Page: 7 of 7
In this report

See Also

Laptops: Ratings of Sources
Total of 25 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. PCMag.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops & Notebooks
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com has reviewed dozens upon dozens of laptops in the past few months, making it one of the best sources for current laptop reviews. The site does a great job comparing laptops to their competitors, and comparative benchmark test results are included for each notebook. The best laptops in their category earn an Editors' Choice award, including the Asus Zenbook UX31, an early entry in the new Ultrabook category.
2. Laptop Magazine
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLaptop Magazine has comprehensive coverage of notebooks, with dozens of new reviews posted each month. Each laptop is rated on a five-point scale, and those laptops that really excel receive an Editors' Choice award. When appropriate, laptops are compared to others in their class. Recently, the Dell XPS 14z and the Alienware M18x received high scores, but failed to garner Editors' Choice awards.
3. CNET
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET is another credible laptop reviewer that offers well-documented testing and an easy-to-understand rating system. Like many reviewers, CNET hands out Editors' Choice awards for the best laptops, but editors give out this award very rarely. In addition, while it is one of the better technology review sites around, CNET has covered slightly fewer laptops recently than top-rated sources like Laptop Magazine and PCMag.com.
4. Computer Shopper
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentComputerShopper.com reviews lots of laptops in balanced and testing-backed reports. Each laptop is rated, and while the ratings tend to be high, they vary enough so that users can see distinctions. Editors' Choice awards are also given, but ComputerShopper.com awards them more liberally than some other review sites. The Dell XPS 14z is one recent award winner.
5. Notebook Check.net
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by J. Simon Leitner and Ronald TiefenthŠler
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookCheck.net has some of the most thorough laptop tests we've seen. In addition, the site has increased its coverage in the past few months and it now reviews several laptops a week. The German-to-English translation has also improved, which makes for easier readability. Instead of star-based ratings, the editors at NotebookCheck.net give percentage-based ratings. However, the site still reviews a number of laptops that aren't available in the U.S.
6. PC World
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of PC World
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World has also increased its coverage of laptops in recent months, so it is becoming a more useful source than it was in the recent past. Reviews aren't as detailed as those at Laptop Magazine or PCMag.com, but they are based on hands-on testing. There is also a good amount of variation in the ratings. The publication also keeps updated lists of the best laptops in several categories, such as Top Desktop Replacement Laptops and Top Ultraportable Laptops.
7. T3.com
Updated Sept. 21, 2011
Best Laptops
by Editors of T3.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAlthough some of the laptops tested by Britain's T3.com aren't available in the U.S., all but two of the notebooks that comprise the publication's list of top 10 can be found stateside. The site has reasonably detailed reviews and is worth checking for its latest coverage. Each laptop is rated on a five-point scale and all the notebooks on this list rate highly, although it is dominated by gaming laptops.
8. HotHardware.com
As of Nov. 2011
Mobile
by Editors of HotHardware.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIt's a shame that HotHardware.com does not review more laptops because the reviews that are here are outstanding. Real-world and lab tests cover nearly every pertinent aspect, and the site gives out several awards, including Approved, Recommended and Editor's Choice designations. A few laptops have received an Editor's Choice award recently, including the Alienware M18x and the Dell XPS 15z.
9. TrustedReviews.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBritain's TrustedReviews.com regularly reviews new laptops, though many models aren't available in the U.S. Reviews are balanced and comparative, and most are illustrated with photos and benchmark results. The very best laptops earn Recommended designations. The site also keeps an updated list of its 10 favorite laptops. The Dell XPS 15z in particular earns high marks.
10. Anandtech.com
As of Nov. 2011
Mobile
by Editors of AnandTech.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAnandTech.com reviews laptops infrequently, but the testing process is incredibly extensive. The reviews are balanced, although the site doesn't cover many laptops and no ratings are provided. However, the very best laptops do score an Editors' Choice award, a designation that is handed out very rarely. The Asus G74SX and Dell XPS 15z are two laptops that earn an award. However, the site also has excellent reviews of the Dell XPS 14z and the Alienware M18x gaming laptop, among others.
11. HardwareHeaven.com
As of Nov. 2011
HardwareHeaven's Reviews
by Editors of HardwareHeaven.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBritain's HardwareHeaven.com (formerly DriverHeaven.net) only reviews gaming products, so just a few laptops are covered, and some are not available in the U.S. The reviews here are highly detailed, and editors rate each laptop on build quality, design, value and performance. Some laptops are singled out for various awards, with the highest rated -- like the ASUS G74Sx -- getting a Gold award. HardwareHeaven.com reviews a variety of Alienware gaming laptops, in addition to the Dell XPS 15z and the Dell XPS 14z, which each receive a Recommended award.
12. ConsumerReports.org
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Ratings and Reliability
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests a number of laptops, but editors focus mainly on sub-$800 notebooks (which are discussed in our report on cheap laptops). Beyond a moderately detailed comparison chart, the magazine has little to say about most individual models. Except for battery life, ConsumerReports.org doesn't reveal specific test results. Other reviewers offer far more insight and detail than this source when it comes to laptops, especially considering that some of the recommended laptops are already discontinued.
13. NotebookReview.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Ratings and Reviews
by Editors of NotebookReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookReview.com's reviews are well organized and detailed, but the number of reviews seems to have tapered off recently. The site's testing is excellent, and benchmark scores provide helpful comparisons with other laptops, with the best laptops earning Editor's Choice awards. NotebookReview.com is a little more selective in handing out awards than some other review sites, so it's easy to see which laptops perform the best overall in its editors' opinion. Most laptops receive average overall ratings, but the most recent Alienware gaming laptops earn high marks.
14. Engadget.com
As of Nov. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of Engadget.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEngadget.com has solid single-product reviews of laptops, and its coverage has picked up in the last few months. The site has recently eliminated its rating system, but the extensive reviews leave no question as to whether or not an editor recommends a particular model. The Dell XPS 15z and Asus Zenbook UX31 earn the editors' praise.
15. NewEgg.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops/Notebooks
by Contributors to Newegg.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNewegg.com is a popular online technology retailer. The company's typical customers have more computer and technical knowledge than average, which makes Newegg.com a good destination for consumer reviews of technology products such as laptop computers. Several laptops receive a good amount of feedback, especially Asus products.
16. BestBuy.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Computers
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBestBuy.com hosts lots of user reviews of laptops, but it's most useful for reviews of cheaper laptops than those covered in this report. Navigation is easy, since the number of reviews is posted right on the main page. In addition to comments, ratings for value, display quality, performance and convenience are provided, as are lists of pros and cons. Most useful is a bottom-line opinion of whether or not the reviewer would recommend the laptop to a friend.
17. PCMag.com
April 27, 2011
Readers' Choice Awards 2011: Desktops and Laptops
by Ben Gottesman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com releases an annual service and reliability survey for various products, including laptops. Samsung earns the highest marks among Windows-based laptops in 2011, but its ratings don't come close to Apple, which earns the Readers' Choice award year after year. Asus and Alienware earn an Honorable Mention.
18. TechRadar.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops and Netbooks
by Editors of TechRadar.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis U.K. site hosts its own reviews as well as reviews from a number of sister publications. It reports on a large number of laptops, but most of the recommended laptops are configurations that are not available in the U.S. TechRadar.com's reviews are less comprehensive than some other review sites, but still provide some helpful information. Ratings are given, but many laptops score similarly. Among laptops available in the U.S., several Dell and Alienware models earn high marks.
19. MaximumPC.com
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks
by Editors of MaximumPC.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMaximum PC is a better source for reviews of desktop computers, but they also cover about one laptop a month. The reviews themselves are nicely detailed and somewhat comparative. The best laptops earn the site's Kick Ass! award, including the HP Pavilion dm1z. The low number of laptop reviews holds this publication back from a higher ranking.
20. Wired
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks
by Editors of Wired
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired tests fewer laptops than review sources we rate higher. The reports are relatively brief, and we'd prefer if testing were better explained, but reviews still manage to capture what makes a laptop a good or bad pick in the editors' eyes. Each laptop is scored on a 10-point scale. Editor's Pick awards are made, but it is rare for a laptop to secure one. Wired reviews the Acer Aspire S3, the first ultrabook on the market, but it only garners a 7 rating, which translates to "Very good, but not great."
21. PC World (Australia)
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks: Reviews
by Editors of PC World (Australia)
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World (Australia) has a good number of laptop reviews, but like other non-U.S. sites, many of its tested configurations aren't available in this country. The site is worth checking, however, as reviews are reasonably detailed and based on hands-on testing. Laptops from Alienware earn high ratings.
22. DigitalTrends.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of DigitalTrends.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDigitalTrends.com publishes test-based reviews of laptops. Discussions of features, design and performance are included, and each laptop is rated on a 10-point scale. Recommended awards are given to those laptops that score the highest. However, DigitalTrends.com only reviews a laptop every month or two, so its coverage can't match the reviewers we rate higher.
23. About.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Computers
by Mark Kyrnin and Christine McKee
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMark Kyrnin, the computer guide at About.com, publishes short reviews of laptops. Testing isn't thoroughly explained, but it appears that reviews are based on at least some hands-on use. It can be a challenge at times to find the newest reviews on this site. Kyrnin also keeps lists of the best laptops in particular categories -- like ultraportables and desktop replacements -- although they aren't constantly updated. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
24. PC Pro
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of PC Pro
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC Pro, a U.K.-based technology magazine, doesn't provide quite as much detail in its laptop reviews as sources we rate higher. Evaluations are based on testing, but benchmarks and test results aren't always shared. Each laptop is rated on a six-point scale, and dozens of laptops are tested and rated each month. Unfortunately, many of these aren't available in the U.S.
25. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Contributors to Amazon .com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com is usually a good source for user reviews, but it's not as helpful for laptops. Most notebooks get similar average ratings, so it's hard to compare models. In addition, most of the laptops that have a number of user reviews have been replaced by newer models or discontinued.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
Useful Links
 

Back to top