Lab

Do-it-all laptops

Everyone likes a bargain, but when you're shopping for a computer that'll be your constant companion for the next few years, it's worth spending a little more. In fact, if you need a solid, dependable laptop with enough performance to keep you racing through Windows tasks and maybe even run the latest 3D games, it could be more cost-effective in the end to stretch your budget than to compromise on an underpowered system.

Paying around £799 or more for a laptop widens your options. Instead of choosing between style and substance, you can expect both. And instead of getting by with a specification that's adequate for now, you can look for a PC that's more future-proof. One with a processor that can not only handle Windows Vista Home Premium's pretty 'Aero' interface, with its transparent windows and animations, but has enough power in reserve to run several programs at once without slowing you down, making your work more productive. Remember, every upgrade to your favourite applications normally has higher system requirements than the last; the higher your laptop's spec, the longer it'll be before the only way to keep your software up to date is to replace your hardware.

Spending more also buys you extra headroom in key areas such as storage. A budget portable might have an 80 or 120GB hard disk. Move to a higher price bracket, and you can look forward to 250 or 300GB - plenty even for large collections of photos, music or video clips.

If you're thinking about play as well as work, the right price will get you a laptop with 3D games capabilities to rival desktop PCs. You might also be interested in surround sound, a TV tuner, or a built-in drive that'll play the latest high definition Blu-ray movie discs.

Of course, the more you're prepared to pay, the keener you'll be to ensure none of it goes to waste. The question is, how much is just enough to buy you the PC you deserve? To help you find the answer, we've rounded up seven of the very latest high-end laptops and rated every aspect of their functionality and desirability.

Don't blame us if you can't resist. Just remind yourself it's an investment, not an indulgence.