For around $600 you can expect to find an Intel Core i3, Pentium or AMD E-Series processor with integrated graphics, 2GB to 4GB of RAM, a 320GB or larger hard drive, a DVD burner, and around 4 hours of battery life. Samsung SF510 The Samsung SF510 is a 15-inch laptop intended for design-conscious users looking for an attractive, easy-to-use system that will get the job done. Graphics come courtesy of Nvidia’s GeForce 310M, while the dual-core 2.53GHz Core i3 380M processor runs the show along 4GB of RAM and a 640GB hard drive with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Among its notable features are fast boot and wake times, a full keyboard and numeric keypad, good quality speakers, integrated 4G broadband (WiMAX), and built-in WiDi for streaming HD video to a TV. Battery life is pretty decent for a notebook this size, as well, at around 5 hours. Additional views:
Gateway NV51B0u Gateway has refreshed its NV notebook series, delivering AMD’s Brazos platform in a full size mobile package. The 15.6-inch NV51B0u represents the line’s flagship system and is priced at only $469.99, which gets you a 1.6GHz dual-core E-350 Fusion APU with a Radeon HD 6310 IGP. A second system, the NV51B08u, is even cheaper at $399.99 and is powered by the 1GHz dual-core C-50 processor and HD 6250 graphics. The pricier unit packs a 1366x768 LED-backlit display, 3GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, an 8x DVD burner, a 2-in-1 memory card reader, three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and VGA outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. There’s also a 1.3MP webcam, a mic, and a full-sized keyboard alongside a multi-gesture touchpad. The system is outfitted with a six-cell battery, which keeps the gears turning for about 4.7 hours. Additional views:
Acer Aspire AS5742-7120 The Acer Aspire AS5742 closely follows the script for putting together a budget mainstream laptop. It comes fitted with an Intel Core i3 380M processor, integrated Intel graphics, 4GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive. It also features a 15.6-inch widescreen HD display with 1366x768 resolution and HDMI connectivity, making this Aspire a solid contender in the mainstream market and a perfect choice for daily computing. The laptop features a basic black plastic chassis with a crosshatch-textured design on the keyboard deck and lid, while the keyboard itself is roomy enough despite featuring a dedicated number pad to the right. Other features include a multi-gesture trackpad, built-in 1.3-megapixel HD webcam, and a DVD burner, while on the connectivity front you get, Wi-Fi 802.11n and gigabit Ethernet, 5-in-1 card reader, three USB 2.0 ports and VGA-out – plus the aforementioned HDMI. Additional views:
MSI CR650 This 15-inch (1366x768) system is powered by AMD’s E-350 APU and 3GB of RAM, which should offer plenty of performance for standard usage and remain light on power consumption with an 18W TDP. Price range: $470
