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Google Chrome's senior product manager Anders Sandholm has told TechRadar that despite the rise of the tablet, the forthcoming Chrome OS is still very much focused on netbooks and not touchscreen devices.

Although the prospect of a thin cloud-focused touchscreen Google Chrome OS device may appear attractive, the internet giant is still very much focused on devices with keyboards.

"What we are focusing on is netbooks in terms of form-factor and providing a really good experience for that," said Sandholm.

Experiments

"Chrome OS is, of course, an open source project and there are different experiments in things like touch and other form-factors, so we are looking into that but there's nothing new to announce there."

Chrome OS is still on track to launch at the end of 2010, with the first devices likely to appear next year, possibly at CES 2011.

Sandholm told TechRadar that the team is working hard on making sure that everything is ready for the launch.

"The team is hard at work and ready to come up with the best possible end user experience," he added

"We want more than anything for Chrome OS to be a good experience. Installing the Chrome browser is easy, it's easy to use, fast and secure and we built those things into it.

"So, with Chrome OS, we want it to be easy to use, fast and, in terms of security, more secure in the [processes] that an operating system deals with."

If 3D is going to take off in the UK, then it will the games industry which pioneers the technology in the home.

There's simple logic to it: if you are happy to play a fake guitar, sing into a fake microphone and wield a controller like it's a tennis bat, then it is more than likely you won't mind putting on a pair of plastic specs to play a game.

Toshiba's foray into 3D gaming is with the Satellite A665 3D laptop. The Satellite A665 comes bundled with a pair of Nvidia 3D Vision active shutter glasses, which means you can have out-of-the-box 3D playback.

Nvidia has been pushing the merits of 3D gaming for a good while now, so this means there are a number of games on the market that utilise 3D. We had a go at Prince of Persia and there was a certain amount of immersion you got that is missing from the game when played in 2D.

To power 3D content you need a fair amount of back-end chug and the A665 certainly has this in spades.

Beneath the chassis is Intel's powerful i7 processor. This is backed by up to 4GB DDR3 RAM and there's also a 500GB hard drive on board which is fairly capacious for a portable computer.

An 15.6-inch TruBriteHD display (running at 120 Hz) with LED backlighting makes sure that the 3D content you view sparkles.

The A665 is not just about gaming, though. On board is a Blu-ray player which has been spec'd up to play 3D content. It also moonlights as a rewriteable drive.

This will be a big draw for those looking to bring Blu-ray 3D into their home. The supplied HDMI connection means this will double as a 3D Blu-ray player. As long as you have a compatible 3D TV, then you are all ready.

When it comes to other connectivity, the A665 houses 3 x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA / USB combo port with Sleep-and-Charge and a Multi-Card Reader.

Internet connectivity comes in the form of WLAN, Gigabit Ethernet LAN and there is also good ol' Bluetooth inside.

The A665 has certainly been built with the 3D enthusiast in mind. The machine wants you to view as much 3D content on it as possible, which is why there is also a 2D-to-3D converter inside, which will add another dimension to movies and games in real time. It's not perfect but it does fill the current content gap.

Couple this with some meaty audio courtesy of Harman Kardon stereo speakers and Dolby Advanced Audio and this is one desirable piece of kit.

The Satellite A665 is available now. And if you have already purchased one without all the added 3D goodness, then you can download a software update from www.toshiba.co.uk/computers.

Following Sony's IFA 2010 press conference earlier this week, the consumer electronics giant has revealed its first 3D Vaio laptop.

No official word yet from Sony on plans for a commercial release, but we've reached out to Sony UK and expect to hear more on that front very soon.

A Sony rep at IFA said that he expects the new Vaio should arrive at some point early in 2011.

HD 3D at 240fps

The 3D Vaio prototype on display at IFA had a 16-inch screen, with Sony claiming that its 3D laptops will feature extremely fast-response LCD screens displaying up to 240fps, giving a better 3D imaging than competing products already on the market.

The Vaio 3D laptops will use similar 3D tech to Sony Bravia TVs, including Sony's 'Black Frame Insertion' which gives the viewer extra clear and super sharp results, by inserting black frames between colour images to separate them.

Full HD, as one would expect, as well as the use of the frame-sequential 3D display method to deliver full HD images to each of your eyes via the same Sony-branded active shutter glasses that are used to view 3D Bravia TVs.

The Vaio on display had a one-touch 2D to 3D switch, a Blu-ray drive and offers the ability to upscale from 2D to 3D.

Stay tuned for lots more IFA news as it breaks throughout the day.

Samsung has announced the NF series of netbooks, describing it as a 'powerhouse of practical technology'.

The NF, like its bigger brother the Samsung SF series laptop – features a new design, and it has been given a UK release date of October.

The range consists of the NF310, NF210 and NF110 – and as you would expect it is the first of these that offers the highest specs.

Enhanced mobility

"Equipped with enhanced mobility and innovative design, the Samsung NF310 netbook is just what you need to express yourself," says Samsung.

"A crystal clear HD LED display and unique surround sound system, together with the new Intel Atom N550 (Dual Core) processor, DDR3 memory and Windows 7, take netbook computing into a whole new dimension of multimedia performance.

"NF 310 is also designed to enjoy HD movies and images that are clear and picture perfect even in bright light with a high resolution (1,366 x 768) widescreen and a proper 16:9 aspect ratio."

Samsung is also offering the equally funky looking but less impressively specced NF210 and NF110.

"NF210 makes any time, anywhere mobile computing a practical reality by uniting an extensive battery life of up to 14 hours (6 cell 8850mAh battery) with its ultraportable and stylish design," explains Samsung.

"NF110 gives trend-setting consumers all they want in a netbook at an affordable price. With extensive quality assurance testing and a majority of its components manufactured by Samsung, it affordably delivers exceptional reliability and long-term value."

The Samsung SF series laptops have been announced, with the latest range bringing a funky new design and the latest Core i processors from Intel.

The SF series – which has been launched alongside the NF netbook series – has been given a UK release date in October and is pitched at 'style-conscious' users who are looking for the 'ultimate in mobility'.

The Samsung SF series consists of the 13.3-inch SF310, 14-inch SF410 and 15.6-inch SF510 and comes with a glossy ivory outside and matt black inside.

Core blimey

"Powered by Intel Core i3 / i5 dual-core processors, the SF series delivers performance as well as power efficiency, keeping users connected on the road," explains Samsung.

"The SF series comes with a hybrid graphics solution which uses 2 different graphic cards – one is from Intel and enables longer battery life while the other from Nvidia allows for enhanced multimedia performance.

"Battery life is essential for working on-the-go so Samsung has included a premium Lithium Polymer Battery that provides up to 7.5 hours of battery life (61Wh battery)."

New style

Seongwoo Nam, executive vice president and head of IT Solutions Business at Samsung Electronics, said, "Inspired and elegantly crafted, this new lineup is truly representative of our efforts to come up with a new style in mobile computers.

"I believe that Samsung's new mobile computer designs are fresh and will drive design trends across the computer industry and satisfy style-conscious users."

HP has announced an update to its Mini range – with the company sticking to its policy of not using the word netbook to describe its popular 'mini-laptop' range.

The new models are 'engineered to provide an unsurpassed customer experience' and include a redesigned HP Mini 210 (an affordable companion PC) in a broad range of colours including, wait for it, 'ocean drive' and 'luminous rose'.

There is also the HP Mini 5103 – the latest touch screen "mini-notebook" designed for "students and mobile professionals alike" which incorporates the latest Intel Atom processor and is available in red, blue or espresso (beige).

Educational

Next up is the Mini 100e Education Edition, which is designed with the classroom in mind and probably doesn't feature an inkwell and a secret compartment for notes.

"HP Mini's have no equal when it comes to industrial design, use of innovative materials and overall feature sets," said Charl Snyman, Vice President and General Manager, HP Personal Systems Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"With these additions to the HP Mini portfolio, customers have a broad choice of sleek companion PCs that allow them to stay more easily connected to the people and digital content that is important to them."

The HP Mini has a UK price of £299, the HP Mini 5103 costs £370 and the HP Mini 100e has yet to be given a price.

HP has announced an update to its Mini range – with the company sticking to its policy of not using the word netbook to describe its popular 'mini-laptop' range.

The new models are 'engineered to provide an unsurpassed customer experience' and include a redesigned HP Mini 210 (an affordable companion PC) in a broad range of colours including, wait for it, 'ocean drive' and 'luminous rose'.

There is also the HP Mini 5103 – the latest touch screen "mini-notebook" designed for "students and mobile professionals alike" which incorporates the latest Intel Atom processor and is available in red, blue or espresso (beige).

Educational

Next up is the Mini 100e Education Edition, which is designed with the classroom in mind and probably doesn't feature an inkwell and a secret compartment for notes.

"HP Mini's have no equal when it comes to industrial design, use of innovative materials and overall feature sets," said Charl Snyman, Vice President and General Manager, HP Personal Systems Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"With these additions to the HP Mini portfolio, customers have a broad choice of sleek companion PCs that allow them to stay more easily connected to the people and digital content that is important to them."

The HP Mini has a UK price of £299, the HP Mini 5103 costs £370 and the HP Mini 100e has yet to be given a price.

HP has announced improvements to its high-end HP Envy 14 and Envy 17 laptops, with the former getting a special 'Beats' edition and the latter gaining stereoscopic 3D support.

The Envy range is HP's luxury laptop choice, and the 'enhanced features' are designed to please the 'discerning user'.

"With these new technology and design enhancements, we offer customers a better computing and entertainment experience," said Charl Snyman, Vice President and General Manager, HP Personal Systems Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"These new HP notebooks deliver breakthrough technology, power and advanced styling to satisfy the most discerning user."

Beats by Dr Dre (tm)

The HP Envy 14 Beats edition brings integrated Beats Audio – with HP pushing its 'exceptional' design and optimised audio features – and comes with a free pair of headphones.

"This special edition notebook includes Beats Audio, a unique, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr Dre to provide the optimal sound experience – the way the artist intended it – when playing music or audio through headphones or external speakers," explains HP's release.

Dr Dre wasn't available for comment but we're guessing he would have said the Beats Audio technology would: "Ding ding dong ring-gading ding ding dong, keep the headz ringin."

To enhance this premium sound experience, HP has included a set of Beats Solo Headphones from Monster with ControlTalk, with each HP Envy 14 Beats Edition.

Envy 17

The HP Envy 17 with 3D also has Beats Audio and HP's Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer, but throws in (interestingly, ATI) 3D support and a pair of HP 3D Active Shutter glasses.

"Included content allows customers to experience instant 3D gratification," adds HP.

"Select models include a 3-D movie trailer for the upcoming animated film Megamind from DreamWorks Animation."

The HP Envy 14 Beats Edition has a UK price of £1,339 and the The HP Envy 17 with 3D has a UK release date of October with a starting price of £1,559.

Packard Bell has outlined the new products it will show off at IFA 2010, including the EasyNote LX86 laptop, Maestro LED HD monitor/TVs and a PB Go mobile hard drive.

Packard Bell is beginning to move away from the judgements of the past, and it is hoping a raft of new products and extensions to older ranges will boost its wares.

The refinements include a new selection of colours for its well-received Dot s netbook, and the latest EasyNote – with the LX86 offering a 17.3 inch screen and the promise of 'smooth multimedia performance.

Screens

The Maestro LED HD Stereo series are billed as ideal PC monitors, but are also HD ready and offer both DVI and the expected HMI connector.

There is also a Maestro TV offering a 'slim and stylish' display with a TV tuner and the possibility of computer input as well.

Last, and probably least, is the PB Go –an external 250GBV hard drive.

Asus has announced an 'Extreme Slim' external DVD-RW drive, which the electronics giant insists combines "attractive aesthetics with the advanced optical media features demanded by portable PC users in a single slim, USB-powered package."

The latest Extreme Slim external DVD drives represent Asus' attempt to sex up the external drive, as laptops without optical drives proliferate.

"Marking a departure from the bulky and bland appearance of typical external optical drives, the Extreme Slim External DVD-RW continues the emphasis placed by ASUS on innovative design," says Asus.

Refreshing?

"The extremely thin and compact squared form factor offers a refreshing take on this class of accessory, revitalizing the work and play spaces of PC users with a fun, easy to carry device."

That new design includes an impressive 14mm profile, brushed aluminium throughout, a USB 2.0 interface and an interface that works with any Windows PC through plug and play.

It is powered via an included USB cable from the computer - so it's not going to be too kind to battery life but it does weigh in at just 320 grams.

We're still waiting on a UK release date and price, but we'll keep you posted.

The Asus N73 and N53 laptops have been announced, with both models boasting SonicMaster certification.

The 15.6 inch N53JN and the 17.3 inch N73JN come with Intel Core processor, and Nvidia GeForce graphics with the clever Optimus tech which switches between the discrete and on-board graphics to save on battery life.

But the headling inclusion is the SonicMaster Audio, which has been developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower.

Superlative

"Asus SonicMaster guarantees superlative laptop sound, thanks to a number of portable audio innovations, including large speaker chambers and powerful amplifiers," explains Asus.

"Realising that people spend up to a third of their day using multimedia devices of some description and that most laptops fall short in delivering high-quality audio, Asus went back to the drawing board.

"Working with its own 'Golden Ear' team and the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen ICEpower innovations house, Asus focused on ways to develop natural sound that wasn't compromised by the constraints posed by laptop computers, but instead capitalised upon them.

"The result represents a new standard in laptop audio — Asus SonicMaster. SonicMaster isn't a gimmick, but a new professional audio certification programme for portable computers.

"SonicMaster-compliant laptops like the new N Series incorporate large speaker chambers, more powerful amplifiers and extensive software processing to deliver breathtaking audio fidelity."

Prices start from £649 (up to £999) for the 15.6" N53JN, £1,099 for the N73 and the promise that they will be in Comet ahead of Christmas.

Our continually updated list of all the best laptops available today.

Choosing which laptop is the best for you can be a tricky business, and the amount of choice can be overwhelming.

There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models bring released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task.

The lure of netbooks and the rise of the mini-laptop are also huge factors for those looking for a new notebook, but each has their downsides.

• 15 best netbooks in the world today

That's why we've pored over our huge database of laptop reviews and picked out the best notebooks money can buy. We've picked out five of the best cheap laptop computers in each of four categories – the sub-£400 and sub-£600 price ranges as well gaming laptops and lightweight notebooks.

We've also picked out the most important information from each laptop review to help you choose at a glance – just click through to the main review to read more.

Think about your needs and your most important factor, be it laptop battery life, and the features which aren't worth spending money on. The most important part is to be honest about what you need, and you could save a fortune on getting the best laptop for you.

Acer Aspire 1410-74G25n - £299

Acer's Aspire laptops represent the company's consumer range, and the Aspire 1410-74G25n is a CULV (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage) laptop that offers fantastic value for money.

Performance isn't this laptop's strong point, but it isn't meant to be – the laptop offers superb portability instead. At only 1.4kg, it's a pleasure to carry around. The small form factor makes it very easy to fit into almost any bag, but if you're after th slimmest machine possible, go for the Elonex Sliver instead.

The Aspire 1410-74G25n is put together well, and will provide good durability on the road. The shiny screen lid does quickly attract fingerprints and grime, but the mock brushed-aluminium palmrest inside doesn't, and looks and feels great.

The keyboard is very firm, but is also flat and therefore easy to get lost on when typing at speed. Unfortunately, the proximity of the touchpad to the keyboard makes it all too easy to brush against it while typing, causing irritating and erratic cursor behaviour.

The Aspire 1410-74G25n has the latest 802.11n high-speed wireless networking technology – making it well suited to connecting to a router or hotspot at home or in a cafe – and it's also the only laptop here to boast both VGA and HDMI out ports, offering good flexibility when connecting to external analogue and digital monitors.

The Acer Aspire 1410-74G25n sets a very high bar for the other laptops on test, and the excellent battery life will be a clincher for many buyers.

Read our full Acer Aspire 1410 review

Advent Modena - £339

Advent is PC World's in-house brand and comprises a range of affordable entry-level machines and the Advent Modena is a usable option for the first-time buyer and includes a bright and vibrant screen, but performance is poor.

The slim chassis carries the same basic design scheme we've come to expect from the Advent range, but its patterned glossy lid and matt-plastic interior create a nice contrast.

The plain black design is a little uninspiring, but doesn't detract too much from the sleek consumer styling.

At 2.5kg, the Advent Modena is easy to use around the home or on shorter journeys. With a depth of just 33mm, it slips easily into a carry case, so it's disappointing that the battery runs for just over two hours .

Surprisingly at such a low-price, high-speed wireless connectivity is provided by 802.11n Wi-Fi. An integrated camera is also in place, fitted above the screen, and lets you capture snapshots and even record video for easy online video messaging use.

Offering good usability, a great screen and ample storage at such a low price, the Advent Modena is sure to please first time buyers looking for an affordable and portable bargain.

Read our full Advent Modena review

Lenovo ThinkPad X100e - £355

Lenovo's ThinkPad range is known for offering arguably the best business laptops you can buy, but prices have traditionally been quite high. The ThinkPad X100e remedies this and brings effortlessly high-class corporate usability to the entry-level market.

The first thing you notice is how small the Lenovo ThinkPad X100e is. Weighing just 1.5kg, it easily fits into even the smallest luggage for regular travel use. The 226-minute battery life is bettered by the eMachines G525-902G16Mi but provides basic mobility.

Despite the low price, none of Lenovo's famed build quality has been lost. The matt plastics and rigid chassis provide ample resilience and will easily withstand the knocks of life on the move, while the plain black design is sleek and stylish.

ThinkPad keyboards are rarely bettered and the Lenovo ThinkPad X100e is no exception. Unusually for Lenovo it uses the isolated-key style – with each key cut through a hole in the chassis. The board is also spill-resistant and is both spacious and responsive, making it by far one of the best at this price point.

While its mixed levels of power and small size make it more akin to a netbook than a laptop, there's no denying the sheer quality of the ThinkPad X100e. By offering the key strengths of more expensive machines at a cheaper price, this is a truly great ultraportable for the price.

Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad X100e review

eMachines G525-902G16Mi - £397

While eMachines is not the best-known brand, it provides a good range of entry-level laptops ideal for those on a budget.The eMachines G525-902G16Miis a highly likeable big screen laptop, but is unfortunately flawed by limited power and features.

With its striking 17.3-inch screen, this is a great choice for viewing movies and photos. As well as its size, the screen on the eMachines G525-902G16Mi is far brighter and more vibrant than its rivals, making it comfortable to view in all conditions. We found the Super-TFT coating inevitably reflective, however.

Disappointingly, graphics performance is very low, with only the most basic multimedia use possible. The integrated Intel graphics card quickly struggles with demanding video editing tasks, but basic photo editing is possible.

Where the eMachines G525-902G16Mi truly stands out is its solid build quality and great usability. While the matt-black chassis and textured lid provide a conservative appearance, they also make the laptop very resilient, ensuring you can let the family loose on it without too much fear of damage.

In short, the eMachines G525-902G16Miis very much a mixed bag. While its stunning screen and great usability are easy to like, the limited power and features mean many users may quickly outgrow this machine as their skills develop, so be sure to consider your future needs before buying.

Read our full eMachines G525-902G16Mi review

Acer Aspire 5542-304G32Bn - £399

The Aspire 5542-304G32Bn is a budget machine that packs in some unexpected features at a low price point. One of the stand-out features is the inclusion of a Blu-ray drive, a rarity for laptops at this price.

While the 1366 x 768-pixel screen resolution is not enough to take full advantage of the high-definition visuals, images are still crisp and the 15.6-inch LED backlit Super-TFT display provides rich and vibrant colours.

Other features also impress, including the 5-in-1 memory card reader and four USB ports, letting you easily connect external storage and peripherals.

The 320GB hard drive is enough for storing a large number of songs and videos, while leaving space for essential applications.

The only downside is the gaps between each key, which lets in dirt and other debris. The touchpad is one of the largest in this group, although easy to brush while typing. Thankfully there's a button for disabling the pad when not needed.

Overall, the Aspire 5542-304G32Bn is a feature-packed and highly usable laptop that is only let down by limited power and portability.

Read our full Acer Aspire 5542 review

Samsung R530 - £389

Not only is the Samsung R530 a great looking laptop, it also boasts great usability, performance and portability - and all at a very competitive price.We very rarely see laptops that have exciting designs at this price point, but the Samsung took us by surprise with its moody red and black lid and mock brushed-aluminium palmrest – this is the sort of styling we would expect to see on a laptop costing significantly more.

Build quality is also decent and, although the chassis doesn't feel as substantial as the Acer Aspire 5732Z-443G32Mn, it's quite a bit lighter, making it a better travel companion.

Its battery life is also decent - at 244 minutes - and will keep you productive on the road for quite a while.

The keyboard is excellent, with the typing action proving surprisingly firm and the travel smooth. The touchpad is fast and responsive, and also features Samsung's now trademark lighting effects round the edge, which make it easy to use in low light conditions, such as the cabin on a plane.

The more we used the Samsung R530, the more we liked it. Performance is above average and the design and usability of the machine really endeared it to us.

If that wasn't enough, there's also decent portability chucked in for good measure, making this machine a good choice indeed.

Read our full Samsung R530 review

Dell Vostro V13 - £409

The Dell Vostro V13 us arguably the most handsome Dell has ever produced and what's more, you can buy it for under £500.

The Dell Vostro V13 feels great. It's eminently portable at 1.6kg, but the low weight, which edges it towards ultraportable territory, doesn't equate to a flimsy-feeling laptop. The back of the screen feels solid and shock-resistant, and the aluminium casing gives the Dell Vostro V13 a truly premium feel. We're also fans of the all-in-one case design, which looks both lovely and tidy.

The V13's portability isn't all encompassing, though. The battery is a clear weak point for anyone who spends a lot of time away from the mains, or would rather leave the charger behind. With the V13 loaded down by applications, it survived barely two hours on battery power alone; left with the screen on and nothing happening it managed four hours. Fairly respectable, but far short of what's frequently being achieved by cheaper netbooks.

But, performance issues aside, it's stunning to see such a good looking, well-made, cleverly designed laptop available for under £500. Indeed, if you have only the most basic computing needs, you could bag the lowest-end Dell Vostro V13 for a mere £359. Just don't forget to lie about how much it cost.

Read our full Dell Vostro V13 review

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge - £499

Lenovo's ThinkPad range has traditionally been aimed at the highend business market, but with a lower price and more accessible style, the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge now opens the brand to a wider market of consumers.

A choice of Intel and AMD processors are available, with the unit we tested being powered by a dual-core AMD chip. Performance of the LenovoThinkPad Edge is in line with the majority of CULV laptops on the market, suiting basic home and office use, but struggling with more demanding multi-tasking.

Graphics performance fares slightly better. The integrated ATI GPU delivers enough power for running complex multimedia presentations, as well as basic photo and video editing. Both VGA and HDMI ports are in place for connecting to larger screens at home or in the office.

The use of a glossy Super-TFT screen shows the consumer leanings of this laptop, as business machines traditionally use less reflective matt-finish panels. The 13.3-inch screen is suitably vibrant, with strong brightness levels, but is not quite as sharp as we would have liked.

By combining the quality and usability of more expensive models with the style and features of a consumer machine, the LenovoThinkPad Edge is another strong addition to the Lenovo range. The low-performance won't suit all needs, but this is a great machine for frequent travel use.

Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad Edge review

Acer Aspire Timeline 5810T - £560

Although the Acer 5810T boasts a large 15.6 inch screen, its light and thin build means that you won't be bogged down by this laptop when you're taking it out and about. The 5810T's body is an attractive metallic grey made out of plastic that while sturdy, is light enough to keep the weight of the laptop to around 2.4 kg.

The big feature of the 5810T is the large battery life. Acer is keen for this laptop to be used for 'all day computing'. Whilst it won't manage a whole day of heavy use away from a power supply, the 5810T can manage around seven hours – which is still a fantastic length for a laptop's battery life.

Video playback, both standard and high-definition was very good, with the images reproduced clearly on the decent screen. The 5810T comes with a HDMI output, so if you have a high-definition TV you can play your video files though that. Although this is hardly an essential feature, it's certainly a nice one to have, and adds to the overall value of the laptop.

Overall this is a nice, reasonably powerful laptop, whose light weight and large battery life means it is a great companion for working on in the great outdoors.

Read our full Acer Aspire Timeline 5810T review

Dell Inspiron 1564 - £587

Dell has had an impressive track record over the past year, delivering one stunning consumer laptop after another. The Dell Inspiron 1564 continues this run of success by implementing cutting-edge technology in this powerful and well-rounded machine.

Built around a processor from Intel's Core i3 range, the Dell Inspiron 1564 among the most powerful entry-level laptops we've seen to date. Effortlessly outperforming all but the similarly specified Samsung R580, multi-tasking with even more demanding software is possible.

Despite using an integrated GPU – a graphics technology traditionally associated with limited power – Intel's latest onboard chip provides surprisingly powerful 3D performance, allowing high-definition (HD) video and even less demanding games to run with little effort.

The stunning 15.6-inch screen adds to the multimedia usability on offer. It is a very bright panel, and delivers fantastic colour reproduction and sharp images, ensuring movies, photos and games are shown with impressive clarity and vibrancy. While some rivals provide high-speed wireless and fixed access, an older and slower technology is used here. Speeds will suit basic home use, but it is worth bearing in mind before buying.

More pleasingly, storage is excellent. The 500GB hard drive will hold all your family's data with ease. Comprehensive support for flash storage cards is also provided. Continuing Dell's recent run of success, the Dell Inspiron 1564 is an impressively powerful and portable machine. While its limited network connectivity is disappointing, it excels in all other areas, making it one of the best entry-level laptops we've seen this year.

Read our full Dell Inspiron 1564 review

MSI GX740 - £999

We're big fans of the MSI GX740. By making sensible and realistic cuts – think Core i5 instead of i7 processor, no Blu-ray drive, lack of full HD screen – MSI has managed to deliver a laptop that boasts serious graphical prowess at a very competitive price.

The GX740 also looks great, and we're told by MSI this is the last model to feature the famous style, with the inbound GT660 demonstrating the way of things to come, so if you like the design we'd suggest you get stuck in before it's too late.

The graphical power here is formidable, and the latest games run as smooth as you'd like with settings up high.MSI has been using this design to great effect for quite a few years, it's neither garish nor boring, and we'll be sad to see it go.The relatively low weight and form factor of the GX740 make it very easy to carry around, not something often said about gaming rigs.

The lack of a Full HD screen may bother some, and images may not be sharp enough for the hardcore. The laptop maybe easy to carry, but realistically you'll be sprinting between power points thanks to a truly shocking battery life.

However, the MSI GX740 is one of the best priced, best looking gaming notebooks around. There's plenty of power under the hood for the avid gamer, while the Intel Core i5 processor provides plenty of performance for your average consumer.

Read our full MSIGX740 review

Alienware M11x - £1,184

TheAlienware M11x was launched as the world's smallest gaming laptop,offering a unique blend of graphical power and portability. A dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 335M graphics card has been used – featuring 1024MB of video memory – and proved stunningly powerful in our benchmark tests.

A 256GB Solid State Drive provides ample space for your content, as well as very fast access to your data. 802.11n Wi-Fi is included and connectivity is comprehensive with VGA, HDMI and a DisplayPort connection all in evidence.

Processing power is courtesy of a Consumer Ultra Low Voltage Intel chip, which is especially resource light on the machine's battery – resulting in an impressive 414 minutes of mobile use. The downside is that everyday performance isn't particularly fast.

However, we found the laptop a pleasure to use and certainly fast enough, and we had no issues multi-tasking with various applications.

We are seriously impressed by the Alienware M11x. Not only is it the first of its type, but it succeeds in combining great 3D performance with everyday portability and usability at a competitive price.

Read our full review of the Alienware M11x

Alienware M15x - £1,422

The Alienware M15x is another fantastic gaming system which boasts very strong graphics power, excellent styling and fast everyday performance - and offers it all at an affordable price.

This isn't a laptop you'll want to travel regularly with, however. It weighs a hefty 4.3kg and offers just 164 minutes of battery power with a 9-cell battery on board, and so is much better suited for use as a desktop replacement system.

The 15.6-inch screen features a 1600 x 900-pixel resolution. It is very sharp and provides vivid colours. It isn't the brightest panel we've seen, however, and a shiny Super-TFT coating has been used, creating noticeable reflections in bright light.

The M15x is one of the best gaming laptops we've seen. Its great design is perfectly complemented by decent performance and it's also very reasonably priced – not something we can say very often about gaming systems.

Read our full Alienware M15x review

Asus G73JH - £1,780

The Asus G73JH is an aggressively and uniquely styled machine that looks fantastic and boasts great performance for gamers. The laptop's striking design – with angular lines and tactile matt finish – is inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bomber, but there's more purpose to the design than looks alone

Where this machine justifies its price is in gaming performance. The DirectX 11-compatible ATi graphics card provides stunning 3D power for running the latest games and multimedia applications.

The 17.3-inch screen adds to its abilities. It's not the brightest panel around, but colour reproduction is excellent, with contrast especially impressing. Blu-ray movies – using the integrated Blu-ray drive – and games look great in particular.

We like the G73JH a lot. It's a great looking and uniquely designed machine that provides stunning performance, but for those who are watching the pennies at the moment – a lot of us – a similar experience – albeit with not quite as much style – can currently be found for cheaper elsewhere

Read our full Asus G73JH review

Rock Xtreme 790 - £1,990

UK-based Rock is well known for its high-performance gaming laptops and offers the latest components housed within generic chassis designs. The Rock Xtreme 790 brings Intel's Core i7 technology to the range and provides truly stunning levels of quad-core power.

Powered by an Intel Core i7 920 processor, performance goes beyond what you would expect from a laptop. Running at 2.66GHz, the CPU is backed by a staggering 6144MB of high-speed DDR3 memory and vastly outperforms every laptop that we've ever tested.

Graphics are provided by a top-of-the range Nvidia GPU for impressive gaming power. In a chassis this large, it is a shame that Rock hasn't used two cards in an SLI configuration, as the extra performance would have perfectly complimented the high-powered quad-core CPU.

The 17-inch Super-TFT screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio, rather than a 16:9 true widescreen design. Quality is excellent nevertheless, with sharp and vibrant images on offer. The panel is not as bright as we'd have liked, but it is still ideal for gaming and home entertainment use.

Overall, the Rock Xtreme 790 is a mixed bag. While performance is outstanding and is backed by strong usability and features, the lack of SLI-graphics is an odd omission considering the machine's size and price.

Read our full Rock Xtreme 790 review

Acer Aspire 1825 - £585

2010 is already proving to be the year of the tablet PC, with Apple's iPad leading the charge. The Acer Aspire 1825PTZ-413G25n is the latest such convertible, and while the bright and responsive touchscreen adds a fresh layer of usability, this hybrid is unlikely to tempt any iPad fans to convert.

With the screen in a normal upright position, the Acer Aspire 1825PTZ is a typical compact laptop. With a weight of just 1.7kg and a thickness of 35mm, this is an ultraportable laptop that can easily be slipped into a bag.

The chassis itself is firm in all areas, which gives the Acer Aspire 1825PTZ a semi-rugged feel. This laptop likely wouldn't survive a tumble from a desktop, but it can bounce around inside a rucksack all day with little complaint.

3D performance is provided by an integrated Intel graphics card, which lacks its own dedicated video memory and so leeches from the main system memory instead.

As a result, graphical performance is very basic. Watching video and simple photo editing is no problem, but more complex multimedia jobs such as video editing and gaming are beyond the Acer Aspire 1825.

Read our full Acer Aspire 1825 review

MSI X600 - £594

The MSI X600-055UK is the second machine we've seen from MSI's ultra-slim X-series range, following on from the smaller X340.

With a 15.6-inch screen, this machine is a more rounded package, while still providing excellent mobility. The 15.6-inch screen features a glossy Super-TFT coating, which is reflective in direct sunlight.

You'll find a mid-range ATi Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics card supporting the display. It provides the MSI X600-055UK with enough performance to handle basic graphics tasks with ease and you'll even be able to play older games.

As with the smaller X340, this machine uses an Intel CULV (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage) processor, but this is the first system we've seen to feature a CULV Core 2 Duo chip.

Running at 1.6GHz, and backed by 4096MB of DDR2 memory, performance is akin to regular Core 2 Duo processors, proving easily able to carry out intensive tasks and run multiple programs smoothly. Battery life is also good, letting you work for 248 minutes.

Providing excellent performance in a large yet thin and light chassis, the MSI X600 offers a great compromise between size and power. As with much more expensive systems, you'll be able to work on the move without resorting to a smaller and slower form factor

Read our full MSI X600 review

Apple MacBook Air - £1,174

The MacBook Air is an enigma. Its key strength is its lightweight, ultra-thin design making it ideal for carrying around with you. Yet it makes significant sacrifices to achieve this degree of style and portability.

Despite an inevitable speed boost, the Air is still the slowest machine in the Mac range. The entry-level model, with a 120GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM, has a processor running at only 1.86GHz. The high-end version boasts a 128GB solid-state drive instead of a hard drive and a 2.13GHz processor.

A welcome price cut brings the 1.86GHz model down to £1,149 from £1,271, and the 2.13GHz Air reviewed here is now £1,349, down from £1,761.

Although Wi-Fi is still its main means of connecting to networks or the internet, you now get a USB Ethernet adaptor in the box, should you need a wired connection. Trading power for portability and connectivity for convenience means the MacBook Air will never be a machine for everyone, but improved specs at a lower price can only be welcomed.

In short this is a refreshing update for the Apple MacBook Air that just oozes style.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air review

Fujtsu Lifebook P770 - £1,378

The Fujitsu Lifebook P770 is one of the first laptops we've seen with this new technology and we eagerly tested it out to see what difference the new low-voltage Core i7 processor would make. With a weight of just 1.5kg, the Fujitsu Lifebook P770 is an ultraportable laptop that is almost as light as a netbook. It's just as compact too, with a 12.1-inch screen and a chassis that's only 30mm thick. The Fujtsu Lifebook P770 can be slipped into a bag or case and carried around all day without weighing you down.

Intel's new ULV Core i7 processor is a hybrid of the two, which offers buckets of power, but also vastly improved battery life.The Fujitsu Lifebook P770 is powered by this Core i7 620UM processor and the results are truly stunning.

This is easily one of the most powerful low-voltage chips currently available, comparable in performance to Intel's standard Core i3 and top-end Core 2 Duo chips, and we could comfortably multi-task with a number of resource-intensive applications thanks to the dual cores and 4096MB of speedy DDR3 memory.

This is easily one of the most powerful low-voltage chips currently available, comparable in performance to Intel's standard Core i3 and top-end Core 2 Duo chips, and we could comfortably multi-task with a number of resource-intensive applications thanks to the dual cores and 4096MB of speedy DDR3 memory.

Read the full Fujtsu Lifebook P770 review

Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B - £1,762

Sony's stunning VAIO Z Series has long been the standard by which all high-end ultraportable laptops should be compared.

With its stunning performance, eye-catching style and feature-packed specification, the Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B is a laptop that's extremely hard to ignore.

While five hours of battery life is an amazing achievement for such a high-powered machine, but we can't help but nitpick and say that we'd have preferred something closer to eight hours of use. Call us picky but this would've made this fantastic laptop even better.

Packing Intel's full-powered Core i7 processor and 6GB of DDR3 memory into such a small machine is a phenomenal feat, and easily makes this the most powerful ultraportable laptop around.

Sony has raised the bar even higher than before, offering an as-yet unmatched combination of cutting-edge performance and features ideal for the most demanding needs.

Read our full Sony VAIO VPCZ11Z9E/B review

The MSI GX660 laptop has been announced for the UK, billed as a high-performance gaming machine with 'unparalleled' sound.

MSI's 15.6-inch GX660R is a premium notebook, and apparently the result of a collaboration with audio specialists Dynaudio, as the company looked to build an 'optimum' laptop experience.

"Dynaudio have worked with MSI to meticulously place speakers inside the chassis to provide users with the finest audio experience, MSI and Dynaudio have designed high quality speaker units as well as an optimal sound card circuit based on speaker and system configuration," explains MSI's release.

1,200 hours

"Over 1,200 hours went into testing and tweaking each frequency to obtain ideal tone and balance for crisp, clean sound at all frequency levels. MSI has also added Surround Sensation|UltraPC technology from DTS to help fulfil the virtual surround sound experience either from the built-in Dynaudio speakers or through a set of stereo headphones," it continued.

The MSI GX660 also boasts an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870. MSI Cooler Boost and Turbo Drive Engine, along with 8GB of memory, 1TB of storage and 'SuperSpeed' USB 3.0 ports.

"The MSI GX660 also comes equipped with two USB3.0 ports which can transfer data at 5GB/second - that's ten times faster than conventional USB2.0 slots and also provides more power to recharge handheld devices faster," adds MSI

The MSI GX660 is available now for pre-order from Micro Anvika and has a UK price from £1699.

MSI has unveiled it latest laptop, with the MSI FX600 aimed at 'those who demand style, functionality and power from a notebook'.

The MSI FX600 uses Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, and boasts THX surround sound and the company's Cinema Pro technology.

"Enjoy watching movies in all their glory with MSI's Cinema Pro technology for optimal sound and video setup," explains MSI's release.

Hotkey

"With just a touch of the Cinema Pro hotkey, the machine instantly kicks into film mode delivering richer colours to maximize your cinematic experience," it continues.

"MSI have partnered with world leaders in sound design technology to bring professional theatre-grade THX smart TruStudio PC sound to the F series.

"With four top-end internal speakers for undistorted sound, regardless of music type or frequency band."

MSI is making a big deal of the styling, describing the laptop as 'wrapped in a chic yet durable jet black chassis.'

Specs appeal

Specs-wise, the MSI FX600 starts with a Intel Core i3-330M 2.13GHz processor, offers 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 15.6-inch 1366x768 screen and 500GB of storage.

You can upgrade to a Blu-ray drive and Core i5 should you desire a little more entertainment power.

The FX600 will be available to buy from Argos with a UK release date of August and will cost from £599.99.

Dell has announced the UK release and pricing of the Dell Inspiron M101z.

The laptop, which Dell describes as 'ultra-thin and ultra-portable' is now available from Dell's online store, starting from £379.

The Inspiron M101z boasts an AMD Athlon II Neo processor and integrated ATI graphics which according to Dell 'leaves comparably-sized netbooks in the dust.'

Blending beauty with brains

"Blending brains and beauty, the Inspiron M101z laptop is built around a clever hinge-forward design that moves the display closer and keeps the body rigid for improved strength and durability," explains Dell.

"It features a full-width, ergonomic keyboard that simplifies typing and navigation, while the attractive brushed finishes and smooth curves make it stand out in a crowd.

"And with a choice of four vibrant colours, people also have the ability to add personal style to their PC."

11.6-inch screen

The Dell Inspiron M101z boasts an 11.6 inch 1366x768 screen, and as you would expect from Dell you can customise the specs up to 8GB of RAM and 320GB SATA as well as upgrading the processor and graphics.

"Finally, people can get premium looks, a big display, a full-width keyboard, long battery life and a powerful processor in a laptop no bigger than most netbooks," said Charlie Tebbs, Director of Consumer Marketing, Dell Europe.

"The Inspiron M101z is an affordable, on-the-go companion that can be easily customised to handle individual needs from simple e-mailing and web surfing to HD video playback and editing or watching a favourite TV program."

Hannspree has announced its new netbook, the SN10, available exclusively at The Carphone Warehouse.

The Hannspree SN10 will cost £229, and follows on from the AV specialist's first foray into netbooks last year.

The netbook will be available in either glossy red or glossy black and includes a free 'ultra chic' black carry bag which Hannspree insists is "already a favourite with the organisers of London Fashion Week".

10 inch, Atom-toting netbook

Spec wise, the SN10 has a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor, 10 inch-1024x768 resolution and a full size keyboard.

It also has 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, 160GB of storage, 1.3MP webcam, 3 USB ports and a 3-in-1 card reader.

The Hannspree SN10 is available at Carphone Warehouse now.

The Indian government has announced that will soon be offering students a £23 touchscreen laptop, stating that it will be pushed out to higher education institutions in 2011.

Speaking in New Dehli India's human resource development minister Kapil Sibal revealed that the development was done, and that talks were already underway with global manufacturers.

"We have reached a (developmental) stage that today; the motherboard, its chip, the processing, connectivity, all of them cumulatively cost around $35, including memory, display, everything," he told a news conference.

Linux-based

The £23 laptop is based on Linux and will come with web browser, PDF reader and, intriguingly, video conferencing facilities.

There are also plans to extend the capacity of the device and ultimately to drop its price to a staggering $10 in the coming weeks.

The development work was done by the Indian Institue of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science.

It obviously isn't the first time that low cost internet device has been mooted, with the One Laptop Per Child project aiming to do just that.

But, if the Indian government can provide a £23 laptop to even a small portion of its 1.2 billion population then the world will sit up and take note.

Asus has officially launched its U33/U53 bamboo laptops in the UK, pitching the new range at the green consumer.

The laptop giant's bamboo notebooks were shown off at CES 2010, but have now finally arrived in the UK.

"Green living is an ideal. An aspiration. Above all, a choice," emotes Asus.

"As part of Asus' continued innovation in the area of environmental sustainability, the new U33/U53 Bamboo Series is manufactured using environmentally-friendly bamboo."

Sustainability

The Asus U33/U53 laptops boast USB 3.0 connectivity, plus Super Hybrid Engine and Nvidia's Optimus to make sure your power usage is monitored.

The Asus U33 is a 13.3 inch laptop, whilst the Asus U53 is a 15.6 inch version. Both have a 1366x768 resolution screen, Intel Core i5 processors, Windows 7 Home Premium Nvidia graphics cards and seamless 'chiclet' keyboards.

"The notebook exterior is encased in a natural smoky bamboo material – reducing traditional plastic use by around 15% and exuding organic appeal through both appearance and touch," adds Asus.

"Even the outer packaging is stylishly green; the wrapped gift box made from 100% recyclable bamboo materials provides a thoughtful finishing touch."

The latest rumours emerging from Taiwan suggest that Apple may be preparing to finally enter the netbook market, with an 11.6-inch MacBook Air said to be slated for release later in 2010.

Digitimes is, yet again, the source of the latest Apple scuttlebutt, with the site also claiming that Apple's new mini-Macbook Air will make use of Intel's Core i-series ultra-low voltage processors.

MacBook Air Mini?

Mingchi Kuo, Senior Analyst at Digitimes Research, says that the new Apple Macbook will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, with only around 400,000 units being shipped initially to test the market.

"Kuo, citing discussions with upstream component makers, noted that the 11.6-inch MacBook Air will feature an even slimmer and lighter design than the previous-generation models," reports Digitimes.

"And the technologies used for the design and concept are expected to be broadly used in the company's other product lines to boost their competitiveness."

The analyst also notes that he expects a new iPod touch featuring a 3-megapixel camera, capable of both photo and video recording, out in September, based around Apple's latest A4 processor, also used in the iPhone 4.

Kuo added that total iPod touch shipments are expected to reach 17-18 million units in 2010.

LG is making a huge bet on 3D laptops over the next year, predicting that sales of these new mobile computers will be boosted by 30 per cent in 2011.

LG is one of the first brands to market with 3D notebooks, alongside other manufacturers such as Asus, Acer and Toshiba.

The company forecasts that global sales of 3D notebooks will increase to 1.1 million units next year and reach a total of 13.8 million units by 2015.

Sales of 3D laptops to date have been limited, with commentators mainly putting this down to two things. The lack of decent 3D content to view on your new laptop, in addition to the current high cost of the 120Hz displays required to show your games, movies, photos or home videos in three dimensions.

LG has introduced three models of 3D laptops computers priced between 1.6 million Korean won ($1,331) and 1.9 million won, which is around a 20 per cent premium on traditional 2D laptops.

LG is also the world's second-largest TV manufacturer.

3D content on the way

LG and the other manufacturers mentioned above clearly hope that the arrival of 3D Blu-rays later in 2010 and the increasing number of 'made for 3D' PC games, in addition to greater awareness and availability of 3D peripherals such as new cameras from Fujifilm and Sony, will serve to boost the demand for 3D laptops.

"With the availability of more 3D content, consumers are enjoying a new experience, and we think that'll drive growth of the 3D computer market," said Harrison Park, LG's mobile communications PC business team leader.

TechRadar has contacted LG's UK office to find out more on the plans to release these new 3D laptops in Britain. Stay tuned for updates.