Take a look at the computing section of our 2009 Gadget Gift Guide and you can see that it was a momentous year for notebooks: Apple and Microsoft released new operating systems, both offering more intuitive interfaces along with snappier performance. Intel launched several new processors, some of which help laptops last up to 10 hours on a charge, and one that shattered every benchmark we had. Aided by Windows 7, touchscreens started gaining traction, and graphics started to play a much larger role beyond games (even in netbooks).

It’s one thing to have access to this technology, but quite another to implement it well. The laptops that made our list not only embody these new innovations, they surround them with designs that are attractive and comfortable to use for extended periods. It’s this combination of cutting-edge components, aesthetics, and ergonomics that separates the best of the best from the also-rans.

As featured on "Into Tomorrow...with Dave Graveline", airing this Friday, December 18!