Though too big for frequent travel, desktop replacements deliver higher
performance and more features than most smaller laptops. Typical
options include massive screens, DVD burners, and large, comfortable
keyboards. Generally, desktop replacements are popular among home and
business users who do not travel regularly and who need CPU muscle for
gaming and multimedia work. Here are the best.
For home: Desktop replacements
| Notebooks |
Editors' rating |
Price |
Summary |
Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513
|
8.1
Excellent
|
$2469-$3069
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Combining TV, DVR, stereo, DVD player, and high-performance PC in one big laptop, the Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 delivers the most complete multimedia experience available in a laptop.
Specs: 9.5 lbs, Intel Pentium M (2 GHz) , 1 GB DDR II SDRAM , 120 GB Serial ATA , 17 in TFT active matrix , Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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|
Dell Inspiron 9300
Released: 03/03/2005
|
7.8
Very good
|
$1204-$1299
� |
The Dell Inspiron 9300 packs advanced multimedia features and blazing performance for gaming and home or business applications.
Specs: 9.4 lbs, Intel Pentium M (1.73 GHz) , 512 MB DDR SDRAM , 60 GB Ultra ATA/100 , 17 in TFT active matrix , Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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|
Sony VAIO VGN-A690
Released: 04/01/2005
|
7.5
Very good
|
|
Though it relies heavily on its accessories, the Sony VAIO VGN-A690 successfully delivers TV, DVR, stereo, DVD player, and high-performance PC functions in one big laptop.
Specs: 8.8 lbs, Intel Pentium M (1.86 GHz) , 1 GB DDR II SDRAM , 100 GB Serial ATA , 17 in TFT active matrix , Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
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|
HP Pavilion zd8000
Released: 12/15/2004
|
7.3
Very good
|
$1149
� |
A TV, a digital recorder, a stereo, and--oh, yes--a powerful computer, the HP Pavilion zd8000 is one of the very best multimedia powerhouses on the market.
Specs: 12.1 lbs, Intel Pentium 4 (3.6 GHz) , 1 GB DDR SDRAM , 80 GB IDE , 17 in TFT active matrix , Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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|
Apple PowerBook G4 (17-inch, SuperDrive)
Released: 01/31/2005
|
7.3
Very good
|
$2258-$2733
� |
The foxy Apple 17-inch PowerBook delivers the performance and the features most users will need, but it's more expensive than a similarly outfitted Windows laptop.
Specs: 6.8 lbs, Motorola PowerPC G4 (1.67 GHz) , 512 MB DDR SDRAM , 100 GB IDE , 17 in TFT active matrix , Apple MacOS X 10.4
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