Best notebooks – top picks on laptop computers

Living in a mobile world and surrounded by technology, netbooks have become an important part of our life, whether at home, at work  or when on the road. Computers are not that bulky units under the desk anymore, they are portable, easy to use and carry around when needed.

However, there are a multitude of laptops available on the market these days, with different features, sizes and strong points. And everyone of us has its own needs, thus it is important to be able to pick the best notebook that can fulfill them.

In this post, I’ve tried to offer a list of top notebook computers, each being the best in their classes (based on my personal experience with them and also marks/reviews from experts and regular users). Read along to find a couple of things about each of them. And once again, this is a list, not a top of best notebooks, as all the device presented here are top picks, but address different needs and budgets.

Netbooks

Affordable and compact/light devices, meant for life on the road and capable of running your daily apps and tasks, but not much more.

Asus EEE PC 1015PEM – more about it

Part of the EEE PC line, this is a 10 inch mini laptop and perhaps one of the best in its class right now. Manages to impress with its rubbery matte soft exterior, available in a couple of different colors, its solid build quality and also with the features and hardware inside.

You get the most powerful hardware available on a 10 incher these days, with the dual core N550 Atom processor, 1 GB of memory, 250 GB hard-drive and a big 6 cell battery capable of up to 10 hours of life on a single charge. All these are completed by a matte 10.1 inch display (1024 x 600 px resolution) and ergonomic chiclet keyboard and trackpad.

So there’s really little not to like about this Asus, I personally haven’t find it any noticeable flaw. The price you have to pay for it is pretty fair: around 380 bucks, but you can find it discounted right here, for only $349 $289, with Shipping included. See the link for more details.

Asus EEE PC 1015PEM

Samsung NF310

One of the most appreciated 10 inchers on the market, this Samsung brings a couple of things expected on such computers for a while: an HD display (1366 x 768 px), the N550 processor and a futuristic design. Unfortunately the exterior and the screen are glossy, which might be a problem in time, with scratches and glares. But if you can live with those, the NF310 is a pretty solid pick.

You also get a big battery, capable of around 7-8 hours of life during normal use and some of the best keyboard/trackpad combo available now on a 10 incher.

So, the Samsung NF310 is not much different from the Asus above, but just feels overall superior: it is slightly better looking, performs a little bit faster and is just a tad more ergonomic. Still, it costs more also and is only available in black,for $399 $370.99, with Shipping included. See the link for extra details.

Samsung NF310

More good options on 10 inch netbooks are available in this other post, including affordable under $300 devices and also the premium business models with fancy looks and top features.

Ultra portables

Compact mini laptops, packing more power than netbooks and some extra features, while still remaining light and sleek enough so they can be easily carried around everyday.

Asus EEE PC 1215N – review here

Asus EEE PC 1215N

The Asus 1215N is one of the most popular options for a compact ultra-portable laptop available right now. It’s a 12 incher with a matte casing, good keyboard and trackpad and solid chassis. Inside you get a dual core Atom D525 processor, 2-4 GB of memory and Nvidia ION graphics, with Optimus (system picks automatically between cards, based on the apps you’re running – more details on that review).

The important thing is that this device combines portability with performances and a good price. Can run Windows 7 and your daily apps decently, can run multimedia content including 1080P and a bunch of different games, including some of the modern titles. And, if used for light activities, can offer a significant autonomy (5-6 hours).

All these for around 500 bucks sounds good, considering you also get Shipping Included and the device managed to score very good reviews and marks with previous buyers. See this link for more details.

Apple MacBook Air – video review here

The new MacBook Air is for sure the ultra portable that impressed me the most during the end of this year. Available in two versions, as 11.6 and 13.3 inchers, it comes with some astonishing looks, ultra sleek shape and top notch build quality (made from aluminum, like all the other MacBooks).

I had the chance to play with the 11.6 inch Air, see above the link towards the video review. Besides the body, the big keyboard and multitouch trackpad are a big plus, and also the hardware inside: ULV processor, 2-4 GB of memory, SSD storage and Nvidia 320M graphics. Enough for decent performance in everyday tasks, multimedia content and even some games. All these while providing around 5 hours of battery life, which is quite OK.

Of course, the problem with all MacBooks is their price, and the Air is no exception. The 11.6 inch version starts from $999, while the 13.3 inch one starts from $1299 . But you can find it discounted in various online stores. So definitely expensive, but I can guarantee that you’ll love these MacBooks Airs from the moment you get your hands on them.

It’s not something I usually do, recommending overpriced expensive products, but I totally do with these ones, as I believe their price tags are actually worth it.

The amazing MacBook Air 2010

Apple MacBook Pro 13

13.3 inch Apple MacBook Pro

The 13.3 inch MacBook Pro is my personal choice in this class. Packs powerful hardware and graphics in a top quality aluminum unibody casing, plus a nice display and ergonomic keyboard/trackpad. And not to mention, that keyboard is illuminated, which is something we’d all love on our computers.

You also get an optical unit, which most devices in this class lack, plus that big pack of software available on all Macs and expected battery life of up to 10 hours.

Of course, MacBooks are expensive. The cheapest 13.3 inch Pro sells for $1199 (but you can get it discounted via this link, from Amazon.com).

But is it really worth this kind of money? I would say yes, even considering there are other 13.3 inch devices with similar performances, but none offer the overall build quality of this one, or the keyboard, or the huge multitouch trackpad or the sleek and light body.

So, if you can afford it, the 13 inch MacBook Pro is for sure a device that won’t disappoint.

Everyday laptops

Looking for a standard laptop, capable of running decently pretty much everything you may throw at them, while having an affordable price tag? Than these are the best notebooks for you.

Dell Inspiron 14R

Dell Inspiron 14R

This is a solid and reliable computer from Dell, with an excellent price tag for the features it has to offer. It’s a 14 incher with a HD 1366 x 768 display, so it’s big enough for comfortably peforming your everyday tasks, but also compact and light enough for life on the run, if required.

There’s nothing missing in terms of hardware, this one boosting an Intel Core i3-380M processor, 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard-drive, plus DVD burner, good connectivity and Windows 7 Home Premium OS.

Battery life ain’t that great, only rated at a couple of hours; plus, graphics are enough for all kind of video content, but not for games.

Also, some of you might not like the fact that this one only comes in glossy black and you don’t have options for other color schemes.

But the price is very good, especially since you can get it online with a hefty 20% discount (for around $550) and Free Shipping. See the link for extra details.

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T

Unlike the compact 14 incher above, this Acer is a full size 15.6 inch laptop. But it’s not heavy or bulky, not at all. The TimeLineX line is in fact known for its sleek looks and solid build, with high quality plastic and aluminum used for the chassis and casing. There’s also a pretty good keyboard and decently sized trackpad.

Inside you get a Core i3-370M processor and all the other goodies, including 4 GB of RAM, 320 GB HDD, DVD drive, Wi-Fi N and Bluetooth and Windows 7 Home Premium OS. There’s also a big 6 Cell battery rated at up to 8 hours of life, which is excellent for a laptop in this class.

Now, pricing is good, but this device is not as cheap as other mainstream notebooks. It is however one of the best in its class, that’s why I believe the $649 price tag (with Free Shipping included) is fair. See this link for more details , including pics, more info on specs and review from owners.

Sleek Acer Aspire TimeLineX 5820T

HP Pavilion dv6

HP Pavilion DV6

The Pavilion dv6 is your alternative to the Acer above in the 15.6 inch class. It comes with the same features and hardware specs, but a poorer battery (only rated at around 5 hours).

It’s also a tad thicker and heavier, but it looks very good as well, with an aluminum artistic finish on the outside. And I’d say the keyboard is a bit more comfortable and ergonomic than the one you’ll find on the TimeLineX Acers.

Both this HP and the Acer get in stores with the same list price (around 700 bucks), but the HP dv6 is now greatly discounted on Amazon.com, where you find it for $549 with Shipping included. Excellent deal if you’d ask me, so see the link for more info or the option to profit from this offer.

Multimedia notebooks

Multimedia focused computers, capable of running movies and games, while also boosting top quality speakers, 16:9 displays ideal for watching HD content and extra features, like Blu-Ray players for instance.

Samsung RF510

This new generation Samsung laptop really manages to combine top notch performances, good looks and an excellent price tag.

Samsung RF510

First, the device is covered in an aluminum casing and comes with some excellent keyboard and trackpad. There’s a standard sized 15.6 inch 1366 x 768 px display as well.

Inside you get a Core i7-720QM processor, dedicated Nvidia 330M graphics, 4 GB of memory and 640 GB hard-drive, plus all the known connectors and extra features (webcam, wireless, Bluetooth, card-reader, etc). And there’s even an internal DVD unit.

Perhaps the only drawback for this Samsung RF510 is battery life, only at around 3-4 hours tops, but hey, that’s a problem with all multimedia notebooks.

All in all though, the Samsung RF510 is a top multimedia laptop. In terms of pricing, it is listed at around 1000 bucks, but it is available on Amazon.com for only $799, with a huge discount and Free Delivery included. See the link for more details and reviews from buyers.

Asus N53SV

A step forward from the Samsung presented above is this Asus, which brings a couple of improvements in terms of features and hardware specs.

First, the screen is the same size, 15.6 inch, with 1366 x 768 px resolution. Inside there’s a quad core Core i7 processor, but more powerful Nvidia GeForce GT 540M graphics, 4 GB of memory and a fast 7200 rpm 750 GB hard-drive. Plus a combo Blu-ray unit.

So pretty much all you’ll need, making this Asus capable of running video content, games and actually all the things you’ll want. All these while being solid built and looking great, like most Asus devices do these days.

There is however a problem: battery life, only around 3 hours tops. But like I said, you don’t buy a multimedia laptop for autonomy, so I can’t really consider this a reason not to go for this device.

Of course, all these goodies come with a proper pricing, as the Asus N53SVgoes for around 1000 bucks, which is expensive but also fair, considering what it has to offer. And you do get Shipping included as well. See this link for extra details, reviews, pictures and the option to buy one yourself.

Asus N53JF

HP Envy 17

The HP Envy 17 is a beast for sure. As the name suggest, it offers an Full HD 17.3 inch display and some very powerful internal components, for perhaps one of the most powerful laptops on the market right now.

HP Envy 17 - the beast

Inside you get a Core i7-720QM processor, 6 GB of memory, 720 GB of storage space and an ATI 5820HD graphic solution. Enough for pretty much everything you can throw at it, including most latest generation games. There’s also a Blu-ray unit and all the other goodies you usually find on laptops.

In terms of battery life, not much to expect from this beast, but HP offers a huge 9 Cell battery than can go for around 3.5 hours, which is quite good considering the raw power of this machine.

And yes, the Envy 17 is expensive, but I’m sure you were expecting that after seeing that specs. It goes right now for $1149, with 100 bucks discount and Free Shipping. See the link for extra details and reviews, if interested.

Tablets and Tablet PCs

Operating your laptop with the touch of your fingers is cool and in this category you’ll find the best devices using touch displays. Still, I’ve not included the new touch slate tablets, as these are not really notebooks, but just the classic tablet PCs with convertible screens.

Asus EEE PC T101MT

Back when I reviewed the Asus T101MT I was not really impressed with it, mainly because of its sluggish performance, but people seem to love it and I’m sure you would too, if you’re looking for a light tablet PC and are aware of its limitations.

Now, the T101MT is built on a single core Atom platform and it is in fact a netvertible (or a tablet netbook), so don’t expect too much from it. Should be fine with your daily chores (browsing, listening to music, writing, chatting, reading books, etc ) as long as you don’t plan on running all of them simultaneously. But multimedia content, games or resources hungry apps are for sure a no no.

Screen is resistive and that makes it not that responsive when used with your fingers, but great for inking and taking notes. Also, the device is very solid built for such a device with a swiveling screen.

And one more thing, the T101MT is very compact an easy to carry around, as it is after all a 10 incher. For more details, see my review of the T101MT Asus EEE PC.

The device is listed in stores for 500 bucks, but you can get it online with a 50 bucks discount, for around $450 on Amazon, with Shipping included. See this link for extra details, more pics, reviews from buyers and the option to get one yourself if you want to.

HP TouchSmart TM2

The TM2 from HP is the most viable option for a compact convertible laptop right now. It packs solid construction with a nice capacitive 12 inch display and powerful enough hardware to make your daily experience with it quite pleasant.

More powerful TM2 from HP

So, inside you get a Core i3-380UM processor, 4 GB of memory and fast 500 GB 7200 rpm hard rive, plus good connectivity and Windows 7 Home Premium. The 1280x 800 px display is capacitive like I said and supports multitouch and gestures.

The device is also pretty solid built and uses good quality materials for both the interior and exterior (including aluminum). Plus, HP fitted a proper sized battery inside, capable of up to 6 hours of life on a single charge, which is quite good considering this little machine really packs some power.

Of course, the TM2 is more expensive than the Asus above, as it goes for around $825 bucks. And that’s with a slight discount and Free Shipping. Still, if you want a tablet PC, you can’t get anything with a better price/features ratio right now and that’s why we truly recommend the TM2 . See this link for extra details, pictures and reviews from those already owning it.

More on compact laptops with touch screens is available via this article.

Business notebooks

Need a laptop that can impress, but also powerful enough for your daily corporate apps? These are the ones, but remember that style and performances in such compact clothes come with a price.

Toshiba Portégé R835

The Portégé line of business laptops has been around for a while and is famous in this exclusive class. The R705 is the most popular model in this series right now, a 13.3 incher with great looks, nice performances and a proper price.

The exterior is sober and classy, covered in matte aluminum. Keyboard and trackpad are top notch and there’s nothing you can say wrong about the build quality.

Inside you get a core i5-2410M processor, 4 GB of memory and 640 GB hard-drive with shock and fall protection. There’s also a DVD unit and Windows 7 Home Premium as the OS. Battery is rated at 8 hours in everyday tasks, which is not that great, but pretty much enough for a whole day’s work.

Now, the Portege R835 is decently priced, as it goes for $909 these days. And while not the best in its class, it’s definitely one of the top solutions in terms of price/performances. See the link for more info, pictures and reviews from those who already own one of these.

Toshiba Portege R705

Sony Vaio Z

If you’re looking for the best, well, this is it, the Vaio Z, Sony’s most prestigious laptop, built entirely in Japan and Germany and integrating the latest technological advancements.

Now, there are a couple of different options for the Z, I’m going to tell you what to expect from the top version though.

Here we go: Core i7-640M processor, 6 GB of memory, 256 storage space (4 SSD drives in Raid 0), hybrid graphics (with Intel HD and Nvidia 330M GT, with manual switching), 13.1 inch Full HD display, Blu-Ray burner and illuminated keyboard.

Of course, these are just some of the goodies you can find inside this laptop. There’s also a lot to say about the body and the quality of the materials used for it, about the bundled software and the extensive warranty offered by Sony for it. I’ve had the chance to play with the Vaio Z a while ago and you can see my impressions on it in this other post.

Now, having the most advanced laptop on the market right now ain’t cheap for sure. Actually, prices can go to 4000 bucks and above for the top versions, with the specs mentioned above, although there are some “cheaper” options as well,starting from around $2000.

But hey, you’re a successful business man. Money should not really be a problem for you, right?

Sony Vaio Z - the best there is

Gaming rigs

If extreme gaming is what you need from your notebook, then these are the rigs you’re looking for. They’ll be able to run well pretty much every recent title, but you’ll have to deal with the bulky shape, extra heat and poor battery life. Who cares about those though…

You can read more about gaming rigs and gaming devices on this other site.

Asus G73SW Republic of Gamers

While there are a couple of different devices in this class, the best pick when considering the prices/performances ratio is probably the 17.3 inch Asus G73SW.

It comes with a massive body covered in a smooth rubbery material and weighing around 8 pounds. So definitely not something you would want to move from your desk more than once a year.

Inside you get a quad-core Intel Core i7-2630QM processor, 8 GB of memory, Nvidia GTX 460M GT graphics and 750 GB 7200rpm storage drive. Plus a DVD unit, 17.3 inch Full HD display and all the other things you usually find on laptops, plus an illuminated keyboard.

Asus Republic of Gamers line

Asus also got an 8 cell battery on this one, but don’t get fool by that, you’ll barely get 1-2 hours of life on a single charge from it, as this machine is a beast.

Goes right now for $1349 on Amazon.com, which is a very good price for what it can offer, especially if you consider it’s discounted and comes with Free Shipping included. See the link for more details and reviews from users, plus the option to buy one.

Oh, and Asus also has a 15.6 inch version of this gaming notebook and you can check it out here.

There’s also a successor for the G73SW, called the Asus G74SX, packing some better graphics and some exterior changes.

Alienware M17X

Of course, when speaking about gaming laptops, Alienware instantly comes in one’s mind, as they are perhaps the most notorious notebooks manufacturers in this segment.

The uber powerful M17X from Alienware

Their devices are expensive, but you have the possibility to configure the rigs to your own choice on Dell’s site. I’ve went for the big M17x, the 17 incher and added a Core i7-740QM processor, 8 GB of memory, dual AMD Radeon 5870HD in CrossFire and 1 TB storage space (two 500 GB 7200 rpm HDDs in Raid 0), plus the Full HD display.

All these for a whopping $2799 . But you can easily get to 4000-5000 bucks if you went for SSD storage and more powerful processors.

Still, the question in my head (and probably yours) is: do these really worth that kind of money? I would say no, but hey, if you got the money and need the most powerful gaming notebook…

Final words and conclusions

OK, that was a long article. And I’m still sure I’ve only covered some of the truly great laptops out there on the market.

Once again, this is not a top of best notebooks, it’s merely a list, as all the computers mentioned in here are top picks in their classes. As you saw, I’ve tried dividing them into segments, based on pricing and purpose and given examples of the devices I’d go for in each of those.

Of course, prices and availability will change in time, so better check the links on each post for up to date info. Also, I will update this post as often as possible and add new devices if needed, in order to keep it up to date and useful.

Last but not least, your feedback is much appreciated, so don’t hesitate to leave a reply if you have anything to say about the notebooks listed in this post or this subject.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Tags: best laptop, best netbook, best notebook, mini notebooks

Last updated: January 16, 2012 | Published: June 12th, 2011 | See the comments or add yours!