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Top 10 All-Purpose Laptops

These laptops can do it all and are a great choice for most notebook users. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Darren Gladstone

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1. Lenovo ThinkPad T400s

CPU: Core 2 Duo SP9600; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 14.1 inches; Hard drive size: 128GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Superior

Bottom Line: With the T400s laptop, Lenovo heaps on features, cuts the girth, and builds a lean, mean business machine.

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2. Samsung X460-44P

CPU: Core 2 Duo P8400; CPU speed: 2260MHz; Display size: 14.1 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: Samsung's US reentry provides solid competition - even for ultraportable laptops - but with slicker looks and more features.

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3. Apple MacBook Pro A1286 (15.4-inch)

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600; CPU speed: 2800MHz; Display size: 15.4 inches; Hard drive size: 500GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Superior

Bottom Line: Apple's new midsize model offers upgraded specs, better value, and more options.

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4. Dell Studio XPS 16

CPU: Core 2 Duo P8600; CPU speed: 2400MHz; Display size: 16 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: Dell's Studio line shines with a notebook that provides sharp designs and smart features without a hefty price tag.

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5. HP HDX 16

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600; CPU speed: 2800MHz; Display size: 16 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: This machine brings desktop replacement performance and features down into the all-purpose class -- and does it well.

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6. Toshiba Satellite U505-S2940

CPU: Core 2 Duo T7350; CPU speed: 2000MHz; Display size: 13.3 inches; Hard drive size: 400GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: A solid choice for general computing and entertainment if you don’t need the slimmest (or lightest) travel mate.

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7. Apple MacBook Pro A1278 (13-inch)

CPU: Core 2 Duo P8700; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 13.1 inches; Hard drive size: 250GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: Apple's retake on the 13-inch laptop sees a boost in power, drop in price -- and the return of FireWire.

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8. Samsung NP-Q320

CPU: Core 2 Duo P8700; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 13.4 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: With the exception of a lackluster screen, this is a slick general purpose laptop with a good bit of power for the price.

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9. HP Pavilion dv4-1465dx

CPU: Core 2 Duo T6500; CPU speed: 2100MHz; Display size: 14.1 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Fair

Bottom Line: Bigger, better, faster, more: This notebook expands upon HP's all-purpose Pavilion dv3 while undercutting the price.

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10. Dell Studio 14z

CPU: Core 2 Duo T6500; CPU speed: 2100MHz; Display size: 14.1 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: The sleek, slim 14z all-purpose laptop delivers a great package overall--so long as you don't crave an optical drive.

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