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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.

Upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7

In most cases you can do an in-place upgrade of Vista to Windows 7. Here's how.

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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.

  • 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.

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Features

  • MacBook Pro vs. the PC competition

    Mac or PC? The war rages on. We've thrown the most recent 13-inch MacBook Pro and the closest PC to a Mac we've seen, the Asus U80V, into the ring for an all out brawl.

  • 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.

  • Contrasting Windows: New feature comparison

    Since 2002 when Microsoft introduced Windows XP, its operating system upgrades have caused a wide range of reactions. In this chart, we compare the major features in each OS and look at Windows' progress over the years.

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  • Microsoft hikes Win7 prices for Australia

    Australian buyers of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 operating system will pay between AU$50 and AU$150 more in real terms than US residents for the software, the company revealed this morning.

  • 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.

  • NZ, Australia to get Win7 first

    The first retail sales of Windows 7 will take place in New Zealand and Australia on 22 October, Microsoft confirmed this week.

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DIYs and How-to

  • XP to Vista: How to transfer your data

    In this quick guide we'll show you how to transfer your files and settings from an aging Windows XP computer to a new Vista machine.

  • File sharing between XP, Vista and OS X on a local network

    You've got a Mac and a PC hooked up to a local network, and you'd like to share files between them. Thing is, file sharing isn't easy. No sweat! CNET.com.au walks you through setting up file sharing on OS X, Vista and XP.

  • Dual boot Windows XP and Vista

    Already got XP installed, but want to try Vista? Here's how to run both at once.

  • Speed up Vista

    Whether you upgrade an older PC to Windows Vista or have bought a new PC with Vista installed, you might think the operating system doesn't run as quickly as it should.

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Downloads

  • Exterminate It

    Protect your computer from virus and malware.

  • Wise Registry Cleaner

    Fixed bug: The register defrag does not work, if run the tool in second time.

  • Vista Manager

    Access hidden options of Windows Vista to optimize, tweak, and tune up your system.

  • ShowGPS

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

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The Explain Series

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Videos

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