About Laptops...

Toshiba Satellite A215-S6804

For the best overall performance and storage available in a laptop computer system, the clear choice is the Toshiba Satellite A215-S6804. This is a fairly new release from Toshiba and packs in an AMD Athlon 64 X2 TL-60 dual core mobile processor. This has a bit of a drawback of a larger power draw that gives the Satellite a slightly lower battery life, but most people can handle this. The truly amazing part about the system though is the inclusion of an extremely large 250GB hard drive that provides plenty of space for programs or digital media. Definitely a strong value in the budget market.

SonyVAIOVGN-NR240E/W

If you care how your notebook looks and functions, then the Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/W might be the system to consider. Rather than an AMD processor, the NR240E/W uses the Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2330 mobile processor that does give it respectable performance. It is hampered a bit by some slower PC2-4200 DDR2 memory rather than the more common PC2-5300 DDR2 used in budget systems. On the upside, Sony did include a 200GB hard drive that is 25% larger than the average notebook drive but still a bit smaller than the Toshiba. Of course, the Sony system has a much cleaner design that is more attractive than many budget notebook systems.

Acer Aspire AS5520-5891

Acer has two big advantages over many other laptops on this list. The first is that the system is priced a bit lower than many other budget notebooks. This makes it more affordable yet it doesn't sacrifice much in terms of performance or features. For example, most budget notebooks use 2GB of DDR2 memory. Acer provides the Aspire AS5500-5891 with 3GB of memory that lets it handle memory intensive programs and multitasking better than other budget laptops. The AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-57 is fairly standard for the market segment as is the 160GB hard drive. On the downside, Acer does not provide much in terms of software with the system that probably helps to reduce the costs.

Lenovo 3000Y410

Most budget notebooks tend to use the 15.4-inch wide screen LCD display. This provides a nice display to work with, but it adds to the size of the system. The Lenovo 3000 Y410 instead uses a slightly smaller 14.1-inch wide display that helps reduce the size and weight. This makes it very portable for a notebook system without sacrificing on performance. It comes with a fairly standard lineup of specs such as a Pentium Dual-Core T2330, 2GB of DDR2, 160GB hard drive and dual layer DVD burner. It does feature a unique scroll media controller that works well both with media applications and general applications. Unfortunately, Lenovo has put a fair amount of trialware on the system that can be annoying to remove.

HP Pavilion dv6707us

The HP Pavilion dv6707us is pretty much configured as one would expect in a budget notebook system. It is based around the AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-57 processor, 2GB DDR2 memory, 160GB hard drive and dual layer DVD burner. About the only distinguishing hardware feature is that HP puts in LightScribe burners in their systems so that they can burn labels directly to compatible media. HP is also pretty good about suppling their systems with just about every application you might need. Of course, they tend to put too much software on including a large amount of trialware. Since HP machines are sold at many retailers as well, it is often easy to find the system on sale below many competing budget laptop prices.