Specifications

Desktop-
Replacement
Laptops
By Cisco Cheng
Despite its name, the desktop- replacement
laptop has evolved into something more
than just a portable version of a desktop.
Thanks to shrinking components, you
can now find a 17-inch widescreen desk-
top replacement that’s under 8 pounds.
The heavier ones will pack in more power,
multiple drives, more storage capacity, and
cool media features. Most offer options
for either a Blu-ray or an HD DVD drive.
They’ll feature high-resolution screens,
as well as integrated webcams, wireless
remotes, and cellular modems. Thinner
bodies, fancier metals, cool finishes, and
LED effects are just some of the things
being done to heighten their appeal. All of
these extras come at a cost, so be prepared
to spend at least $2,000 on one of these.
Acer Aspire 5920G
$1,999 list
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Acer calls its new Aspire a Gemstone, and
we agree: It’s a gem. The cover is edged with
a piano-black fi nish reminiscent of a shiny
rock. Inside you’ll find a pretty 15.4-inch
widescreen and a built-in HD DVD-ROM,
running off the latest Intel components and
powerful nVidia graphics.
Specs: 2-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 proces-
sor; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM; 200GB, 5,400-rpm
hard drive; 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT
graphics card; 15.4-inch 1,280-by-800 screen;
Windows Vista Home Ultimate.
Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch
(Intel Core 2 Duo T7700)
$3,799 direct
llllm
The MacBook Pro has added to its fabu-
lous 1-inch-thick body and 17 inches’ worth
of widescreen goodness a whole new set of
Intel components, faster graphics, and big-
ger hard drives. With all that, it retains its
claim to fame as the thinnest and lightest
17-inch laptop on the market.
Specs: 2.4-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 pro-
cessor; 3GB DDR2 SDRAM; 160GB, 7,200-rpm
hard drive; 512MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT
graphics card; 17-inch, 1,920-by-1,200 screen;
Mac OS 10.4.9.
• Acer Aspire 5920G
Fujitsu LifeBook T4210 Tablet PC
$2,349 direct
llllm
This full-featured convertible tablet
integrates a DVD burner and standard-
voltage processing parts. The built-in
security features and the lightweight
chassis make it a great choice for
professionals on the move.
Gateway M285-E
$1,843 direct
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The M285-E is one of the few
convertible tablets that give you
enough screen real estate (14 inches)
and powerful discrete graphics to take
your 3D drawings to another level.
Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet
$2,299 direct
llllh
What’s not to love about this
sturdy convertible tablet? Along
with its magnesium-alloy housing,
the superior keyboard, great
battery life, and ubiquitous wireless
options are a boon for tablet lovers.
Toshiba Portégé R400-S4931
$2,599 direct
llllm
The R400 is super-lightweight and
sports a sexy, white piano fi nish. We
also love the fact that it has a Verizon
EV-DO modem built into its 3.7-pound
frame.
The concept behind a convertible
tablet PC is simple. Flip it open and
it looks and functions like a regular
laptop. Rotate the laptop screen
180 degrees, however, and suddenly
you can apply the digital pen to the
screen as you would pen to paper.
The trick is to fi nd the best combina-
tion of power and features. And we,
as always, are here to help.—CC
Tablet PCs
• Gateway M285-E
• HP Pavilion dv9500t
• Sony VAIO VGN-AR590E
NOVEMBER 6, 2007 PC MAGAZINE 75