LAPTOP Magazine’s Top Blu-Ray Notebook Picks

HD-DVD is dead, but that other high-definition format is more than just a fall back; it’s a winner. The reason the Blu-Ray format stole the gold isn’t just because the studios were backing it, but its also plays back some beautiful content. And why not use that slick notebook screen to play it back? We have had our eyes on some hot Blu-Ray notebooks for a while now. Here are our top three Blu-Ray laptop picks. Dell Inspiron 1520 We were big fan’s of the Dell Inspiron 1520 and now, with its optional Blu-Ray drive, it the 1520 is even more attractive. Playing your favorite flicks on the 15.4-inch 1680 x 1050-pixel glossy panel delivers vibrant colors and a sharp picture with very little reflection, and good viewing angles from all directions. Review: Dell Inspiron 1520 Price: $1,807 Sony VAIO VGN-AR590E The Sony AR series has been a long time Blu-Ray favorite and if anyone knows B-Ray viewing it is Sony. Featuring a crisp 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution display, this 17-incher delivers true 1080p eye candy. A convenient HDMI port makes it a synch to hook up to the big screen. Review: Sony VAIO VGN-AR590E Price: $3,299 HP Pavillion HDX This one won’t fit in your shoulder bag but its 20.1-inch dual-hinge screen sets it apart from the pack because it lets you move the screen back or forward to get just right viewing angle. The system has Penryn power and an Nvidia GeForce 8800M graphics. Its 1920 x 1200-pixel (1080p) display and Altec Lansing speakers provide one heck of an HD experience. Review: HP Pavillion HDX Price: $2,564