The MacBook Air is a superbly crafted notebook, but this niche product isn't for everyone. Its lack of optical drive, FireWire and Ethernet ports deem it inadequate for power or everyday users. Regardless, it functions well as a secondary device for frequent travellers, or those who require basic, hassle-free computing.

The Toshiba Satellite A200 is a solid workhorse of a machine with plenty of processing power under its hood. Without question, it's the best A200 we have tested to date.

The Portege R400 was already a sleek and stylish design with some useful features, but the increased speed of HSDPA 3G makes it all the more appealing.

The Pavilion dv6000 is a bit like a supermodel; it's so gorgeous that you're willing to overlook any flaws just to get your hands on it. Thankfully, its catwalk stumbles are kept to a minimum -- an impressive piece of hardware.

This is a solid, feature-filled notebook. Thanks to its 3.5G module and battery life the Fujitsu Lifebook S6510 is a great option if you're out on the road a lot.

This card is an ideal investment for users who have, or are thinking of buying, an e-SATA-based hard drive to plug into their notebook computer. It fits into a 54mm wide ExpressCard slot and is simple to install and use.

The Acer Aspire Gemstone 5920G (602G25Hn) is a solid performer with plenty of power beneath its hood. It should suit everybody with the exception of hardcore gamers.

You're going to pay extra for the flamboyance of this notebook, but if you're willing to pay for it you won't be disappointed. The ASUS Lamborghini VX2s has plenty of power, good battery life and looks stunning.

The addition of an HD-DVD-ROM puts this new P200 in a whole new class, and the implementation of the latest Centrino platform gives it a touch more power and battery life, too.

It may call itself a gemstone, but the 5920G (302G20N) more closely resembles a diamond in the rough. Those who are willing to chip away at the ugly exterior will be pleased by what they find inside.

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

For the price tag, you're looking at a notebook that will carry you into the future. It's light enough to travel with, powerful enough for most tasks and seems sturdy enough to take a few knocks.