Best desktop replacement laptops
Go big or go home, one could say (we wouldn't, but someone could). If you want to ditch the desktop once and for all, without sacrificing your gaming and multimedia experience, these 17-inch-plus laptops are the answer. Just don't try to open one of these sitting in a coach airline seat.
Apple MacBook Pro
8.2 Excellent (reviewed 3/4/08)
A solid, if predictable, upgrade to the MacBook Pro line, but noteworthy for stealing the MacBook Air's best feature--expanded gesture controls for the touch pad.
Read review of the Apple MacBook Pro
Gateway P-7811FX
8.6 Excellent (reviewed 8/15/08)
We don't know how Gateway makes money selling these things, but the combination of high-end components and low price makes the 17-inch Gateway P-7811FX the best mobile gaming deal going right now.
Read review of the Gateway P-7811FX
Asus M70SA-X2
8.1 Excellent (reviewed 6/6/08)
You can find Blu-ray-equipped desktop replacements for less, but no other media laptop currently offers as many features for the price as the Asus M70.
Read review of the Asus M70SA-X2
Acer Aspire 8920-6671
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 5/22/08)
With Blu-ray and a true 1080p display, the 18-inch Acer Aspire 8920 is a movie fan's dream, but we'd go for the cheaper of Acers' two preconfigured models.
Read review of the Acer Aspire 8920-6671
HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr
7.5 Very good (reviewed 8/14/08)
We recommend the eye-catching, media-friendly HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr desktop replacement for students who want a laptop that doubles as an entertainment center. Gateway, however, has a slightly cheaper 17-inch model that's better suited to gamers.
Read review of the HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr