Samsung QX410-S02

It looks like a cross between the Asus U41JF-A1 ($856 street, 4 stars) and Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Thunderbolt) ($1,299 direct, 3.5 stars), wrapped in a grade of aluminum that seems sturdier than others. A list of high-grade features is also worth mentioning, including a glass screen and latest wireless technologies (Intel's WiDi and WiMax). The only two issues I have with this laptop is that it's not running the latest Intel Sandy Bridge parts, and the uncooperative clickpad dampened the navigating experience. But aggressive pricing does have a way of making anyone turn a blind eye.

There are plenty of laptops made of aluminum, but the QX410-S02 has one of the nicest implementations for a 14-inch laptop because of several characteristics: The aluminum has a brushed texture, which adds depth and interest to the overall design, and its gunmetal gray hue helps conceal fingerprints and smudge marks. It's comparable to the HP Envy 14-1210NR ($999.99 list, 4 stars) and Apple 13-inch (Thunderbolt) in that it's as solidly made, though the other two are clad completely in aluminum (the base of the QX410 is made of plastic).

Asus X5DIJ Laptop

Based on the body of the popular K Series, the Asus X5 series Laptops do not fail to make an impression. The K Series are known for the ‘Enhanced Multimedia Entertainment on-the-go’ as well as the Ice Cool design and the X5 Series Laptops do not fall short of its counterpart.

This Asus X5DIJ Laptop comes with ample storage space for all your favourite photos / films / music etc with a giant 500GB hard drive and 3GB of RAM making multi-tasking a breeze.

The screen measures 15.6” diagonally and comes with high definition capacity. The X5 comes complete with Altec Lansing® co-brand speakers for a superior sound quality emitted from the built-in Azalia compliant audio chip – including full duplex and 3D effect. The Keyboard has been specially designed to provide users with a comfortable mobile computing experience.

Processor

* Intel Pentium Dual Core T4400 2.2GHz.

Memory

* 3GB DDRII 800 RAM

Hard Drive

* 500GB 5400rpm

Optical Drive

* DVD Supermulti Dual Layer

Software

* Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

Display

* 15.6” HD TFT
* Resolution: 1366 x 768, Colour-Shine

Graphics

* Embedded Intel® GMA X4500HD

Audio

* Built-in Azalia compliant audio chip, with 3D effect & full duplex
* Built-in speaker and microphone
* Altec Lansing® co-brand speakers SRS
* Support Audio CODEC criteria

Input Devices

* 19mm full size 88 Key with MS Windows function keys
* Numeric Keypad

Networking

* LAN/Modem 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN built-in

Power Supply

* 6 Cell Battery

Dimensions

* Width 37.0 cm
* Depth 25.6 cm
* Height 3.1~3.55 cm
* Weight 2.6 kg (with 6 cell battery)

Interfaces

* 1 x Microphone-in jack
* 1 x Headphone-out jack
* 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin
* 4 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert

Expansion

* 3 in 1 card reader, SD,MMC,MS

Warranty / Miscellaneous

* 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
* 1.3mp Webcam