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Consumer Reports Puts Laptop Computers To The Test

(KDKA) From small to large, cheap to expensive, there are lots of laptops to choose from and it seems more and more people are buying them than desk top computers these days.

So Consumer Reports put some of the most popular brands and models to the test to come up with their "Best Buys" for laptop computers.

While some of the laptops tested were very technical, most of us care about the basics like power, memory, how long the batteries last, screen quality and ergonomics.

"For ergonomics we examine factors such as how comfortable the keyboard is to use, whether or not the touch pad tracks properly, and the placement of the ports," said Chris Lam, of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports is recommending four basic laptops:
1.) Lenovo Think Pad T-61 for $950
2.) Toshiba's Satellite Model A-215-S-5818 for $750
3.) Lenovo Think Pad the R-61 Model for $870
4.) Dell's Inspiron model 15-25 at $675

But if you're looking for more features and performance, Consumer Reports recommends the Apple MacBook Pro with the 15-inch monitor for $2,050. The best desktop replacement is the Apple MacBook Pro with a 17-inch monitor for $2,900.

Also, the Consumer Reports overall "Best Buy" is the Dell Inspiron model 17-21 with a 17-inch monitor for just $950.

Consumer Reports also say that no matter which laptop you buy, budget a couple of extra hundred dollars more for things like power adapters and carrying cases that aren't included.

They add that you will probably have to pay for upgrades to old software, because a lot of older software won't work with the new Vista operating system.

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