search technology reviews, news, features, group tests
Popular Searches:   windows , asus ,
Mobile Edition  | 
 |  Register
 |  Newsletters  | 
Sitemap  |  RSS
RSS
Monday November 9, 2009 3:26 AM AEST
Skip Navigation LinksPC Authority > Group Tests > Desktop Replacement Laptops
Desktop Replacement Laptops
»

Desktop Replacement Laptops

by Jim Martin  on Feb 18, 2008
All the power of a desktop PC in a fraction of the space. We put a selection of desktop replacements to the test.
If you’re thinking of replacing an ageing PC, now’s the time to switch to a laptop. Gone are the days when laptops were far more expensive than their desktop cousins, and no longer are they the underdog where power is concerned.

In fact, swapping to a laptop brings several benefits. Most obviously, laptops are portable, so you can move them from room to room, or even take them out to the garden. Their batteries mean you have a backup if there’s a power cut, and you can get some work done or watch a movie when you’re travelling. Plus, instead of a tower case, monitor and speakers dominating a room, you can simply close the screen on a notebook, pop it in a drawer and it’s out of sight.

Of course, one of the main advantages of a desktop PC is a large screen, but with the Acer and HP sporting 20.1in LCDs, and others boasting 1920 x 1200 resolutions on their 17in screens, laptops have again caught up. Also, the majority here sport a numeric keypad, so there’s no compromising on a comfortable keyboard, either.

If you’re looking for an entertainment notebook, three here have built-in TV tuners and remote controls for use with Vista Home Premium’s Media Center. Not only can you schedule TV recordings, but Media Center can be used as a jukebox and for storing all your photo albums. Some also play games but if you want a gaming beast, then Dell’s XPS with its SLI graphics is worth checking out.

If, on the other hand, you want to spend as little as possible and still have a decent-sized screen, turn to page 77 and look at Toshiba’s Satellite P200, which has a 17in display, a dual-core CPU and 1GB of RAM for just $1525. Whatever you’re after, to find the ideal desktop replacement for you, read on.

Next page - How We Test (click below)...
This article appeared in the December, 2007 issue of PC Authority.
»


Ads by Google

RELATED ARTICLES
Desktop Replacement Laptops
Desktop Replacement Laptops
All the power of a desktop PC in a fraction of the space. We put a selection of desktop replacements to the test.
Luxury Laptops - 10 models tested and reviewed
Luxury Laptops - 10 models tested and reviewed
Mike Jennings tests a selection of laptops that offer stunning power and fantastic features in a dozen luxurious packages
Note-worthy
Almost five months on from our last notebook roundup, where we were slightly unsettled and amazed that it was possible to call the latest notebooks 'desktop replacements' and actually mean it, the PC ...
Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Login or register to submit a comment.


Buyer's Guides

 
LogMeIn
 
 
HP
 
PC Authority Featured Retailers
hot bargains from the mwave store
special offers from dell
special offers from apple
PC Authority Featured Retailers
 
Amazing Dell Coupons now available
 
HOT DEALS ON eBay

Plan Finder

Powered by WhistleOut

1) Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB33 plans 3%
2) Nokia E7142 plans 15%
3) Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB33 plans 13%
4) HTC Touch Diamond24 plans 4%
5) Apple iPhone 8GB33 plans 1%
Three iiNet Virgin Mobile
« 1 of 4 »
1) iiNet32 plans 1%
2) Netspace33 plans 2%
3) Optus45 plans 3%
4) Telstra BigPond41 plans 3%
5) 37 plans 3%

Compare: Mobiles | Broadband

PC Authority