The NEC Versa E6510-2505DR is a very cost-effective and powerful machine that is difficult to fault. Although the faux leather looks and feels fake and the non-standard keyboard may occasionally cause typing errors, users who can look past these faults will find it to be an excellent device.

This unit's build quality is excellent and its size and weight (2.3kg without the power supply) make it an easy unit to carry to and from the office or the classroom. It's well worth considering if you want a shiny and well-performing mid-sized laptop.

This is a powerful mid-range all-purpose notebook that is well worth looking at, as long as you can stand carting around a 3kg laptop.

If you can't fork out the extra $500 for the fully featured ASUS F8Va and still want decent performance in an attractive design then the BenQ Joybook S42-PE01 is worth looking at. It might not have all the bells and whistles, but for this price point it certainly has a lot.

The ASUS M51VA-AS045G is mid-range laptop with a fantastic array of connections and strong processing performance. Unfortunately the screen’s default dimness may prove annoying for novice users and the lack of Gigabit Ethernet at this price point is disappointing.

It's fast and has all the essentials, but in the end the art makes or breaks it.

The Pavilion dv3000 (dv3021TX) will not disappoint its target audience of business users and multimedia enthusiasts. With the exception of hardcore gamers, it will please anyone on the lookout for a new, flashy notebook. Recommended.

Despite returning slower results on our benchmarks than we'd like from a desktop replacement, the low cost and large screen make this unit very good value.

The NEC Versa P8310-2402DR is an appealing choice for users who want an attractive and well-performing notebook. While it suffers from usability issues, such as a slightly cramped keyboard and a screen that can be excessively reflective, the benefits largely outweigh the negatives.

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.

On design alone the Sony VAIO CR25G/R is a winner. Beyond that it's a solid machine with some nice features but not a tonne of power. Those looking to do the basics and look good in the process will enjoy this notebook.

There's plenty of style to boast of here. The Verve, aptly named for its design, will turn heads, and it's a good performer too, if not at the top of the class.