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• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you ignore the ultrabook branding and instead think of this as a somewhat slim midsize, mainstream laptop, the 14-inch Samsung Series 5 is a fine example of the form. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 500 GB - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 4 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 13 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Asus Zenbook UX31E is an excellent-looking Windows Ultrabook laptop that matches the MacBook Air step for step with an even better price. Fans of great audio, high-resolution screens and lots of ports will be happy; keyboard/touch pad aficionados will be disappointed. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2557M, 1.7 GHz ( 2.7 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 128 GB, - Serial ATA-600, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 13.3 in, TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, None, 2.86 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 25 reviews

The Bottom Line: The $1,649 Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A certainly won't be for every wallet, but this light, well-featured, and striking 13-incher is the closest the Windows world will ever come to a MacBook Air. However, its higher-than-the-Air price will be hard to stomach. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2537M / 1.4 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 2.9 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Black

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 4 GB (max), 240 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, None, 2.9 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 11 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Acer Aspire S3 is the closest you can get to the look and feel of a MacBook Air for less than $1,000, but it requires a few compromises. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz, ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, / 4 GB (max), - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, TFT active matrix, 13.3 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, 2.98 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.9 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: Despite its semirugged construction, the Dell Latitude E6220 feels dated, especially for a small 12-inch laptop, and it's painfully expensive, even for its very limited target audience. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2520M / 2.6 GHz, 4.0 GB, 250 GB - 5400 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, No Media, 64-bit, English, 12.5 in, No Optical Device, 3000, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 30 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Lenovo ThinkPad X220 packs in a new Intel Core i5 CPU and can run all day (depending on how you use it). With a 12.5-inch display, it's just a bit smaller than a 13-inch laptop, and it feels like an excellent compromise for frequent travelers. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 12.5 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, DVD-Writer - Plug-in module, 3.3 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Black

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The latest Samsung Series 9 goes extra-big, and the gamble pays off with the most portable and comfortable 15-incher you're likely to find. However, its high price and lack of higher-end features don't make it the best value. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 8 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 15 in TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 3.5 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Titan silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 11 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Asus Zenbook UX31E is an excellent-looking Windows Ultrabook laptop that matches the MacBook Air step for step with an even better price. Fans of great audio, high-resolution screens and lots of ports will be happy; keyboard/touch pad aficionados will be disappointed. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2557M, 1.7 GHz ( 2.7 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 256 GB, - Serial ATA-600, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 13.3 in, TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), None, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, 2.86 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Samsung's finally made an affordable ultrabook, and the 13-inch Series 5 Ultra is a well-priced and far slimmer product than its 14-inch cousin. Still, it's not a runaway bargain, and it feels like corners have been cut in adapting it from the stellar Series 9's design. You also might want to wait a few weeks for Intel's latest processors to arrive. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 500 GB - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 3.2 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2450M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.1 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB, 1 TB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000, DVD±RW, 5.2 lbs, 3 MB, Obsidian black

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, DVD-Writer - Plug-in module, 4.9 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Samsung's finally made an affordable ultrabook, and the 13-inch Series 5 Ultra is a well-priced and far slimmer product than its 14-inch cousin. Still, it's not a runaway bargain, and it feels like corners have been cut in adapting it from the stellar Series 9's design. You also might want to wait a few weeks for Intel's latest processors to arrive. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 128 GB Solid State Drive, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 3.2 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 2 GB / 8 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), DVD±RW, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 3.7 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: For a full set of features in a Core i5 laptop in the $600 range, it's extremely hard to beat the Samsung QX411-W01UB, which stands out for its great keyboard and impressive extras. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5, i5-2430M / 2.4 GHz ( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB, / 8 GB (max), 640 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), DVD±RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 5.1 lbs, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 16 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - Plug-in module, 5.1 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Platinum

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 16 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 12.1 in TFT active matrix, 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 4 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is the thinnest ThinkPad ever made, and it's a slim, cleanly designed 13-incher worth a look for business travelers--but it's not as thin as a MacBook Air, and its battery life isn't as good, either. Read review

Specs: Intel 2nd Gen Core i5, i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 3.7 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2520M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.2 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, DVD-Writer - Plug-in module, 4.9 lbs, L3 cache, 4 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: Balancing between ultraportable and full-size laptop, the 12-inch ThinkPad Edge E220s offers an exceedingly compact computing experience matched by an upscale design, marred only by subpar battery life. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2537M / 1.4 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 4 GB (max), 320 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 12.5 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 3.3 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Moss black soft touch finish, authentic metal accents

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 4 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Natural silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2450M / 2.5 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - 5400 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000, DVD±RW (±R DL), 5.7 lbs, Black

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 1 review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2450M / 2.5 GHz ( 3.1 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), DVD-Writer, Intel HD Graphics 3000, 4.7 lbs, 3 MB, Matte black, trimmed with a thin silver band (side)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The 3D-enabled Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 is one of the more affordable 3D-enabled laptops, but it lacks the horsepower we've seen in more-robust 3D gaming laptops. Read review

Specs: Intel i5-2410M / 2.3 GHz ( 2.9 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 2nd Gen Core i5, 6 GB / 8 GB (max), 750 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM / BD-ROM - Integrated, PCI Express - NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M TurboCache, 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 5.7 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Fusion X2 finish in platinum

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2430M / 2.4 GHz ( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB / 16 GB (max), 750 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 17.3 in TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), DVD±RW, NVIDIA GeForce GT 550M, 1 GB, 7.7 lbs, Silver