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, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
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, Intel Core 2 Duo, Sony Vaio, HP, laptop computer, keyboard, Sony Corp., Intel
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, Wi-Fi, speakers, Intel, Bluetooth, keyboard, USB
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, Intel Core 2 Duo, Dell XPS, CPU, Gateway Inc., dual-core, video card, games, Intel
Reviewed on July 11, 2008The Dell Inspiron 1525-121B is the textbook example of a midsize, mainstream laptop. Switching to slower CPU knocks a little off the performance, but also takes $80 off the price and adds battery life, compared with Dell's more mainstream configurations.TAGS:Dell Inspiron, Intel Pentium, Intel Core 2 Duo, laptop computer, Intel, speakers, CPU, keyboard
Reviewed on August 14, 2008It lacks some basic features you may require--touch pad, optical drive--but the 12.1-inch ThinkPad X200 offers strong performance and the longest battery life we've seen. With a variety of connectivity options and a roomy keyboard, the X200 makes a great ultraportable for road warriors.TAGS:ThinkPad, ThinkPad X300, Lenovo, battery, weight, keyboard, Intel Core 2 Duo, laptop computer, Intel