Equipped with second-gen Intel Core i-series CPUs and improved Nvidia graphics, the new Dell XPS 15 performs even better than its predecessor, although it's still just as bulky. Also, keep in mind that the XPS 15 ranges greatly in price, from $799 up to $1,500.

While the Toshiba Satellite C655-S5130 cracks the $400 barrier for an affordable 15-inch laptop, this particular AMD Fusion-powered laptop underperforms and underdelivers.

Sony ditches the Netbook for this more upscale AMD-powered ultraportable, with good performance and features, but also an upscale price.

The AMD Fusion-powered ThinkPad X120e is an 11-inch ultraportable that's better and more affordable than last year's model, making it an even better choice for small-business buyers.

The Asus U41JF is a workmanlike but uninspiring 14-inch laptop that offers decent performance and graphics and excellent battery life, but costs nearly as much as a MacBook.

The thin, powerful Asus U36JC-A1 packs a lot of computer under its slim 13-inch hood, but some might want to wait for next-gen Intel processors to sweeten the deal.

The bottom line: The first laptop to offer AMD's power-efficient Fusion platform delivers on much of its promise, combining great battery life, decent performance, and basic graphics for less than $500.

On a price-to-performance basis, the Acer Aspire 5742G-7200 is one of the better laptop buys on the market, but better-designed alternatives can be had for a little more money.

The curved, eye-catching Samsung NF310 is a bold 10-inch Netbook with some premium features for its price, but in the end it's not different enough to break out of the mold.

Upgraded graphics are a highlight of the Toshiba Satellite A665-S6058, a mainstream 16-inch laptop that can pull double duty as a mobile gaming system thanks to its Nvidia Optimus graphics and outstanding audio.