Apple 15-Inch MacBook Pro
Even though its 15.4-inch, 1,440x900 screen is the smallest in our test, we could easily burn a semester watching movies (ahem, legal ones, of course…and definitely not porn) on the pricey MBP. Why? Its contrast-rich screen produces more accurate colors than the rest of these big-screen beasties and gets bright enough to physically hurt even sober eyes. That’s thanks to its super-efficient LED backlight, which also helped it dominate our battery test, crapping out just 20 minutes shy of the four-hour mark. $1,699–$2,299, apple.com
Rating: 4.5
Dell XPS Studio 16
Dude…Dell has made some seriously hideous laptops (now appearing in airport bars everywhere), but its new XPS Studio series looks surprisingly debonair, with backlit keys and a leather- and aluminum-trimmed case. During a screening of The Dark Knight on Blu-ray, we noted that the 1080p LED-powered RGBLCD screen looked fantastic. And the two headphone jacks and TV tuner will please (or piss off) your roomie. Using its six-cell battery, we didn’t always make it past two hours, though. $999–$3,700,
dell.comRating: 4
HP DV6t
If you’re willing to skimp on a few features, like a superfast processor and a dedicated graphics card, you can spec out the capable DV6—even with a Blu-ray drive—for well under $1,000. The 16-inch screen resolution maxes out at 1,366x768, so you’ll need to hook it up to a TV via the HDMI port if you crave 1080p full HD splendor. The battery adds some extra girth but managed 2:45 in power-saver mode with wi-fi on, so it’ll keep you entertained on the bus when you’re bringing your dirty laundry home for Mom to wash. $650–$2,000,
HPdirect.comRating: 3.5
Sony VAIO FW 350
Its sleek, chisel-cut chassis may mimic the Macbook
Pro’s (at a much cheaper price), but VAIO’s 16.4-inch, 1,440x900 screen only looks as fine when you’re staring at it straight on—otherwise this pretty panel gets a serious case of washout. We dig its solid feel, snappy Core 2 Duo performance, and supersharp “motion eye” Webcam, but its battery life was just average, leaving us in the dark after 2:15. That’s not even four playings of “Battle of the Asses”! $840–$1,150,
sonystyle.com
Rating: 3
