We are more dependent on technology now than ever before --and for good reason. Our cell phones have more capabilities than laptops did 5 years ago. Technology is quickly becoming faster, more reliable, and yes, more portable.
Because of this, now is a great time to look into purchasing a laptop. Laptops now have the same computing power as desktops and are the least expensive they've ever been. If you're constantly on the go, it makes sense to have one.
We feature a lot of hot tech deals here at MakeUseOf, but if you're in the market for a laptop, I've compiled this list of the top 10 laptops for you.
Criteria for the Top 10 Laptops List
My criteria for this list was pretty basic. I only looked at laptops priced under $1,000 that had at least 4GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, and came with Windows 7. I felt that these specifications would generate a list of great laptops for the practical user that doesn't have thousands to spend. Let's see what we came up with!
1. Sony Vaio FW560F/T
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 / 2.13GHz
- Memory: 6GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This Sony Vaio laptop has a lot of features that make it very attractive. With a 16-inch screen, it is very slim. It has Blu-ray playback and decent gaming performance, although it doesn't support 1080p. It makes for a very good multimedia notebook.
2. Samsung NP-R580-JSB1US
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This laptop comes with a Core i5 processor, NVIDIA graphics, and Blu-ray support. I've read that the touchpad is uncomfortable at times, but the processing power and graphics make it a great laptop with decent battery life.
Here's a link to the product in Best Buy.
3. Gateway NV7915u
- Processor: Intel Core i3 330M / 2.13 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB (8 GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500 GB
This Gateway laptop is one of the least expensive on the top 10 laptops list while also being among the most powerful. It has poor battery life, but its processing power, audio output, and HDMI support make it a great desktop replacement.
4. Asus U30Jc-A1
- Processor: Intel Core i3 350M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 320GB
The Asus laptop only has a 13-inch screen, but it comes with NVIDIA Optimus graphics and an Intel Core i3 processor. The battery life is great on this laptop and it's great for gaming.
5. HP Pavilion dv7-3165dx
- Processor: AMD Turion II Ultra mobile processor M620 / 2.5GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
The HP Pavilion doesn't have great battery life, but it has a nice big screen, Blu-ray playback support, a good assortment of connection outputs, and is very portable. Unfortunately, there is no Bluetooth support.
Here's a link to the product in Best Buy.
6. Alienware M11X
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 250GB
Alienware computers are synonymous with gaming. This laptop is no different. It features switchable graphics for longer battery life, an excellent keyboard, a low-voltage processor, and high-end graphics. The only compromise is an 11.6-inch screen and no optical drive.
Here's a link to the product in Best Buy for $900. However, if you're willing to do with only 2GB of RAM, Dell Home is offering this laptop at only $699 with this coupon code "?8CN$RJ?W5TQ0C" (NO LONGER AVAILABLE).
7. Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This laptop features a slim design, built-in Intel Wireless Display technology, and a speedy Core i5 processor. It lacks in sound quality, graphics, and battery life, but is slim and fast.
Best Buy is currently offering a free Xbox 360 with every purchase of this laptop, get it here.
8. Asus K60I-RBBBR05
- Processor: Intel Premium T4400 / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8 GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 500GB
This laptop has a big, bright energy-efficient LED-backlit display with a 16-inch screen. It has decent battery life and a big hard drive. The only negative is it doesn't have HDMI support.
Here's a link to the product in Best Buy.
9. Gateway NV7901u
- Processor: Intel Core i5 I5-430M / 2.26GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
With a 17-inch screen and a Core i5 processor, this Gateway is pretty solid. It doesn't have Bluetooth or Blu-ray playback support, and its ATI graphics are good but not 1080p, which is why it's further down the list.
10. Sony Vaio VGN-NW240F
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB (8GB Max)
- Hard Drive: 320GB
We're rounding out our list the way we started it off--with a Sony Vaio. This laptop has very good performance and a nice design. There is no support for Bluetooth and the battery life is subpar, but the features and performance are what make it list-worthy.
Here's a link to the product in Best Buy.
What do you think of this top 10 laptops list? Did I leave out your favorite laptop? Leave your comments below!
Image Credit: CraigJ