Top Holiday Picks: Notebooks

You know the old saying: It’s the thought that counts… unless you’re giving a notebook. Perhaps that’s not an old saying, but it’s true. When giving a laptop as a gift you can’t just pick the best-looking one off the shelf and be done. You’ve got to consider the giftee: What will they use the notebook for? What size screen do they prefer? Is power more important, or portability? Long battery life or the ability to play games? Once you know, there are hundreds of systems out there to wade through. Luckily, you’ve got us. We made some lists and checked them twice. All you have to do is find the computer that matches your loved one’s needs and your wallet’s limitations: Mainstream Notebooks — All of the laptops in this category are great, but the Acer Aspire 5738DG has something the rest don’t: 3D. With a special set of (included) glasses, you can experience 3D pictures, videos and games. Don’t worry, everything else will look the same. Click here for our full review. Ultraportable Notebooks — Most of our other picks in this category could be mistaken for netbooks if you didn’t look too closely at their insides. The HP Envy 13 gives you screen real estate, impressive power and multimedia chops in an attractive package. Desktop Replacement Notebooks — Let’s throw practicality out the window. And while we’re at it, a sensible budget. Those considerations pale in comparison to owning the most powerful laptop in the universe. The Alienware M17x is a gaming monster, built to withstand all the in-game grenades, bombs, spells and blades your opponents throw at it. So what if it cost over $4,600? Can you put a price on pure joy? Best Win 7 Notebooks — Bringing things back down to earth a bit, one Win 7 notebook we really love is the HP ProBook 5310m. Don’t be put off by its business suit. This notebook will suit anyone whose life revolves around their laptop and is looking to depend on it for years to come. Business notebooks are usually better made, anyway. We’ve got more great gift ideas in this year’s Gadget Gift Guide.