2009 Asus X71SR

The Asus X71R is another 17 inch screened laptop which functions as a potential desktop replacement.

It is equipped with a 2ghz Core Duo Intel processor, 3gb of RAM and a 250gb hard dirve.  It weighs in at a hefty 3.7kg and battery life, for a machine of this size, is an excellent 180 mins.

It has a 17 inch TFT monitor that produces sharp even images in rich colors and runs at an impressive resolution of 1440x900 pixels.

We liked

• For a fairly low cost laptop the graphic card offers sufficient power for basic gaming.
• Great for watching DVDs
• Good sound from the fitted speakers

We didn't like

The keyboard which isn't as good as some competitors

Conclusion

An excellent 17inch laptop with the capability to handle media and graphics work competently.  Hardly bleeding edge but certainly good enough for most consumer requirements.  We'd score it at 80%.