Top 10 Laptops: Quick Reviews & Buying Guide
The Increasing Reliance on Technology and the Laptop Market
Our dependence on technology has grown exponentially in recent years – a trend driven by justifiable reasons. Modern cell phones now possess processing capabilities that surpassed those of laptops just five years prior. Technological advancements are consistently delivering devices that are faster, more dependable, and increasingly portable.
Given this rapid evolution, the present moment is opportune for considering a laptop purchase. Laptops now rival desktop computers in terms of computational power, while simultaneously being available at their lowest price points ever. For individuals with a mobile lifestyle, owning a laptop is a practical necessity.
Here at MakeUseOf, we frequently highlight attractive technology offers. However, specifically for those seeking a laptop, a curated selection of the top 10 models has been compiled for your consideration.
Establishing the Criteria for Selection
The criteria employed for this ranking were deliberately straightforward. Only laptops with a price tag below $1,000 were evaluated. Furthermore, each candidate needed to include a minimum of 4GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, and the Windows 7 operating system. It was determined that these specifications would identify a range of excellent laptops suitable for the average user without requiring a substantial financial investment.
1. Sony Vaio FW560F/T
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 / 2.13GHz
- Memory: 6GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This Sony Vaio model presents a compelling combination of features. Its 16-inch screen is coupled with a remarkably slim profile. Blu-ray playback is supported, and gaming performance is respectable, though it does not achieve 1080p resolution. It functions effectively as a multimedia notebook.
2. Samsung NP-R580-JSB1US
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
Equipped with a Core i5 processor, NVIDIA graphics, and Blu-ray capabilities, this laptop offers significant performance. Some user feedback indicates occasional discomfort with the touchpad, but the processing power and graphics capabilities, combined with reasonable battery life, make it a strong contender.
Further information about this product can be found at Best Buy.
3. Gateway NV7915u
- Processor: Intel Core i3 330M / 2.13 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB (8 GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500 GB
This Gateway laptop distinguishes itself as one of the most affordable options within the top 10, while simultaneously delivering substantial processing power. While battery life is limited, its performance, audio output, and HDMI support position it as a viable desktop replacement.
4. Asus U30Jc-A1
- Processor: Intel Core i3 350M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 320GB
Despite its compact 13-inch screen, the Asus laptop incorporates NVIDIA Optimus graphics and an Intel Core i3 processor. Excellent battery life and gaming capabilities are key strengths of this model.
5. HP Pavilion dv7-3165dx
- Processor: AMD Turion II Ultra mobile processor M620 / 2.5GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
The HP Pavilion, while not boasting exceptional battery life, features a large screen, Blu-ray playback support, a comprehensive array of connection ports, and commendable portability. However, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity.
Additional details regarding this product are available at Best Buy.
6. Alienware M11X
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 250GB
Alienware is widely recognized for its gaming-focused computers, and this laptop upholds that reputation. It includes switchable graphics for extended battery life, a superior keyboard, a low-voltage processor, and high-performance graphics. The primary trade-off is a smaller 11.6-inch screen and the absence of an optical drive.
This product is listed at Best Buy for $900. Previously, a configuration with only 2GB of RAM was available from Dell Home for $699 using the coupon code "?8CN$RJ?W5TQ0C" (this offer is no longer valid).
7. Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This laptop is characterized by its sleek design, integrated Intel Wireless Display technology, and a responsive Core i5 processor. While sound quality, graphics, and battery life are areas for improvement, its slim profile and speed are notable advantages.
Currently, Best Buy is offering a complimentary Xbox 360 with each purchase of this laptop; details can be found here.
8. Asus K60I-RBBBR05
- Processor: Intel Premium T4400 / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8 GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This laptop features a large, bright, energy-efficient LED-backlit display with a 16-inch screen. It provides adequate battery life and a substantial hard drive. A limitation is the lack of HDMI support.
More information is available at Best Buy.
9. Gateway NV7901u
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
Equipped with a 17-inch screen and a Core i5 processor, this Gateway model offers solid performance. The absence of Bluetooth or Blu-ray playback, coupled with graphics that are good but not 1080p capable, results in a lower ranking.
10. Sony Vaio VGN-NW240F
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 320GB
Concluding our list, we return to a Sony Vaio. This laptop delivers strong performance and an appealing design. Bluetooth support is absent, and battery life is below average, but its overall features and performance justify its inclusion.
Details can be found at Best Buy.
What are your thoughts on this top 10 laptops list? Was your preferred laptop omitted? Please share your comments below!
Image Credit: CraigJ
