Note: Results are based on readership as well as data collected from retail outlets including Courts, Newstead Technologies and P.A Mart. The models are sorted alphabetically and are not in any ranking order.
Apple MacBook Pro (Core i7 Processor 2.7GHz, 4GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 8.4 out of 10
The good: CPU updates offer big leaps in performance; phenomenal battery life; excellent ergonomics and keyboard; large, smooth, multitouch clickpad; 720p HD Webcam. The bad: Graphics performance is slightly worse than last year's 13-inch Pro; 13-inch screen resolution still low compared with the MacBook Air; Thunderbolt port still an unknown until accessories become available; limited upgrade options; expensive; no HDMI or Blu-ray. The bottom line: Despite retaining the same price and look as last year's model, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro's significant CPU updates and fantastic battery life make it one of the top laptops we've reviewed, provided you can live with passable integrated graphics.
Review | See full specs | Rate thisAsus X23FT (Core i3 330UM Processor 1.2GHz, 2GB RAM)
Outlook
Despite its older first-generation Intel Core-i processor, the Asus X23FT remains an attractive proposition due to its long battery life of up to 8 hours and a handy weight of just 1.5kg. The performance becomes almost secondary in this case, especially with the S$699 (US$546) price tag.
See full specs | Rate thisLenovo ThinkPad X1 (Core i5 2520M Processor 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 7.5 out of 10
The good: Thin and sturdy; rock-solid feel and clean design; backlit keyboard; fast charging battery; low-light Webcam. The bad: Relatively heavy for a thin laptop; Gorilla Glass covered screen produces a lot of glare; integrated battery doesn't last as long as expected. The bottom line: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is the thinnest ThinkPad ever made, and it's a slim, cleanly designed 13-incher worth a look for business travelers--but it's not as thin as a MacBook Air, and its battery life isn't as good, either.
Review | See full specs | Rate thisMSI GT780 (Core i7 2630QM Processor 2.0GHz)
CNET Asia rating: 8.1 out of 10
The good: Excellent audio; SteelSeries gaming keyboard; matte display; good battery life; competitive specs and pricing. The bad: Bulky plastic chassis; mediocre design; keyboard lighting schemes feel gimmicky. The bottom line: The MSI GT780 is a capable gaming laptop with a competitive price and solid features if you can look past its mediocre design.
Review | See full specs | Rate thisSony Vaio SE (Core i5 2430M Processor 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 8.0 out of 10
The good: Discrete graphics and optional slice battery help it stand out from other midsize laptops; included TPM chip should play nice with your IT department; stylish. The bad: AMD graphics switching still tied to clunky physical switch; without the extra slice, battery life is merely OK. The bottom line: Sony knocks out another stylish system with the 15-inch Vaio SE, with some extra appeal for business users.
Review | See full specs | Rate thisToshiba Portege R830 (Core i5 2410M Processor 2.3GHz, 4GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 8.0 out of 10
The good: Sports new Intel Core i5 CPU; sharp design; nearly all-day battery life. The bad: Integrated graphics are still not gamer-friendly; Bluetooth and mobile broadband are missing from some configs. The bottom line: With three more hours of battery life over last year's model, Toshiba's new R800 series of Portege laptops is hard to beat, even in the highly competitive 13-inch laptop category.
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