Top rated desktop replacement notebooks: August 2011
Here are our top rated desktop replacement notebooks for August 2011
Ditching your bulky and space-hogging PC for a notebook doesn't have to mean that you also give up on fast performance. Many of the desktop replacement notebooks in our top rated list (the Core i5 and Core i7 models) are just as fast as a PC and can be used not only for serious work, but also for gaming. Of course, no matter how big a notebook is, you still might want to plug in an external mouse and keyboard in order to get the most out of it.
In this list we've included notebooks that range in size from 15 inches to 18 inches. The Pavilion dv7 is the fastest notebook we've seen all year and it's one of the top models you should consider if you want a desktop replacement that can do just about anything.
The 18.4in Acer Aspire Ethos is also an interesting proposition as it has one PC-like characteristic that many other notebooks don't: it's easily upgradeable. It has two internal, 2.5in drive bays and also two free SO-DIMM slots so that you can change the configuration to suit your needs.
About our ratings: A star rating is awarded to a product in quarter increments from one star to five stars. The higher the star rating, the better the notebook. Notebooks are evaluated on performance, features, build quality, ease of use, battery life and value for money.
5 / 12
If you can get over the audacious colours (and let's face it, you probably won't), the Sony VAIO CB Series (VPCCB15FG) is actually a very capable desktop replacement notebook with good speed and useful battery life. We hate its green, orange and pink colours, and think it should only be considered in black or white, but it's comfortable to use and has a great screen.
- Review Date:
- Reviewer:
- Manufacturer:
- 1st March, 2011
- Elias Plastiras
- Sony
- Rating:
- Price:
- $ 1,499.00
- Pros:
- Good performance, comfortable to use, great screen, USB 3.0, good battery life
- Cons:
- Touchpad sometimes unresponsive, the available colours can make the laptop look quite ugly