Top 12 laptops

Want to carry your world of music, information, games, the works, with you? Then it is time to switch from using your stationary PC to a swanky laptop.

This move needn't cost you a bomb; to help you make your decision, we feature the top 12 laptops in the market.

We start with the best budget models, then move to the best medium priced laptops and end with the best high-end laptops. Choose one to suit your budget and your needs.

Budget models

Are you on a shoe string budget? We list down wallet-friendly, productive laptops.

If you find the price steep, do check with your vendor if he offers options like an interest free loan or a 'installment-based payment' on your credit card. You could also check with your bank about a personal loan.

Rank 1: Acer Aspire 1640-ZL8

Outstanding features: If you are looking to replace the beige box that is cluttering your desk with many wires, then the Aspire 1640-ZL8 from Acer should be your choice.

Though not that powerful, this laptop offers a value-for-money package. Sporting an Intel Pentium M740 1.7GHz processor with 256Mb RAM, the Aspire 1640-ZL8 has a 60Gb hard disk drive and a 15.4-inch LCD screen.

Like the HP Pavilion DV1376TU, this too has an Intel Graphics Media accelerator as a video card. It also has a WLAN, Firewire port, USB ports and a DVD burner. The laptop is heavy; it weighs 2.9 kg.

Drawbacks: A little heavy, as far as the weight is concerned. Also, it is low on memory. You may want to shell out a few hundred rupees more for a memory upgrade.

The final word: An ideal desktop replacement, the Acer Aspire 1640-ZL8 offers true bang for the buck. Once upgraded to a 512Mb RAM, the laptop should compete with top high-end models.

Price: Rs 42,000

Text: Kunal Gangar

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