Laptops

Help me: CNET Australia's top How-to stories of 2009

Need help working out your new tech device? Here's a round-up the top Help stories our readers turned to for info in 2009.

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  HP Envy 15 (1015TX)

  HP's new Envy 15 packs high-powered components into a svelte 15-inch body. The result is an upscale status symbol that still shows a few first-generation rough edges.

  Specs: 500 GB, 6GB , Intel Core i7 , 1.6 GHz

  Where to buy? Check price listings

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  HP Envy 13

  HP's upscale Envy 13 looks and feels like an expensive status symbol, with performance and features that impress us — but its high price makes it a tough sell over the similar-looking MacBook Pro.

  Specs: 250 GB, 3GB , Intel Core 2 Duo , 2.13 GHz

  Where to buy? $3,083 at 1 store

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  HP ProBook 5310m

  If you are after a tiny laptop and are certain you won't ever be playing any graphically intensive games on it, you'd be hard pressed to find a better machine than HP's 5310m.

  Specs: 320 GB, 2GB , Intel Core 2 Duo , 2.26 GHz

  Where to buy? Check price listings

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  Asus UL50Vt

  It doesn't quite live up to its own battery hype, otherwise Asus' thin and light laptop is pretty good.

  Where to buy? $1,479 to $1,610 at 1 store

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  Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet

  Dell's tablet isn't cheap, but it'll appeal to the business crowd who desire a solidly built system.

  Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo , 1.2 GHz, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD , 12.1 inch

  Where to buy? Check price listings

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  HP Pavilion dm3

  With a feature set that is aimed at maximising battery life and portability, the dm3-1011tu is a stylish and competent ultraportable for those constantly on the go.

  Specs: 320 GB, 4GB , Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD , 13.3 inch

  Where to buy? $1,444 at 1 store

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  Fujitsu LifeBook P3110

  Fujitsu has perfectly positioned the LifeBook P3110, from the AU$1099 price, to its size and specs. If you have modest needs but have been hesitant about picking up a netbook, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what this laptop can offer.

  Specs: 320 GB, 2GB , Intel Pentium , 1.3 GHz

  Where to buy? Check price listings

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  Dell Adamo XPS

  Dell's Adamo brand of notebooks emphasise design as well as mobility, and its latest offering seems to have an abundance of both. But will breaking tradition help the Adamo XPS trump the MacBook Air?

  Specs: 2GB , Intel Core 2 Duo , 1.4 GHz

  Where to buy? $2,499 at 1 store