Just like the HP Envy 14, this model from Dell has a base price of $999 while the following configuration will set you back approximately $1,299. It can be equipped with a second generation Intel Core i7-2640M processor clocked at 2.80 GHz and no less than 8GB of DDR3 memory working at a frequency of 1,333 MHz. For storage it packs a spacious 750GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm, while the chipset is an Intel QM67. The graphics power of the XPS 14z is provided by the dedicated Nvidia GeForce 520M.

Dell XPS 14z (Source: techoologic.com)

The system is running on Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit edition) and has the following dimensions: 13.2 x 9.2 x 0.9 inches, while weighing 4.4 pounds (or 5.3 pounds if we take into account the laptop’s AC adapter). This XPS 14z looks identical to the bigger XPS 15z that came out a few months earlier before the launch of its smaller sibling. It features a magnesium alloy and anodized-aluminum body that comes in a nice matte finish which is lighter on the outside and darker at the screen bezel and the keyboard tray.

This design is more impressive on the 15-inch version of the laptop as it makes it very thin, but on this 14-inch laptop that has a more compact footprint it makes the system a little bit squat and dense. The interior of the Dell XPS 14z features a couple of speaker grills that have been installed on both sides of the keyboard and have a cool cross-hatched pattern which can also be found on the laptop’s bottom surface for venting purposes.

Dell XPS 14z (Source: pwkits.org)

It has an island-style keyboard with shallow keys that unfortunately are not very comfortable for long-term typing, but we do have to appreciate that Dell installed full-size Ctrl, Tab, Shift keys, as well as other important buttons that you frequently use. We also like that this is a backlit keyboard as it will make your working experience easier while using the laptop during the evening.

Sitting below the keyboard is a large multitouch touchpad that comes with two big mouse buttons located beneath it. Even though the multitouch gestures are functional, we have to mention that some of them (like two-finger scrolling) are jumpy, a common problem among Windows-running laptops.

Dell XPS 14z (Source: thenoisecast.com)

The Dell XPS 14z is as we’ve mentioned already equipped with a 14-inch display and probably the best feature of the laptop. Since the company has managed to install a bigger screen in a body of a 13-inch laptop, the effect that you get is both cinematic and bold. The screen has a glass overlay which is as close to edge-to-edge as possible. We would have appreciated if Dell had opted for a higher resolution than 1,366 x 768 pixels since for the money you’re paying you can buy other laptops that have a bigger resolution, like 1,600 x 900 pixels. The bigger XPS 15z is available with a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution (full HD) display.

The speakers we’ve mentioned earlier are bright and clear, making them suitable for watching movies or YouTube clips. For music we would have to recommend some headphones or external speakers, especially if you like more bass.

Dell XPS 14z (Source: laptoppics.com)

As far as ports and connectivity, the Dell XPS 14z has been equipped with an HDMI port and Mini DisplayPort in the video area, while for audio you get the standard headphone + microphone jacks. In the data department we find one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port and a handy multi-format memory card reader. Your networking needs are covered by Bluetooth, an Ethernet port and 802.11n Wi-Fi, while the optical drive is a regular DVD burner.

As you can see, you only get two USB ports so we hope that you don’t have that many peripherals that have to be plugged in this XPS 14z. A starting trend among laptops is the absence of the VGA port which is slowly yet surely being replaced by the HDMI port. It is worth mentioning that this model has a battery meter which consists of a strip of small lights sitting on the right side.

Dell XPS 14z (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

The entry-level variant of the Dell XPS 14z comes with a mid-range Intel Core i5-2430M processor, a smaller 500GB SATA HDD and integrated graphics. For $1,199 you get more DDR3 memory and the Nvidia GeForce 520M. The version which we’ve mentioned costs $1,299 and packs the Intel Core i7-2640M processor. If you have more money to spare you can opt for the $1,599 version that comes with a 256GB SSD.

One of the main differences between this Dell XPS 14z and other laptops in this segment would have to be the discrete GPU. Even though this Nvidia GeForce 520M with 1GB of its own memory is not suitable for those of you who are hardcore gamers, this still remains a good solution for playing most recent PC games. For more graphics power we recommend Dell’s Alienware lineup of gaming laptops. With this XPS 14z model you will have to lower the details on most of the newest video games.

Thanks to the inclusion of Nvidia’s Optimus technology, the Dell XPS 14z is able to last for four and a half hours during a video playback test which is approximately 60 minutes more in comparison to the bigger XPS 15z. It is a solid result, but the MacBook Air from Apple can survive during the same test for two hours more, while the Lenovo u300s lasts for 40 minutes more.

This is a very clever idea but the bad news is that it has been poorly implemented. First of all, this removable touchpad which Acer calls Media Remote has been designed to work only with the company’s Clear-Fi media software. In addition, this touchpad doesn’t offer a right-click function which as you would expect makes it less appealing while surfing the Internet. What’s even worse is that from time to time it seems to be unresponsive, even though the sensitivity level is at maximum.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (Source: cdn5.windows7news.com)

Aside from this glitchy touchpad, the rest of the system is very impressive. Under its hood there is a powerful second generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor working at a speed of 2.0 GHz. It is equipped with no less than 8GB of DDR3 memory running at 1,066 MHz, while for storage it has been configured with a spacious 750GB hard drive that’s rotating at 5,400 rpm. The Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G features a Mobile Intel HM65 Express, while the graphics power is provided by the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 555M.

This desktop replacement is running on the 64 bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium and has the following dimensions: 17.3 x 11.6 x 1.6 inches, while weighing 8.7 pounds or 10.3 pounds if we add its bulky AC adapter. We’re dealing with a rather imposing slab of brushed metal that has a black finish. Even though it has such a large size, thanks to Acer’s implementation of an industrial design it still manages to look like a sophisticated laptop that doesn’t feel bulky at all. A black brushed metal finish is covering the keyboard tray and the back of the lid, while the laptop’s wrist rest features a matte black surface that unfortunately has the tendency to pick up a lot of fingerprints.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (Source: dri1.img.digitalrivercontent.net)

Since the chassis is huge, it’s no wonder that the keyboard has a lot of room to stretch its legs, even though it comes with a full-size numpad. The keys have plenty of room between one another and they also have a large size. There is a row of function keys sitting on top of the keyboard that doesn’t offer reversed functions which is a bad thing since you will have to hit the Fn key and then the F key.

Getting back to that removable touchpad, in order to pop it out you will have to hold a small locking switch located on the laptop’s front edge and after that lift the pad out of its dock. It is worth mentioning that this touchpad comes with an accelerometer-like feature which means that you will be able to hold it both vertically and horizontally.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (Source: notebooks.com)

There is also a flush button installed in the upper-right corner which if you press it will light up some touch buttons on the touchpad for music and videos. Regardless of the one you touch, it will fire up Acer’s Clear-Fi media application. If you touch that button once again it will light up other touch sensitive buttons for media transport and volume control.

The Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (long name, isn’t it?) has been fitted with a massive 18-inch display that has a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (1080p full HD) which we consider to be the best feature of the laptop. We are dealing with a screen that is covered by edge-to-edge glass in order to provide a clean look and it is manufactured from Gorila Grass which you probably know is resistant to scratches. It is the same type of screen that Apple installed on its popular iPad tablet. Regarding the viewing angles, these are quite decent but we have seen better results. For playing games and watching videos, this huge 18-inch display is great as it offers a high level of brightness and eye-popping colors as well. You will also appreciate that Acer has decided to install a 5.1 speaker system which is not only deeper but also louder in comparison to an average laptop.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (Source: cdn.asia.cnet.com)

Let’s move on with the review and talk about the ports and connectivity features offered by this Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G. In the video department it packs VGA out, an HDMI port and mini-DisplayPort as well, while for audio it comes with the usual headphone and microphone jacks. For data transfer needs it has been configured with no less than four USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, FireWire and one USB/eSATA combo port. For networking you get an Ethernet port, Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. We also appreciate the fact that Acer decided to opt for a Blu-ray player/DVD burner.

Even though this isn’t advertized as a gaming laptop, that Nvidia GeForce 555M is a pretty potent GPU and it’s the same video card we’ve seen in the Dell XPS 17 3D.It manages to run Street Fighter 4 at 1080p at a speed of 53.1 fps which is a noticeable performance.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G (Source: reviews.cnet.com)

Since this is a massive desktop replacement, you are probably thinking that in the battery department it doesn’t do so well. You would be wrong as the battery in this model managed to last for about three and a half hours during a video playback test, which is an exceptional score that not many 15-inch laptops can beat, let alone an 18-inch system like this one. One of the reasons why it performs so well in this department is thanks to the inclusion of Nvidia’s Optimus technology which is able to deactivate the dedicated video card whenever it is not necessary. Another reason is that Acer had enough room in the chassis to fit this Aspire Ethos AS8951G with a large eight-cell battery.

This mainstream laptop costs somewhere around $750 and it is powered by a second generation Intel Core i5-2430M processor clocked at 2.40 GHz. HP has equipped this Pavilion model with 8GB of DDR3 memory running at 1,333 MHz, while for storage you get a big 750GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm. It features an Intel HM65 chipset while in the graphics department it has an integrated Intel HD 3000 with shared system memory. The laptop is running on Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit edition).

HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX (Source: www2.pcmag.com)

This HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX measures 16.4 x 10.8 x 1.4 inches and has a curb weight of 7.2 pounds or 7.9 pounds if we take into consideration the AC adapter. Around the screen you will notice a glossy black plastic while the bottom has a matte black plastic finish. This is certainly not a travel-friendly laptop since it has a massive 17.3-inch LCD and a huge 9-cell battery which makes it feel heavy even when you’re holding it on your lap.

It has been fitted with an island-style keyboard that has a full numpad. We are dealing with a large, quiet, comfortable and very responsive keyboard which could have used a backlight. You only get a touchpad rimmed in light which can be turned off by pressing the Fn key and the spacebar. Speaking of the touchpad, it has a good size which makes it suitable for doing multitouch gestures like two-finger scrolling or pinch zoom. We like the fact that it comes with separated left and right mouse buttons, plus there’s also a small-sized quick-launch button for accessing the web browser. The screen brightness adjustment, volume and mute controls, along with Wi-Fi on/off are mapped to the function keys. Also available is a fingerprint reader that works with the company’s SimplePass software.

HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX (Source: www4.pcmag.com)

The HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX has been fitted with a generous 17.3-inch LED-backlit screen that has a native resolution of 1,600 x 900 pixels which is suitable for watching 720p content but unfortunately you don’t get the full HD experience. Even though this isn’t unexpected given the price tag of the laptop, it loses some points as a multimedia system. This display manages to get very bright while the contrast and colors are great. In addition, the viewing angles are also quite good, but we have to warn you that this is a reflective screen.

Sitting below this screen and above the keyboard deck are the stereo speakers while in the bottom side of the laptop is a subwoofer. These manage to sound very good and the audio quality is enhanced by the Beats Audio processing. For the best results in this department, we highly recommend a pair of headphones or even some external speakers.

HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX (Source: www5.pcmag.com)

Let’s talk about features and connectivity that this Pavilion model has to offer and mention that in the video department it comes with VGA out and an HDMI port. For audio it offers two headphone and one microphone jacks, while your data transfer needs are covered by the two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and an SD card reader. In the networking area we find 802.11n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Intel WiDi-ready and an optional 4G WiMax mobile broadband. For an optical drive you get a regular DVD burner.

As you can see, the HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX features the Intel WiDi technology which means that you will be able to stream video on your HDTV without the need of the HDMI cable. What you’ll need instead for this is an adapter that costs somewhere around $100.

HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX (Source: www7.pcmag.com)

On HP’s site you will find numerous options to configure your dv7. For the money that you’re paying for this dv7-6B55DX, this is a solid laptop but nothing exceptional. We like that it has a spacious 750GB hard drive but it’s only spinning at 5,400 rpm so there aren’t any performance benefits as opposed to a HDD spinning at 7,200 rpm. You will probably like the fact that it comes with 8GB of DDR3 memory which helps the second-gen Intel Core i5 processor perform a little bit better on certain tasks, plus this significant amount of RAM also helps the integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics solution.

As you would expect, some of the similarly priced laptops that come with more powerful Intel Core i7 processor are doing a better job as far as multitasking is concerned. However, the Intel Core i5 CPU fitted in this model is perfectly fine during normal work like word-processing, using a web browser, along with streaming music and running an IM client – all at the same time. The aforementioned Intel HD 3000 graphics solution is suitable for streaming HD content and some casual gaming so for more recent video games you will have to choose a laptop that is equipped with a proper dedicated video card.

HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX (Source: www1.pcmag.com)

Thanks to its huge 9-cell battery, the HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX offers a great battery life as it manages to last for approximately eight and a half hours during a video playback test which means that in normal day-to-day conditions it should be able to survive for more than nine hours. Keep in mind that in order to offer this battery performance, you’ll have to get used to the laptop’s bulky 9-cell battery.

This Pavilion model comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor, and if you decide to get it directly from HP you’ll be getting two years of protection. However, keep in mind that the price tag will be a little bit higher and you might not be able to get the same configuration as the one we’ve talked about.

The old model carried a price tag of $899 while the E205-S1980 was launched at $1,079. Even though that this is a pretty good laptop with a decent set of features, there are other models in this segment that have just about the same specs but at a more affordable price. The biggest minuses we have to mention would have to be the built-in speakers and the lack of a Blu-ray drive. In addition, the battery performance is also quite disappointing.

Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

Let’s talk about the hardware specifications of the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 and say that it is powered by a first generation Intel Core i5-M460 processor clocked at 2.53 GHz. It is equipped with 4GB of DDR3 memory running at 1,066 MHz and has a 500GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm. The chipset is an Intel HM55 while the graphics power is handled by the integrated Intel GMA HD and the dedicated Nvidia GeForce 310M (Nvidia Optimus). The system is running on the 64 bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium.

The laptop measures 13.7 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches and tips the scales at 6 pounds (7.1 pounds with the AC adapter included). It looks just about the same as the old model, featuring a dark blue plastic finish that Toshiba likes to call Fusion Finish in metallic blue. This model features a slot-loading DVD drive and has rounded edges. Even though the laptop looks quite thin, due to its odd curves and the fingerprint-magnet glossy plastic, these lend it a slightly garish veneer.

Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

In comparison to other Toshiba Satellite models that came out when this model was launched which featured a raised keyboard; the E205-S1980 has a flat backlit keyboard which isn’t quite comfortable in our opinion. We noticed that the middle part shows a lot of flexing, but even so the typing experience should be error-free most of the times. Sitting below is a touchpad that offers support for multitouch gestures but unfortunately it’s smaller than what you can find on other laptops that have a similar size. It has large and stiff mouse buttons sitting below, buttons that are curved to the case contours. Running down the right side of the keyboard is a row of dedicated media touch sensitive keys with which you can control basic play functions, audio, backlighting and an Eco power utility.

The Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 is equipped with a 14-inch LED widescreen display that has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels, a resolution which is standard for a 14-inch display. It will look quite nice when playing movies thanks to the 16:9 aspect ratio and the bright backlighting. However, it doesn’t do so well as far as color or vibrancy are concerned. What we really don’t like about this laptop are those poor stereo speakers that have a low quality and are not loud enough, not even at maximum volume.

Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

Let’s talk about ports and connectivity and mention that for video it has VGA out and an HDMI port. In the audio department you get the usual headphone and microphone jacks, while for your data transfer needs you get two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 2.0/eSATA port (sleep & charge) and an SD card reader. In the networking department it comes with an Ethernet port, the aforementioned WiMax antenna and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. For an optical drive it has a regular DVD burner. As you can see, we haven’t mentioned Bluetooth which is a real disappointment since most models in this price range come with this feature.

The aforementioned Intel Core i5-M460 processor is certainly speedier than the Core i5 that the predecessor had but there isn’t really a significant difference between these two. We appreciate the slightly bumped speeds but for day-to-day use you won’t notice any differences when running various programs or playback of streaming windows. Even so, it’s always nice to know that you have a more potent processor that at least theoretically should be able to handle better the programs that you commonly use. We have to repeat that even though the CPU is more powerful and it comes with dedicated graphics, don’t expect to play the latest games at full details.

Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

While the previous model came with only an integrated graphics solution, the updated version features a dedicated Nvidia GeForce 310M video card that is capable of running Unreal Tournament III at 36.9 fps with the graphics options at a medium level. As you would expect, this is certainly not a gaming machine but it should perform quite nicely with older and less demanding video games.

We almost forgot to mention that the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 comes with the Intel Wireless Display capability which means that you are able to send HD content to an HDTV without the need of an HDMI cable. What you’ll do need to make this connection is the Netgear Push2TV receiver which costs $100. You should be aware of the fact that WiDi block DVD content from playback, unlike similar external solutions from HP and Asus which don’t do this and they also do not need the built-in technology in order to work.

Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

As far as the battery performance is concerned, this Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 is not a real performer in this area since its included 6-cell lithium-ion battery is capable of lasting a little over three hours during a video playback test. The reason why we are saying that this is a disappointing result is because the older model managed to survive for almost five hours during the exact same test.

Those who love old technology will certainly appreciate that Lenovo still kept the traditional rubberized trackpoint that is installed right in the middle of a set of thick and tapered keyboard keys. Above the touchpad you will notice the generous trackpoint-controlling buttons. You have the possibility to light up the keyboard with a top-mounted LED light sitting next to the webcam.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

The starting price for this model is $749 while the following configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T420 will set you back $1,139. At the heart of this business laptop is a second generation Intel Core i5-2520M processor clocked at 2.50 GHz with 4GB of DDR3 memory running at 1,333 MHz. In the storage department it has been equipped with a 500GB Serial Ata hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm while the chipset is an Intel QM67. The graphics power is handled by the Nvidia NVS 4200M and the integrated Intel HD 3000. We should mention that the laptop benefits from the Nvidia Optimus technology which can switch between the GPUs in order to save battery.

The T420 is running on Windows 7 Professional (64 bit edition) and has the following dimensions: 13.4 x 9 x 1.2 inches and it tips the scales at a hefty 5.2 pounds or 6.1 pounds if we take into account the AC adapter. The body of the laptop is almost 1.2-inch thick and what you get in return is a generous port selection, great durability and a nice combination between speed and battery.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

Needless to say, the keyboard on this model is very comfortable, probably one of the most comfortable keyboards to ever be installed on a laptop. However, not all people will like the plethora of extra and oddly laid-out function and teleconferencing buttons. The Delete and Esc buttons are vertical, large and are also elevated above the rest of the keyboard, which you might consider to be odd if you haven’t used a ThinkPad before.

As far as the touchpad is concerned, this isn’t unfortunately very wide for handling multitouch gestures but we liked that Lenovo fitted it with a stippled surface that offers great sensitivity and traction. Due to the reason that there is a considerable number of buttons above and below the pad, these make the touchpad feel a little bit cramped and there isn’t enough real estate to easily perform multitouch gestures.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

The Lenovo ThinkPad T420 has a 14-inch display that has a matte finish and a native resolution of 1,600 x 900 pixels. We are dealing with a very bright and crisp display that makes everything easy to read. This resolution is available only if you pay the extra $50 because otherwise you’re stuck with the standard 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution. We should mention that the hinges of this laptop open the screen up a full 180 degrees which is very impressive.

Regarding the stereo speakers, these are suitable for various office functions and videoconferencing but aren’t recommended for watching a movie. Among the teleconferencing tools we notice an impressive HD webcam that has a maximum resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, along with a bunch of audio optimization settings.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

Regarding connectivity, the Lenovo ThinkPad T420 comes with VGA out and DisplayPort in the video department, while for audio it packs the usual headphone and microphone jacks. For data you’re covered by three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, an ExpressCard, mini FireWire and an SD card reader. For your networking needs we find an Ethernet port, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, along with optional mobile broadband and WiMax. There’s also a DVD burner on board.

The laptop is available with an extensive list of upgrade options, like a fingerprint reader ($20), Bluetooth ($20), HD webcam ($30), high-res display ($50), WiMax ($55) and others as well. The entry-level T420 is equipped with a second generation Intel Core i3 CPU while the high-end version comes with an impressive Intel Core i7-2640M clocked at 2.80 GHz which is going to cost you an additional $190 over the i5 processor. The amount of DDR3 RAM can be upgraded up to 8GB and you also get too choose a 500GB available at 5,400 rpm or 7,200 rpm speeds. Also available is a 128GB SSD for $170 or 160GB for $200.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

With the attached 9-cell battery that will cost you an extra $50, this ThinkPad T420 from Lenovo is capable of lasting almost seven and a half hours during a demanding video playback test, a truly remarkable result. The only model that does better in battery life would have to be the HP dv7-6b55dx.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T420 is sold by the manufacturer with a standard one-year warranty and you have the possibility to upgrade it by accessing Lenovo’s website. To give you an example, for $329 you can choose to get four years of warranty which includes accidental damage protection. Also available for purchase is a separate battery warranty expansion which can set you back as much as $139 for four years.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 (Source: lenovo.com)

All things considered, the Lenovo ThinkPad T420 is a proper business laptop designed for those people who like the old-fashioned design of a laptop. We should mention that for the money you’re paying there are other more powerful laptops and some of them are even cheaper. Hopefully, when an updated version of this model will come out it will feature an HDMI port and at least one USB 3.0 port. 

Another drawback that this 3D display has is that it does not work for streaming video or video games at the moment, so you are pretty much stuck with 3D video files and 3D Blu-ray movies that you can download and play in the custom media player app. Aside from this stereoscopic screen, the rest of the hardware components are typical Qosmio line, providing a powerful mix between a multimedia and a gaming laptop.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

When it came out, the Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 carried a retail price tag of $1,699. Under its hood there’s a second generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor working at 2.00 GHz with 6GB of DDR3 memory clocked at 1,333 MHz. In the storage department it has been configured with a spacious 750GB Serial Ata hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm while the chipset is an Intel QM67. The graphics power is provided by the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 540M while the operating system is Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit version).

This midsize laptop measures 15.3 x 10.5 x 1.5 inches and has a curb weight of 7.1 pounds or 8.7 pounds if we take into account the AC adapter. The outer shell of this laptop has a textured bright red pattern while the interior comes in a glossy black finish. The chassis of the laptop was big enough in order to allow Toshiba to install a full-size numpad along with a row of control buttons that are located above the screen and are touch-sensitive. You will use these for controlling the volume or turning the 3D view on or off.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

The box that comes with the laptop includes a page of 3D instructions which isn’t very good because little of practical value is explained in this page. The funny thing is that at some point in this page it is written that Blu-ray discs are not supported by the technology which obviously isn’t true.

In order to start using this technology, you will first have to insert a 3D Blu-ray disc into the optical drive and after that Toshiba’s custom 3D Blu-ray player application will launch and for the vast majority of the discs you will have to pick either the 2D or 3D version from the disc menu. We have to warn you that this application is rather slow, unintuitive and clunky, while even more bad news is that you’re stuck with this one as there’s no alternative available right now. As far as the 3D effect is concerned, this is not as crisp as the one you’ve probably have seen on a 3D TV or a 3D movie theater with active shutter glasses but even so it is quite remarkable.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

Just like the Nintendo 3DS, it is recommended that you try and find a head position which is suitable and manage to stay relatively still.

Toshiba’s own media player works with a special application that makes use of the incorporated webcam in order to track the movement of your eyes, but there is a shifting effect if you start moving your head too much. The bundled face-tracking application is able to show you what the laptop’s webcam sees in a small side window.

The Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 features a 15.6-inch display that has a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and looks normal when it displays 2D content. However, you should know that the maximum resolution for watching 3D content is 1,366 x 768 pixels. We have to mention that the overall appearance of the 3D content is not as good as on laptops that feature Nvidia’s 3D Vision glasses, but it still manages to be superior to the Tri-Def 3D technology that some laptops have.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

Regarding connectivity, this model comes with both VGA out and an HDMI port for video, while in the audio department it has headphone and microphone jacks. Toshiba fitted this laptop with two USB 3.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports and an SD card reader, while for networking it has the usual 802.11n Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port and Bluetooth. The optical drive is a Blu-ray rewritable drive, which is always a nice feature since most of the multimedia laptops can only read Blu-ray discs while this one can even record one.

At the heart of the laptop is that impressive quad core Intel Core i7-2630QM processor which is very powerful and allows the system to easily handle just about any task available, including the work necessary for doing glasses-free 3D video playback. Its performance is just about the same as other laptops that come with this CPU, like the Toshiba Qosmio X775 (active-shutter 3D) and the Dell XPS 17.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

That Nvidia GeForce 540M GPU is designed mostly to do mainstream gaming so don’t consider the laptop as being a dedicated game machine, especially since the 3D effect is not available in games. The laptop is able to run Street Fighter 4 at 44.3 fps at fullHD resolution, but while running Metro 2033 it only hits 7 fps.

Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

Since we are dealing with a massive and powerful laptop, the battery department most likely has to suffer. However, the battery in this Toshiba Qosmio F755-3D290 manages to be a little bit better than what other models in this segment have to offer, because it can last for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes during a 2D video playback test. However, when playing 3D content, the system isn’t going to last you more than 60 minutes so this isn’t a laptop for watching 3D content while travelling by airplane but even so the battery is not that bad.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the hardware specifications of the system. Under its hood there’s a second generation Intel Core i5-2410M processor clocked at 2.30 GHz, one of the many areas where Toshiba made a compromise, opting for a less powerful processor compared to other 3D-enabled systems that have Core i7 processors. In the memory department it is equipped with 4GB of DDR3 memory running at 1,333 MHz. For storage you get a spacious 750GB hard drive that spins at 5,400 rpm.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

It comes with an Intel HM65 chipset while the graphics power is provided by the rather modest Nvidia GeForce GT 540M, another area where they had to tone down the specs in order to keep the laptop affordable. This Satellite model measures 15 x 9.8 x 1.1 – 1.4 inches and has a curb weight of 5.9 pounds (one pound more with the AC adapter).

Design-wise, the laptop looks just about the same as the 14-inch Satellite P745D-S4240, except for the larger 15.6-inch display. It is covered in a glossy, silver plastic which Toshiba likes to call Fusion Finish in Platinum. It has patterned horizontal lines and it manages to keep away the fingerprints, but much like other Toshiba laptops, it has a rather thick chassis.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

The keyboard is a little bit recessed and comes with a full dedicated number pad. It consists of squared-off keys that are raised, managing to be comfortable enough for those of you who do a lot of typing. Sitting above this keyboard is a touch panel that has LED-backlit controls for accessing battery mode, Wi-Fi, 3D, volume and play/pause.

Regarding the touchpad that sits below, this offers support for multitouch gestures and it is made from a smoother matte plastic in comparison to the surrounding palm rest material. It manages to be large enough so that you can use it comfortably for longer hours. Beneath it are the curved silver buttons made from plastic which feel a little bit shallow and stiffly.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

On both sides of the aforementioned touch-control bar are the impressive Harman Kardon stereo speakers that sound excellent, but we miss the inclusion of a subwoofer for extra bass. We should mention that the laptop features the company’s Sleep and Music technology which means that you will have the possibility to connect and play music through the laptop’s speakers via the 3.5mm headphone-to-line-in cable even when the laptop is asleep or turned off completely.

The Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 comes as we mentioned earlier with only a 15.6-inch glossy display that has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels (720p HD). It manages to offer a solid amount of brightness and rich colors, but the viewing angles are not very good in comparison to other models from this segment. Even though it is a good screen for watching movies, viewing expansive 3D Blu-ray movies on this smallish 15.6-inch display is not that great.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

The laptop’s Nvidia 3D Vision technology can provide 3D images to be viewed by using the bundled and mandatory Nvidia 3D Vision glasses that have active LCD shutters built-in. These glasses feature a power button and you can charge them through the bundled USB cable. This 3D effect is working with 3D Blu-rays only if you use the bundled Blu-ray player, along with an extensive list of 3D-compatible games.

After you have enabled 3D in the Nvidia control panel, the games will be then automatically converted to 3D. It is a real delight to see older games that work flawlessly in 3D mode, and everything looks exceptional in 3D, even though the brightness level suffers a little bit. The laptop also has a webcam that features a maximum resolution of 1,280 x 1,024 pixels. Unfortunately, the videos recorded above VGA resolution look quite choppy while the available settings won’t help you that much.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

As far as ports and connectivity is concerned, the Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 comes with VGA out and an HDMI port for video connectivity, while in the audio department we find headphone and microphone jacks. For your data transfer needs you’ll notice one USB 3.0 port, three USB 2.0 ports and an SD card reader. On the connectivity front it packs an Ethernet port, Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. As we mentioned earlier, the laptop features a Blu-ray player for an optical drive.

The performance of the second generation Intel Core i5 is great not only in single applications but also when you are multitasking. It offers roughly the same amount of processing power like other laptops that come with this type of CPU, including here the Dell Inspiron 14z. For mainstream gaming, the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 540M graphics card is adequate but it’s no way near as fast as the more high-end (and pricier) GTX 560M that is available in several 3D-enabled laptops that usually come at a higher price tag. With this laptop you will be able to play Metro 2033 at a 720p resolution at 24.3 fps with 3D off, while under the same settings Street Fighter 4 can be played at 35 fps.

Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 (Source: us.toshiba.com)

It is equipped with a 6-cell lithium-ion battery that manages to last for almost two and a half hours during a demanding video playback test which means that in normal conditions you should be able to hit more than three hours of runtime.

All things considered, the Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 offers a nice array of features for a 15-inch laptop for the money you pay for it. However, it loses a few points due to its average and small display and the mainstream GPU solution. A 17-inch display and a GTX video card would have suited the model better but obviously the price tag would have been considerably higher.

The starting price for the Vaio F Series is $1,049 while the model we’ve mentioned is going to set you back somewhere around $1,450. It is indeed a premium-priced system but it’s probably worth the money thanks to its excellent distinctive design that features sharp angles and a raised wrist rest. So, what do you get for the money? Keep on reading to find out.

Sony Vaio F Series (Source: shopper.cnet.com)

At the heart of this laptop is a second generation quad core Intel Core i7-2670 processor clocked at 2.20 GHz. Sony has equipped this model with 8GB of DDR3 memory running at a frequency of 1,333 MHz, while for storage it has a 640GB SATA hard drive rotating at a speed of 7,200 rpm. In the graphics department we find the integrated Intel HD 3000 and the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 540M. The system is running on Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) and has the following dimensions: 15.4 x 10.7 x 1.3 – 1.8 inches and tips the scales at 6.6 pounds or 8.3 pounds if we add the AC adapter.

It adopts an angular, sloping body and has a nice chrome “Vaio” logo on the lid’s back, while above the keyboard you will notice the quick-launch buttons which have a round shape. The silhouette of the system is quite distinctive, as the lid and the body are both wider at their tops, narrowing below. We should also mention the fact that the base has a bigger overall footprint in comparison to the lid, which means that the two halves do not clamshell together tightly.

Sony Vaio F Series (Source: notebookcheck.net)

The keyboard of this model is extremely well backlit and it adopts an island-style configuration which has been a Sony favorite for several years. It has large keys along with a full-size number pad, but we don’t like the fact that in order to control the laptop’s volume you have to use the alternative functions of the F keys, unlike HP’s recent Envy 15 model which has a separate volume wheel and also a dedicated mute button. Sitting above the keyboard of this Vaio model are the touch buttons for handling functions like play/pause, rewind/fast-forward, along with the quick-launch buttons for firing up the help tools.

As for the touchpad, the one in this Sony Vaio VPC-F236FM/B is demarcated by a pattern consisting of textured dots which is built into the raised wrist rest. The touchpad is decent but we consider it too small given the size of the system. In addition, the plastic feel is not as premium as the glass touch pads that more and more manufacturers have started fitting onto their laptops. We also don’t like that both left and right mouse buttons are squeezed into a rather thin rocker bar.

Sony Vaio F Series (Source: i.i.com.com)

The generous 16.4-inch display has a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels which is a normal resolution taking into consideration the price tag of the laptop. This 1080p display makes the laptop suitable for watching any type of HD content, especially a movie from a Blu-ray disc which can be displayed in its native resolution. The display manages to be very bright and clear, offering great viewing angles

Let’s talk about the connectivity features of this Vaio F model and begin by mentioning that in the video area we find an HDMI port and VGA out. For audio you get headphone and microphone jacks, while in the data department we notice two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, FireWire 400 and an SD/Memory Stick reader. For networking you get Bluetooth, an Ethernet port and 802.11n Wi-Fi, while the optical drive is a Blu-ray player/DVD burner.

Sony Vaio F Series (Source: i.i.com.com)

We should mention that even the base version of this Vaio F model is fitted with an Intel Core i7 quad core processor. Also standard is the fullHD display, while a 3D compatible screen is available as an optional feature. The standard video card is the Nvidia GeForce GT 520M while for $50 more you can get the more potent 540M.

As for benchmarking tests, that impressive quad core Intel Core i7-2670QM processor running at 2.20 GHz is faster than the Core i7 CPUs found in the Toshiba P775 and the Dell XPS 15z. The aforementioned Nvidia GeForce GT 540M is a good mainstream GPU and it is able to play Street Fighter 4 at a fullHD resolution at an excellent speed of 44.7 frames per second. The laptop is capable of running a more demanding game like Metro 2033 in a 720p resolution at 12 fps, which even though is not a very good result, the game remains playable if you lower the details.

Sony Vaio F Series (Source: i.i.com.com)

We are dealing with a very big laptop so the battery performance is obviously not very good. Up until Intel launched the second generation of Core i-series processors, laptops of this size managed to last for about one hour. However, after the launch, some of the laptops fitted with one of these processors have managed to offer a battery life of more than two hours.

The bad news is that the Sony Vaio VPC-F236FM/B is capable of lasting less than two hours in a test consisting of video playback, a poor performance if we take into consideration the amount of money you have to pay to get this system. However, not many people who buy these big laptops are really interested in the battery performance because most of the times the laptop stays near on the desk next to a power supply.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com)

At the heart of the system is a second generation Intel Core i7-2677M processor running at 1.80 GHz and it comes with 4GB of DDR3 memory clocked at a frequency of 1,333 MHz. For storage you only get 256GB to store your stuff but the good thing is that we are dealing with a blazing fast SSD so all programs, including the operating system, will launch very fast. The chipset of this ultrabook is an Intel UM67 while the graphics power is provided by the integrated Intel HD3000 which as you most know it isn’t suitable for playing the latest video games. The operating system is the 64 bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: blugga.com)

The Lenovo IdeaPad U300s measures 12.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches and tips the scales at only 2.9 pounds or 3.5 pounds if we take into account the AC adapter. In our humble opinion, this would have to be the sharpest and sleekest ultrabook out there on the market right now, featuring a body that is made from a single sandblasted sheet of high quality aluminum. The top and bottom lips stick out a little bit, and they create a book-like silhouette when the U300s is closed. We should mention that this model doesn’t have any bottom vents, but instead it pushes out the heat via the hinge vents, and also through the “breathable keyboard” as Lenovo likes to call it.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: thelaptopsworld.com)

One of the available colors of this ultrabook is orange, a color which is offset by the matte black interior, while the gray version is monochromatic throughout, with the exception of the black key faces. The keyboard in this model sits in an intended keyboard tray zone which gives it a premium look and finish. We’ve seen this configuration in Lenovo’s recent IdeaPad systems, which is a slight variation of the very popular chiclet-style keyboard. There is a difference as the one that Lenovo has developed are not perfectly square, but instead they bow out a little bit at the bottom, which will make catching the bottom of the key easier for those among us who are not the best typists out there. As far as the touchpad is concerned, we’re dealing with a generous glass type unit that has integrated left and right mouse buttons in the pad.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: winarco.com)

Let’s talk about the bundled software on that SSD and mention that you get a bunch of useful and interesting apps, like Lenovo’s OneKey Recovery that works along with a small button installed on the left edge of the ultrabook. In the event in which the system does not boot into Windows, and you have made a previous backup, pressing this buttons will attempt to restore from backup, which we don’t have to tell you how useful it is.

The Lenovo IdeaPad U300s comes with a 13.3-inch display that has a maximum resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels, a resolution normal for the size of the screen. However, for the amount of money you pay for this ultrabook, we would have preferred a higher resolution. The good news is that the screen is great, offering excellent viewing angles.

Regarding ports and connectivity, the ultrabook comes with an HDMI port for video connectivity, while for audio you get a headphone jack. In the data department it packs one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port, while for networking it comes with Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Since this is an ultrabook, don’t expect to get an optical drive.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: gadgetroad.com)

We should also mention that Lenovo fitted this IdeaPad U300s with Intel’s Wireless Display technology which is capable of sending the ultrabook’s video output to a receiver box (sold separately) that can link to your HDTV or another type of external monitor through HDMI.

The basic version of the model as we mentioned costs $1,195 and it comes with a second generation Intel Core i5-2457M and a 128GB SSD. This cheaper version seems to be faster than the Samsung Series 9 and the Acer Aspire S3, but slower than the MacBook Air and the Toshiba R835. Paying extra for the Core i7 processor won’t get you a significant boost in everyday tasks, especially since this is a low-voltage version of the processor. If you do have money to spare, it is highly recommended that you get a bigger SSD because 128GB is just too small for most of us.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s (Source: i.computer-bild.de)

This is a thin and light laptop so the battery component is very important. The one in this IdeaPad U300s is better than the battery you will find in the aforementioned Acer Aspire S3, but still not as good as the Appble MacBook Air’s battery. In a typical video playback test, the battery in the IdeaPad U300s is going to last for approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, which is almost one hour more than the Aspire S3, but 1 hours and 30 minutes less than the Macbook Air (13-inch version). In normal conditions, the battery should last you about 6 hours and 15 minutes or so, which is a good performance in our opinion. Lenovo says that this model can hold a charge for up to a month of standby time, but nobody has tested this yet and probably will never do because this is pretty much irrelevant.

The manufacturer offers a regular one-year parts and labor mail-in warranty, but you can buy extra options for mail-in or in-home service, at various price tags (discounts applicable). A three-year expansion costs somewhere around $150 (with in-home service included).

Creative ZiiO 7″ (Source: tiboys.com)

Speaking of the screen, the 7-inch display has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and it is a resistive LCD, rather than a capacitive one. The screen unfortunately is prone to glare and it makes videos and images look quite dim. You can forget about multi-touch capability because the tablet doesn’t have it, plus you’ll have to get used to pressing a button a couple of times until the tablet registers what you want to do.

The power and the volume keys are the only hardware buttons you will find on this Creative Ziio 7” tablet, both being installed near the top-right corner. On top you’ll notice a microphone, the headphone jack, a miniHDMI port and a miniUSB port. On the left side the manufacturer installed a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to a capacity of 32GB. We should also mention that there is a front-facing camera that has a VGA resolution.

The tablet is running on Android 2.2 but unfortunately you won’t be getting access to the official Android Market. Instead, you will get the Creative’s ZiiO Space app store which features a browser-based collection of applications that you are able to install on your tablet. Also on board is an Amazon Marketplace which also offers a collection of Android apps without having to access the Market.

Creative ZiiO 7″ (Source: image.tabletsetc.com)

Creative uses its X-Fi technology and the apt-x codec for enhancing the audio output from videos, music and games. That X-Fi effect is great, improving not only stereo effect but also the overall clarity. The effect is even more noticeable once you plug in your headphones.

That problematic display we’ve mentioned can be solved by using the bundled stylus which will allow more accurate pressing of keys and buttons. Another way to go would be by using the aforementioned miniHDMI port which will allow you to output photos and videos to an HDTV. We should mention that it supports videos up to 720p.

All things considered, the Creative ZiiO 7” tablet is a decent product, but in order to make it in this segment it needs some serious upgrades.