Toshiba Toshiba Satellite P205D-S7479

At 7.9 pounds the P205D is a little heavy, but it's nice-looking if you don't mind the big Toshiba logo imprinted on its dark blue lid. The dropped-hinges design gives the rear of the laptop a sleek look. Aside from lacking Bluetooth wireless connectivity, it's also well equipped for the price, including six USB ports. The Del key is buried in the number pad, but otherwise typing is a breeze.

A set of CD and DVD control buttons and integrated Harman/Kardon speakers add to the P205D's attractiveness as an entertainment notebook. The case tends to vibrate a bit when the sound is turned all the way up, and the volume wheel is not very responsive, but those are minor complaints. The audio is rich and full.

It might not blow away the competition, but the Toshiba Satellite P205D-S7479 is fast enough for most types of work, it's well rounded, and it's priced right--and it's your ticket to some inexpensive after-hours gaming fun. There's still a chance that a 14-year-old in Florida with a bigger, meaner gaming rig will be talking smack after blowing you to smithereens, but at least you'll have a nice portable PC for your $1300.

--Carla Thornton