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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: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

BEST BUY!

1. Lenovo ThinkPad SL400 (2743-25U)

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: 81.2PCW Rating: 81.2PCW Rating: 81.2

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

2. Micro Express 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: 80.8PCW Rating: 80.8PCW Rating: 80.8

Last Rated: November 04, 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: 79.8PCW Rating: 79.8PCW Rating: 79.8

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

4. Micro Express IFL9025

CPU: 2.5-GHz Core 2 Duo T9300, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 200GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.6Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Equipped with a new Intel Penryn processor, this laptop offers top mobile speed and better-than-decent features a low price.

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Price When Reviewed: $1199 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.1PCW Rating: 79.1PCW Rating: 79.1

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

5. Sony 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: 77.6PCW Rating: 77.6PCW Rating: 77.6

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

6. Toshiba 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: 75.5PCW Rating: 75.5PCW Rating: 75.5

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

7. Fujitsu LifeBook E8410

CPU: 2.2-GHz Core 2 Duo T7500, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 100GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 5.7Lbs.,

Bottom Line: This is a sophisticated looking unit powerful enough for the desktop yet light enough to travel well.

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Price When Reviewed: $1424 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 74.9PCW Rating: 74.9PCW Rating: 74.9

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

8. Fujitsu LifeBook T1010

CPU: 2.26-GHz Core 2 Duo P8400, Display Size (inches): 13.3" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 120GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 5.3Lbs.,

Bottom Line: An all-around sollid performer in basic day-to-day use, the Fujitsu T1010 won't turn heads, but it'll get the job done.

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Price When Reviewed: $1399 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 74.2PCW Rating: 74.2PCW Rating: 74.2

Last Rated: October 28, 2008

9. Toshiba Satellite Pro L300D-EZ1001V

CPU: 1.9-GHz Athlon 64 X2 TK-57, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 120GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 5.8Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Cheapness pokes through in places, but this $649 notebook with sweet-sounding audio is not a bad buy overall.

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Price When Reviewed: $649 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 74.5PCW Rating: 74.5PCW Rating: 74.5

Last Rated: November 04, 2008

10. Micro Express JFL9290

CPU: 3.06-GHz Core 2 Extreme X9100, Display Size (inches): 15.4" Display, Wide Screen: Yes, Total HD Size (GB): 200GB Hard Drive, Min. Weight (lbs.): 6.5Lbs.,

Bottom Line: Despite lackluster design, the blazing record-setting speed of the JFL9290 grabs headlines.

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Price When Reviewed: $1999 Check Latest Prices
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