The U3 offers HDMI and eSATA ports, integrated HSDPA and GPS and features a dual graphics setup. Whether or not you are willing to sacrifice an internal optical drive for these features will determine if this stylish ultraportable is for you.

The Alienware m9750 is without a doubt one of the most powerful and feature packed notebooks we've laid our hands on, but it comes at a hefty price. Unless you're bent on portability you'd be much better off buying a desktop system for half the price and with considerably more power. That said, if you've got your mind set on a notebook, you need the power and have the cash, then you'll enjoy the broad functionality and classic Alienware style of this machine.

The Acer Aspire 2920-302G25Mn is an ultraportable 're-imagining' of the all-purpose Gemstone series; offering a similar performance in a lightweight package. Provided you can overlook its garish interior, there's plenty to love about this little gem of a performer.

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 Fujitsu Lifebook U1010 3.5G is a great example of the increasingly popular ultra mobile PCs. It's easily held and is comfortable to use while also being extremely portable. If the size and weight weren't enough to get you excited then the addition of 3.5G HSDPA speeds of up to 7.2Mbps should help.

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 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.

It's not the toughest of the tough, but it at least looks like a normal notebook while including some tougher features. Unfortunately you're going to pay a premium for the tough part of this notebook, even if it isn't quite as sturdy as more specialised models from vendors like Panasonic.

It's hard to agree with this format as there is little benefit for a lot of work and considerably more noise. It's not that it hasn't been well engineered or that it doesn't produce good results, it's just that it doesn't seem worth it. For the same price you can get an equal performer with less of a heating issue and less bulk. As a desktop replacement it's fine, but as a notebook we're not impressed.

Lenovo's first reach into the booming consumer-notebook market looks to be a good one. The IdeaPad Y510 has got style and function, now we just have to see the local build and we'll be happy.

Once again we are happy with Zepto's design and performance and are particularly impressed by the screen. There's nothing fancy to scream from the hills about, but the Znote 6625WD is a solid and powerful machine that will suit many needs.

Until now MSI's notebook range had not really impressed us, but the GX600 is a fairly good performer with the added potential of the turbo mode. The inclusion of e-SATA and HDMI ports show that MSI has its finger on the pulse, which will help keep this notebook functional into the future.