Laptops Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Laptops. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Laptops, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Laptops. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Laptops prices.

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Laptops Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Laptops Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Notebook Review.com	Notebook reviews Contributors to NotebookReview.com As of Apr. 2008		This enthusiast website publishes reviews that are more comprehensive than those produced by most mainstream experts. The reviews are well organized and consistent. The results of testing are shown and compared with other laptop computers. Recent reviews include comparisons with comparable laptops. The biggest shortcoming with NotebookReview.com is that there's no rating system, but some models are selected as Editor's Choices. In addition, the reviews are written by many different people, which makes it more difficult to put each report into context.
2. Notebook Check.net	Laptop Reviews, News Editors of NotebookCheck.net As of Apr. 2008		This German website offers some of the most comprehensive laptop reviews we have seen. Each illustrated review includes complete specifications, detailed test results with comparisons to similar laptop computers, a lengthy list of similar notebooks and a consistent format. Laptops get a dozen subcategory ratings, which are used to create an overall rating. Then the laptops are ranked by overall rating. Readability is an issue, however, as the translations to English are sometimes indecipherable. In addition, some laptops are not available in the U.S., though similar versions often are. Otherwise, the quality and quantity of reviews are unsurpassed.

Laptops Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Laptops Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. PC World >> Details/Subscribe	Top 10 All-Purpose Laptops Carla Thornton Feb. 1, 2008		This chart ranks ten previously reviewed non-specialty laptops. Each notebook uses Intel Core 2 Duo processors and employs the Santa Rosa platform (also known as Centrino Duo). An old model is selected as a Best Buy. The chart links to individual reviews and test reports. The short reviews don't include much substantive comparison, but the testing process is admirable and provides much basis for comparison. Most models are tested in atypically high-end configurations, with the average price higher than $1,300.
4. PC World >> Details/Subscribe	Top 10 Power Laptops Carla Thornton Feb. 1, 2008		This chart of the top desktop replacement laptops is briefly introduced. The WorldBench 6 tests cover common computer uses and are well suited to desktop-replacement computer notebooks. Battery life and graphics performance are also tested. The top-rated Micro Express IFL9025 is $300 cheaper (as reviewed) than any other laptop on the chart. The gap is explained as a result of the performance advantages from Intel's new Penryn processor. That creates an obvious buying choice among laptops reviewed by PC World, but readers must wonder if the relatively great performance would be achieved by any laptop with a Penryn processor.
5. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Service and Reliability: Notebooks Editors of PC Magazine Sept. 13, 2007		Because of the thousands of readers who take part, PC Magazine's annual subscriber survey of tech support and reliability is statistically valid and useful. In addition, over the 20 years it has been conducted, clear patterns and trends have emerged. In the latest survey, Lenovo captures the best ratings in every category. Other magazines also conduct these types of surveys, but PC Magazine's is the most relevant for computer buyers.
6. Computer Shopper	Laptop Reviews Editors of Computer Shopper As of Apr. 2008		Computer Shopper reviews lots of laptops in reports that are balanced and backed by appropriate testing. Ratings are provided, and although high, scores vary enough so readers can see differences. The magazine uses lots of different reviewers, which makes it harder to compare scores. Laptops are divided into six somewhat arbitrary categories, and the best products in each category are identified in monthly charts.
7. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Laptops & Notebooks Cisco Cheng As of Apr. 2008		PC Magazine regularly reviews new laptops, and laptops are often compared to the competition. The magazine publishes benchmark test results that reveal how each computer performs in popular applications. Laptops receive an editor's rating, so it is easy to see how they stack up against the competition. The best laptops in their category are identified as an Editors' Choice. Testing is competent, most reviews are well balanced, and ratings vary enough to make it easy to see differences between laptops.
8. Trusted Reviews	Notebooks: Latest Reviews Andy Vandervell As of Apr. 2008		Britain's TrustedReviews.com regularly reviews new laptops, though some aren't available in the U.S. Reviews are well illustrated with photos, and benchmark results are published. All notebook computers have high ratings, and more than half get the site's Recommended tag, but the reviews are balanced.
9. Laptop Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Laptop Reviews Editors of Laptop magazine As of Apr. 2008		Laptop magazine reviews a large number of notebooks in each issue and online, and even though the magazine uses many different reviewers, most have experience reviewing lots of models. Reviews are occasionally comparative, and all products receive a rating. Testing is frequently mentioned and reported in the specs section. The reviews aren't particularly detailed, but balance is good, and ratings are more varied than those from other mainstream computer magazines. A reasonable percentage of models are selected as Editor's Choices.
10. ReviewPub.net	Laptop Reviews Anonymous As of Apr. 2008		ReviewPub.net's reviews are comprehensive, balanced and comparative. Testing of heat, noise and battery life are exceptional, and explanations are easy to understand. Illustrations are good. Although the selection of reviewed brands is representative, the complete anonymity of the website and the reviewer (it appears to be one reviewer) is troubling. In addition, the lack of ratings makes identifying the best laptops a challenge here. After reviewing a slew of laptops in July, ReviewPub has only reviewed two since then as of our last visit. Despite some great individual reviews, these issues prevent us from ranking ReviewPub even higher.
11. HotHardware.com	Mobile Editors of HotHardware.com As of Apr. 2008		HotHardware.com's reviews are well done, but not many laptops are reviewed. Real-world and lab testing cover nearly every pertinent aspect. Some products earn Editor's Choice awards or recommendations, but others are unrated. The chief weakness here is the quantity and selection of reviewed laptops. Only Asus and Dell laptops are reviewed in the past year. HotHardware reviewed several other brands in 2006, but those reviews are too old to be useful.
12. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Laptop Computers Editors of Consumer Reports Feb. 2008		Consumer Reports tests and ranks nine 15.4-inch and nine 17-inch Windows laptops. Each computer shares roughly the same configuration. Though the rankings are helpful, there is very little discussion of individual notebook computers. Performance (speed) is rated but not specified, and the description of the criteria is vague. In fact, except for battery life, Consumer Reports doesn't reveal any specific test results.
13. CNet.com	Laptops Michelle Thatcher, Dan Ackerman As of Apr. 2008		CNet.com is a prolific laptop reviewer. The short reviews are comparative, and testing is satisfactory, but it's neither as comprehensive nor as relevant as testing by NotebookCheck.net or NotebookReview.com. Reviews focus on appearance and features, but CNet does adequately cover the more important buying considerations. Balance is very good overall.

Laptops Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Laptops Ratings Comments on Reviews

14. PC World (Australia) >> Details/Subscribe	Reviews: Hardware: Notebooks Jesse Sutton As of Apr. 2008		The Australian version of PC World is an extremely prolific reviewer of laptops, but not all models are sold to the U.S. market. Some budget models are rated, but note that prices accompanying reviews are in Australian dollars. Some reviews are thorough, and complete performance test results are published, but much of that information isn't made available on the magazine's website. Products aren't directly compared, and the range of ratings is narrow.
15. LaptopLogic.com	Latest Laptop Reviews Editors of LaptopLogic.com As of Apr. 2008		LaptopLogic.com reviews about one higher-end laptop per month. Reviews are detailed, balanced and supported by formal testing. The website has recently improved its credibility with some unfavorable reviews and variation in ratings. The biggest remaining weaknesses are the limited number of reviews and the high number of reviewers.
16. Extreme Tech.com	Laptop Gaming Smackdown Joel Durham Jr. Dec. 19, 2007		This review compares three laptops for gaming: the Asus G1S, the Alienware Area-51 m9750 and the Falcon-Northwest FragBook TLX. The Asus costs less than half as much (as tested) than its competitors do. Joel Durham uses benchmark tests and real games to compare the computers. Results are surprising, including the result that gaming on a laptop can be a satisfactory experience. Testing and comparisons are fine, but the sample here is small, and ExtremeTech reviews no other laptops. These laptops are not tested for anything but gaming.
17. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Tech support Subscribers of Consumer Reports June 2007		Like PC Magazine, Consumer Reports conducts an annual product reliability survey. No maker scored particularly well for satisfaction with tech support, but the survey reveals some clear differences between brands. Consumer Reports also publishes a laptop repair history that shows most brands are tightly bunched in that regard. Consumer Reports does say that laptops need the most repairs of any products it tracks.
18. Which.co.uk >> Details/Subscribe	Laptops Editors of Which.co.uk Jan. 8, 2008		British consumer magazine Which? also conducts an annual support, reliability and satisfaction survey. We rate the Which? survey slightly lower because it has the smallest number of responses. Lenovo and Sony owners are happiest overall, while Acer and HP/Compaq owners have the most complaints. Toshiba and Acers laptops are the most reliable, according to owners.
19. XBitLabs.com	Mobile reviews Alexander Britvin As of Apr. 2008		The descriptions and evaluations here are first-rate, covering everything a consumer would want to know -- but there are no ultimate ratings or rankings. Most notebook computers get good reviews, so X-bit Labs is more useful as a secondary review site to cross-reference other reviews.

Laptops Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Laptops Ratings Comments on Reviews

20. HardwareZone.com	Notebook Reviews Editors of HardwareZone.com As of Apr. 2008		HardwareZone.com reviews laptops occasionally. The reviews are fair and comparisons are made, but not very many models are tested, and there doesn't seem to be a consistent testing team. Gaming and multimedia laptops get the most attention here.
21. BiosMagazine.co.uk	Laptop reviews Christian Harris As of Apr. 2008		BIOS is a British-based UK small-business technology website that periodically reviews laptop computers. Testing isn't very extensive, and some of the reviews are not very balanced. Comparisons are only rarely made. BIOS reviews four current laptops; oddly, one is the Alienware Area-51 m9750, which is a gaming computer that would be inappropriate for a business purchase.
22. Pocket-Lint.co.uk	Laptop Reviews Stephen Patrick, Stuart Miles As of Apr. 2008		Britain's Pocket-lint.co.uk regularly reviews laptop computers but not all are sold in the U.S. Critiques are balanced, but the reviews are relatively short and it's hard to tell if any performance tests were conducted. Ratings are similarly high for the most part and sometimes at odds with the reviews themselves.
23. About.com	Before You Choose a Notebook PC Mark Kyrnin Apr. 26, 2007		Mark Kyrnin provides links to his lists of top five laptops in four categories: Desktop Replacement, Budget, Thin and Light and Ultraportable. The short reviews concentrate on specifications and features rather than performance, which, when touched upon at all, is addressed in a way that makes it unclear if any hands-on testing is done. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same parent company.)
24. Laptop Broker.com	Expert Product Reviews Editors of LaptopBroker.com As of Apr. 2008		Laptop Broker is a retailer that posts reviews from the company's technicians on its website. These reviews are largely positive, but surprisingly balanced. Subcategory ratings are helpful -- but would be more so if so many laptops didn't garner perfect scores. The lists of pros and cons are usually helpful and accurate. We'd like to see more information -- aside from first names -- about the authors and their expertise before giving this site too much credibility.
25. laptopadvisor. blogspot.com	Notebook and laptop reviews Anonymous As of Apr. 2008		This odd foreign blog site is somewhat of a blank slate. We don't know who sponsors it, who writes the reviews or much of anything about it except that there are a lot of well-written reviews here. The most recent reviews use a consistent format and include overall and value ratings, but are not very long. Older reviews are more substantive, but lack ratings. Still, without knowing who's writing these reviews, it is hard to give what's here much weight.
26. Newegg.com	Laptops Contributors to Newegg.com As of Apr. 2008		Newegg.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 better-than-average destination for consumer reviews of technology products such as laptop computers. Ratings, as well as pros, cons and general comments are provided. Reviewers are asked to state their level of technical knowledge and how long they've owned the laptop they are reviewing, which adds useful context.
27. Consumer Guide.com	Laptops Reviews and Prices Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Apr. 2008		Consumer Guide reviews an average of one laptop computer per month. Reviews are brief and show little if any hands-on testing. Although performance is rated, no information is given on how that's tested. Battery life is only mentioned in one review. The lack of testing and comparisons gives us little confidence in Consumer Guide's picks.

Laptops Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Laptops Ratings Comments on Reviews

28. Amazon.com	Notebooks Contributors to Amazon.com As of Apr. 2008		Amazon.com is usually a good source for user reviews, but it falls a little short when it comes to laptops as most current models don't get many user reviews. Many laptops score highly, but there's generally not enough difference in the ratings to see any clear indications of which one is best.