Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system has trickled down into the laptop world, with almost all new systems shipping with the OS. Luckily, most of these laptops have the power and the components to run this operating system -- and most any applications this side of 3D games -- handily. We've recently reviewed a batch that includes a laptop computer for most everyone.


Acer Aspire 5610

A series of mainstream laptop computers that starts at a low-end price, the Acer Aspire 5610 family features decent components. Powered by an Intel Core Duo processor and up to 2GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory, these laptops deliver solid performance. You also get a 120GB hard drive, a dual-layer DVD writer, and a 5-in-1 media card reader for easy file and photo transfer.

Some models even include a built-in OrbiCam for online video chatting on the 15.4-inch widescreen display if that fits your needs. And the baseline Acer Aspire 5610 systems start at $700 -- an excellent price for a Windows Vista Home Premium laptop computer.

HP Pavilion dv6000 laptop

HP Pavilion dv6000

HP's Pavilion dv6000 series of laptop computers comes with an enviable current-generation dual core processor: the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. While the video card shares video memory with the system RAM, that's about the only "con" against a large list of "pros”. HP also includes a large 160GB hard drive for storage, and a LightScribe-enabled DVD writer that burns Dual-Layer DVDs and lets you imprint labels on compatible disks as well. There's even a remote control for handling multimedia playback, such as watching DVD movies on the 15.4-inch widescreen, and a built-in Webcam and microphone for online video conferencing.


HP Pavilion tx1100

Another offering from HP, the Pavilion tx1100 series is something different. These thin and light laptop computers weigh in at around four pounds, making them extremely portable. And even though the 12.1-inch screen is smaller than a lot of mainstream laptops, it offers the same sharp 1280x800 native resolution. That screen can also twist 180 degrees and then fold flat against the body of the laptop, making it easy to watch movies in cramped quarters or share information with other users. And with a small upgrade, you can convert the laptop into a full-fledged tablet PC and make the screen touch sensitive (you also get a stylus with this upgrade).

HP doesn't slouch on the rest of the components in this laptop's tiny frame either: you get an AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-52 processor and a gig of DDR2 memory, a 120GB hard drive, an 8X Dual-Layer DVD writer (with LightScribe capabilities), and a 5-in-1 media card reader. There's also a built-in Webcam and microphone, an integrated fingerprint reader, and gigabit Ethernet for hooking up to high-speed office networks. This combination of components and low starting price made the HP tx1100 series of laptop computers a Best Buy.

Sony VAIO N230 laptop

Sony VAIO N230

Another laptop family geared towards both home and office users, the Sony VAIO N230 series ships with Vista Business while offering Intel Core Duo T2250 processors, 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory, and 15.4-inch widescreen displays in the stylish package that Sony is well known for.

The 100GB hard drive is smaller than the other offerings here, but still provides a good amount of storage space. The 8X DVD writer can handle Dual-Layer DVDs, and there's an i.LINK port for connecting digital camcorders. Sony's N230 is a sleek option for business or mainstream users alike.