It looks good, has good processing power, and it's well-suited as a notebook for everyday tasks. However, it's not really a great unit for high-definition video endeavours, as it lacks a Full HD screen and a Blu-ray drive.

Although the notebook itself is good, it doesn't offer as much as its competitors in terms of features or value.

For users wanting a home entertainment centre or a powerful desktop replacement to work with, the dv9800 is a very strong contender.

It's not perfect, but its portable size and relatively powerful specifications make this notebook stand out. It's well-suited to anyone who wants a compact device that doesn't sacrifice features.

Although the Satellite A200 is a fairly good unit, its competitors often provide faster network connectivity at similar prices. For a healthy mix of cheap pricing, good size and plenty of hard drive space, the A200 is a solid choice.

For getting online on the go, the integrated 3G capability of this laptop is ideal. It's also a comfortable unit to use, but it does lack some modern conveniences.

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.

A well-performing unit that succeeds in both style and substance, the HP dv6800 is a good device for most environments. Its relatively low battery life and lack of Gigabit Ethernet, and the fact that Blu-ray movies overscan at 1080p are the only negatives and these are minor points.

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.

With plenty of power under the hood, the 8510p is perfect for pretty much any type of office work. It's very comfortable to use, has plenty of ports and long battery life. It's squarely aimed at the business market.

The ASUS X55SV-AS081C has an excellent range of ports and networking connections and doesn't cost the world. If you can stand the drab design and can't spend more than $1800, this notebook should be seriously considered.

The Toshiba Satellite M300 (PSMD4A-023008) is a good value, feature-packed device. If you’re looking for a well-connected notebook that has plenty of storage and will work well on the road, the M300 is worth considering.