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Laptop lowdown: 25 things you need to know to buy the perfect notebook

In the market for a new notebook? Check out our list of 25 things you need to consider before you hit the shops.

Lenovo ThinkPad X200

It lacks some basic features you may require — touch pad, optical drive — but the 12.1-inch ThinkPad X200 offers strong performance and the longest battery life we've seen.

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Reviews

  • Asus Lamborghini VX5

    Asus' Lamborghini VX5 is a luxury laptop, with a luxury price to match — thankfully justified by the quality of the laptop and package. If you've got a wad of cash burning in your pocket, and don't mind a little luxury, the VX5 might be for you.

  • Acer Extensa 5635Z

    The Extensa is a business laptop with no particular frills. That's not a bad thing per se, but it's tough to get too excited about it, either.

  • Sony Vaio W

    Attempting to create a premium-priced version of a netbook, Sony has added an HD display to the Vaio W. It's an attractive step-up package, but the internal components are the same as are in cheaper models.

  • Dell Mini 10v

    Dell's Mini 10v keeps a lot of the features of the more expensive Mini 10, while dropping the price to AU$549. It's one of only a handful of AU$600 netbooks that doesn't look and feel especially cheap.

  • Acer Aspire 5536

    The Acer Aspire 5536 is a little light on battery, but it's a good all-rounder for anyone seeking an affordable laptop with a big screen and keyboard.

  • ViewSonic VNB101

    The netbook market is so tight, you need some sort of competitive advantage to stand above the crowd. ViewSonic brings a standard netbook with two negatives instead — poor battery life and a bad touchpad.

  • Asus UX30

    The UX30 gets oh so close to what it strives to achieve, but small design choices like the stippled touchpad and port covers, and large issues like the low battery life prevent it from achieving greatness.

  • Asus Eee PC 1008HA

    Asus reinvents its iconic netbook with the slim, attractive Eee PC 1008HA, a bold experiment that largely works.

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Features

  • Laptops with long battery life

    Unless you're buying a desktop replacement, battery life is arguably the key consideration in any notebook purchase. CNET.com.au gives you our top long-lasting models.

  • Is Apple behind the laptop curve?

    As good as Apple laptops are, Windows-based PCs do have a few leading-edge features not found in MacBooks.

  • Best of CES Awards

    Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top products in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

  • Best ultraportable laptops

    Six ultraportable laptops to tickle the fancy of the light-weight enthusiast.

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  • The gap in Apple's MacBook line-up

    After this week's announcements, there are no longer any unibody MacBooks, only MacBook Pro models. It raises questions about the future of the company's laptop line-up.

  • New Apple MacBooks demystified

    We round up the key specs, pricing and features of the current MacBook family in one handy spot.

  • Work from home, in your ute

    The first few in-car PCs are surfacing in Australia but the US is way ahead, with Ford offering it as an option in its F-150 ute range. Now LogMeIn's remote access software is being thrown into the bundle.

  • 3D: The great unwanted TV technology?

    One of the most prolific technologies shown at this year's CES show was 3D. But is it the next big thing or an expensive joke?

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DIYs and How-to

  • Top 10 FAQs for Notebooks

    Buying a laptop can be a daunting experience -- lucky CNET is here to help you through!

  • How to clean up your laptop

    In this project, we'll show you how to get inside and clean the guts of your laptop, and how to keep it looking spiffy on the outside, too.

  • Notebook shopping checklist

    Processors, memory, hard drives, screens, graphics cards, optical drives, connectivity. What should you be looking out for?

  • All about laptop batteries: Updated

    Ever wondered why your laptop's battery doesn't last longer? We explain the technology behind battery power, and provide tips on how to maximise it.

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Downloads

  • Exterminate It

    Protect your computer from virus and malware.

  • ShowGPS

    Bring a GPS/POI/Map/Tracking tool to your PC.

  • Efficient Notes

    Manage your memos, notes, and desktop sticky notes.

  • DriveCrypt

    Protect all proprietary data on notebooks and desktops with real time hard disk encryption.

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The Explain Series

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Videos

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