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Best desktop replacement laptops

(Aug 29, 2008)

Dan Ackerman Dan Ackerman
Senior Editor
Michelle Thatcher Michelle Thatcher
Senior Associate Editor
Go big or go home, one could say (we wouldn't, but someone could). If you want to ditch the desktop once and for all, without sacrificing your gaming and multimedia experience, these 17-inch-plus laptops are the answer. Just don't try to open one of these sitting in a coach airline seat.

Apple MacBook Pro

A solid, if predictable, upgrade to the MacBook Pro line, but noteworthy for stealing the MacBook Air's best feature--expanded gesture controls for the touch pad.

Price: $2,209.00 - $2,520.28 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 4, 2008

4 stars

Excellent

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Gateway P-7811FX

We don't know how Gateway makes money selling these things, but the combination of high-end components and low price makes the 17-inch Gateway P-7811FX the best mobile gaming deal going right now.

Price: $1,449.99 - $1,449.99 (check prices)

Review date: Aug 15, 2008

4 stars

Excellent

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Asus M70SA-X2

You can find Blu-ray-equipped desktop replacements for less, but no other media laptop currently offers as many features for the price as the Asus M70.

Price: Sorry, pricing not available

Review date: Jun 6, 2008

4 stars

Excellent

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Acer Aspire 8920-6671

With Blu-ray and a true 1080p display, the 18-inch Acer Aspire 8920 is a movie fan's dream, but we'd go for the cheaper of Acers' two preconfigured models.

Price: $2,279.00 - $2,494.05 (check prices)

Review date: May 22, 2008

4 stars

Excellent

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HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr

We recommend the eye-catching, media-friendly HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr desktop replacement for students who want a laptop that doubles as an entertainment center. Gateway, however, has a slightly cheaper 17-inch model that's better suited to gamers.

Price: $1,349.99 - $1,349.99 (check prices)

Review date: Aug 14, 2008

3h stars

Very good

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