Group test: what's the best laptop?

The five best laptops

By | PC Advisor |

PC Advisor reviews the five best buy laptops in the UK. 

5. Apple MacBook Pro 15in (Late 2011)

Apple MacBook Pro 15in (Late 2011)
  • Reviewed on: 21 December 11
  • RRP: £1849 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Apple didn’t even press release the changes in this gentle speed bump for autumn 2011’s MacBook Pro. But small increases in performance are there to be had, over what was already a spectacularly fast laptop. We’re still holding out for a complete revision to the design, though, to improve on the poor default glass-fronted screen – and maybe even a slimmer, lighter chassis, more in line with the demand for ultraportable mobile computing that Apple itself has helped engender with the MacBook Air.

 

4. Asus Zenbook UX31E

Asus Zenbook UX31E
  • Reviewed on: 1 March 12
  • RRP: £1000 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

The Asus Zenbook UX31E is impressive. It's an excellent performer, it's attractive and light, and it plays back multimedia well. Unfortunately, its screen is off-colour and its touchpad needs more work.

3. Toshiba Satellite P750-137

Toshiba Satellite P750-137
  • Reviewed on: 7 November 11
  • RRP: £999 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Toshiba Satellite P750-137 is a good all-rounder, handling all types of multimedia content well, though it might not have the kind of performance that dedicated gamers are looking for.

2. Dell XPS 14z

Dell XPS 14z
  • Reviewed on: 16 March 12
  • RRP: £949 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Dell's XPS 14z could be accused of looking rather like a MacBook Pro. If this was a deliberate ploy, it’s also a risky one, as few laptops can stand comparison with the MacBook Pro's design, build and feature set and still walk away with their reputations intact. Fortunately, the Dell XPS 14z is one that almost can. In all, there's a lot of laptop on offer here for under £1000, despite our mixed feelings about the display. A fine looking, sturdy and fast laptop with an attractive price tag, we've no hesitation in recommending it.

1. Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2011) 1.8GHz Core i7

Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2011) 1.8GHz Core i7
  • Reviewed on: 2 March 12
  • RRP: £1449 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The most expensive of the thin and light laptops we've tested recently, the 13in Apple MacBook Air will set you back the best part of a grand and a half. This makes it a sizeable investment, but one you're unlikely to regret – the build quality is phenomenal and the components top-notch.

Share this article




Comments

Best Smartphone said: I agree with you. The best!

Best Laptops 2012 said: So better buy Dell XPS.

Radiounlock Carstereo said: The hard drive recovery will be easier with a powerful laptop with big capacity

Harold [prof] said: Have recently purchased a Medion Erazer X6819 (MD97908)   Intel Core i7-2670Qm processor Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX570M graphics card, 500 GB hard drive, 80 GB SSD, 39.6 cm/15.6" full HD display and at £969 this is a seriously fast and powerful Laptop it rips the back out of my wife's Mac Book air and of course it has the advantage that you are not limited as to what software you can load onto it unlike the limitations that the wife's Mac Book has.Certainly impressed with Medion very well built. 

Patricia said: I have a Toshiba Laptop five yrs old want to buy new what is the best buy price range £500-£600.

Matt Egan - Editor said: Hi JakeB, we will update the chart, as usual, at the start of November. Whether either MacBook Air makes it depends on how they perform in the lab.

JakeB said: With the new, cheaper yet faster MacBook Airs out, gentlemen, might want to update this list.

Andy said: The HP envy HP Envy 15-1110ea, which you gave the second place to was reviewed nearly two months ago yet you still cant buy it here in the uk from HP. How long should it remain listed here if its not available, otherwise it looks like an advertisement for HP and it should be removed from the review.

Send to a friend

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.