Multimedia and Desktop Replacements
Laptops in this category pack the most complete feature set. They won't match a high-end desktop in terms of performance, but they can deliver enough computing power for most productivity uses. Desktop replacements usually offer large screens from 15 inches and up, as well as comfortable full-sized keyboards with a separate number pad. As you might expect, they aren't the easiest to carry around however.
The average desktop replacement weighs 6 pounds or more, sports a Core i7 quad-core chip, at least 6GB of RAM, around 750GB of storage, and tons of connectivity. Battery life is not one of their strong assets due to the large display and powerful hardware, so most of the time you'll be looking at three hours of autonomy or even less. Laptops in this category start around $1,000 but fully-loaded models can fetch upwards of $2,000.
Dell XPS 15
There's no shortage of ports and media features with HDMI 1.4, a pair of USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, and support for Intel's Wireless Display technology which lets you wirelessly stream content to an HDTV. Although the XPS 15 doesn't have a 3D display like its 17-inch sibling, it can stream stereoscopic video to a 3D-enabled TV using Nvidia's 3DTV Play.
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Starting price: $800 ($1,250 as configured) |
| Processor: Intel Core i7-2670M 2.2GHz | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT540M 2GB |
| Memory: 8GB DDR3-1333 | Storage: 750GB 7,200RPM |
| Display size: 15.6" (1920×1080) | Optical: BD Combo |
| Weight: 6.14lbs | Battery: ~4 hours |
HP Pavilion dv6t
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Starting price: $580 ($1,250 as configured) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M 2.5GHz | Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6770M 2GB |
| Memory: 8GB DDR3 (2 DIMMs) | Storage: 750GB 7,200 RPM HDD |
| Display size: 15.6" (1920x1080) | Optical: Blu-ray disc player |
| Weight: 5.8 lb | Battery: ~5 hours |
HP Envy 17
Throw in an extra $75 and you'll get a Blu-ray disc drive. Not much has changed in terms of design, and that's a good thing. The Envy features a laser-etched aluminum finish that covers a lightweight but strong magnesium alloy chassis, which is both stylish and elegant. If portability is a concern the 14-inch Envy is definitely worth a look. It sports a second-generation Intel Core i5 processor and switchable AMD Radeon graphics at a relatively affordable price.
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Starting price: $1,400 ($1,600 3D model) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-2430M 2.4GHz | Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6850M 1GB |
| Memory: 6GB DDR3 | Storage: 750GB 7,200RPM HDD |
| Display size: 17.3" (1920x1080) | Optical: DVD drive |
| Weight: ~7.35 lb | Battery: 6-cell (~2.5 hours) |
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Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q890 80 A feature-packed multimedia behemoth sporting a large 18-inch display and Intel's Sandy Bridge-based processors. The Qosmio X505 delivers solid gaming performance and a great multimedia experience but has an equally impressive price tag. Price range: $1,900 |
Asus N53 Series Asus N53 Series notebooks offer a well-rounded combination of features for a multimedia-centric machine, with a full HD display, Bang & Olufsen speakers, Optimus-enabled Nvidia graphics, and a good selection of ports. Price: $900 - $1,030 |
