What are Netbooks?
Netbooks are highly portable, low-cost systems named for their intended purpose: getting users online fast and without a hassle. They range in size from 8.9 to 12 inches and usually cost $299 to $499.

More about netbooks | Video | Top picks 

What Are Budget Notebooks?
As the name implies, budget notebooks are models aimed at price-conscious buyers who need a basic computer at an affordable price. For our definition, we look for a price of $999 or less, but you can find very good deals in the $799 to $899 range. 

More about budget notebooks | Video | Top picks 

What Are All-Purpose Notebooks?
All-purpose notebooks represent the sweet spot for the industry. This category comprises thin-and-light models with 13.3-inch or 14-inch screens, as well as the typical mainstream portable with a screen up to 15.4 inches in size.

More about all-purpose notebooks | Top picks 

What Are Business Notebooks?
Business notebooks are thin-and-light or mainstream models that include the security, connectivity, and durability features a professional user would need. Notebooks intended for corporate use have all that, plus manageability features and a stable platform so the OS image of units deployed now will match that of machines ordered six to nine months from now.

More about business notebooks | Top picks 

What Are Ultraportable Notebooks?
Thinner and lighter than even a thin-and-light notebook, an ultraportable notebook is a machine that weighs less than 4 pounds but still delivers the functionality of a full PC. Screens are smaller, keyboards are tighter, and processors are generally less powerful than with a full-size notebook.

More about ultraportable notebooks | Top picks 

What Are Desktop Replacement Notebooks?
A desktop replacement is a notebook with a 17-inch screen or larger. While panels that size in a portable were unthinkable a few years ago, they are now commonplace-and some laptops have 19- and even 20-inch LCDs. With such a screen as the centerpiece, most desktop replacement machines focus on the video, multimedia, and gaming experience.

More on desktop replacement notebooks | Top picks 

What Are Gaming Notebooks?
A gaming notebook puts 3D graphics performance above all else. That means a powerful GPU (or two) and top-of-the-line CPU, of course, but also fast memory and hard-drive subsystems. A large LCD with fast response times and good grayscale performance (to better render shadow detail) is also a must, and a good audio system doesn't hurt.

More about gaming notebooks | Top picks 

What Are Tablet PCs?
Tablet PCs are arguably the most versatile machines in the laptop genus. Their screens react to input from a finger or stylus, letting you enter notes and drawings freehand. Light weight and long battery life make them suitable for life on the go.

More about tablet PCs  | Top picks 

What Are Rugged Notebooks?
Rugged notebooks are machines that have extra protection against a range of environmental and situational hazards. They are designed to work in harsh conditions: dusty construction sites and factories; outdoors in the heat, cold, and wet; and in moving vehicles where they are subjected to shock and vibration.

More about rugged notebooks | Top picks 

Who Are Student Notebooks For?
Student notebooks are designed with high-school and college attendees in mind. They can be used for both schoolwork and play (more of the latter, we suspect), so they need decent power and components good enough to let them act as music library, stereo system, DVD player, and YouTube-creation stations.