Laptops group test

Home laptops have multiple uses. Not only must they handle everyday tasks such as downloading emails, browsing the web and writing documents, but they must entertain the entire family. You'll want something that's easy to get up and running. Windows 7, which is preinstalled on all but one of the laptops we review here, is reasonably easy to set up, and its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you get online in minutes. Mac OS X is arguably even easier to get started with, although there'll be a learning curve if you're more used to the Windows operating system (OS). Every model on test uses a 64bit OS, which allows a PC to make use of more than 4GB of RAM. Two of the models we review come with 8GB of memory, making for a faster, smoother experience. Intel's second-generation Core processors offer very good performance and improved integrated graphics. If you can get one, do. Seven of our eight laptops are powered by such chips. Hardcore gamers will still want a dedicated graphics processor, however.

laptop that majors on sound quality. It's slower than all the competition, but costs just £599. For raw performance, MSI's GE620 (paqe 58) was beaten only by the Packard Bell TSX66 (paqe 60) in our WorldBench 6 speed test. Its dedicated nVidia graphics also produced faster framerates in Fear. Medion's Akoya P6631 (page 58) is the best entertainer of the group, with its full-HD display and Blu-ray drive allowing you to enjoy HD films.
Aim to get at least 500GB of storage, and strongly consider investing in an external hard drive for backing up important data. Six of the laptops reviewed here support USB 3.0, which allows for significantly faster data transfers to a compatible hard drive. True desktop-replacement laptops are often heavy machines, and it's unlikely that you'll want to move one about too often. If you need a home laptop that can double as a travel companion, look for good battery life and a sub-2.5kg weight. Also consider the conditions in which you'll be using the laptop.

If it must be usable indoors and outdoors, in bright and low-light environments, a matt screen is essential. Glossy screens offer better colour depth and sharper images, but they struggle with light reflections. Look for an anti-glare coating to get the best of both screen types. A good keyboard is important if you'll be rattling off long emails or documents. You may also want to add a USB or wireless mouse, since long-term touchpad use can become uncomfortable. Bear in mind, however, that this decision may mean you lose out on the useful control gestures supported by some modern touchpads. Conclusion We felt Lenovo's IdeaPad G570 (page 57) deserved our Best Buy award due to its strong specification, good performance and competitive price.

If you're looking for a laptop that'll cope with everyday tasks, as well as intensive processes such as video editing, the £600 Lenovo ticks many boxes. Apple's MacBook Pro (page 56) impressed us with its incredible build guality. However, its £999 price tag and integrated graphics may prove compromises too far. The MacBook's 2kg weight, great battery life and smaller 13.3in screen make it a good contender for portability. If your budget doesn't stretch this far, look instead to the £749 Toshiba Satellite R830-143 (page 61) - but note that this ultraportable isn't as well suited to work and entertainment duties. Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge (page 57) is a more work-focused model, with better multimedia capabilities. Its execution is somewhat lacking, however. If you believe that bigger is better, HP's Pavilion dv7-6002sa (page 56) is a large

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