This notebook is ideal for business users who want a big screen, good connectivity options and above all, a solidly built unit for the road. There's not much wrong with it at all.

Although there are flaws to be dealt with, the Pavilion dv2308TX still offers some nice features, and at this price we have little reason to complain.

This good-looking and portable unit has all the features of a great Ultra Mobile tablet PC, but nowhere near enough power to make it happen. With functionality issues like screen resolutions resetting every log-in and the touch screen disabling after intensive activities, the end result is a $1,699 toy for those who appreciate style and don't need power.

The Toshiba Satellite M110 is not likely to turn heads for its performance, but it's an affordable notebook with enough power to satisfy most people. The bonus features of the Satellite range make it a versatile unit that will handle a number of tasks. It's perfect for the casual user.

The VGN-N27GH is a solid, but not outstanding notebook for anyone looking for basic performance in a stylish package. Unfortunately, poor battery life and sluggish performance are turn offs, and may turn away users looking for performance on the road.

Apple's entry-level laptop is a well-designed winner.

It runs Windows Vista, has a large hard drive and is basically a full-blown computer that's about twice the size of a smartphone. It's perfect for anyone who is after a small tablet PC for under $1800.

With its extra-high-resolution screen and terrific built-in speakers, the Inspiron 6000 would be ideal for getting work done or watching movies.

A strong, lightweight laptop, the Dell Inspiron 700m has a neat wide-aspect screen. All that mars the notebook is a slightly cramped keyboard, an annoying optical drive button and a short battery life.

If you plan to use what HP has put into this machine then it's a good value choice. However, if you're after a power notebook, or don't plan to utilise all the added features then there are other paths you'll want to take.

The clean-slate design and trialware-free desktop are immediate pleasures that are soon accompanied by solid performance and some surprising media centre-style capabilities.

The MSI MegaBook EX600 is a solid, but far from outstanding unit. It will handle most basic tasks with ease, but will struggle with more demanding applications.