Computer Reviews

The workmanlike Toshiba DX735-3201 won't dazzle you with cutting edge aesthetics or innovative features, but its affordable, capable-enough configuration should have a certain appeal for general purpose users.

HP's versatile EliteBook 8560w shows that a mobile workstation can be rugged and a solid performer and still look good.

If you're looking for a lot of screen real estate and enough power for work and play, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a good place to start.

Budget shoppers had best look elsewhere than the 14-inch Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220. A low-end processor and middling speed aren't worth the $499 asking price, and we've seen many laptops in the same range that offer more.

The Asus Zenbook UX31E is an excellent-looking Windows Ultrabook laptop that matches the MacBook Air step for step with an even better price. Fans of great audio, high-resolution screens and lots of ports will be happy; keyboard/touch pad aficionados will be disappointed.

Unique features like HD Movie Print, CD/DVD printing, and Apple AirPrint compatibility make the Canon Pixma MG6220 a no-brainer for amateur photographers, families, and home offices.

Well-designed and reliable, the T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot makes a very good travel companion.

An off-kilter value equation makes it hard for us to recommend the otherwise serviceable HP TouchSmart 520xt.

Samsung has captured our attention, and our Editors' Choice Award, in its U.S. desktop debut, and we expect the Series 7 all-in-one PC will attract many mainstream customers with its appealing looks and accessible touch interface.

The Dell XPS 14z is a nicely designed, well-built 14-inch laptop, but the XPS "z" design works better on the 15-inch version, leaving this model feeling chunky.

The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router makes an excellent router for any home.

As long as your performance needs don't go far beyond basic productivity tasks, the Toshiba Satellite P775-S7320 is a decent big-screen laptop.

There have been plenty of 11-inch AMD-powered ultraportables this year, but HP's Pavilion dm1z was the first, and this updated version puts it back in the lead in this crowded category.

HP's Envy line has always been a reliable high-end PC laptop line, and this new redesign adds some useful features, such as a volume wheel, while keeping the upscale look and feel.

A MacBook Pro is a significant investment, especially when adding in optional upgrades. Cost aside, there's not a better choice (there are, however, some close ties) for an all-around powerhouse that will work in the home, the office, and in between.

The 3D-enabled Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 is one of the more affordable 3D-enabled laptops, but it lacks the horsepower we've seen in more-robust 3D gaming laptops.

You might reasonably ask whether a budget desktop makes sense anymore given the versatility of the iPad and other tablets, but if you find you do in fact need a low-cost computer, the HP Omni 120-1024 is a fine choice.

For a full set of features in a Core i5 laptop in the $600 range, it's extremely hard to beat the Samsung QX411-W01UB, which stands out for its great keyboard and impressive extras.

As long as the price stays around $599, the Lenovo IdeaPad Z370 should be a strong consideration for anyone looking for a very good all-around 13-inch laptop, although it's hardly a showstopper.

You can find a faster all-in-one from Lenovo for just a few more dollars, but as a general-purpose system with a strong home entertainment bend, the Dell Inspiron One 2320 is hard to beat.

The handsome new Maingear Vybe Super Stock offers everything we like to see in a modern gaming PC, and we'd recommend it particularly to those looking for a well-rounded performance computer.

HP does shoppers a disservice with the inconsistent pricing between this otherwise decent retail-only desktop and the more affordable, identical model available via HP's Web site.

HP's nontouch Omni 220-1080qd all-in-one boasts a strong, performance-oriented configuration that will satisfy anyone looking for a mainstream desktop.

The EnGenius ESR300H High Power 300Mbps Wireless N Router is cheap, and you get what you pay for.

The Epson NX430 "Small-in-One" printer is a solid investment for students and office jockeys who print high-quality photos and documents but don't have the space for a large format device.