With few specs released, the Sony Vaio X series remains a tech mystery, as industry commentators struggle to decide if the ultra-thin, ultra light notebook is a winner

Mike Jennings tests a selection of laptops that offer stunning power and fantastic features in a dozen luxurious packages

Although the mobile marketplace has been changing in the face of Centrino and the slow but gradual tablet PC adoption rate, large form factored (greater than single spindle) notebooks are still the order of the day.

In a world first, we've managed to get our hands on a review unit of Sony's stunningly thin ultraportable. Most surprisingly, it sports the newest Atom chip from Intel - the Z550 2.0GHz and GMA 500 graphics.

Classy looks and light weight make for a fine ultraportable, but it’s got some tough competition.

From budget laptops to ultra-tiny netbooks, ultraportables and high performance, we explain the tricks to finding out the ultimate laptop at the right price.

An HD screen, Blu-ray drive, TV tuner and competitive price result in an excellent-value entertainment laptop.

The format wars continue as Blu Ray comes to a monster laptop at a monster price.

The design is impeccable, the build superb and the screen extraordinary, but the price is a huge barrier. We ponder the icon that is the Macbook Pro 17in

So, the last big name has fallen. HP gave out in April 2008, and both Dell and Toshiba's resistance crumbled by the autumn. But it's taken Sony until the middle of 2009 to produce what it confesses to be a netbook, the VAIO Mini W Series.

An incredibly light and practical notebook for frequent travellers, but not without its quirks.

It’s one of the thinnest laptops available and it looks stunning, with an industry first up its sleeve.

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

A stunning piece of design matched with excellent battery life, but with an Atom inside the price is surely too high

If you're wondering if a netbook is the perfect laptop for you, ask yourself this: will you want to work or play on your new laptop for hours at a time whilst viewing a screen 10 inches in size?

Can a new Intel chip put make the sub $1,000 portable even more attractive? We cast our eyes over the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE's tasty looking specifications.

Not a stylish machine, but it’s good value, well built and boasts surprisingly impressive battery life