A List of the Top 10 Laptop Computers

Written by: John Garger • Edited by: Rebecca Scudder
Updated Feb 3, 2010 • Related Guides: Windows 7 | Intel | Dell

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to laptops. Sorting through the features, deals, and prices can be difficult at best. Learn about the best overall laptops in this list of the Top 10 laptop computers.

10 – Dell Mini 10

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Although technically classified as a netbook, there is no denying the portable power of Dell’s Mini 10 laptop. With Windows 7 Starter, this is one netbook that avoids having to run the now antiquated Windows XP.

Processor: Intel Atom Z530 (1.6Ghz/533Mhz FSB/512k Cache)

Memory: 1GB DDR2

O/S: Windows 7 Starter

Screen: 10.1 inch (1024x600

Hard Drive: 160GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 2.5 lbs.

Price: US$329

9 – Dell Inspiron 15 (1545)

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If you need a reliable but budget-priced laptop, you can’t go wrong with the Dell Inspiron 15 series. With its 3GB of DDR2 RAM, this is one heck of a bargain at under US$500.

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4400 (2.2Ghz/800Mhz FSB/1MB Cache)

Memory: 3GB DDR2

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 15.6 inch (1366x768)

Hard Drive: 250GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 5.8 lbs.

Price: US$449

8 – Gateway NV5613U

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Similar in price to the Dell Inspiron 15 above, the Gateway NV5613U drops a Gigabyte of RAM but doubles the hard drive space. If you need lots of storage, choose this over the Inspiron.

Processor: AMD Turion X-2 Dual-Core (2.2GHz/800MHz FSB/1MB Cache

Memory: 2GB DDR2

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 15.6 inch (1366x768)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 5.84 lbs.

Price: US$479.99

7 – Dell Studio 15

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The Dell Studio 15 is a great choice for college students who need reliable computing at a reasonable price. The 3GB of memory and light weight make it the perfect traveling companion from classroom to dorm room.

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4400 (2.2GHz/800MHz FSB/1MB Cache)

Memory: 3GB DDR2

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 15.6 inch (720p)

Hard Drive: 250GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 5.54 lbs.

Price: US$549

6 – Inspiron 17 (1764)

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The pricier Dell Inspiron 17 is well worth the extra money with its 4GB of RAM and fast Core 2 Duo processor. Also, its spacious 500GB hard drive and huge 17.3 inch screen is perfect for design and engineering students.

Processor: Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz/800MHz FSB/2MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 17.3 inch (1600x900)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 7.08 lbs.

Price: $US659

5 – Gateway NV5932U

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The Gateway NV5932U was designed for people who need a computer that is as powerful and versatile as desktop computers. An Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory, a 500GB hard drive, and a light 5.84 pounds make this laptop a must-have for those needing power and portability in one.

Processor: Intel Core i5 430M (2.26GHz/1066MHz FSB/3MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 15.6 inch (1366x768)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 5.84 lbs.

Price: US$719.99

4 – Dell Studio 17

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The Dell Studio 17 is a laptop positioned at the low-end of the desktop replacement scale. Powerful and light, this laptop will make you believe you are using a desktop rather than a portable computer.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz/800MHz FSB/2MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 17.3 inch (900p)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 7.08 lbs.

Price: US$948

3 – Dell Studio XPS 16

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The Dell Studio XPS 16 is a true desktop replacement. Sporting Intel’s new Core i7 processor, 4GB of memory, and a spacious 500GB hard drive, it is amazing that Dell could pack so many features into a 6.3 pound portable computer.

Processor: Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core (1.6GHz/2.8GHz Turbo Mode/6MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 15.6 inch (1920x1080)

Hard Drive: 500GB 7200RPM SATA

Weight: 6.3 lbs.

Price: US$1249

2 – Dell Alienware M17x

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Near the top of the list is the Dell Alienware M17x. There is no denying this laptop’s power and design prowess. At US$1699, however, you may be paying as much for prestige and aesthetics as you are for power and performance.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz/1066MHz FSB/3 MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 17 inch (1440x900)

Hard Drive: 250GB 7200RPM SATA

Weight: 11.68 lbs.

Price: US$1699

1 – Gateway P-7917U FX Edition

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At the very top of the list is the Gateway P7917U FX Edition. Its whopping 8GB of RAM and 17 inch screen make this laptop the perfect desktop replacement. With more performance features and over 2 pounds lighter than the Dell Alienware above, this laptop is definitely the better deal given their similar prices.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz/1066MHz FSB/3MB Cache)

Memory: 8GB DDR3

O/S: Windows 7 Home Premium

Screen: 17 inch (1440x900)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA

Weight: 9.05 lbs.

Price: US$1699.99

The computers featured on this list of the Top 10 laptop computers run the gamut from light and cheap to expensive and featured-packed. No matter what you needs, you are likely to find a laptop on this list to fit your budget.

Cláudio Rogério Jul 28, 2010 5:19 PM

Gateway NV5932U

Gateway NV5932U

Here in Brazil the Gateway is little known. but Acer is known.
The store gives 03 years warranty and technical support.
The price here is really good compared to HP, LG and Sony with the same configuration.
I'll think better and his guidance will be very important.
Thank you indeed.

If you visit Brazil, will be a great pleasure to meet you.
Won a friend.

Dutra, Cláudio Rogério
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

John Garger Jul 28, 2010 3:47 PM

Gateway NV5932U in Brazil

The Gateway NV5932U is one of the best laptops you can buy because it is powerful and packed with features that most laptops don't have. Few laptops, however, can compare to the power and versatility of a desktop. If you a designer in need of portability, the Gateway NV5932U is about as good as it gets for a reasonable price. The key to your problem is whether Gateway offers good service to Brazil. If you are able to receive good warranty service in your country, then yes the Gateway NV5932U is a great choice for portable PC power.

Claudio Rogério Jul 28, 2010 1:35 PM

Please,

About Gateway NV5932U.
In brazil is a new product. I'm teacher and designer.
The notebook are good for design work performance?
It's reliable, or requires much maintenance?

Thank you.

Dutra, Cláudio Rogério
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

John Garger Jul 20, 2010 7:26 AM

Apple MacBook Pro

Admittedly, a list like this is at least partly subjective. I don't deny that the MacBook Pro plays a significant role in the laptop market. However, this list is mostly for home and home office users. After careful consideration of everything out there, this is the list I produced. When it comes down to features, price, durability, and upgradability, the MacBook Pro just didn't have a place on my list.

Jay Gee Jul 19, 2010 10:38 AM

I see where you are coming from.

Conspicuously the Apple MacBook pro is missing. It's funny, but I'm a sys admin and every sys admin (in a MS shop) from security team, to AD directory services, and even Exchange, use the Mac Book Pro. It is far superior to anything mentioned above.

Bo Watliyn Jun 2, 2010 10:56 PM

Keyboard quality and screen？？？

I have gone through a number of notebooks and Ｉ　must say that the keyboard is the main interface that I use. A decent screen is crucial too. Gateways are garbage, Acers are really noisy.　I find the Samsungs decent and most Lenovos are quite quiet.
RAM... Really configure Windows out of those many take so much RAM. On my old 2003 Thinkpad, with XP Professional, 512MB is adequate for just about everything, including HD playback.

John Garger Feb 22, 2010 6:00 AM

Max Memory

According to the Gateway website, 4GB of memory is the maximum the nv5932u recognizes. However, there are times when the manufacturer will play it conservative and publish a specification that isn't quite right. Check with an authorized dealer for the real news on how much memory this laptop can recognize and use.

Syed Feb 21, 2010 1:51 PM

Is the Gateway NV5932 upgradeable to 8gb of RAM?

A List of the Top 10 Laptop Computers

10 – Dell Mini 10

9 – Dell Inspiron 15 (1545)

8 – Gateway NV5613U

7 – Dell Studio 15

6 – Inspiron 17 (1764)

5 – Gateway NV5932U

4 – Dell Studio 17

3 – Dell Studio XPS 16

2 – Dell Alienware M17x

1 – Gateway P-7917U FX Edition

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