Jan 26, 2009

Laptops Reviewed by me...

Old desktops are getting too big and spacious to be true. So it is understandable if you wish to switch to a perfectly desktop replacable laptop now. Businessmen, students, gamers, normal users and more explicitly everyone wants to own a laptop that suits their specific demands. But amongst thousands of laptops to choose from, which one is the right one for you? If you are confused then lemme help you. We not only have 11 best laptops at display here but also we have categorized which one is best for whom.

We have maintained separate categories for the best value for money laptops, best looking laptop, best business oriented laptop and we haven’t disappointed the gamers and the students either. So why don’t we start our journey?

Categories

(the numbers don’t actually suggest any preferential order)

Best Value Notebooks

1. Dell Inspiron 6400

Dell Inspiron 6400 is a stylish product with exceptional screen quality - easy to use, portable, powerful and versatile. I don’t know bout what astounded me most was users’ delight. I have used it and have read at least 50 comments from genuine users who have given their thumbs up for this system.

It comes in a fantastic Artic Silver and Alpine White design.

It offers upto five hours of battery life for watching movies or gaming without re-charging your batteries. and that is actually true.

Another point I will like to make is the flexibility of Dell to provide plenty of options at the point of purchase.

Features

  • Choice of Windows operating systems including Ubuntu Edition version 7.04.
  • Models come with an Intel Core 2 Duo (up to 2.00 GHz)
  • 15.4inches display
  • SATA hard drive (up to 160 GB)
  • DDR2 SDRAM (up to 2 GB)
  • Wireless options include wireless LAN
  • Integrated Dual-Band (802.11 a/b) antenna
  • Integrated Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 (802.11a/b/g) or Dell Wireless 1500 network connections.
  • A 5-1 card reader and front-access multimedia buttons
  • S-Video (TV-Out) port, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) and four built-in USB 2.0 interfaces

Cons

  1. At this time, the specs may look old because obviously its not a new laptop and if you want an absolutely superfast machine with HUGE storage, then this is not for you.
  2. Dell’s customer service support is not upto the mark

2. Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pi

You may feel what the hell an F-S combination doing here. But as I am talking about a best value laptop, I can not but talk of this one as I have used this. It is pretty reliable and provides high end gaming support as well. and the price is also reasonable.

Amilo Pi 1536 is an award-winning laptop, picking up a Best Buy from Computer Buyer magazine.

Features

  • 1.83GHz core duo processor from Intel, which isn’t the fastest in the world, but is more than enough to power you through most tasks.
  • 1GB of memory (RAM)
  • A 120GB hard drive
  • 15.4in screen and a standalone graphics card,
  • It has built in wireless connectivity
  • A combined DVD and CD writer
  • Slots: 1 x Expresscard; SD/MMC/MS card slot
  • Ports: 3 x USB 2.0 (2 on left, 1 on right)
    o Firewire port (right)
    o DVI output (right)
    o S-Video out (right)
    o Gigabit Ethernet LAN (right)
    o Headphone and SPDIF optical combined (left)
    o Microphone (left)
    o Modem Telephone jack V.92 56 K (back)
    o Power (back)
  • Battery: 4400MAh Li-Ion

There is another cool feature in it that I liked, is its whisper mode. It’s a button with a fan icon on it, and when activated, it slows down the CPU and the graphics card. This is great for just normal office work, and even better when you’re running on battery power.

Cons

  • Poor speakers
  • ATI X1400 drivers not formally supported (ATI’s fault!)
  • Not great battery life
  • No Bluetooth

3. Gateway P-7811FX

Yes you can slam me for bringing in names that are perhaps never heard of. But now you will have to.

Gateway P-7811FX features a high-end Centrino 2 CPU and Nvidia GeForce 9800 graphics card for an incredibly reasonable price ($1500); higher screen resolution than previous models; 4GB of RAM and 64-bit OS.

Features

  • Processor of 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
  • Memory- 4GB, 667MHz DDR3
  • Hard drive- 200GB 7,200rpm
  • Chipset- Intel P45
  • Graphics- Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS
  • Operating System- Windows Vista Premium (64-bit)
  • Dimensions (WDH)- 15.7 x 12.2 x 1.6 inches
  • Screen size (diagonal) - 17.1 inches
  • Video- VGA, HDMI, VGA-out, S-video, HDMI
  • Audio- Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks, Stereo speakers with subwoofer, headphone/microphone jacks.
  • Data- 3 USB 2.0, mini FireWire, SD card reader, eSATA 4 USB 2.0, mini FireWire, SD card reader
  • Expansion- ExpressCard/54 ExpressCard/54
  • Networking- Modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth
  • Optical drive- DVD burner

Cons

Nothing much. lacks a few basic amenities, such as Bluetooth and a fingerprint reader.

Best Style & Graphics Laptop

1. Apple Macbook

When it comes to delicacy, sophistication and graphics, there are very few who can compete with Apple. Because, Steve jobs and co. are always working for sleek and cheek designs lol. So if you are sure to dive into Mac, and as I find no alternative but to let you do so, Apple macbook is the one for you, Its so refined in looks and less in noise that you sometimes feel like driving Chevrolet Spark in a highway. (lol, weird comparisoin I know, but if you have owned a sparky you will know)

Features

  • Mac OS X v10.5.5 (Build 9F2114)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz (3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus)
  • 2GB 1067MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • 160GB 5400rpm SATA hard disk drive
  • 13.3″ glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display (1280 x 800)
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics (256MB of DDR3 shared memory)
  • 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
  • iSight webcam
  • AirPort Extreme WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps), Audio out and microphone in
  • Dimensions : 0.95″ x 12.78″ x 8.94″ (H x W x D)
  • Weight: 4.51 pounds
  • Integrated 45-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
  • 60W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system

Cons

  • No Firewire ports
  • No standard video out ports
  • No eSATA port
  • All the ports are located on one side
  • Flat keyboard keys
  • 13-inch mirror masquerading as a display
  • It’s a Mac and I am not too comfortable with that. sorry I don’t intend to offend any Mac user. Its personal.

2. Apple Macbook Pro

When Apple Macbook is here, how can we leave the younger and more stylish brother behind. The new MacBook Pro is unquestionably Apple’s most revolutionary notebook to date, the build quality is simply unmatched, while its size and weight to performance ratio is excellent; allowing you to multi-task and game comfortably ( Apple macbook pro needs no real introduction in the world of laptop enthusiast. or macbook rather.

Features

  • Mac OS X v10.5.5 Leopard and Windows XP SP3 (Boot Camp)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz (3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus)
  • 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • 250GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard disk drive
  • 15.4″ glossy widescreen LED backlit display (1440 x 900)
  • Integrated Nvidia 9400 graphics (256MB of shared memory) and Discrete Nvidia 9600M GT (256MB of shared memory)
  • iSight webcam
  • AirPort Extreme WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • Mini Display port, 2 x USB 2.0 port (480Mbps), Audio out, mic, ExpressCard, FireWire 800
  • Dimensions : 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches (H x W x D)
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Integrated 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
  • 85W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system (6.5oz)

Cons

  • Expensive($1999! no thank you)
  • Lower specced than cheaper models from Dell, Sager, Lenovo
  • Few ports
  • No matte screen option

Best Business Laptop

1. Toshiba Satellite Pro S300M

Businessmen usually look for laptops that are more sturdy, reliable and resource-ful to run major processes within the computer. keeping that in mind, I had to say good bye to old friend Lenovo Thinkpad T61 and bring in brand new Toshiba Satellite Pro S300M.

Features

  • Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (T5870)
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 250GB hard drive
  • DVD burner.
  • Intel’s GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics.
  • Windows XP & Vista

Other notable features are,

  • EasyGuard Technology
  • Face Recognition Software
  • Express Port Replicator
  • Business Card Reader Software

Cons

  • Lesser battery life
  • Very bad looking

And as I don’t have a particular fascination for these business laptops, I can’t be adept enough to talk about them. Let’s go the next section which is my favorite.

Best Entertainment and Gaming Laptop

1. Toshiba Qosmio G45

he Toshiba Qosmio G45 is a full entertainment system packed into one slightly over-sized 17” widescreen notebook. It combines a 1080P high-resolution display, HD-DVD Player, surround sound system, ATI Cable-Card HDTV Tuner, and gaming machine into one device that can be carried to different locations inside your backpack.

Features

  • OS: Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50GHz, 6MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
  • Chipset: Mobile Intel P965 Express Chipset
  • Wireless: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n), Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
  • Memory: 3GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM (maximum capacity 4GB)
  • Hard Drive: 320GB Total Space (160GB x 2)
  • Optical Drive: HD DVD-R/DVD SuperMulti (+/- double layer) drive (in one optical drive), supporting 13 formats
  • Screen: 17.0″ diagonal widescreen TrueLife TFT LCD display at 1920×1200 (WUXGA, Glossy)
  • Graphics: 512MB nVidia GeForce Go 8600m GT
  • Webcam: 2.0 megapixel webcam
  • Slots: ExpressCard slot (ExpressCard/34 and Express Card/54) and PC-Card Slot, 5-in-1 media card reader
  • Ports: VGA, HDMI, and S-Video out, Mic, 2 Headphone, line out, 2 IR out, IEEE-1394 (FireWire), Five USB 2.0 ports
  • Dimensions (WxDxH Front/H Rear): 17.25″ x 11.75″ x 1.759″
  • Weight: 10.6 Advertised, 9lbs 15oz actual w/ battery
  • 120W (15V x 8A) 100-240V AC adapter
  • 9-cell (70.5Ah) Lithium Ion battery
  • 1-Year Standard Limited Warranty

Cons

  • Gaming performance lackluster compared to others in the same price bracket.

2. Alienware Area-51 m17x

Alienware is one of the few well wishers for gamers in this world. The Alienware really shines when packed out with dual Nvidia GeForce 9800 GPUs and an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 processor. Of course, few people, even serious gamers, need that much horsepower, but as a display of conspicuous consumption, it’s hard to beat, with an illuminated keyboard, imposing new black-slab aesthetic, and a Blu-ray drive.

Features

  • Processor- 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000
  • Memory- 4GB, 667MHz DDR2
  • Hard drive- 1TB 5,400rpm (500GB x2)
  • Chipset- Intel PM965
  • Graphics - Nvidia GeForce 9800M GT (x2)
  • Operating System- Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Dimensions (WDH)- 6.1 x 11.5 x 2.1 inches
  • Screen size (diagonal)-17.1 inches

Cons

  • Starting configurations are overpriced ($2000). Still if you are looking for a good deal with alienware, then you can look at the New Alienware Gaming Grid
  • Touch controls are a bit wonky.

Best Ultimate Laptops

1. Sony Vaio AR21S Laptop

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this laptop is that it includes a Blu-Ray disc drive. Blu-Ray technology hopes to take over from DVD as the new high capacity storage format, and Sony is championing its cause in the AR21S. It is a big step up from DVD, although you can still play all your old DVDs and CDs in a Blu-Ray drive.

Its a true media centre PC.

Features

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 - 2.06GHz (x2), 667MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache
  • RAM: 2048MB DDR2-667MHz
  • Hard Drive: 200GB Serial ATA 5400rpm (2×100GB)
  • Screen: 17″ Widescreen TFT (1920×1200 - 16:10)with X-Black Technology
  • Optical Drive: DVD±RW / BD-RE Blu-Ray Super Multi Double Layer
  • Graphics: NVidia GeForce Go7600 256MB
  • Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g - Call for advice on Wireless Networking
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth Enabled
  • Warranty: 1 Year - Upgradeable to 3 Years!
  • Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Hybrid TV Tuner (Digital + Analogue)
  • Built-In 0.37 MegaPixel Camera
  • Built-In Microphone

Cons

  • Excessive price (1800$)
  • Poor customer service

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X300

The ThinkPad X300 is a premium product that’s worth the price if you need the features it offers. The X300’s excellent portability, abundance of wireless options, built-in optical drive, SSD advantage, great screen, fantastic keyboard, and second-to-none build quality all add up to a notebook that’s easy to recommend to business users who consider a notebook to be an important part of their success with work.

Features

  • Processor: 1.20GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7100 (800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
  • Graphics: Intel X3100
  • Screen: 13.3-inch WXGA+ (1440 x 900, 300 nit) LED backlit display
  • Memory: 2GB (up to 4GB configurable)
  • Storage: 64GB SSD
  • Optical Drive: Ultra-thin DVD Burner
  • Wireless and Communications: Intel 4965AGN (802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi), BlueTooth 2.0 EDR, Intel UWB, GPS, Verizon WWAN (EV-DO)
  • Battery: 6-cell Li-Polymer extended life battery (3-cell Li-Polymer battery available and multi-bay extended life 3-cell battery)
  • Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, Monitor out port, AC adapter, headphone/line-out, microphone/line-in, Gigabit Ethernet
  • Dimensions: 12.4″ x 9.1″ x 0.73″ - 0.92″
  • Weight: from 2.93lbs with 3-cell battery and no optical drive to 3.32lbs with 6-cell battery and DVD Burner in
  • Port Replicator: Via USB
  • Input: Full sized keyboard, trackpoint navigation, touchpad, fingerprint reader
  • Operating System: Windows XP Professional (Windows Vista available in various flavors)
  • Other Features: Integrated web camera
  • Warranty: 1-year

Cons

  • No SD card reader
  • 64 GB SSD is not at all the mark of a high end laptop we are looking for
  • No expansion dock capability, USB based port replicator only
  • No ExpressCard or PC card slot
  • Starting price of $2,500 is out of range for many people

Best Budget Laptop

1. Compaq CQ50100EM

The best feature of Compaq Cq5010EM is its price, $488. You can get a laptop within $500 and that is the best part. Rest is as follows. We have generously overlooked the minimal cons because of the price.

Features

  • Screen Size in Inches- 15.4
  • Operating System- Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Hard Disk Capacity- 120GB
  • Bluetooth- No
  • DVD Writer- Yes
  • RAM- 1GB
  • WiFi- Yes
  • Processor- Sempron SI-40
  • Graphic Card- nVidia
  • Integrated webcam

Cons

  • Low Battery life
  • no bluetooth

In Conclusion

There are many laptops that I couldn’t mention here but had wished to. And again, I have talked about some not-so-new laptops too. But, the whole point was to test the laptops w.r.t. time. The time tested laptops are what I have found more reliable. Do you have anything to add to my list or do you want me to review any laptop you wish to? Write to me.


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