Laptops

Acer Aspire 5735-4624
A mainstream laptop at a Netbook price, the Acer Aspire 5735 provides the basics plus a movie-friendly 16:9 aspect display.

Toshiba Qosmio G55-Q802
Toshiba's Qosmio G55-Q802 adds some dubiously useful gesture control gimmicks, but the real promise is in speedy video transcoding--as long as you use the right software.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 10.8 lbs, 18.4 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bits)

HP Compaq CQ50-215NR
Despite its upscale looks, the 15.4-inch Compaq Presario CQ50-215nr is marred by pokey performance and abbreviated battery life.

Lenovo ThinkPad SL400
Lenovo didn't shed too many features in rolling out its cheapest ThinkPad to date, the 14-inch SL400. Don't let the glossy lid fool you, there are a lot of familiar ThinkPad touches that make it a good bet for business users.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.26 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 5.5 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Dell Inspiron 1525-139B
The Dell Inspiron 1525-139B is a classic midsize, mainstream laptop, but this specific retail-only configuration has a wimpier battery than its predecessor.