HP Pavilion dv7-3183cl (2010)

When you're looking for a multimedia laptop and only have $1,000 to spend you usually have to sacrifice something. If you want a large screen, you will have to sacrifice speed or processing power to stay under budget and vice-versa. The HP Pavilion dv7-3183 ($999.99 list), available at Costco, gives you a good mix of both computing power (Intel's new core i5 CPU) and 17.3-inch screen without charging you an arm and a leg.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $1,000.00 List
• Type: Media
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core i5 M430
• Processor Speed: 2.27 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 7.12 lb
• Screen Size: 17.3 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce G105M
• Storage Capacity: 500 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus)

HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl (2010)

The HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl, like the recent Pavilion dv7 models we have reviewed, is one of the best desktop replacements on the market with a well-designed chassis and stunning 17.3-inch display. But unlike its more affordable $800 HP Pavilion dv7-3063cl and HP Pavilion dv7-2270us siblings, the $999 dv7-2273cl has a Intel CPU, Blu-ray drive, and discrete ATI graphics. While there are more powerful desktop replacements on the market with full HD-resolution screens, for under a grand the Windows 7-equipped HP Pavilion dv7-2273cl provides a good balance of multimedia capabilities and everyday performance.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $999.00 List
• Type: General Purpose, Media
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600
• Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 6.72 lb
• Screen Size: 17.3 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650
• Storage Capacity: 320 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

Toshiba Satellite T115-S1105 (2010)

Electing not to use an Intel Atom processor doesn't exempt you from being called a netbook. I've seen netbook systems show up with AMD and VIA processors and even ones that run on different platforms (i.e., Nvidia's Ion). In the end, though, it's no different than a netbook if it's as small and as inexpensive as one. Case in point: The Toshiba Satellite T115-S1105 comes with Windows 7 loaded (most netbooks have Windows XP) and uses an Intel Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) processor. CULV processors are filling the space between netbooks and regular laptops—but everything else about it smell like a netbook. Its $480 price, 11.6-inch widescreen, and 7 hours of battery life can compete with some of the best netbooks in the business, but it will need to work on the typing and navigating experience first.

Toshiba America Inc

http://www.toshiba.com

• Price as Tested: $480.00 Street
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Speed: 1.3 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• Weight: 3.3 lb
• Screen Size: 11.6 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• Storage Capacity: 250 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: External

LG X120

After receiving the LG X120, which, as a netbook, is delightful to look at, I couldn't help but stroll into my local RadioShack before reviewing the product. You see, Radio Shack the only place where the X120 is available, and interestingly enough this is the first LG netbook, or any laptop for that matter, to ever debut in the United States. And it can be yours in one of two ways: One, commit yourself to a two-year AT&T 3G contract, which involves paying $60 a month for an unlimited wireless internet plan, and pay $50 for the unit, or be contract-free and pay $400. Either way, it's tough to take the plunge.

LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc

http://www.lgusa.com

• Price as Tested: $400.00 Street
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: MS Windows XP Home
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N270
• Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Weight: 2.8 lb
• Screen Size: 10.1 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Storage Capacity: 160 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11a/g
• Primary Optical Drive: External

Alienware M15x (Core i7)

Alienware is at the top of its game, as its otherworldly creations have few equals when it comes to gaming laptops. The Alienware M15x (Core i7) is essentially the smaller version of the M17x, which, covered in heavy metals, dominated opponents in both looks and performance. Though smaller, the M15x is actually the more powerful of the two, thanks to the fastest mobile processor on earth. The Intel Core i7 920XM, along with a midrange Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M graphics card, continues Alienware's tradition of dominating opponents. For its price and a great deal of heft, however, I would much rather wait for the M17x to get the same Core i7 treatment.

Dell, Inc.

http://www.dell.com

• Price as Tested: $3,244.00 Direct
• Type: Gaming, Media
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
• Processor Name: Intel Core i7-920XM
• Processor Speed: 2 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 9.2 lb
• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce GTX 260M
• Storage Capacity: 500 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray