Computer reviews

The best desktop or laptop for you and where to buy it

Speedier performance and extended laptop battery life are among the improvements in several new models in our latest tests of computers. Yet other models fell short in those areas.

Our computer reviews found plenty of laptops and desktops, from basic to high-end models, that would be fine choices for most people. We also identified the best places to shop for computers, whether your priority is price, selection, or service.

Here are some highlights from our tests, along with the latest news about computers:

Intel and AMD offer new circuitry

Intel promised that its new Centrino 2 chipset would deliver "blazing performance" and "amazing battery life." (See Ad Watch.) We tested the Centrino 2 on six new laptops equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor. Speed was excellent overall, beating Intel's previous Centrino offerings. But the most impressive improvement was in battery life. Two of the Centrino 2 systems with a standard battery had a battery life of 5 hours or more, which is the best we've seen in laptops running Vista.

Laptops with Centrino 2 technology cost more than other models, so stick with established technologies unless you require longer battery life, play 3D games, or need to do video editing.

We were disappointed with AMD's next-generation notebook platform, which is based on the Turion X2 processor. Laptops with those chipsets, including models from HP and Toshiba, scored significantly lower in our computer reviews than models with the Intel Centrino 2-based platforms, taking hits for slower speed and shorter battery life.

Tiny laptops are big

Demand for pint-sized laptops, commonly called netbooks, is increasing, driven in part by their wallet-friendly price that starts at about $250. They weigh just 2 to 3 pounds and have a 7- to 10-inch display, so their primary role is for Web surfing and e-mail on the go or as a secondary PC for students. While they're lightweight and low-priced, the first such models we tested suffered from cramped keyboards and sluggish performance. We'll be taking a closer look at the $350 Dell Inspiron Mini 9 that arrived at press time.

More computers get 64-bit Vista

This souped-up version of Windows, offered on some new desktops and laptops, lets a PC take advantage of 4 or more gigabytes of memory. That can potentially improve multitasking capabilities and speed up demanding applications such as video editing. But it has its downside: Some older peripherals that you already own, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, fingerprint readers, and backup power units, might be compatible only with 32-bit Vista. The same goes for some of your favorite software. To find out which hardware and software are compatible, check Microsoft's Web site. If a product isn't listed, check with its manufacturer.

Laptop displays get glitzy

Some manufacturers are going for the iPhone look, dropping the familiar plastic frame along the edges of some laptop displays to give them a flat, mirror-smooth finish from edge to edge. Lenovo was the first to introduce that, with its IdeaPad laptops. Now HP offers it as a $50 option called BrightView Infinity on its Pavilion laptops. While such displays are aesthetically pleasing, we found that they were twice as reflective as the usual laptop and suffered from glare during our computer reviews. Avoid such laptops if you plan to use yours outdoors or in a brightly lighted room.

Wider screens better fit HD

Some new laptops have screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio. They're shorter than the traditional 16:10 screens, so you can view HD content full-screen without the black bars you see on 16:10 displays. Two laptops in our Ratings (available to subscribers), the 16.4-inch Sony and the 16-inch Acer, have 16:9 screens.

How to compare computers

Pick a type and size

With laptops, there are trade-offs among screen size and portability, battery life, and price. When they compare computers, most people will find that at a 15-inch screen still offers the best balance of portability and usability. A 17-inch model is better suited as a desktop replacement. You'll pay more for a slim-and-light model with a 13-inch screen, but you'll have less weight to tote around. Smaller laptops also tend to have longer battery life.

For more helpful information about choosing a notebook computer, see our Laptop Buying Guide.

With desktops, there's a trade-off between size and price. A traditional desktop with a separate case and 17- to 22-inch LCD monitor costs less than a comparable all-in-one, but it takes up more space. Slim desktops such as those offered by Dell and HP also have a smaller footprint, thanks to thinner and shorter towers, and cost less than all-in-ones.

Decide on power

Compare computers and make sure that your new one has at least 2GB of RAM, especially if it's running Windows Vista. If it's just running typical applications, you need only a dual-core processor. But if you often use your computer for gaming and complex 3D graphics or editing video, get a faster dual-core processor and a graphics card with 256MB of memory, as found in our workhorse category. You'll need a high-end desktop with a quad-core processor and an even more powerful graphics card only if you're a serious gamer or videographer.

Consider tech support

Our user surveys have found major differences in the quality of tech support. Apple has been best for laptop and desktop support. Lenovo was outstanding at problem-solving for laptops; Dell was an above-average problem solver for desktops and laptops. Factor those differences into your choice, as we have in our recommendations (available to subscribers).

Weigh reliability

As a whole, computers aren't especially reliable; about 1 in 5 has needed repairs within a few years' time. But don't run out and buy an extended service plan. Our survey data suggests that on average, computer repairs cost about the same as a plan, which you may not ever use. See our brand reliability charts.

Shop smart

When you compare computers, assess the ergonomics of a laptop while trying it out in a store. Make sure that the keyboard and pointing device are comfortable to use. Also note whether there's glare on the display and how heavy the laptop feels. If you want to customize a desktop or laptop, shop at a manufacturer's Web site. On most, menus show you numerous options and how a change affects the overall price. You'll often be offered choices you wouldn't get if you bought off the shelf in a retail store.