Notebook Price Watch
OUR
RECOMMENDATIONS:
BUSINESS NOTEBOOK
| Model
|
Specs
| Price |
Vendor |
| Core 2 Duo ULV processor
(1.33GHz); 2GB RAM; 120GB HDD;
12.1-inch screen;
DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business Edition | S$2,699 (US$1,987.15) |
MC2 |
| Why: |
The Panasonic ToughBook CF-W7 is great for anyone who's prone to breaking things. It's by no means unbreakable, but it'll withstand more punishment than most users will be able to inflict upon it, even in tough working environments.
|
| Wow factor: |
Slimmed-down design; low starting price; high-end extras are available, including HDMI and touch-sensitive media control buttons. |
| Peer pressure: |
The ThinkPad X300 breaks new ground by packing a broad display, full-size keyboard, and nearly every feature a mobile user needs into a sleek, lightweight case.
Not all businesses need to equip their employees with a fancy laptop offering all the bells and whistles. For a cost-effective way to make your workforce mobile, the Dell Vostro 1310 is an economical alternative with highly customizable configurations.
You can check out more options in our Top 5 business portables chart. |
PERFORMANCE NOTEBOOK
| Model
|
Specs
|
Price |
Vendor |
| Core 2 Duo processor (2.4GHz); 4GB RAM; 500GB HDD; 17.1-inch screen; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Blu-ray writer drive; Windows Vista Ultimate Edition |
S$6,999 (US$5,153.03) |
MC2 |
| Why: |
With the death of HD-DVD, the Blu-ray VAIO AR series has now become the premier next-generation mobile video machine. Granted its price tag is sky high, but given its complete feature set and powerful platform it's worth every penny.
|
| Wow factor: |
Power graphics and computing performance; Blu-ray writer drive; integrated TV tuner; full HD panel; attractive design. |
| Peer pressure: |
Like its predecessor, the Qosmio G30, Toshiba's flagship multimedia desktop replacement offers a complete suite of entertainment features. But unlike its forebear, the Qosmio G40 is based on a new, slimmer design with a couple of tricks up its sleeve.
Acer's interesting take on the entertainment desktop replacement makes a few good steps, a few bad, but ultimately is a viable option. Fortunately, the Acer Aspire 8920G is decked out with the latest Core 2 Duo platform and discrete ATI graphics card for excellent gaming performance.
You can check out more options in our Top 5 gaming portables chart. |
BUDGET NOTEBOOK
| Model |
Specs |
Price |
Vendor |
|
Intel Atom processor (1.6GHz);
1GB RAM; 12GB (Windows XP)/20GB (Linux) SSD; 15.4-inch screen; integrated graphics
card; Windows XP or Linux | S$798 (US$587.53) |
Will be launched on July 12 at Suntec Entertainment Atrium. |
| Why: |
With an excellent battery life and spiffy performance, the Eee PC 901 has matured into an exceptional Netbook capable of all-day computing.
|
| Wow factor: |
Excellent battery life; spiffy performance; multitouch touchpad; solid state storage; Draft-N wireless radio and Bluetooth; built-in CPU overclocking/underclocking application. |
| Peer pressure: |
If your needs are modest but a UMPC just doesn't have the screen size or power to cut it, then check out the Acer Aspire 4920. This full-featured laptop has what it takes for work and play despite its low price tag.
Taking consumer complaints to heart, Dell updates its mainstream 15-inch laptop with the Inspiron 1525. It's thinner, lighter, and less expensive than its predecessor.
You can check out more options in our Top 5 budget portables chart.
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