HP Pavilion dv6-2173cl

For users who require desktop power in a manageable 6-pound chassis, there's the HP Pavilion dv6-2173cl ($799.99 list). This reasonably priced 15-inch multimedia notebook, available at Costco, is chock-full of features and makes use of Intel's latest mobile dual core processor, the Core i3. And, while its discrete Nvidia GeForce graphics engine is a relatively low-end solution, it can handle light gaming duties, as long as you dial back the special effects. A high resolution display would be nice, but at just under $800, the dv6-2173cl is a very good deal.

Hewlett-Packard Company

http://www.hp.com

• Price as Tested: $799.99 List
• Type: Media, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Core i3 M350
• Processor Speed: 2.27 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 6.1 lb
• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce G105M
• Storage Capacity: 500 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11n
• Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW