This great-value laptop is highly mobile, but it's much better at general tasks (word processing and browsing the Web) than it is at games.

The Toshiba Satellite Pro A300 is a unit that sits comfortably between the entry-level and mid-range notebook categories, featuring an excellent range of expansion ports and decent performance when balanced against its price tag. What lets it down is the dull design.

If its battery life was better, and if it had more ports, we'd give this notebook a higher rating. However, we do like its screen, and the power-off USB charging feature is very handy.

Although the Acer Aspire 5613AWLMi has no definitively outstanding feature worth mentioning, the combination of its media controls, shortcuts, Acer Empowering Technology software, price and performance-results make it a nice machine to own.

Despite its somewhat dull appearance, the Compaq Presario V3832TU (FE061PA) is bursting with verve and functionality. With the exception of hardcore gamers, it should satisfy all types of users.

Although this device offers a wide variety of expansion options and features a modern and alluring design, the ineffective CPU is a major deterrent.

If you're looking for top comfort and full features in an ultraportable, you'll find them all in the XPS M1210.

If you need a solid multimedia notebook and don't intend on playing games, the M100 fits the bill nicely.

Apple's iBook range offers solid features and functionality for anyone that spends a lot of time on the road and doesn't demand blistering performance.

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.

The U400 is a good size for travellers, has plenty of connectivity and good speed, and it's also well priced, but its battery life is short.

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.