Group test: what's the best high-end laptop?

The best laptops where money is no object

By | PC Advisor |

PC Advisor reviews the best high-end laptops available in the UK today. Updated 24th April, 2012.

5. Dell XPS 15z P12F

Dell XPS 15z P12F
  • Reviewed on: 16 December 11
  • RRP: £1,199 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

The Dell is equally comfortable as a desktop replacement or a travelling companion, though perhaps at over 2.5kg you might not want to carry it around for long periods too often. The price tag of almost £1200 is high, but despite our reservations about the keyboard, the overly reflective glossy display and the positioning of USB ports, the Dell XPS 15z is a good all-rounder – especially with entertainment-focused tasks. But in overall build quality, security or the fine attention to all the details, an Apple MacBook Pro it ain't.

4. Toshiba Portégé Z830-104

Toshiba Portégé Z830-104
  • Reviewed on: 12 March 12
  • RRP: £1099 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

The Toshiba Portégé Z830-104 is an ultraportable for the travelling professional who needs their laptop lightweight and practical rather than attractive. It might look plain but it has plenty to offer if you need portage. It's a tad on the pricey side for the package on offer.

3. Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) 2.66GHz Core i7

Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) 2.66GHz Core i7
  • Reviewed on: 14 May 10
  • RRP: £1833.29 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Not only is the MacBook Pro 15in the best constructed notebook computer you can find, it’s now also one of the very fastest. In fact, it’s the most powerful laptop we’ve ever tested. There are alternatives with more powerful graphics systems, but none that maintain such a good balance between performance and extended battery life. If you need the best designed notebook money can buy, or just a safe and dependable operating system running on the fastest portable hardware, the MacBook Pro 15in Core i7 sets the new benchmark.

2. Rock Xtreme X685-I5-2540M

Rock Xtreme X685-I5-2540M
  • Reviewed on: 4 November 11
  • RRP: £1249 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

In terms of build quality, the Rock feels rugged - the chassis has a slightly rubbery feel to it and you'd certainly expect it to withstand continued use from heavy-handed or frustrated gamers.

1. Apple MacBook Air 13.3in (Mid-2011)

Apple MacBook Air 13.3in (Mid-2011)
  • Reviewed on: 8 August 11
  • RRP: £1349 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2011) that we reviewed carries the maximum memory and storage of 4GB and 256GB. If you can work with 128GB of flash storage, the price drops to £1099, which is unbeatable even amongst shabbier-built ultraportable imitators. At time of press, we couldn’t find any Wintel manufacturer that could match the 256GB model's specs.

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