HP Pavilion dv7-3183cl

When you're looking for a multimedia laptop and only have $1,000 to spend you usually have to sacrifice something. If you want a large screen, you will have to sacrifice speed or processing power to stay under budget and vice-versa. The HP Pavilion dv7-3183 ($999.99 list), available at Costco, gives you a good mix of both computing power (Intel's new core i5 CPU) and 17.3-inch screen without charging you an arm and a leg.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $1,000.00 List
• Type: Media
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core i5 M430
• Processor Speed: 2.27 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 7.12 lb
• Screen Size: 17.3 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce G105M
• Storage Capacity: 500 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus)

HP Pavilion dv4-2153cl

When I reviewed the HP Pavilion dv4-1540us I was impressed with its performance, stylish design, and generous port selection, but lamented the absence of a high resolution display and discrete graphics. This time around the HP Pavilion dv4-2153cl ($749.99), available at Costco, offers the latest Intel Core i3 "Arrandale" processor and sports a slightly different look than the dv4-1540us. However, the screen is still a relatively low-res panel, and while the graphics solution is somewhat improved, it is still integrated. Additionally, I expected a longer battery life from a 14-inch notebook.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $749.99 List
• Type: General Purpose, Media, Value
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core i3 330M
• Processor Speed: 2.13 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 5.2 lb
• Screen Size: 14.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Integrated Intel GMA X4500HD
• Storage Capacity: 320 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl

The HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl, like the recent Pavilion dv7 models we have reviewed, is one of the best desktop replacements on the market with a well-designed chassis and stunning 17.3-inch display. But unlike its more affordable $800 HP Pavilion dv7-3063cl and HP Pavilion dv7-2270us siblings, the $999 dv7-2273cl has a Intel CPU, Blu-ray drive, and discrete ATI graphics. While there are more powerful desktop replacements on the market with full HD-resolution screens, for under a grand the Windows 7-equipped HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl provides a good balance of multimedia capabilities and everyday performance.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $999.00 List
• Type: General Purpose, Media
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600
• Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 6.72 lb
• Screen Size: 17.3 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650
• Storage Capacity: 320 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

HP Mini 210-1032NR

The newest addition to HP's line of consumer netbooks, the HP Mini 210-1032NR ($349.99 list) introduces a sleek new look and is based on Intel's "Pine Trail" platform, which includes the low-voltage Atom N450 CPU and the NM10 Express Chipset. This reasonably priced 10-inch netbook offers very good battery life and a nice variety of ports, and because it is a Costco model, it comes with a two year warranty. However, its overall performance is nothing to write home about, and the touchpad's erratic behavior can be maddening.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $349.99 List
• Type: General Purpose, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N450
• Processor Speed: 1.66 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel GMA 3150
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n

Toshiba Satellite T115-S1105

Electing not to use an Intel Atom processor doesn't exempt you from being called a netbook. I've seen netbook systems show up with AMD and VIA processors and even ones that run on different platforms (i.e., Nvidia's Ion). In the end, though, it's no different than a netbook if it's as small and as inexpensive as one. Case in point: The Toshiba Satellite T115-S1105 comes with Windows 7 loaded (most netbooks have Windows XP) and uses an Intel Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) processor. CULV processors are filling the space between netbooks and regular laptops—but everything else about it smell like a netbook. Its $480 price, 11.6-inch widescreen, and 7 hours of battery life can compete with some of the best netbooks in the business, but it will need to work on the typing and navigating experience first.

Toshiba America Inc

http://www.toshiba.com

• Price as Tested: $480.00 Street
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Speed: 1.3 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• Weight: 3.3 lb
• Screen Size: 11.6 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• Storage Capacity: 250 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: External

HP Mini 5102 (2010)

The HP Mini 2140 started out as a very desirable business netbook, and it just kept getting better from there. A product of two years' worth of improvements, the HP Mini 5102 is a masterfully engineered netbook that small business users, government officials, and even school children could carry around with pride. Everything about it is as impressively executed as the previous Mini 5101, from the metallic frame, the world-class keyboard and mouse buttons, to the all-day battery life. This version comes with a variety of improvements, including a new Intel Atom processor (and platform), almost 11 hours of battery life (via the optional 6-cell battery, though) , and new options for a carrying handle and touch screen. Although the $400, HP "Smartbuy" configuration, with the 29Wh battery (4-cell), is a terrific buy, we suggest paying $25 more to upgrade to the 6-cell option.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $400.00 Direct
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Business, Small Business, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N450
• Processor Speed: 1.67 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel GMA 3150
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: External

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13

Lenovo's ThinkPad series has clung to the same corporate look longer than any other in the business, but it could only go so long before customers get the impression that they're buying the same thing over and over again. So how do you redesign something that's considered blasphemy to redesign? Well, you take baby steps. Case in point: the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 ($899 direct). In terms of industrial design, the ThinkPad Edge 13 is a compelling makeover for a laptop that bears the sacred ThinkPad seal. It even dared to alter the prized keyboard while keeping its signature Trackpoint and mouse buttons. As a category, the Edge 13 is a CULV laptop, meaning it carries Intel's ultra low voltage processor and gets you at least 7 hours of battery life. It's a decent entry-level laptop for a small business.

Lenovo

http://www.lenovo.com

• Price as Tested: $899.00 Direct
• Type: General Purpose, Media, Ultraportable, Value, Business, Small Business
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
• Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
• Processor Speed: 1.3 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 3.9 lb
• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• Storage Capacity: 320 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: External

LG X120

After receiving the LG X120, which, as a netbook, is delightful to look at, I couldn't help but stroll into my local RadioShack before reviewing the product. You see, Radio Shack the only place where the X120 is available, and interestingly enough this is the first LG netbook, or any laptop for that matter, to ever debut in the United States. And it can be yours in one of two ways: One, commit yourself to a two-year AT&T 3G contract, which involves paying $60 a month for an unlimited wireless internet plan, and pay $50 for the unit, or be contract-free and pay $400. Either way, it's tough to take the plunge.

LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc

http://www.lgusa.com

• Price as Tested: $400.00 Street
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: MS Windows XP Home
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N270
• Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11a/g
• Primary Optical Drive: External

M&A Companion PC 10

You would be hard-pressed to identify many features—or any software—of the M&A Companion PC 10 ($449 list) that specifically targets students under the age of 12. In fact, with the exception of the rubberized handle, M&A has done very little to reveal this netbook's ambition to go to school. The Companion PC 10, like most netbooks that are designed for bulk sale to school districts, faithfully follows Intel's Classmate PC reference design. Unlike consumer models like the Disney Netpal by ASUS (which comes in "Princess Pink" or "Magic Blue") or Dell Mini Nickelodeon Edition (which promises kids "the slime of your life" with the Nickelodeon network's trademark motif), the M&A Companion PC 10 has a clean, generic look that makes it appropriate for children of any age or either gender.

M&A Technology Inc

http://www.macomp.com

• Price as Tested: $449.00 List
• Type: Tablet, Small Business, Netbook
• Operating System: MS Windows XP Home
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N270
• Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 945GSE
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11g
• Primary Optical Drive: External

M&A Companion PC 10

You would be hard-pressed to identify many features—or any software—of the M&A Companion PC 10 ($449 list) that specifically targets students under the age of 12. In fact, with the exception of the rubberized handle, M&A has done very little to reveal this netbook's ambition to go to school. The Companion PC 10, like most netbooks that are designed for bulk sale to school districts, faithfully follows Intel's Classmate PC reference design. Unlike consumer models like the Disney Netpal by ASUS (which comes in "Princess Pink" or "Magic Blue") or Dell Mini Nickelodeon Edition (which promises kids "the slime of your life" with the Nickelodeon network's trademark motif), the M&A Companion PC 10 has a clean, generic look that makes it appropriate for children of any age or either gender.

M&A Technology Inc

http://www.macomp.com

• Price as Tested: $449.00 List
• Type: Tablet, Small Business, Netbook
• Operating System: MS Windows XP Home
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N270
• Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 945GSE
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11g
• Primary Optical Drive: External