Reviewed on October 21, 2008Apple's redesigned 15-inch MacBook Pro boasts a redesigned aluminum body that's stunning, thin, and sturdy; a new trackpad with expanded functionality; and a dual graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance, but there's now less incentive to spend extra for it because its 13-inch mainstream cousin received a greater overhaul.TAGS:Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Pro, FireWire, Nvidia GeForce, NVidia, Intel Core 2 Duo, Apple Computer, chipset, laptop computer, Intel
Reviewed on August 14, 2008The Dell Studio S1535-125B impresses us with its leading performance in the sub-$1,000 category, thanks in large part to a speedy Intel CPU and generous memory allotment. Striking a fine balance between Dell's XPS and Inspiron lines, we recommend this well-rounded 15-inch laptop for students and home users alike.TAGS:Dell Studio, Intel Core 2 Duo, back-to-school, laptop computer, CPU, IEEE 802.11, Intel Centrino, Intel, speakers, resolution, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Reviewed on July 3, 2008Adding some features missing from its 14-inch cousin, the Dell Inspiron 1525 is the textbook example of a midsize, mainstream laptop--a basic workhorse with few surprises. It may be a bit large for daily campus travel, but it should last you the full four years.TAGS:Dell Inspiron, Intel Core 2 Duo, IEEE 802.11, laptop computer, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, speakers, Intel, USB, keyboard
Reviewed on February 26, 2008With its second full-fledged gaming PC, Dell shows that it understands the mainstream gaming desktop as well as the high-end. The Dell XPS 630 delivers everything a gamer would want in a sub-$2,000 PC, from its components, to its case, to its powerful software. We've seen no better system in this newly competitive category.TAGS:Velocity Micro, quad-core, Dell XPS, Intel Core 2 Duo, CPU, Gateway Inc., dual-core, video card, games, Intel
Reviewed on July 31, 2008The HP Pavilion dv6985se is a well-stocked mainstream machine with a long-living (though heavy) 12-cell battery. We recommend it, provided you like the unique copper-colored case and are willing to schlep around 6.6 pounds of laptop.TAGS:HP Pavilion, battery, HP, Intel Core 2 Duo, Sony Vaio, laptop computer, keyboard, Sony Corp., Intel
Reviewed on November 7, 2008The Asus X83VM-X1 is a well-rounded 14-inch mainstream laptop. It boasts a pleasing design (aside from the stiff, loud mouse buttons), and excellent application performance and 3D graphics performance for the money.TAGS:ASUS, Intel Core 2 Duo, laptop computer, keyboard, Bluetooth, video card, key, Intel, mouse, button
Touch the future. Now. HP TouchSmart
