Despite some odd feature choices, this is an affordable powerhouse of a laptop. A great value mid-range Centrino 2 laptop, as long as you're not worried about battery life.

Intel has been banging on about Centrino 2 lately, so it was good to finally get a chance to test the claims courtesy of a spanking new mid-range Centrino 2 M51 Va courtesy of ASUS.

In a world filled with gorgeous Sony, Apple and even Dell laptops, a sober, matte black machine aimed at consumers has to be truly special to turn heads. The IdeaPad Y430 is a well-built Centrino 2 machine that lacks nothing in the way of features, speed or value

The Asus U6V simply can’t compete with the new breed of Centrino 2 ultraportables

Packed with great features and offering decent coverage, the DIR-655 is a winner at this price.

While we wait with bated breath for the imminent (or was that eventual?) release of Microsoft Media Centre into Australia, the number of companies cashing in on the media functionality of next generation consumer electronics is growing quickly.

It’s not the most powerful, but its games performance and features help the Toshiba A350 stand out in the price bracket for mid-price laptops

Great looks, superb build quality and a world beating software package. It would threaten the A list if it were just a little cheaper.

Dell's 12.1in netbook could have been good, but you'd have to buy one in the US to realise its true potential

A super-light laptop with great battery life, but the screen is both its stand-out feature and, for some, its Achilles heel

MSI's Prestige laptop comes with a whole bunch of goodies: how does a wireless mouse, 4GB USB key, leather carrybag and leather stitched lid sound, for starters? And that's before you look under the lid.

Poor coverage means the Zyxel isn’t a bargain.

Decent features and speed, but still lacking in this company.

Great speed for a wireless router, but lacking features for the price.

A business-orientated router with average performance

Mediocre value for the features and performance on offer.

Its longlife 24-hour battery makes it significantly less portable, but this laptop is classy in every sense of the word.

Long-lasting battery, enough power to go, and a lightweight design: this has it all in a small package

Smells like green spirit, and offers performance at a budget price. The ASUS F6V Green is a laptop with something a little different

Apple has given its MacBook Pro a thorough makeover but, for all its charm, it’s still overpriced.