Dell XPS M1730

The good: Dual SLI graphics; strong mobile gaming scores; 10-key number pad; integrated Logitech GamePanel LCD; multicolored, built-in LED lights play along with music and games; backlit keyboard; can play media files without booting up.

The bad: Similarly configured laptops are faster on some tests; plastic lid and creaky hinges don't scream (or sound like) luxury; the albatross that is the massive power brick.

The bottom line: With a redesigned case that's chock-full of cutting-edge technologies, the Dell XPS M1730 tops our list of our favorite gaming laptops.

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Description: This configuration of the Dell XPS M1730 is a 10.6-pound, general-purpose notebook computer. Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is expensive at around $3,885. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in. Features NVIDIA GeForce 8700MGT graphics with 512MB of video RAM.

Pros: Has a 17 screen size, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced notebooks. Also, this notebook has a 400GB hard drive, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced notebooks.

Cons: Has a 10.6-pound weight, which is heavier than some similarly priced notebooks. For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X61 , at around $3, 515, has only a 4.4-pound weight. Also, this notebook only has a Core 2 extreme processor, which is somewhat less efficient than some similarly priced notebooks. For example, the Sony VAIO AR390E , an 8.4-pound notebook at around $3, 590, has a Core 2 Duo processor. The Dell XPS M1730 comes with no-frills word processing software – if you often need to create presentations you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged office suite .

Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook. Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital videocamera onto DVDs. With 512MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do tremedously better than most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games. If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.

Value: Overall, this notebook's price seems hard to justify, with respect to its features.

Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room. (2) To get the most out of this notebook's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.