The lighting-quick progress of computers can be alienating when you're shopping for a new system. Many consumers worry that they'll purchase a system that will be obsolete in a matter of months, so they spend too much money on the fastest, most advanced machine they can buy. This can be more worrisome when spending the money on a laptop. The truth is, that's just not necessary -- computers are becoming easier and easier to upgrade and expand, and chances are, your particular needs don't demand the most premium system out there. That's why it's important to ask yourself what you'll use a computer for, and to determine your budget before you shop. Once that's done, it's easy to find a laptop that meets your needs. What follows are a few portables that we find offer the most value for their class.


Apple Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro Series

Apple's new MacBook Pro systems aren't the first Macs to use Intel processors inside, but they're the first portable Apple systems to utilize Intel dual-core power. The MacBook Pro series of portable computers is available with two varieties of the Core Duo setup, and either is a considerable performance jump over previous PowerBook laptops, and the higher-end 2.0GHz model features even more enhancements to justify the price.

Apple Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro Series

Averatec 7100 Series

Averatec's 7100 series of portable computers features a monster 17-inch widescreen display, one of the largest we've seen on a laptop from any manufacturer. And these portable computers start out at under a grand, making them affordable systems as well. Couple that with an ample hard drive and plenty of room for expansion, and you have a highly budget-effective laptop without cutting corners.


Dell XPS M1710 Series

Dell's M1710 systems are the mid-range of their beefed-up XPS portable computer lines, with the same excellent performance and great components, but without the same expense or bulky weight. The Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 processor powers this system with two processing cores on a single chip. Add to that speedy RAM memory that's perfect for multitasking and even graphics editing -- with plenty of room for later upgrades, not to mention a dazzling 17-inch widescreen display. This portable is not cheap, but you get plenty of power for the price.


Lenovo ThinkPad X60

Just because a portable computer is thin and light doesn't mean that can't have great power. Take, for example, Lenovo's ThinkPad X60. This ultraportable weighs just around three pounds, yet is powered by an Intel Core Duo processor. In addition to excellent central power thanks to its twin processing units on a single chip, Lenovo pairs that CPU with a respectable 512MB of speedy 667MHz DDR2 memory and a decent set of components for its svelte frame.

Lenovo ThinkPad X60

Toshiba Satellite P105 series

Toshiba's Satellite P10526022 is an excellent desktop replacement system with an enviable list of components. Even as it holds its own against a lot of desktops, the P105 starts out at just seven pounds, so it's still quite transportable -- even with its bright 17-inch display.