Gateway NV7915u

This budget big-screen notebook looks and performs like a much more expensive system.

If Acer stands for value, the Gateway brand that the company acquired back in August of 2007 has evolved into its more stylish cousin—the one that shops at H&M. Take the NV7915u, the bigger 17.3-inch version of the 15.6-inch model that was our top budget notebook pick of last year. This slick machine features Intel’s peppy new Core i3 processor, a high-def display, and a 500GB hard drive for an aggressive $649. As long as you don’t plan on playing the latest 3D games, this is the best-performing notebook of its size for the price.

Design

Ever since Gateway rebranded itself as a more fashionable notebook manufacturer, the company has been on a roll in churning out good-looking budget laptops, and the NV7915u is no exception. The glossy NightSky Black lid, with its subtle Honeycomb pattern, isn’t as luxe as something like the HP Envy 15, but neither does it look cheap. However, the lid doesn’t hide fingerprints as well as the Midnight Blue color found on the NV5807u.

Other design flourishes include a matte silver hinge with the power button built into the side (like Sony VAIOs), a glossy upper deck, and LED lights and touch-sensitive controls that glow red. At 6.8 pounds, this notebook is not one you’re going to tote around much, but it’s lighter than many desktop replacements.