Tags: modem, notebook, vaio

Filter by keyword: 2.0 ghz, 700m, acer, air, apple, business, centrino, core, core 2 duo, dell, diy, double-layer dvd, duo, dv2000, entertainment, fujitsu, guide, hp, ibm, inspiron, intel, laptop, lenovo, lifebook, light, mac, macbook, macworld 2008 us, multimedia, n6460, p1510, p7230, pavilion, pc, pentium m, port, portable, replicator, sony, t2400, thin, thinkpad, travelmate, ultra-portable, ultraportable, vgn, x40, 3010, 8200, 9200

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.

Virgin Mobile Broadband WiFi modem

This WiFi modem/router works well and provides great value on some plans, but we're still left wanting better performance out of Virgin Mobile's actual broadband.

See all

Reviews

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • iiNet BoB wireless modem

    iiNet customers who yearn for a simple networking life will do well out of BoB, although like most routers, it's not without its quirks.

  • 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.

Next »
See all

Features

  • How to network your home

    We tackle one of the most complex tasks for a home user — how to set up a network in your own home.

  • Top 10 wireless modem/routers

    Routers, particularly wireless ones, are always a bit of an unknown quantity. These are our top 10 picks for wireless routers and modem/routers, for you to be able to make a more informed choice.

  • 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.

Next »
Next »
See all

DIYs and How-to

  • Which broadband plan is right for me?

    Confused about the variety of broadband plans on offer? Our quick and simple Australian broadband guide tells you what you need to know before you decide where to sign up.

  • 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?

Next »
See all

Downloads

Next »

The Explain Series

See all

Videos

See all

Image Galleries