facial recognition system which affords a level of security beyond simple password entry.
The device is covered by a one year limited parts and labor warranty which includes depot level repair if required. That can be upgraded to include in-home service and accidental damage protection if desired. Coverage can be expanded to two or three years at additional cost.
A new Intel Core i5 processor is available on this Dell model and is a much needed improvement from its predecessor. The solid performance that results from this processor makes this computing device quick, smooth and terrific at multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life is one feature that is critical when deciding upon a portable computing device. You can take advantage of the strong battery available on this model with up to 8 hours using the optional 9-cell battery unit. In addition to the battery life, the storage capacity and memory are also important to consider. Up to 500GB of hard drive storage is available on this Dell model to store your documents, music and photos. Also, 4GB of DDR3 memory is included on this device.
One of the disappointing features found on the Inspiron 17 is the graphics. This PC relies on integrated graphics meaning that it cannot handle 3D gaming and high resolution images will not appear vivid and sharp. For such a large display screen, we were surprised the graphics had not improved and it made the large screen seem almost useless.
Regardless of the poor graphics, the Dell Inspiron 17 offers numerous features to make tasks easier and smoother. A built-in 1.3MP (megapixel) web camera, microphone, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and optional Bluetooth capabilities are a few of the features that can be designed on your PC. Four USB ports, an optional 7-in-1 media card reader, HDMI and VGA outputs are also all found on this portable computing device.
Not only does the color and design affect the appearance of this portable device but the size does also. This Dell product could not be considered large and hefty and is not small enough to throw into a bag or a purse. Weighing 5.8 lbs, the computing device is designed to be sturdy but still maintain its portability.
This Dell computer is not shy of connectivity capabilities. Built-in Wi-Fi options are available, which allow you to connect to the internet wirelessly and transfer content much faster. Bluetooth is an optional feature which provides the option of connecting to Bluetooth keyboards, mice, smartphones and digitalcameras
. Three USB ports and a VGA video connector is provided on this device along with an AC adapter connector, audio jacks and a 34mm ExpressCard slot.
An integrated 1.3MP (megapixel) camera and digital array microphone were designed on this Dell model and they provide the option for Dell video chat. This allows the user to make PC-to-PC phone calls across the world. Dell video chat also supports four-way calling.
As for other multimedia features offered on the Dell Inspiron 15, a 7-in-1 media card reader is included to make the transfer of photos and music from a camera, smartphone or MP3 player easier. The large widescreen display is designed for high definition movies and the widescreen makes the viewing of the entertainment enjoyable. A Blu-ray disc drive is an optional multimedia feature that not only allows you to watch movies in HD but also read and burn your files to CDs, DVDs and Blue-ray discs.
Dell works hard to ensure that security of their systems is well-built and strong. The Dell Inspiron 15 offers facial recognition software that will automatically secure your computer when you are away. When you log-in the software recognizes your facial characteristics. This software is designed so you can log-in to your computer quickly and without the need for tedious passwords.
Standout Features
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• 4GB RAM Memory
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• 4GB RAM Memory
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Features: 
At just 3.5 pounds and a mere one inch thick, the Lenovo IdeaPad U350 has the look of an ultra-portable netbook. It has a 13.3-inch widescreen, LED backlit display and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness in response to surrounding lighting conditions. As handy as the minimal size and weight are, they can imply being rather lightweight in computing power as well. Thanks to a couple of important upgrades from Lenovo, the device has moved significantly towards being a serious laptop computer.
Most notable is the upgrade of the CPU from an Atom processor, characteristic of Netbooks, to an Intel Core 2 Duo Su7300 running at a respectable 1.3GHz clock speed. More significantly, as a dual core chip, it is essentially two distinct processors built into one. Further, each core has two threads so it’s rather like data is flying down a four lane highway rather than the single path that had been available with the previous processor. In short, it represents a tremendous increase in the amount and speed of data processing.Nearly as significant is the leap from Windows Vista which was previously offered as the operating system to the far superior Windows 7 Home Premium. This is an upgrade that loads of Vista users willingly pay for so it really is a tangible bonus for Lenovo buyers.
Network and internet connectivity is always an issue for laptop users and this unit has the issue covered. It has a gigabit Ethernet port for wired connection but more practically provides wireless internet and LAN access via Wi-Fi including the high speed 802.11n protocol. Bluetooth, both mono and stereo, is also furnished. This is handy for users who would like to connect to interface with wireless devices like a mouse, cell phone or even headphones.
The U350 comes with 4GB of RAM memory which is pretty substantial for a small laptop. Storage is provided by a 320GB hard disc drive. One item that is lacking is an optical disc drive. That helps in the size and weight category means that an external drive would have to be connected in the event that a user needs to transfer information to or from a DVD or CD.
The computer includes an integrated 1.3-megapixel web cam which is typical of this category. An unusual use of the camera, however, is the Lenovo VeriFace facial recognition system which affords a level of security beyond simple password entry.
The device is covered by a one year limited parts and labor warranty which includes depot level repair if required. That can be upgraded to include in-home service and accidental damage protection if desired. Coverage can be expanded to two or three years at additional cost.
Summary:
The Lenovo IdeaPad U350 laptop computer offers a nice melding of the convenience features of a netbook with the computing power of a real laptop. The combination requires some tradeoffs between size, weight and functionality but the manufacturer has made some notable improvements that help this unit perform well in both regards.
7. Toshiba Satellite L500
6. Dell Inspiron 17
The Dell Inspiron 17 is a laptop computer that takes the user on a journey through the 17.3-inch display screen, fast processor and a vast selection of features. With the ability to customize and personalize this computing device to fit your needs, this Dell product is ideal for the user who has numerous tasks to accomplish and little time to do it. If this doesn’t sound like what you are looking for, visit our laptop computer page for side-by-side comparisons and more objective reviews.Features: 
This Dell PC is similar to other portable device models. The greatest difference that separates it from other models is the size and display of the Inspiron 17. This Dell model features an HD 17.3-inch widescreen LED display. This large of a screen is ideal for entertainment purposes such as watching DVDs, playing games or surfing the internet. However, the large backlit display has a 1440x900 resolution, which is quite a bit lower than we would like to see on such a large display screen.
The overall appearance of the Dell Inspiron 17 is attractive. With rounded corners, straight edges and the ability to choose from seven exterior colors this portable device is handsome. For such a large device, the Inspiron 17 is not heavy and bulky, which is ideal for when you carry it around in a bag or backpack for most of the day.A new Intel Core i5 processor is available on this Dell model and is a much needed improvement from its predecessor. The solid performance that results from this processor makes this computing device quick, smooth and terrific at multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life is one feature that is critical when deciding upon a portable computing device. You can take advantage of the strong battery available on this model with up to 8 hours using the optional 9-cell battery unit. In addition to the battery life, the storage capacity and memory are also important to consider. Up to 500GB of hard drive storage is available on this Dell model to store your documents, music and photos. Also, 4GB of DDR3 memory is included on this device.
One of the disappointing features found on the Inspiron 17 is the graphics. This PC relies on integrated graphics meaning that it cannot handle 3D gaming and high resolution images will not appear vivid and sharp. For such a large display screen, we were surprised the graphics had not improved and it made the large screen seem almost useless.
Regardless of the poor graphics, the Dell Inspiron 17 offers numerous features to make tasks easier and smoother. A built-in 1.3MP (megapixel) web camera, microphone, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and optional Bluetooth capabilities are a few of the features that can be designed on your PC. Four USB ports, an optional 7-in-1 media card reader, HDMI and VGA outputs are also all found on this portable computing device.
Summary:
The Dell Inspiron 17 is ideal for a new college student or anyone who travels frequently. The large design, fast processor and additional features make it simple to have everything you need, wherever you may go.
5. HP ProBook 5310m
4. Apple Macbook
3. Dell Inspiron 15
A laptop computer that gives you the everyday features you need can be difficult to find. The Dell Inspiron 15 gives you what you need and a little bit more, winning our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award. The overall design, processor, and entertainment features add up to create a computing device that helps accomplish your to-do list. For more side-by-side comparisons and objective reviews, visit our laptop computer page.Features:
The Dell Inspiron 15 is designed with an attractive display and multimedia features. With a 15.6-inch display screen, the viewing and scrolling of documents and web pages on this device is simple. The display screen is a glossy LED wide-screen with a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution which makes the colors and images vivid and clear. The resolution could be higher to provide sharper and crisper images but for the value of this portable computing device, this basic display screen is passable.
The exterior of this portable device provides a variety of options to enhance your overall experience with this Dell product. The Dell Inspiron 15 offers the option to personalize the exterior with a choice of eight vivid colors and more than 200 artist’s designs from Design Studio.Not only does the color and design affect the appearance of this portable device but the size does also. This Dell product could not be considered large and hefty and is not small enough to throw into a bag or a purse. Weighing 5.8 lbs, the computing device is designed to be sturdy but still maintain its portability.
This Dell computer is not shy of connectivity capabilities. Built-in Wi-Fi options are available, which allow you to connect to the internet wirelessly and transfer content much faster. Bluetooth is an optional feature which provides the option of connecting to Bluetooth keyboards, mice, smartphones and digital
An integrated 1.3MP (megapixel) camera and digital array microphone were designed on this Dell model and they provide the option for Dell video chat. This allows the user to make PC-to-PC phone calls across the world. Dell video chat also supports four-way calling.
As for other multimedia features offered on the Dell Inspiron 15, a 7-in-1 media card reader is included to make the transfer of photos and music from a camera, smartphone or MP3 player easier. The large widescreen display is designed for high definition movies and the widescreen makes the viewing of the entertainment enjoyable. A Blu-ray disc drive is an optional multimedia feature that not only allows you to watch movies in HD but also read and burn your files to CDs, DVDs and Blue-ray discs.
Dell works hard to ensure that security of their systems is well-built and strong. The Dell Inspiron 15 offers facial recognition software that will automatically secure your computer when you are away. When you log-in the software recognizes your facial characteristics. This software is designed so you can log-in to your computer quickly and without the need for tedious passwords.
Summary:
The Dell Inspiron 15 is designed to make life a little easier every day. Many of the features available on this product are ideal for college students and those who would enjoy the basic multimedia features. This laptop computer is designed by Dell to provide the features you need to accomplish your tasks and save you time while doing it.
2. Sony VAIO SR Series
Sony is well known for its top quality across the spectrum of consumer electronics and the Sony VAIO SR series of laptop computers carries on the tradition, winning our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award. A first glance at the elegant and lightweight magnesium alloy housing tells you that you’re looking at an exceptional product. The understated elegance continues to the ultra slim profile which measures just 1.33 inches thick at its deepest point when closed and the color choices of Night Black, Titanium Gray, Alpine White or Champagne Gold. It’s true that Sony products tend to be somewhat pricey compared to their nearest competition but the cost buys a lot in terms of reliability and performance.
But enough for the eye candy. As with any computer, it’s the internal workings that are most important and the Sony VAIO SR series of computers has an impressive selection of hardware. The included processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 running at a very respectable 2.2 GHz. It has a 2 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front side bus. There are five processor upgrades available culminating with the lightning fast Intel Core 2 Duo T9900 with a 3.06 GHz clock speed, 6MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front side bus. Upgrading that much is expensive and not likely necessary for most users but would be a good idea for serious gamers or those doing lots of video editing.
The base computer in the VAIO SR series comes with 4GB of DDR2 RAM. That’s upgradeable to 6MB or 8MB. The basic unit includes a 250GB, 5400 rpm hard drive. The largest hard drive available is a hefty 500GB and runs at 7200 rpm for faster data retrieval. Available also are a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive. Though capable of holding less data and being substantially more expensive than the typical hard drive, these drives have no moving parts so are less susceptible to damage operate faster. This can be an important feature for a portable computer that will inevitably be subjected to some jarring and is a nice complement to the protection afforded by the magnesium frame.
Standard on the Sony VAIO SR series laptop is a CD/DVD player and burner. As an option, there’s an available Blu-ray Disc player and burner. It’s a high priced addition but it’s what’s necessary to realize the full video potential of the computer. If upgrading to the Blu-ray drive, it would also be a good idea to include the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 graphics improvement as well. That upgrade is necessary anyway if you choose any color other than black for the exterior so there’s an additional benefit to making that leap.
The Sony VAIO SR laptop ships with the 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system or the Professional edition for $50 extra. Microsoft Works is also included in the price. Other preinstalled software is available at additional cost.
Features:
While we admit to being captivated by the elegant look of the Sony VAIO SR, there’s more to its alloy body than meets the eye. It provides a stronger exterior than the typical plastics that comprise most laptop computers and that coating hides trademarked G-Sensor Shock Protection technology to protect the computer and the valued data it houses.
The housing isn’t the only eye catcher on this great little computer, either. It has a stunning High Definition backlit LED screen that produces remarkable images. There’s also an HDMI output allowing the HD video to be viewed on other devices such as a HDTV in all its 1080p glory. While it’s true that the 13.3-inch, diagonally measured, screen is a bit smaller than the competition, we can’t help but feel that the quality more than makes up for the size difference.But enough for the eye candy. As with any computer, it’s the internal workings that are most important and the Sony VAIO SR series of computers has an impressive selection of hardware. The included processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 running at a very respectable 2.2 GHz. It has a 2 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front side bus. There are five processor upgrades available culminating with the lightning fast Intel Core 2 Duo T9900 with a 3.06 GHz clock speed, 6MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front side bus. Upgrading that much is expensive and not likely necessary for most users but would be a good idea for serious gamers or those doing lots of video editing.
The base computer in the VAIO SR series comes with 4GB of DDR2 RAM. That’s upgradeable to 6MB or 8MB. The basic unit includes a 250GB, 5400 rpm hard drive. The largest hard drive available is a hefty 500GB and runs at 7200 rpm for faster data retrieval. Available also are a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive. Though capable of holding less data and being substantially more expensive than the typical hard drive, these drives have no moving parts so are less susceptible to damage operate faster. This can be an important feature for a portable computer that will inevitably be subjected to some jarring and is a nice complement to the protection afforded by the magnesium frame.
Standard on the Sony VAIO SR series laptop is a CD/DVD player and burner. As an option, there’s an available Blu-ray Disc player and burner. It’s a high priced addition but it’s what’s necessary to realize the full video potential of the computer. If upgrading to the Blu-ray drive, it would also be a good idea to include the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 graphics improvement as well. That upgrade is necessary anyway if you choose any color other than black for the exterior so there’s an additional benefit to making that leap.
The Sony VAIO SR laptop ships with the 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system or the Professional edition for $50 extra. Microsoft Works is also included in the price. Other preinstalled software is available at additional cost.
Summary:
In every regard, the Sony VAIO SR series of laptop computers are strikingly impressive. They absolutely ooze the quality and sophistication for which Sony is well known. The down side is that it all comes at a cost. For mobile business professionals, students or home users, you can’t go wrong with this computer if the budget permits.
1. HP Compaq 6730b
Convenience and versatility are among the best reasons to look for a laptop computer. Today’s best units can essentially replace the standard desktop computer for most needs yet are truly portable. The HP Compaq 6730b is among the best small laptops available, winning our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award, and while it can certainly be used by students and home users, it has a decided bent towards business use.
There’s an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor at the heart of the computer running at 2.40 GHz clock speed with a 3MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front side bus speed. While that’s likely adequate for most business users, there are four upgrades available up to an Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 running at 2.80 GHz, a 6 MB L2 cache and the same 1066 MHz front side bus speed. Though most users will be best served by maximizing processor speed, there are also a couple of downgrades available that still offer pretty snappy performance for most needs while saving some money.
Going hand in hand with the processor to define the computer’s performance is the memory. The 6730b comes standard with 2 GB of DDR2 RAM which is upgradeable to 8 MB. A 320 GB hard drive is included in the package price. That can be increased to 500 GB for a reasonable price or reduced to 160 GB for those who prefer to economize a bit.
We mentioned earlier that connectivity is among the HP Compaq 6730b’s strong points. Here are some details. The computer comes ready for wireless networking with built in Wi-Fi supporting the 802.11a/b/g and draft-n standards. Additionally, wireless broadband can be included from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon Wireless. This is, of course, and option and the preferred carrier must be specified at the time of ordering. Use of this service requires activation of wireless broadband service from the selected carrier. For additional information about the carriers, take a look at our side-by-side comparison of Mobile Broadband services. Recognizing that wireless internet connections aren’t always available, this computer is outfitted with a 56K dial-up modem for yet another means of staying in touch.
Sensitive business information can be protected by a couple of options for relatively low cost. A fingerprint reader can be added to the device as can a smart card reader.
The HP Compaq 6730b comes equipped with a CD/DVD reader/burner including LightScribe disc labeling which allows you to burn labels onto the created discs. A second 250 GB hard drive can be substituted for the CD/DVD drive. Also optional is an integrated VGA webcam.
Connectivity to Bluetooth wireless devices is available with the HP Compaq 6730b but there’s a rather odd relationship between this option and the available warranty. If you want Bluetooth, you have to opt for the three year warranty. Without Bluetooth, only the one year warranty is available. We fail to see the connection but suspect that marketing has more to do with it than technical necessity.
Up to about six hours of battery life can be expected from the 6-cell, 55WHr battery but that depends in great measure what’s being done with the computer. As always, using features like Bluetooth and wireless broadband will quickly reduce the time that you can operate without plugging into an AC outlet.
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional is the standard operating system for this computer. For those who prefer, it can be downgraded to Windows XP or Windows Vista, though we can’t quite imagine why anyone would want to do that, especially regarding Vista.
Features:
On the go professionals will find the HP Compaq 6730b to be an indispensible tool for many reasons but most notably for its many connectivity options. Wherever travels may take you, at least one of them can keep you in touch just as though you were in the home office. Security features built in to this computer are also major selling points for this excellent series of computers.
The 15.4-inch screen, diagonally measured, offers ample size for long periods of usage without undue eye fatigue. The anti-glare finish that is incorporated into the display makes it very usable under varying lighting conditions and, for the most part, eliminates the glare that is common to most laptop computers under bright lights.There’s an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor at the heart of the computer running at 2.40 GHz clock speed with a 3MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front side bus speed. While that’s likely adequate for most business users, there are four upgrades available up to an Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 running at 2.80 GHz, a 6 MB L2 cache and the same 1066 MHz front side bus speed. Though most users will be best served by maximizing processor speed, there are also a couple of downgrades available that still offer pretty snappy performance for most needs while saving some money.
Going hand in hand with the processor to define the computer’s performance is the memory. The 6730b comes standard with 2 GB of DDR2 RAM which is upgradeable to 8 MB. A 320 GB hard drive is included in the package price. That can be increased to 500 GB for a reasonable price or reduced to 160 GB for those who prefer to economize a bit.
We mentioned earlier that connectivity is among the HP Compaq 6730b’s strong points. Here are some details. The computer comes ready for wireless networking with built in Wi-Fi supporting the 802.11a/b/g and draft-n standards. Additionally, wireless broadband can be included from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon Wireless. This is, of course, and option and the preferred carrier must be specified at the time of ordering. Use of this service requires activation of wireless broadband service from the selected carrier. For additional information about the carriers, take a look at our side-by-side comparison of Mobile Broadband services. Recognizing that wireless internet connections aren’t always available, this computer is outfitted with a 56K dial-up modem for yet another means of staying in touch.
Sensitive business information can be protected by a couple of options for relatively low cost. A fingerprint reader can be added to the device as can a smart card reader.
The HP Compaq 6730b comes equipped with a CD/DVD reader/burner including LightScribe disc labeling which allows you to burn labels onto the created discs. A second 250 GB hard drive can be substituted for the CD/DVD drive. Also optional is an integrated VGA webcam.
Connectivity to Bluetooth wireless devices is available with the HP Compaq 6730b but there’s a rather odd relationship between this option and the available warranty. If you want Bluetooth, you have to opt for the three year warranty. Without Bluetooth, only the one year warranty is available. We fail to see the connection but suspect that marketing has more to do with it than technical necessity.
Up to about six hours of battery life can be expected from the 6-cell, 55WHr battery but that depends in great measure what’s being done with the computer. As always, using features like Bluetooth and wireless broadband will quickly reduce the time that you can operate without plugging into an AC outlet.
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional is the standard operating system for this computer. For those who prefer, it can be downgraded to Windows XP or Windows Vista, though we can’t quite imagine why anyone would want to do that, especially regarding Vista.
Summary:
The HP Compaq 6730b is a genuine workhorse for mobile professionals and other road warriors. It strikes a nice balance between performance and size as well as affordability. The base computer is a strong performer but upgrades can add to the price quickly. HP’s website does a nice job of instantly calculating the effect that various options have on the end price to help avoid any unpleasant sticker shock source : toptenreview.com
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