Hi-tech xmas: notebooks

Apple Macbook, $1850 Yes, you can find plenty of cheaper laptops including many brand-name models marked down to less than $1000; but many feel that their low specifications and slow performance under Windows Vista makes it worth steering clear of them. You almost can't go wrong with Apple's MacBook (and the only caveat is where the latest PC games are concerned). The base model MacBook has everything you need, from solid Intel-powered processing muscle to a great 33cm screen and five hours battery life, though if you want DVD burning capacity, you'll have to step up to a slightly beefier model. The new MacBooks include the latest Leopard operating system and iLife 08 software suite. There's no reason to sacrifice style or substance when choosing portable equipment. Go to www. apple.co.nz for more information.

HP Pavilion family, $1500 and up These classy notebooks will hit the sweet spot with almost everyone. They're compact enough to use on the move, and a delight to have around the home for watching DVDs and using the internet, especially if you've got wireless broadband. In addition to elegant looks, the special Verve edition of the Pavilion dv2600 has top-rated specs (including a meaty Intel Core 2 Duo chip and Nvidia GeForce graphics), top-mounted Altec Lansing speakers for superb audio, a handy backlit strip of touch-sensitive playback controls and a great keyboard.

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Apple Macbook, $1850

Yes, you can find plenty of cheaper laptops including many brand-name models marked down to less than $1000; but many feel that their low specifications and slow performance under Windows Vista makes it worth steering clear of them. You almost can't go wrong with Apple's MacBook (and the only caveat is where the latest PC games are concerned). The base model MacBook has everything you need, from solid Intel-powered processing muscle to a great 33cm screen and five hours battery life, though if you want DVD burning capacity, you'll have to step up to a slightly beefier model. The new MacBooks include the latest Leopard operating system and iLife 08 software suite. There's no reason to sacrifice style or substance when choosing portable equipment. Go to www. apple.co.nz for more information.

HP Pavilion family, $1500 and up

These classy notebooks will hit the sweet spot with almost everyone. They're compact enough to use on the move, and a delight to have around the home for watching DVDs and using the internet, especially if you've got wireless broadband. In addition to elegant looks, the special Verve edition of the Pavilion dv2600 has top-rated specs (including a meaty Intel Core 2 Duo chip and Nvidia GeForce graphics), top-mounted Altec Lansing speakers for superb audio, a handy backlit strip of touch-sensitive playback controls and a great keyboard.

- © Fairfax NZ News