Tags: notebook, pro

Filter by keyword: 630m, acer, apple, asus, blu-ray, business, camera, centrino, centrino duo, chip, compaq, computer, core, core 2 duo, dell, desktop, duo, fujitsu, hp, ibm, inspiron, intel, laptop, lenovo, lifebook, logitech, mac, macbook, macbook pro, macworld, microsoft, mobile, multimedia, nec, notebooks, nvidia, pc, portable, processor, qosmio, santa rosa, sony, thinkpad, toshiba, video, vista, web, webcam, windows, wireless

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.

See all

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.

  • HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless

    The HP Officejet Pro 8500 wireless makes a convincing inkjet argument for offices with a high volume of prints. With a function touchscreen, multiple networking options and an astoundingly fast print speed, it makes perfect sense to give this workhorse an Editors' Choice award.

Next »
See all

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.

  • Memory cards: All your questions answered

    With all the different types and variations available, it's easy to get confused about memory cards. But as they now fit into everything from digital cameras to printers, phones and televisions, it's important to know your way around the memory card maze.

  • Best ultraportable laptops

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

Next »
Next »
See all

DIYs and How-to

  • Digital photo pro secrets

    Learn the secrets of getting great, clear photographs no matter what the situation. This guide teaches you the fundamentals of digital photography, and reveals the tricks pro photographers use to get great images of people, objects, live action, and much more.

  • 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

  • Exterminate It

    Protect your computer from virus and malware.

  • TraderXL Pro

    Analyze trade station, stock quotes, options, and investment portfolio using Microsoft Excel.

  • Form Pilot Pro

    Fill in paper forms of any type on your computer.

  • ShowGPS

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

Next »

The Explain Series

See all

Videos

See all

Image Galleries