In earlier days, to buy a computer meant buying a screen, CPU and a bunch of other accessories to go with it. But nowadays, laptops have taken over the computer business by a storm. Desktops are being replaced by variety of laptops and the desk computers seem running out of market. Why shouldn’t it be so? A portable computer embedded with the peripherals, which can be used at home and also while traveling with the minimum hassle, is always welcome. Laptops come in various species ranging from mini-size notebooks to powerful gaming machines, which makes it silly to buy a heavy CPU and then find space to place it. Here’s a list of the 10 best laptops available in the market that can fulfill all your home and professional requirements.
1. Dell XPS L701X
Dell is one of the best known brands when it comes to computers. The quality and reliability of Dell computers are unmatched. If you are planning to buy a desktop computer because of its configuration, skip the thought and consider the 17.3″ Dell XPS L701X.
Features:
Intel i5 processor
DDR3 RAM
Nvidia GeForce 435M graphic card
Performance:
The processor runs at a speed of 2.53GHz and has a decent 4GB RAM. The 1GB NVidia graphic card provide sufficient graphics for general gaming and studio work.
High points:
You can configure this machine according to your preferences. You can choose from having a normal or HD screen, plastic or aluminum lid to even the processor and graphics you want. The best part is, it is reliable and cost effective, which is enough to replace a healthy desktop.
Low points:
The Dell XPS L701X is slightly on the bulkier side and it weighs about 3.4 kg.
Price: $1,359
2. MSI GT 680
This is a powerful gaming edition laptop that rules out the design limitations of previous MSI gaming laptops. The lights, design, the powerful configuration and cost-efficient MSI makes this machine a strong contender in the laptop gaming market.
Features:
Intel quad core processor
Twin hard drive in RAID
GeForce GTX 460 graphic card
Performance:
The processor is power packed which runs at a speed of 2.9GHz backed by an 8GB RAM. The GeForce graphic card is 3D-compatible for expert gaming.
High points:
Sufficiently long battery life and unlike the other MSI models, it does not lack on the design.
Low points:
The MSI might not be comparable to the Alienware models by Dell, but it is definitely worth the asking price.
Price: $1,449
3. Dell XPS 15z
Just like the costly Macbook Air is for Macintosh, the Dell XPS 15z is one of the thinnest laptops in the windows side of the world.
Features:
Intel i5 and i7 processors
Windows 7
USB 3.0
Nvidia Graphic card
Performance:
The machine just weighs about 2.54 Kg and is less than an inch thick. The other features include a DVD writer which is uncommon is such thin laptops, backlit keyboard and aluminum and magnesium chassis.
High points:
Apart from being one of the thinnest and most stylish laptop computers, it has a good 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, powerful upgradable configuration and sleek and trendy design.
Low points:
The internal speakers and keyboard could have been better, plus the presence of a blue-ray disk reader would have made it an all-round choice.
Price: $999
4. Toshiba NB550D
The Toshiba NB550D is a designer, more powerful version of the earlier Toshiba, which covers the flaws and the additions are just amazing.
Features:
10.1 inch display
AMD processor
AMD Radeon HD 6250M graphic card
Performance:
The 10.1 inch NB550D netbook is well equipped according to its size with a 1GB AMD processor and 1GB RAM. The 250GB hard disk provides enough space and this netbook has all the connectivity features unlike Apple.
High points:
The NB550D comes with an HDMI output and Radeon HD 6250 that allows full HD quality. Though it does not come with the most recent and powerful features, the quality, style and cost are well balanced.
Low points:
The Keyboard is a little sloppy and the shortcuts could have been placed in a better way.
Price: $269
5. Sony VIO S
Sony as a brand in computers is known for its stylish and trendy laptop designs embedded with the required power. The design of any Sony VIO is praise worthy and so is the configuration. They fulfill all your professional requirements in the most stylish way. The build quality of VIO S is amazing and the configuration is flexible not compromised.
Features:
Intel ‘Sandy Bridge’ Core i3 or i5 processor
USB 3.0
Windows 7
Blue-Ray disk drive
Performance:
The Sony VIO S embedded with the Intel Sandy Bridge Core-i processor runs at a 2.3GHz and can be upgraded up to 2.9GHz. The laptop is 3D capable and 320GB provides enough storage space.
High points:
The Sony VIO S is a 13.3 inch sleek, slender, ultraportable laptop machine which comes in a splendid design and variant colors. The aluminum keyboard is amazing.
Low points:
The battery back-up of VIO S is slightly on the lower side and not up to the mark.
Price: $1,399
6. Samsung Series 9 900X3A
Samsung is back to challenge the manufacturers who claim to have made the thinnest laptop in the market with the new Samsung Series 9. The machine amazingly is the world’s lightest and thinnest laptop computer weighing just 1.31 Kg. The laptop is ultraportable and yet powerful enough to replace a running desktop.
Features:
Sandy Bridge Core i5 processor
13.3 inch display
World’s thinnest Laptop
USB 3.0
Duralumin Chassis
Performance:
The Sandy Bridge Core i5 processor and a windows 7 operating system works pretty well and the working speed is par the expectations.
High points:
Thin and light does not make it a low configuration show off model, the computer is packed with the latest Sandy Bridge Core i5 processor with backlit keyboard and USB 3.0, and also a decent battery life. It has the best touch pad and amazing speakers.
Low points:
The edged left unpainted is the only flaw that might be noticed. It is the better replacement of the Macbook Air.
Price: $1,299
7. Toshiba Satellite R830
The Toshiba Satellite R830 is 13.3 inch laptop that can be counted as a very affordable option with its powerful features and configuration. It’s sleek, light and yet powerful. What else would you want in the most affordable price?
Features:
Sandy Bridge Core i5 processor
13.3 inch Display
Weights only 1.47 Kg
Magnesium chassis
USB 3.0
Bluetooth 3.0
Performance:
The light weight 13.3 inch Netbook embedded with a Sandy Bridge and 6GB RAM is a wonderful travel companion. The resolution is 1366 x 768 and has a storage space of 640GB.
High points:
The magnesium alloy keeps has kept the weight under 1.5Kg which is a wonderful feature for a 13.3 inch affordable laptop. It’s pretty fast too with a 6GB RAM and an ultra portable light weight design.
Low points:
The display screen is not up to the mark and the keys are also not the best. No blue-ray drive is another drawback.
Price: $1,649
8. Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Tablet
Built with style and intelligent ergonomics, the Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Tablet PC is one of the most stylish laptops available in the market. It has a 12.5 inch capacitive IPS screen, rugged exteriors and much more that makes it special.
Features:
Sandy Bridge Core processor
12.5 inch display
Windows 7
Matt finishing
Performance:
The Sandy Bridge works well for the 12.5 inch netbook. The Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Tablet with specifications of a laptop and with most of the connectivity features.
High points:
The IPS display is simply amazing to view and has a superb built quality. The Lenovo ThinkPad X220 has a convertible tablet stand which makes it a laptop/tablet hybrid.
Low points:
It lacks a few things such as USB 3.0 and eSata drive and it also does not come cheap. But it was not meant to be an economical choice anyways.
Price: $1,904
9. Apple MacBook Air
Who does not know about the Apple Macbook Air? The 11 inch Apple baby is in the race of being the thinnest and the sharpest laptops in the market. Air comes at a whooping cost but the stylish quality built of this machine is an absolute delight. The Macbook Air is made from solid slabs of aluminum which gives it an out of the world finish.
Features:
MacOS-X
11 inch display
Intel Core i5
Performance:
The Macintosh powered netbook is an absolutely delightful interface to work with. The 1.6GHz processor speed of the Intel Core i5 make it averagely fast backed up by a 4GB RAM. The screen resolution is 1366 x 768.
High points:
It’s an ultraportable 1.08 Kg ultraportable machine for the most stylish power. The built and finish of Apple sets it apart from the competition. The machine is simply amazing to look at and work with.
Low points:
The Macbook air lacks connectivity features. It has the Thunderbolt port which can get the job done but only with the right adapter which are rarely available and are costly.
Price: $1,199
10. Dell Vostro 3350
It is no surprise that another Dell product has made the top 10 list as the brand name is pretty promising. The configuration can be selected manually with options to choose such as the latest i7 processor and full HD screen. Overall, Dell Vostro 3350 is a good deal to buy for the asking price.
Features:
Intel i3 or i7 Core processor
13.3 inch display
Matt Finishing
Bluetooth 3.0
USB 3.0
Performance:
The laptop is packed with the latest Core i7 processor with a maximum of 6GB RAM and 750 hard disk space which makes it fast and a well-balanced Notebook.
High points:
The Dell Vostro is a 13.3 inch aluminum shell laptop. The quality and durability of this laptop is not at all doubtful. The connectivity is simply amazing and the 7200rpm hard disk drive speed is much faster. Overall, itâs an affordable business class laptop.
Low points:
It is a bit heavier than the XPS and does not have the best design either. It also does not support blue-ray disk drive.
Price: $579