Ratings: Laptops, Desktops, and Netbooks

If you're in the market for a computer (desktop or portable), check out our latest Ratings of desktop computers, laptops and netbooks. We've got recommendations for 13 laptops, three netbooks, and 12 desktops. (Ratings and Recommendations are available to subscibers.)

Both major commercial operating systems are slated for a change this fall. Apple plans to release its OS X upgrade, Snow Leopard, in September. Current Leopard users will be able to upgrade for $29. There will also be also a five-license family version for $49.

Snow Leopard will use 6GB less hard drive space than the previous version, the company said.

Microsoft will release the new Windows 7 on October 22. The company says it's still working on upgrade programs with computer manufacturers and retailers. If you're on the fence about when to buy a new PC, it might be worth holding off until we learn more about upgrade options. —Donna Tapellini

Comments

[refurbished computers]

Computers are getting cheaper and cheaper – buying a computer is not like buying a house. That is why it is possible to afford more than one computer, so don't get too depressed if it is impossible to decide which of the three types of computers (netbooks, laptops, and desktops) is the ideal solution. Buy one of them and after using it for a while, if its disadvantages are too disturbing, consider buying another type of computer and everything will be OK.

[Deana Walker]

I noticed you rated Dell Laptops high. I have purchased for a small business for several years, have purchased three laptops from Dell. All of them have issues when trying to connect to power point projectors. I have switched brands.

[CHRISTI GIBSON]

what is the difference in an laptop and and a netbook?