Welcome to CNET Top 5, where we count down the hottest tech in the
world. I'm Tom Merritt.
Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein lead the team of CNET reviewers who put
their laps at risk so you can have the best information available when
you look for a laptop.
But sometimes you don't have time for all the info, so Ackerman and
friends have obliged by distilling their wisdom into a list of the best
laptops you can buy.
Let's count 'em down.
At No. 5, the Toshiba Satellite T135-S1310. Conveniently priced less
than $800, it has a very good battery life and is slick to boot. Just
make sure you get the dual-core CULV processor and not its single-core
cousin.
Coming in at No. 4, the HP Mini 5102. The 5102 pretty much picks up
where the 5101 left off, but adds a new Intel Atom processor. Beware
the small touch pad and the pricey extra options when purchasing, but
you should find it has excellent build quality.
Up to No. 3, the Alienware M15X. It's game time! Dan calls it "an
imposing black slab of computing power." But don't get carried away
with the options, they get pricey; however, you should find its
superpowered CPU quite enjoyable.
Sliding in at No. 2, the HP Mini 311. Still one of our favorite
Netbooks, and with HD to boot! Just don't get suckered into paying an
extra $20 for a white lid. Seriously. If you want advanced graphics in
a Netbook, here's your pick.
Before we get to No. 1, it's time for another lame prize.
Laptops are often used at coffee shops. And what else comes in handy
at a coffee shop? A coffee mug.
Want this one? Here's the question.
What was the first portable computer marketed as a "laptop."
Be one of the first 10 people to answer correctly at the post for this
episode at blog.cnettv.com and you could be chosen to win, the CNET
mug.
All right. Let's get to our No. 1. The top laptop on our list.
At No. 1, it's...the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro. Yes, it still tops the
list as it is our Editors' Choice winner. Ackerman attributes the solid
construction, giant multitouch trackpad, FireWire, and SD card slots
among the factors for the high rating. That and it's the cheapest Apple
laptop you can buy at right about a grand.
Well That's it for this edition of CNET Top 5.
Don't forget to answer the lame prize question at blog.cnettv.com for a
chance to win the CNET mug.
I'm Tom Merritt. See you next time.
