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Top 10 Power Laptops

These laptops are on the heavy side and have large screens (17-inches or higher) -- that makes these powerhouses ideal replacements for desktop PCs. 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. Alienware M17x

CPU: Core 2 Extreme QX9300; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; Weight (min): 11.68 pounds; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: Of course, a tricked out gaming machine like the M17x will cost you a lot of money and perform well. But few look as good.

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2. Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

CPU: Core 2 Extreme QX9300; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 400GB; Weight (min): 8.4 pounds; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: The idea of a second screen latched onto a huge desktop replacement notebook sounds good on paper, but it's not fully-baked.

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3. Eurocom D901C Phantom-X

CPU: Intel Xeon X3370; CPU speed: 3000MHz; Display size: 17.1 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Superior

Bottom Line: The Phantom-X packs plenty of power and versatility, but suffers from a lackluster layout and design.

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4. Micro Express N570

CPU: Core 2 Extreme QX9300; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Very Good

Bottom Line: Micro Express' power-hungry -- but feature-starved -- desktop replacement delivers gaming goods but little else.

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5. ASUS W90

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600; CPU speed: 2800MHz; Display size: 18.4 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: While high-res gaming frame-rates on the Asus W90VP boom, moderate overall performance and weak sound disappoint.

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6. HP HDX 18

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600; CPU speed: 2800MHz; Display size: 18.4 inches; Hard drive size: 640GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: As a desktop replacement, it not only performs well, it makes your actual desktop look snazzier.

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7. Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q708

CPU: Core 2 Extreme Q9300; CPU speed: 2500MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: Toshiba's high-end Qosmio X305 has lots of style and even more power, but could use a more practical physical design.

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8. Apple MacBook Pro A1297 (17-inch)

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600; CPU speed: 2800MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 500GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: Apple's largest laptop gains speed and options while dropping in price, making for a great value.

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9. MSI GT 725

CPU: Core 2 Quad Q9000; CPU speed: 2000MHz; Display size: 17 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: The MSI GT 725 satesfies gamers, but even though it has ample power, it'll leave other users hungering for more.

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10. Acer Aspire 8930

CPU: Core 2 Duo T9400; CPU speed: 2530MHz; Display size: 18.4 inches; Hard drive size: 320GB; WorldBench 6 rating: Good

Bottom Line: The Aspire 8930 is that great combination of price and purpose, providing good gaming for under two grand.

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