Reviews

Entry-level Zen. Asus has been one of the first out of the blocks when dipping their hands into the ultrabook market. Now, with the UX32A-R3001V, it wants to rock the low-priced competition offering the laptop at around 800 Euro (~$1050). Our test shows how successful it is.

Ivy evolution. It took a bit over a year before Dell updated its new Latitude range business laptops for the known reasons. Our review reveals which new features we can expect apart from Intel's latest Ivy Bridge generation - and what the 14-inch business device has to set against the prestigious competition.

Time for King Football. Every year Electronic Arts knits a fresh layer of the immensely popular FIFA series. The current 13th installment is largely based on the strengths of its predecessors. In this article we will specifically highlight the technology and hardware requirements.

The cat's meow. With the sleek 13.3-inch Envy Spectre XT 13-2000eg, HP expands its ultrabook portfolio. Featuring an aluminum case, the latest hardware, a Beats Audio system, and a backlit keyboard, does this ultrabook offer substance in addition to its style?

Trinity-ThinkPad. Lenovo expands the Thinkpad Edge series with another model that has AMD parts on the inside. Within the case of the Thinkpad Edge E535 is an APU from AMD's current Trinity-Generation. We test if the device is any good.

A Core Question. Do modern gaming graphics cards require a quad-core CPU to show their full potential? Many gamers will be faced with this choice when it's time to buy a new notebook. To finally put the question to rest, we have tested Intel's current Ivy Bridge generation with various games. Keep reading to find out if high-end GPUs also play well with a dual-core CPU.

Double standards. There are very few new netbooks, but all the more minis with Zacate APU. HP uses AMD's smallest processing core in the low-cost mobile Pavilion.

Inexpensive, quiet, efficient. The Lenovo B570e-N2F23GE is a no-nonsense notebook designed for the home office user. The Windows 7 system features a dual-core CPU and retails for under 400 Euro. We examine its strengths and weaknesses.

Fresh out of the oven. Tablets with 10.1-inch display, NVIDIA Tegra 3 and Android 4 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich) are almost a dime a dozen now. Can Acer's Iconia A700 Tablet stand out from the crowd?

A sense of balance. Dell’s newest 14-inch Latitude seeks a perfect balance of cost, practicality, and portability, bolstered most notably by its newfound optional Ivy Bridge chipset. Is the E5430 everything the budget-conscious businessperson has been waiting for?

Flagship with weaknesses. Sony not only wants to attract business clients with a light and transportable aluminum and carbon fiber case but also with a 13-inch screen with Full-HD and a wide color space. In addition, the Quad-Core CPU, 8 GB main storage, and a RAID-0 system with two SSDs promise excellent performance. We will take a close look at Sony’s SV-Z1311Z9EX for 2500 Euros (~$3225).

Multimedia Mirror. The Lifebook AH532 is Fujitsu's logical continuation of the AH530 und AH531 notebooks. The Lifebook AH532 scores with up-to-date processor technology and a new casing.

Reliable office worker. Chrome OS is still young with a very limited scope, but it already excels in everything it has been designed to do. Is this second-generation Chromebook from Samsung worth a look to on-the-go business and office users?

Multimedia all-rounder. For a price of 700 Euros (~$895) Sony offers a multimedia notebook including an AMD Radeon HD 7650M GPU and an Intel Core i5 processor. Our review will reveal if the device is any good.

Budgetainer. The best way to describe the new Lenovo IdeaPad Z580 might be “a mix of cheap and entertaining”. The plastic case includes a 15.6-inch screen, the latest connections, and attractive hardware. Our test model features the Core i5-3210M and an Nvidia GeForce GT 630M, corresponding to the middle of the pack in terms of both price and performance.

More than just an Ultrabook? Most Ultrabook buyers have to sacrifice performance in favor of enhanced mobility. HP's Envy 6 bucks the trend, and aims to woo gamers with a dedicated graphics card, all while delivering good value for money. Unfortunately, the slim 15-inch model isn't much use outdoors.

Softened Ultrabook. The Dell Inspiron 14z is an ultrabook with a ULV CPU and a dedicated graphics card. While it may not be as thin as others, it has better hardware and is a good candidate for mobile multimedia use.

Compact Office worker. The successor of the Vostro 3450 (Sandy Bridge, AMD Radeon HD 6630M) comes with an Ivy Bridge CPU and Nvidia's GeForce GT 630M GPU. Our review shows whether the Vostro 3460 can outperform its precursor using this combination.

Number one's successor. In late 2011, Acer launched its first ultrabook, the Aspire S3. Now updated, the 13.3-inch Aspire S3-391 ultrabook features Ivy Bridge components starting at 799 Euro (~$999). We tested whether the ultrabook is worth its price.

Dried-out Gingerbread? The Samsung Galaxy beam is a middle-class Smartphone with an LED projector. Sadly, the operating system is the old Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. We will find out if this device is a relic of the past or is still relevant today.

A miniscule Pentium subnotebook. The Acer 7xx series has been upgraded to have the ultra low voltage Intel Pentium processors for the first time instead of the traditional AMD chips. We will need to see if this is a better choice than the AMD E2-1800 available on other versions.

Asian GTA. With Sleeping Dogs, the publisher Square Enix releases a serious rival of Grand Theft Auto. The open world game is set in Chinese Hong Kong and features a never-before used scenario as well as an exciting story about the Triad. In this review, you will read how current notebook GPUs perform in the game.

Workhorse reloaded. Workhorse reloaded. Dell has updated its 15.6-inch workstation and now provides it with up-to-date hardware. We tested a well equipped variant with an Intel Core i7-3720QM quad-core processor, NVIDIA Quadro K2000M graphics (also compared AMD FirePro M4000), SSD drive and a FHD display costing in excess of 3000 Euros (~$3869).

AMD or Intel? HP's Pavilion g7 series gives the potential buyer either option. We take a look at the top model (MSRP around 700 Euro) with Core i7 processor and Radeon graphics and ask ourselves the following question: is the Intel version of the 17-inch notebook worth the price premium?

A breath of fresh air. ArenaNet believes it can dethrone World of Warcraft with new - and sometimes unconventional - changes to the MMO genre. Can a company made of ex-Blizzard employees strike gold with a subscription-free MMO? We test the game with a range of notebooks and GPUs to determine what system a player will need to experience ArenaNet's unique title.

Energy inefficient. Lenovo offers a simple office notebook with a Pentium dual-core processor for 339 Euro (~$425). The operating system must be chosen for there is none. Our test will show whether Lenovo delivers a cheap office notebook or a weak low-priced notebook with the IdeaPad G580-MBBG3GE.

The ideal multimedia laptop? An Ivy Bridge quad-core CPU and a GeForce GT640M ensure the Aspire V3-571G has a good performance. Our comprehensive review provides detailed information about its advantages and disadvantages.

Multimedia + Gaming? Compared to the N76VM models, the main distinguishing feature of the Asus N76VZ is a significantly more potent graphics resolution. We tested in detail whether Nvidia’s GT 650M will turn the current test model into a hidden gamer.

For enthusiasts. The Schenker XMG P722 PRO is definitely a notebook in a class of its own. The massive 17-inch chassis comes, for a surcharge, with two GeForce GTX 680M cards. Demanding gamers will be happy about the three hard drive slots and a backlit keyboard. Does the high-end notebook come close to the Alienware M18x R2?

Big screen, compact laptop. With its new Lifebook U772, Fujitsu launches a 15.6 mm (0.6 inches) thin ultrabook in a 13-inch case on the market. A highlight is the 14-inch screen installed in the chassis. Our review reveals whether these very promising components make a good ultrabook.

Two year old hardware! Even though Intel is about to release the third generation Ivy Bridge Core i3 processors, Packard Bell has released a laptop packing Arrandale parts from a couple of generations back. The laptop comes with the more modern GT 610M from Nvidia but we will see if its purchase is worthwhile in this review.

Netbook in XL. Lenovo packs netbook technology into a notebook casing and delivers the result at a price of 339 Euros (~$428). The operating system can be chosen freely, because there is none installed upon purchase. Whether Lenovo offers an enduring office notebook or a weak and cheap laptop with the G585, our test will show.

Slim notebook for the home office. With the Lifebook AH552/SL, Fujitsu offers a slim and portable 15.6-inch notebook for small wallets. Buyers receive a Core i5 processor and an aluminum display lid, even with a price just under 600 Euro (~$755). Our test will show if the Lifebook AH552/SL is a convincing product.

Well packed. Some like to keep their devices pure and unrestrained. Others want to keep their precious devices safe from wear and tear. For the latter, there is a seemingly infinite number of covers and cases in an increasingly wide range of prices. We used four upper-class cases over the past few weeks. Here is our report.

CS reloaded. Over 10 years after the original, Global Offensive is a reboot of the successful multiplayer tactical shooter. Despite its age, the basic game idea is still very popular. The dusty Source Engine is both a curse and a blessing.

A fresh note. Most currently-available high-end tablets feature Nvidia-based hardware solutions. While these are certainly good choices, Samsung chose to make use of its own in-house technology for the brand new Galaxy Note 10.1. In doing so, Samsung has hit a home run in terms of performance. As well, the Korean manufacturer has reintroduced the use of the formerly ubiquitous stylus.

Ultra-mobile without Compromise? Ultrabook-slim yet high performance? The new Gigabyte U2442N promises just that and it delivers thanks to a HDD-SSD combo and the GT 640M graphics card.

Zacate gamer. We have often criticized the unsatisfactory gaming capabilities of AMD's E-series APUs. Samsung wants to solve this problem by combining it with a dedicated HD 6470M graphics card. Gaming power AND mobility in an entry-level laptop?

Off the beaten path. Samsung expands its Series 5 family of compact notebooks with a fairly inexpensive 14-inch model. This time, the Korean manufacturer ventures in a new direction and uses AMD's Trinity architecture, which features switchable graphics. Unfortunately, things don't quite add up.

Endurance runner in business outfit. Fujitsu has indulged in an Ivy Bridge makeover of its reliable workhorse, the Lifebook E781. In a nutshell: The treatment was a success. The 15.6-inch notebook is designed for the business environment and provides numerous interfaces. Thanks to Ivy Bridge, the device also offers some graphics performance.

DVI extension. No docking port? No problem. The Lenovo USB 3.0 Dock takes advantage on a single USB 3.0 port to replicate multiple DVI outputs, 5x USB 3.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. In this review, we find out what you can and cannot do with the Lenovo Dock.

On the move? When you're looking for a portable travel companion, chances are that you'll come across the 11-inch Acer TravelMate B113. With its Core i3 processor of the Sandy Bridge generation in combination with the matte screen, it looks like the ideal platform for mobile office and Internet users.

Light and dark. The new Dell XPS 15 seeks to dethrone the Apple MacBook Pro 15 and possesses many of the traits required to do so – superb workmanship, an excellent display, and fast hardware. Unfortunately, the proud multimedia notebook comes with weaknesses as well.

Expensive entertainer. Powerful hardware, strong speakers and a built-in Blu-Ray drive - let the fun begin. Toshiba's new multimedia all-rounder has its strengths but is let down by the poor screen. Is the notebook still worth its price of 1200 Euro (~$1500)?

Carbon Fiber Makeover. Lenovo claims this to be lightest 14-inch ultrabook currently in the market. Find out here what changes, improvements, and sacrifices the manufacturer has made in order to meet such a lofty proclamation.

Yellow Yellow… The Taiwanese manufacturer, Gigabyte wants to make a mark in the PC world even though it is well established in the hardware components sector. The new P2542G features a Full-HD panel, Blu-ray burner and a GeForce GTX 660M that is not something to be sneezed at. Both gaming fans and multimedia enthusiasts have something to look forward to. So is the 15-inch test model worth your money?

Powerful Essentials. Dell's Latitude E5XXX series has long been an affordable alternative to the highest-end Latitude notebooks without sacrificing the essentials. Can the E5530, with its brand-new Ivy Bridge chipset and other minor tweaks, top its predecessors?

Fresh Air. Cupertino's smallest notebook receives new components in Apple's mid 2012 update. Cornerstones of the new Macbook Air 11 are the Ivy Bridge processors, flash storage, an 11.6" display and new USB 3.0 ports. Have various Ultrabooks caused the air to get thinner?

Inexpensive ultrabook with business aspirations. Nowadays it is possible to step into the world of ultrabook for around EUR 800. However, these devices usually feature basic equipment. Fujitsu builds a UMTS modem into its 13.3 inch Lifebook UH572 for this price. Read in this review whether this ultrabook "made in Germany" can compete with the established competition.

Playing with Horseman Death. You can now experience what it's like to stir up a colorful fantasy world as a scythe-swinging avenger in Darksiders II. The ambitioned adventure-role game is doubtlessly one of this year's highlights. Our benchmark check illustrates the performance of various laptop graphics cards.

Snow White. It's white and it's a beauty: with the Satellite L830-10F, Toshiba offers a 13.3" subnotebook that includes an optical drive, and aims to win our hearts not just with its design, but also its multimedia capabilities. Our test will determine whether the L830-10F is a success.

Slim, fast and beautiful.Sony has updated its S-series of laptops and introduces us to the SV-S1511X9E/B. The notebook is packed full of the newest technology and high performance components. Whether Sony has succeeded in making a useful work notebook will be shown by our review.

Discount laptop. 300 Euros (~$386) is a ridiculously low price. Is this bargain-basement notebook an uninspiring slab of plastic with outdated technology? The inclusion of the brand new AMD APU at least refutes the latter statement. To find out if there's more to the HP 655, we conduct a thorough review.

DTR with a great display. With the Schenker XMG A722 we take a closer look at a second device based on the Clevo Barebone W370ET. Schenker offers the notebook with GeForce GTX 660M GPU and 17-inch Full HD display, with prices starting at almost 850 Euros (~$1050). We test how the device does against its brother (One K73-2O).

Back to the Basics.During the month of July we didn't evaluate any elite gaming systems. We rather focused on subnotebooks, business and multimedia laptops. Our test systems spanned the entire gamut: from the thin-and-light MacBook Air 11, to the assortment of Ultrabooks, with a heavyweight gaming rig Samsung Series 7 thrown in.

Experimental success? The Acer Aspire V5-571G attempts to serve as an affordable, slim, and gaming-capable 15-inch notebook using ULV hardware. Such a combination is sure to raise eyebrows. In this review, we will determine if the Aspire V5-571G is a multimedia notebook disguised as an ultrabook.

Revolutionary Refresh. The ThinkPad W series has always been one of the top choices for a portable workstation and this year, we see a number of changes incorporated into the design with an upgrade to the latest hardware from Intel. The legendary ThinkPad keyboard has been replaced with the more ‘modern’ chicklet style. We shall see if the changes maintain the status quo for this device.

Standard fare, delicately flavored. Appearing to be just another tablet at first glance, the Fujitsu Stylistic M532 is an interesting mix of software features for both business users and consumers alike. The technical specifications are absolutely state-of-the-art. Has Fujitsu brought new innovation to the tablet market?

Special Edition! Apart from the name, our test device no longer has much in common with the older generation models that we have reviewed. The newest hardware technology is packed in a new outfit. The add-on SE standing for “Special Edition” refers to the extra performance reserves as well as the high quality components in contrast to the standard Inspiron 17R.

Super Ultrabook. After Asus already spearheaded netbooks a few years back with the legendary Eee PCs, the Taiwanese manufacturer is trying for a repeat performance with Ultrabooks. Their cards are good, their first Zenbook editions were already ahead of much of the competition and they look to raise the bar on premium Ultrabooks with the introduction of the latest models from their stable.

Matte lightweight. With the ThinkPad Edge S430 Lenovo brings another offspring of the Edge family on the market. The specially marketed as a cheap business notebook should win both the personal user and the SMEs with a high-resolution matte display - does the undertaking succeed?

Radeon Powerhouse. In this review update, the Clevo P150EM barebones takes the form of a Eurocom Racer 2.0 complete with one of the fastest quad-Core Ivy Bridge processors and the top-of-the-line AMD Pitcairn GPU. Is this Radeon core a wiser option than the equivalent Nvidia offering?

Ivy Air. Sounds like an airline, but it is the newest generation of Apple's successful subnotebooks. We tested the entry-level model featuring a 13.3-inch screen and Intel's Core i5. Its exterior is - as always - (virtually) nothing new.

Kepler power. The 15-inch Schenker XMG A522 is specifically designed for price-conscious gamers. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M GPU, based on the latest 28 nm Kepler architecture, offers the perfect balance between performance and energy efficiency. Thanks to Optimus technology, the battery life should also be significant. In this review, we consider whether this notebook is a good, well-rounded package.

Entry price, high-end performance. The first Google tablet to sport the Nexus name is at last available for $200 with specs and features that are surprisingly similar to more costly high-end models. Is this a home run? Or is it another Motorola Xoom?

Golden mean. The new XPS 14 Ultrabook was presented to the press during the Dell Technology Camp 2012. After the official start at the end of June, the first units with Intel Ivy Bridge and Nvidia GeForce GT 630M are now being delivered. An ultrabook of the upper class that is available from 1149 Euro (RRP, ~1410 USD).

Office and more. Acer's new Travelmate P653 is supposed to appeal to customers that require a multifaceted notebook for a reasonable price of 799 Euro. It has a focus on office use and on multimedia features. Whether the P653 really provides the whole spectrum of features will be determined in our review.

Mini business. Those looking for a mobile work device quickly end up among 12 inchers like Fujitsu's Lifebook P772. The notebook tries to win over financially strong corporate customers with high-performance computing, integrated UMTS and an enduring battery.

A 3D gaming laptop. Toshiba updates its Qosmio Series with the X870 and we see the new Ivy Bridge processors make their debut in its 17-inch gaming machines. The substantial features offered should entice customers to purchase this 3D enabled gaming machine that we will review in this article.

Entry-level "Pro". Apple's MacBook Pro series has been enjoying great popularity for many years now. The notebooks from Cupertino offer high performance, look great, and seem to retain their value better than any competitor's product. In the past, the 13-inch MacBook Pro appeared to be the unloved stepchild of the family. Have things changed in 2012?

Classy one-man show. The website for the Toshiba Satellite P855-107 states the notebook is a “Powerful and attractive multimedia entertainment” device. This claim arouses our curiosity and makes us wonder if this is an empty promise or if Toshiba can truly deliver on its claim. In this review, we will find out.

A good looking all-rounder. With the Aspire TimelineUltra M5-481TG series Acer wants to combine in one device a lot of different specifications that one requires in a notebook: endurance, high performance, mobility, low power consumption, appealing looks. Our review will show if this is possible and if Acer has succeeded.

Aluminum armor on the cheap (?). This statement does not necessarily apply to raw material prices. Lenovo is trying to bring top quality materials to the masses at nominal prices, as seen in the IdeaPad series. So, is investing in an IdeaPad U410 worthwhile for those interested in ultrabooks? We scrutinize Lenovo's 14-inch ultrabook and try to answer this question.

ThinkMate. The Acer TravelMate P643 features a docking port, multi-bay drive, input devices with solid feedback, and sturdy magnesium hinges. Can this 14-inch TravelMate compete with Lenovo ThinkPads?

USB DisplayPort. Fujitsu introduces the PR08 USB Docking Station with DisplayPort support for high resolution displays up to 2560x1600. Based on the DisplayLink DL3900, the Fujitsu docking station allows all peripherals to be connected using a single cable. In this review, we examine the features and limitations of the new Fujitsu PR08.

Technical explosion. The 15.6-inch Devil 6700 has the last word in gaming power based on its matte Full HD display and Nvidia’s latest premium gaming card, the GeForce GTX 680M. While it goes without saying that this combination brings unlimited gaming fun to the table, does the bulky gaming notebook excel in other categories?

MacBook Pro meets Retina. At the WWDC 2012, Apple let the proverbial cat out of the bag. The company not only presented several updated models, but also introduced an all-new MacBook Pro with a 15-inch Retina display. The new model features an even slimmer aluminum unibody chassis and up-to-date hardware components. Is the price of 2279 Euro (MSRP) justified or is the older and time-tested model a better choice?

Ultrabook tuning. The Toshiba Satellite Z930 is the second-generation of Toshiba’s ultrabook line, replacing the Satellite Z830. While the case is largely the same, the newer Satellite receives an updated Ivy Bridge processor. Does this new ultrabook bring more to the table than faster calculations? Read our review to find out.

Ivy for everyone. After the embargo on Intel's Ivy Bridge dual-core processors was lifted in late May, dozens of notebooks equipped with these processors came down in torrents to our editorial office. Among these were powerful gaming laptops (Alienware M18x R2), multimedia all-rounders (Asus N56 and N76) as well as several compact and mobile subnotebooks (ThinkPad X230, Asus UX31A), some of which used the new Ivy Bridge ULV processors.

A Good Idea? The $1000 you'll put down for a Y580 will net you high-end performance from some of the top-end Ivy Bridge and Kepler processors. Is this Lenovo best-seller a must-have for gamers and multimedia users on-the-go?

Consumer laptop for business. Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E530 is trying really hard to make an attempt at being a representative of the “ThinkPad” brand for the masses. This review will evaluate whether the offering will cut it in a market looking for leaner and meaner machines.

Noble gamer. Samsung introduces the Samsung Series 7 700G7C, a high-performance gaming notebook that seeks to extend the premium Series 7 family. Featuring an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M, 16 GB RAM, a Blu-Ray drive, and illuminated elements, the elegant piano black lacquer notebook is a high-quality device with a price to match.

Standstill. The new AMD platform Brazos 2.0 has hit the market with the first few models. Will it breathe strong mobility and multimedia features into this mini lifestyle laptop in wrap design? And is the HD 7430M finally up for some gaming?

Made for Multimedia. The manufacturer Samsung has been particularly associated with the Galaxy S series of smartphones. However, Samsung is not an unknown manufacturer in the notebook field, and with the Samsung Series 5 550P5C-T02, it tries to make a case for its inclusion as a significant player in the already mature PC market.

Downgrade gone wrong. Acer's bread-and-butter notebook tries to attract buyers in the bargain-basement price bracket. We'll show you what happens when unabashed penny-pinching is applied to materials of construction, hardware, and port selection.

One more time. The Acer Aspire One netbook series has a new entry, the Aspire One 725. This new netbook features an AMD C-60 CPU, integrated AMD Radeon HD 6290 graphics card, and an HD display. Are these features enough incentive to buy this 11.6-inch netbook? Has Acer learned from the series’ previous mistakes?

A touch of tactics. Ubisoft finally dishes out seconds for friends of the venerable Ghost Recon-series. Future Soldier transports the player into the near future, where he or she fights behind enemy lines as a member of an elite special ops team. In this review, we will determine how well this title runs on different mobile GPUs.

Slim notebook, lean price. Acer introduces the ultra-thin, 15.6-inch Aspire V5-531 for those on a tight budget. Its minimal 23 millimeter (0.9 inch) thickness is matched by its nearly bargain basement price of 399 Euro ($485 USD). In this review, we consider what one can expect from this sleek yet inexpensive device.

Oh so special. Dell introduces the new and completely redesigned Inspiron notebooks - including two SE (Special Edition) models - the Inspiron 15R SE and 17R SE. Aluminum accent panels for the chassis, a more powerful graphics card and a better display all help differentiate the SE models from the standard.

King of the hill. It seems that the top-notch Transformer Pad Prime TF201 was not satisfactory for Asus. The manufacturer has taken the next step with the Full-HD Infinity TF700T, which is primed to take the throne.

Prize fighter. According to Lenovo, people should switch to the ThinkPad L530 in order to reduce their carbon footprints. While we are unable to truly test this claim for each individual user, in this review we closely examine the budget ThinkPad and determine its office capabilities.

Well-Designed Transformer. For Asus, the Transformer Pad tablet family has become a tradition. Asus places the future of the entire family on its latest addition, the Transformer Pad TF300T. Based on its powerful Nvidia Tegra 3 hardware, we believe this is a sure bet.

Moviebook. Those believing that notebook manufacturers are done innovating are obviously wrong. Toshiba recently rolled out the Satellite U840W - the first Ultrabook with a theater-like 21:9 aspect ratio. Is this a notebook specifically for movie aficionados or can other applications take advantage of the wider dimensions?

No standard MMO. With 'The Secret World', EA has released an unusual online RPG that feels different from many of its competitors. Adventure elements have taken priority over relentless grinding and common fetch quests. This Benchmarkcheck analyzes which mobile GPUs are best for low, mid, and high quality graphical settings.

Surprising sound quality. With the N56 series, Asus has updated its high-end multimedia notebooks with Ivy Bridge processors in addition to a full chassis redesign. A special highlight with this series is an external Bang & Olufsen subwoofer that can improve sound quality significantly.

Longer battery life - courtesy of Ivy Bridge. Samsung's Series 9 top-of-the-line model delights us again with its unibody construction and perfectly executed input devices. The new processor allows for longer run times on battery. The HD+ display remains unchanged.

Inexpensive base model. We recently reviewed the HP Pavilion g7-2051sg with just average results, but now its fraternal twin has to withstand our test. Is this basic configuration a notable improvement?

Old acquaintance? The latest member of the ThinkPad T Series, the T530, features one major change from its ThinkPad heritage – a chiclet-style keyboard. Aside from some hardware updates and the implementation of an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, the familiar ThinkPad style and quality have been maintained.

Multimedia with style. A chic multimedia all-rounder for a small price. Sony gives you a nice feature set in the affordable SV-E14. A portable form factor for people on the go. But do screen and battery life make it an optimum solution?

Mobility with obstacles. Asus combines AMD's frugal Fusion APU with opulent fittings, and a strong battery to create an attractive sub-notebook. We'll tell you here whether or not Asus has succeeded in spite of a reflective 13.3-inch screen and other weaknesses.