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Acer
Extensa 5630
The Extensa 5630 was a multimedia machine of sorts with excellent
video playback and good sound. While it wasn't the top scorer
in the CrystalMark benchmark, it ran Vista Business with lots
of zip and windows just snapped into place.
Acer
emachines E725
The E725 was supposed to be a barebones budget PC but it surprised
us by delivering excellent video playback with crystal clear
sound. Unusually, for a laptop, it came with a full numeric
keypad which was a mixed blessing as after using a laptop
for years I kept hitting Enter when I meant to use the arrow
keys to navigate
Asus
K40IJ
Part of the K series of budget notebooks from Asus, the K401J
aims to provide a no-frills computing experience. Its Altec
Lansing speakers were complemented by SRS Premium sound technology,
with virtual surround sound that offered high definition audio
Dell
Vostro 1520
At first glance the Vostro 1520 looked gorgeous if boxy. Its
exterior looked like a slab of polished black stone. When
cracked open, it turned out to be a rather stodgy workhorse
Dell
Vostro 1320
The Vostro 1320 had a shiny black carapace that was quite
attractive. Inside it was a bit stodgy. Where this machine
scored over its bigger sibling, the 1520, was in the fact
that although it had a smaller screen, the resolution was
higher making for a crisp, matte display
Compaq
610
At the first glance, the Compaq 610 gave the appearance of
a big slate book. That being said, it had a full sized keyboard
that was cushiony and smooth to type on
Compaq
Presario CQ40
With its shiny black cover and full metallic, silvery look
inside, this laptop was quite attractive. The 14.1 inch screen
was bright and sharp. It was a glossy screen which is a minus
if you are going to use it in an environment such as an airport
How
we tested
How we tested Let’s take a look at the tools that were
used for testing the laptops that came in for this shootout.
By Prashant L Rao
Laptop
Shootout Summary
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