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Top 10 All-Purpose Laptops

These laptops can do it all and are a great choice for most notebook users. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Darren Gladstone

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PCW Rating: 82.5PCW Rating: 82.5PCW Rating: 82.5

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

BEST BUY!

1. Thinkpad SL400

CPU: 2.26-GHz Core 2 Duo P8400, Display Size (inches): 14.1" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 160GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.1Lbs.,

Bottom Line: This entry-level ThinkPad offers features (and software) one expects, once limited to lower-end models.

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Price When Reviewed: $1223 Check Latest Prices
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PCW Rating: 81.8PCW Rating: 81.8PCW Rating: 81.8

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

2. JFL9226

CPU: 2.53-GHz Core 2 Duo T9400, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 200GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.6Lbs.,

Bottom Line: The JFL9226 cuts most of the right corners to produce a budget-friendly road warrior. It just needs a facelift.

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Price When Reviewed: $1299 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

3. Ideapad Y510

CPU: 1.66-GHz Core 2 Duo T5450, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 250GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.3Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Well-built laptop provides middle of the road performance and a sizable hard disk for a good price.

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Price When Reviewed: $849 Check Latest Prices
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PCW Rating: 80.4PCW Rating: 80.4PCW Rating: 80.4

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

4. Satellite U405-S2854

CPU: 2-GHz Core 2 Duo T5750, Display Size (inches): 13.3" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 320GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 4.6Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Think of the U405 as a really inexpensive ultraportable or an incredibly svelte all-purpose machine. It's both.

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Price When Reviewed: $949 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.6PCW Rating: 79.6PCW Rating: 79.6

Last Rated: November 24, 2008

5. Compaq 6530B

CPU: 2.26-GHz Core 2 Duo P8400, Display Size (inches): 14.1" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 160GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 5.3Lbs.,

Bottom Line: HP has managed to create a great road-ready presentation tool. It just needs a better screen.

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Price When Reviewed: $1195 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

6. X460

CPU: 2.26-GHz Core 2 Duo P8400, Display Size (inches): 14.1" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 320GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 4.2Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Samsung's US reentry provides solid competition - even for ultraportable laptops - but with slicker looks and more features.

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Price When Reviewed: $1699 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.2PCW Rating: 79.2PCW Rating: 79.2

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

7. VGN-NR485

CPU: 2-GHz Core 2 Duo T5750, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 200GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.2Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Faster notebooks than this Athlon-equipped bargain exist, but the overall package is worthy, including a 200GB hard drive.

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Price When Reviewed: $800 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 77.9PCW Rating: 77.9PCW Rating: 77.9

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

8. MC7803U

CPU: 2-GHz Core 2 Duo T5800, Display Size (inches): 16" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 320GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 7.7Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Gateway's new notebook is an entertainment tease. While the price is right, some of the performance isn't.

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Price When Reviewed: $999 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 77.9PCW Rating: 77.9PCW Rating: 77.9

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

9. Satellite A305-S6864

CPU: 2.26-GHz Core 2 Duo P8400, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 320GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.3Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Budget minders will like this sleek unit with good built-in speakers, but make sure an outlet's close by.

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Price When Reviewed: $1149.99 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3

Last Rated: December 23, 2008

10. Durabook D15TS

CPU: 2.10-GHz Core 2 Duo T8100, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 160GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 7.1Lbs.,

Bottom Line: A good performer, this semi-ruggedized notebook is a reasonable choice for secure indoor and outdoor use.

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Price When Reviewed: $1338 Check Latest Prices
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