The Z71A offers solid performance, battery life and DVD writing at a competitive price.

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.

With great battery life, a number of extra features and a plethora of bundled software, the Optima Centoris G595 is great value. However, those concerned about 3D performance may want to steer clear.

While the LGE LS50-8 is light, looks great and has good battery life, is it slightly overpriced.

The Acer TravelMate 4223WLMi performed well in our tests, had some good integrated features and was reasonably comfortable to use, once you get used to the keyboard design. However, at this price point you can get notebooks with notably better performance and newer technology (such as Core 2 Duo CPUs).

This good-quality wide-screen model bundles such extras as a wireless Bluetooth mouse, and racing fanatics will like the Ferrari motif.

Acer's Extensa 3302WLM is suitable for budget buyers looking for a good-looking notebook with a wide screen and DVD burning.

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.

The Aspire 5573ZWXMi is a fairly unremarkable notebook. Its performance results aren't great and there are no particularly redeeming features to counter that. We were, however, impressed by its battery life and budget price tag

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.