Good for its price if you are using it for productivity applications. However, try typing on it before you buy, as you may find the trackpad hampers your input.

While it might not quite resurrect a dying breed, the A9 (PTS52A-00V00F) proves that big old-fashioned business notebooks still have a worthy place in the ultra-mobile world. Worth investing in.

A decent, but not particularly inspiring machine, the Tecra A6 will suit those who need an affordable business notebook.

On design alone the Sony VAIO CR25G/R is a winner. Beyond that it's a solid machine with some nice features but not a tonne of power. Those looking to do the basics and look good in the process will enjoy this notebook.

While it's a master of none, this versatile machine will handle just about anything the average user can throw at it.

Solid business notebook performance and extended battery life. Plus product lifecycle longevity and familiar ThinkPad design.

With power, connectivity and functionality at your fingertips there's little to complain about. The BenQ Joybook R56 offers some nice new features in a solid, usable machine.

The VAIO VGN-CR13G is a reasonably solid, if unspectacular, notebook that features a lovely design and reasonable specifications. A decent choice if you are after an all-purpose machine.

There's plenty of style to boast of here. The Verve, aptly named for its design, will turn heads, and it's a good performer too, if not at the top of the class.

This unit's build quality is excellent and its size and weight (2.3kg without the power supply) make it an easy unit to carry to and from the office or the classroom. It's well worth considering if you want a shiny and well-performing mid-sized laptop.

The BenQ Joybook S32 (BV13) offers a slight improvement over the previous S32 iteration. Its overall performance was predictably solid for a notebook in this price range. It will neither wow, nor disappoint.

This is an interesting and well-constructed notebook from Pioneer.