These are portable single-piece computer system that are capable of being operated on an integrated battery pack or on external power. They are typically designed as a “clamshell” that can be folded away and stored in a bag when not in use, but there is an increasing number of computers in this class that are described as “2-in-1s” that can become a tablet or a laptop either through swivelling or folding the screen or unclipping the keyboard.
I also do review tablets that can work as a notebook when used with a supplied keyboard accessory and are designed to be mainstream regular computers.
Premium / Multimedia | These are either computers marked to the top-end of the market or to people who value multimedia functionality. Typically they will have high-grade graphics and sound or have design where no expense is spared. |
Business | Typically sold through value-added resellers or independent computer specialists, these are pitched at corporations who want computer equipment for the business life. They provide business-grade operating systems and manageability systems but place less emphasis on multimedia abilities. They also are conservatively finished in a dark colour to suit the downtown office. |
Consumer | Typically sold through a department store, or consumer-electronics chain, these are pitched at home users although small businesses do buy them. They have a consumer-grade operating system and consumer-grade desktop security software and place significant emphasis on entertainment abilities. Typically these computers would he finished with beauty in mind. |
Large-screen laptop computers
Large laptop computers that are fit for use as the main or sole computer in your home or business – as part of the “new computing environment”.
Desktop Replacement | Larger laptops equipped with features that would be expected from a desktop computer. These typically have hard-disk capacity, RAM and graphics that match desktop standards as well as a 17” screen |
Standard | A thick laptop with integrated optical drive and battery |
Thin and Light | A laptop which is designed to be easy to travel with. Typically has a very thin chassis and may not have functions like an integrated optical drive |
Premium, Multimedia and Gaming Laptops
Desktop Replacement.
- Dell XPS L702x – A 17″ multimedia laptop computer that can become an ideal desktop replacement computer.
(1Tb hard disk, 8 Gb RAM, integrated Blu-Ray ROM / DVD burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics) - HP Pavillion DV7-6000 Series (DV7-6013TX) – Another 17″ desktop replacement multimedia computer that can suit most people’s needs.
(2Tb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, integrated Blu-Ray burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Toshiba Satellite P870 Series (Part No: PSPA-01C001): A Blu-Ray-equipped 17″ multimedia desktop-replacement laptop that runs Windows 8 and can serve as a household or college-dorm laptop.
(1 Tb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, integrated Blu-Ray reader / DVD burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation)
Standard Size
- Dell Studio 15 – A multimedia notebook that can work effectively as a work-home computer.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated Blu-Ray ROM / DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics) - Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming – The high-performance gaming variant of the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series of mainstream laptop computers
(1 Tb hard disk, 128Gb solid-state drive as system disk, 16Gb RAM, NVIDIA dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - HP Envy 15-3000 Series Beats Edition – The latest regular-size HP Envy laptop that stands up in coolness and functionality to the uber-chic Apple MacBook Pro.
(750Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Sony VAIO E-Series – One of Sony’s multimedia-enhanced work-home laptops with a numeric keypad
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics) - Toshiba Satellite P750 – A 15″ laptop that has the current multimedia expectations including 3D, Blu-Ray and TV-viewing capabilities.
(750Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, integrated Blu-Ray burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics)
“Thin and light”
- Hewlett-Packard Envy 15 – If you have seen the Adsense ads appearing on my blog about this computer or read my mention of this computer in some articles in my blog around the time Windows 7 launched, here is my review for this specific machine. Do you really ENVY it?
(640Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, external DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics)
Business Laptops
Standard Size
- Dell Vostro 3550 Business Laptop – a durable business-class “work-home” laptop that is driven by the Intel Sandy Bridge chipset and properly supports the dual-mode graphics.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Hewlett-Packard ProBook 4520s laptop – A business-class laptop computer that can work well as a “work-home” computer or a desktop replacement computer.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics) - Toshiba Tecra R850 – Another “work-home” business laptop from Toshiba. This time it is the first standard-size business laptop that I have reviewed which is driven by the Intel Sandy Bridge chipset, has dual pointing interfaces and an anti-shock hard disk.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Toshiba Tecra R950 – A “work-home” business laptop from Toshiba that is based on the latest Intel “Ivy Bridge” specifications and design. It has the dual pointing devices and anti-shock hard disk of the previous model and is competent with the graphics.
(640Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner)
Consumer Laptops
Desktop-Replacement
- Sony VAIO EJ Series laptop (EJ15FG/B) – A 17″ large screen consumer laptop that has desktop-replacement credentials but could benefit from extra RAM and hard-disk capacity.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics)
Standard Size
- Compaq Presario CQ42 entry-level notebook – An entry-level Celeron-powered large-screen notebook that can be useful as a secondary computer.
(250Gb hard disk, 2Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner) - Dell Inspiron 15R laptop computer – A value-priced laptop computer that can be a stylish “only computer” option for most users.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics) - Lenovo (Thinkpad) G50-70 laptop – Another of the value-priced family laptops that can offer what a family or a student wants.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Sony VAIO E-Series (SVE1512CG) – An entertainment-optimised mainstream laptop computer that is the latest iteration in the Sony VAIO E-Series lineup. Another that is best used as a work-home or household laptop.
(750Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics) - Sony VAIO Fit 15e (SVF1521JCG) – The latest iteration of the VAIO E Series of mainstream laptops but still holds its own on the dining room table as a “family” laptop.
(750Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, touchscreen, NVIDIA dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Toshiba Satellite L750 laptop computer – Toshiba’s latest answer to a value-priced “only computer” for a household that has headed to the laptop-based “new-computing environment”. Also works well as a “kids’ computer” for most secondary-school students.
(750Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, integrated DVD burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics)
Travel-Friendly Secondary Notebook Computers
Small notebook and netbook computers for people who own desktop or large notebook computers to use while travelling. These typically will have lesser capabilities than typical large-screen laptop computers.
Laptop Bridge | A small notebook computer that serves a highly-mobile person who wants the big-laptop functionality. Typically these will have a 14” screen and have features equivalent to larger standard laptop like a large hard disk, optical disc drive or discrete graphics. |
Standard | A small thick notebook which isn’t designed to he very thin and light. This will typically have an integrated optical drive and a mechanical hard drive. |
Thin and Light (including Ultrabooks) | A very thin small notebook that is very light. These typically may prefer a solid-state drive and there is a strong chance they may not have an integrated optical drive. |
Highly-Portable Notebooks (up to 14” screen)
Large-but-portable notebooks
- Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 convertible notebook – a 14″ convertible notebook that provides the ability to become a tablet yet has a larger screen without trading off the portability associated with this class of computer. Even large enough to comfortably enjoy a bit of Netflix binge-watching.
(256 solid-state storage, 8Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Fujitsu LifeBook LH772 notebook – A large-but-portable notebook that is equipped with the latest hardware specifications – Intel Ivy Bridge chipset, all USB ports being USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 Smart Ready infrastructure. It is an example of what a “bridge” notebook computer can be about by offering large laptop functionality in a small notebook form factor.
(640Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, NVIDIA dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation, fingerprint reader) - HP Pavilion dm4 BeatsAudio Edition Series notebooks (Model: dm4-3015tx) – “Full” sound, dual graphics and a large hard disk makes for a compact notebook suitable for college or similar activities.
(500Gb hard disk, 8Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - HP Envy 4 Sleekbook: A 14″ lifestyle ultraportable notebook with similar expectations of an Ultrabook but is also equipped with the full sound of the Beats Audio treatment.
(320Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM) - HP Pavilion dm4 Beats Audio Edition notebooks (Model: dm4-3114tx) – The latest “Ivy Bridge” iteration of the all-rounder HP Pavilion dm4 Series of 14″ notebooks. Still is a compact notebook suitable for the college student or similar user.
(640Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook: The latest touch-enabled iteration of the Envy 4 lifestyle ultraportable notebooks, this time meeting the Ultrabook specifications and taking advantage of what Windows 8 has to offer.
(320Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, touchscreen) - Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook: Lenovo’s 14″ carbon-fibre Ultrabook in the Thinkpad business-portable family.
(128Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, fingerprint reader)
Standard Size
- Dell Inspiron 13z notebook – a 13″ highly-portable notebook for use as an alternative to a netbook when travelling.
(320Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner) - Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 convertible notebook – an example of a Yoga-style convertible notebook that pitches the idea of a single device being a laptop computer or a tablet. There is also the Inspiron 13 5000 Series 2-in-1 convertibles that omit a few bells and whistles like the Intel RealSense camera and the USB-C connector.
(256Gb solid-state drive, 8Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 convertible notebook (Intel Kaby Lake R silicon) – the newest take of the Inspiron 13 7000 Series but kitted out with the newer silicon that makes it able to perform better. Could this be a convertible notebook that can satisfy a lot of tasks including playing some games?
(512Gb solid-state drive, 16Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Fujitsu Lifebook SH771 – A highly-durable business ultraportable computer which ticks the boxes as far as a lightweight full-function business computer goes.
(640Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, fingerprint reader) - HP Elitebook 2560p – A military-standard highly-durable notebook computer which ticks the boxes for an ideal enterprise-grade or high-stakes data-handling notebook computer.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, fingerprint reader) - Sony VAIO S Series – A 13″ consumer-focused highly-portable notebook that has the full functionality; including an “overdrive switch” for when you want to do intense graphics work or gaming.
(500Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics – dual-mode operation) - Toshiba Satellite L730 – A 13″ consumer-focuesed ultraportable notebook with the full functionality for the traveller.
(640Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner)
Thin And Light including Ultrabooks
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Acer Aspire S3 Series Ultrabook – The first of the new “Ultrabook” slimline notebook concept to be reviewed on this site and an example of a secondary notebook computer suitable for creating content while travelling
(320Gb hard disk + 20Gb solid-state cache drive, 4Gb RAM) - Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook – Dell’s current foray in to the Ultrabook slimline notebook market. This one is another example that is pitched definitely as a secondary computer for use while travelling.
(256Gb solid-state drive, 4Gb RAM) - Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook (Kaby Lake version) – The updated version of the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook family, fitted out with Intel seventh-generation processors and with the new Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C connection.
(256Gb solid-state drive, 8Gb RAM, touchscreen) - Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook (9360 8th Generation Intel silicon) – A newer version of the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook family still with the Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C connection, showing that Dell hasn’t lost sight of its goals with this Ultrabook series.
(256Gb solid-state drive, 8Gb RAM) - Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Ultrabook – The time has come for Dell to offer a convertible version of the XPS 13 Ultrabook
(512Gb solid-state drive, 16Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Lenovo Yoga2 Pro convertible notebook – Lenovo’s latest Yoga-series convertible notebook that has the keyboard fold over the back of the screen to become a tablet. It is still pitched as a secondary computer for those of you who still want to create content on the road.
(256Gb solid state drive, 8Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Lenovo Yoga3 Pro convertible notebook – Lenovo’s latest Yoga-series 13″ convertible notebook with the “watchband hinge” that also isn’t at risk of overheating. This also folds over to become a tablet and, again, is a secondary computer.
(256Gb solid state drive, 8Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Sony VAIO Z Series (VPC-Z217GG/W) – Sony’s latest “Cartier-grade” ultraportable with Blu-Ray docking station module
(256Gb solid-state drive, 8Gb RAM, External Blu-Ray ROM / DVD burner, AMD dedicated graphics in supplied expansion unit) - Sony VAIO Fit 13A convertible laptop (SVF13N12CGS) – Sony’s 13″ convertible ultraportable which folds in to a tablet or viewer.
(128Gb solid-state drive, 4GB RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Toshiba Portege R830 – A 13″ business-inteded ultraportable that is powered by Intel Sandy-Bridge infrastructure and is equipped with a DVD burner.
(128Gb solid-state drive, 4Gb RAM, Integrated DVD burner, fingerprint scanner) - Toshiba Satellite Z830 Ultrabook – Also available through business channels and independent computer retailers as the Portege Z830, this is an Ultrabook that excels on connectivity.
(128Gb solid-state drive, 4Gb RAM)
Netbooks and Small Notebooks (up to 11″ screen)
- HP Envy X2 Hybrid Tablet – A Windows-8-driven detachable-keyboard tablet computer that can work as a bridge between the likes of the detachable-keyboard Android tablets such as the ASUS EeePad Transformer Prime and a regular small notebook that runs Windows.
(64Gb solid-state drive, 2Gb RAM, detachable, touchscreen) - Dell Inspiron Mini netbook – one of the netbook computers that can be used as an auxiliary or traveller computer.
(160Gb hard disk, 1Gb RAM) - HP Mini 210 netbook – another of the netbooks but this time equipped with a 250Gb hard disk and a pre-boot shell for quick-start computing.
(250Gb hard disk, 1Gb RAM) - Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 business detachable tablet – A detachable tablet pitched at the business community with the security features that would be expected for this class of equipment.
(256Gb solid-state drive, 8Gb RAM, detachable, touchscreen, pen) - Sony VAIO P-Series netbook – an 8″ netbook pitched at the busy-lifestyle girl
(64Gb solid state drive, 2Gb RAM) - Sony VAIO Duo 11 slider-convertible notebook – an 11″ Windows 8 notebook that slides between a tablet and a small notebook computer.
(128Gb solid state drive, 4Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen) - Fujitsu Lifebook TH550M – A netbook-sized convertible notebook that can work as a tablet computer.
(500Gb hard disk, 2Gb RAM, convertible, touchscreen)
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