Latest Computer Tests Find Top Performers at Affordable Prices

Consumer Reports September 2010 Cover YONKERS, NY — Now is a good time to get a deal on a computer without sacrificing performance and key features. Because changes to newer model desktops, laptops and netbooks are mostly cosmetic, buying a slightly older version may save consumers some money. The September issue of Consumer Reports features shopping advice for computers and printers, includes Ratings of 200 models and discusses the latest features in each category. The full report is also available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Whether shopping for a newer model computer or buying one for the first-time Consumer Reports says there are things to consider before making a purchase. For instance, there’s not a lot of difference in speed between laptops and desktops, so weigh the better ergonomics of a desktop against the convenience of a laptop. Here are some other things to keep in mind when shopping.

Match a desktop to needs. Full-sized desktops are feature-laden but take up lots of space. A slim or compact desktop will save space. All-in-ones are the most compact but often cost more.
Pick the right laptop size. If portability and price are priorities and workload is light, consider a 10-inch netbook. For heavier work, a 13-inch laptop is a better choice but will cost more. Most people find the best balance of price, power, and portability in a 14- to 16-inch laptop. A 17-inch or larger model works well as a replacement desktop.
Weigh a laptop’s ergonomics. Try a laptop out in a store if possible and pay special attention to the keyboard size and layout. The touch-pad should be large enough for the finger to traverse the span of the display without lifting. Make sure the touchpad buttons aren’t too difficult to press.

Budget Laptops Under $600

Consumer Reports recommends the Toshiba Satellite T235-S1352, $580. It was an excellent performer in tests, had a battery life of seven hours, a generous hard drive and a large 16-inch display all at a low price. Another good choice is the Compaq Presario CQ62-209WM, $400. It’s a bare-bones model with good performance and a price that can’t be beat.

Desktops

Consumer Reports tested full-sized, compact and all-in-one desktop computers. The Compaq Presario CQ5320Y is a great deal at $350 – it’s a bare-bones computer that performs well and has a large, 500 GB hard drive. For a compact desktop, Consumer Reports recommends the Dell Inspiron 580s, $500, which has excellent performance, however, the brand has had the worst tech support. Another good choice is the HP Pavilion Slimline s5310y, $460, which has a lower price and more storage. The Apple iMac 27-inch MB952LL/A, $1,700, was the top-performing all-in-one — it’s pricy but has a large, excellent display.

Netbooks

The models Consumer Reports tested are all suitable as secondary computers for performing routine tasks. The best offer lighter weight, larger keyboards and trackpads and longer battery life. The Toshiba Mini NB305-N442BL, $380, has better ergonomics than most other netbooks, so it’s more comfortable to type on and battery life was a respectable 7.25 hours. The Asus Eee PC 1015PEB-RD6O1, $330, also had a long battery life at 9¼ hours and its light weight (2.7 pounds) makes its portability excellent.

Printers

Consumer Reports recently tested 112 printers and found several speedy, economical all-in-one printers for less than $150. They produce high-quality photos and text and can save space and money compared with a separate printer, scanner and copier.

When shopping for a printer, consumers should assess all costs. An inexpensive printer can be pricey in the long run if print costs are high, so factor that in when choosing. All-in-ones copying function is fine for casual use. Their scanners should be adequate for print originals. Most of the models Consumer Reports tested were very good for scanning.

The HP Photosmart Premium CD055A#ABA, $140, is an all-in-one inkjet that is very good for printing photos and text. It has a large LCD, which is helpful for cropping photos without a computer. The Lexmark Prospect Pro205, $120, another all-in-one inkjet, prints photos quickly and cheaply and has a built in fax.

Four tips for printing cheaply with any printer

Avoid the Arial font which uses more ink than Times New Roman and other fonts.
Print in draft mode on both sides of the paper.
Printing in grayscale or “use black only” mode minimizes the use of color ink.
Recycle spent cartridges for a refund or credit at an office supply store.

The full report on computers and printers, including advice and Ratings is featured in the September issue of Consumer Reports which will be available on newsstands August 3rd, and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.