Best Multimedia Laptops of 2010

Mobile computers are sold in lots of different categories, from powerful business notebooks through to web-friendly consumer netbooks.  One of the most popular categories are multimedia or entertainment notebooks, and we take a look at some of the best examples available right now in 2010.

Before we start looking at individual laptop models, it is necessary to define exactly what characteristics make for a multimedia machine.  While all notebooks may seem similar on the surface, manufacturers often focus on different areas in order to optimise specific notebooks for specific tasks.  Multimedia notebooks have many similarities with other notebook categories, and share a number of features with desktop replacements and gaming notebooks.

A multimedia laptop can be defined as any mobile computer that is optimised for various media, including video, music, and photos.  It is important to note that while computer games are also a popular form of digital media, gaming laptops are sometimes recognised as their own category due to their unique need for very powerful processors.

While all mobile computers are capable of playing audio files and showing videos, multimedia notebooks will be more capable and deliver a much better media experience.  One of the most important features for any multimedia laptop is the display, which needs to be large, detailed, and bright, often with a wide screen display for DVD compatibility and good viewing angles for group viewing.

The graphics processor on-board also plays a big role in a multimedia laptop, and hopefully works with the display configuration to provide a seamless visual experience.  The optical drive is also an important matter, especially if you want access to Blu-Ray media.  Connectivity and port selection are important as well, especially a HDMI port for additional connectivity, as is that most rare of laptop finds – good quality audio and speakers.

While all of these features are important for a multimedia laptop, manufacturers often design their media machines in very different ways, with some working more to a budget than others.  We take a look at some examples of multimedia configurations available right now in 2010, to make your decision making process a little bit easier.  There are lots of entertainment laptops on the market right now, but this list will give you a good idea of what technology is available within certain price ranges.

ASUS N61JV-X2

This notebook is a versatile and affordable multimedia option, with a 16 inch LED backlit screen and an Intel Core i5 processor.  The screen is bright and detailed, and the graphics come courtesy of Nvidia GT325M.  There are 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive on-board, which means plenty of memory and storage space for most people’s needs.

This is quite an affordable laptop for a multimedia machine, coming in at only $899.  However, for that price you do have to miss out on a few key media features, the most notable of which is a Blu-Ray drive.  While some people would not even consider a Blu-Ray-free computer to be a multimedia laptop, this is a well balanced configurations that ticks all of the other boxes.  Importantly, there is a HDMI port for connection to HDTVs and larger media centres.

Sony Vaio F Series

Sony are well known for their entertainment-focused notebooks, and the F series is certainly no exception.  It comes with an ultra fast quad-core Intel i7 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive for all your storage needs.  The16.4 inch display performs really well, with the option of a magnificent full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution.  It may not be the brightest display on the block,  but the viewing angles are good despite that overly glossy Sony appearance.

One let down for the F series is its less-than-impressive speakers, a real pity on any multimedia machine.  If there is one aspect of laptop manufacture that needs to be improved in order for people to enjoy a quality media experience – audio is it.  One innovative media feature is the inclusion of TransferJet technology, which allows photos to be transferred from select cameras by simply placing them on the laptop’s palm rest – very cool.  There is also a Blu-Ray drive on-board, making this a true multimedia computer.  Price of a well speced model is about $1700

Toshiba Qosimo X505

This is a monstrous gaming and entertainment laptop, with a huge 18.4 inch display that is ideal for your multimedia needs.  The native resolution is great at 1920 x 1080, and the screen looks great as well with decent viewing angles and a healthy level of brightness.

While being considerably bigger than pretty much every other laptop ever made, the Qosimo comes in at the rather impressive – relatively low – weight of 10.6 pounds.   The Qosimo is lightning fast and has a build quality that inspires confidence.  The newest version of the X505 has been labelled the X505-Q890.  Prices vary depending on configuration and start from about $2000.

Toshiba Satellite P505

This notebook is noteworthy for its whopping 18 inch screen and excellent audio, although it is not as powerful as some other laptops with its Intel Core i3 processor.  This is a good example of what a multimedia or entertainment laptop is, in contrast to a desktop replacement or gaming machine.  No – it is not the most powerful like a gamer, but it is optimised for users to enjoy a quality audio and visual experience.

The large display has an impressive 1680 x 945 resolution, which Toshiba say can show sharper images than a 720p while also keeping costs down.  While the lower cost of about $949 will have a number of fans, lots of people will miss the full HD display like that on the Sony F series.  The screen looks good however, and the Dolby powered speakers sound lovely.

Gateway NV7901u

This is a good all-round entertainment machine, with an Intel Core i5 processor and solid ATI graphics.  It is also large enough to watch movies on with a 17 inch display, although it isn’t full 1080p.  The lack of Blu-Ray will also be a deal breaker for many people who are seeking a full multimedia laptop.  Other negatives include the design of the touchpad buttons, and the lack of Bluetooth.

However, the main reason why this laptop is on this list is simple – the price.  It has a display that manages to look as good or better than much of the competition, at a price of only $849.  For people who want resaonable performance and a beautiful screen but still want to stay under the $1000 mark, this notebook is hard to beat.

HP Envy 15-1021 TX

While it is not the biggest computer in the bunch with its 15.6 inch screen, the HP Envy 15-1021 TX is a great multimedia computer for a number of reasons.  Firstly, it has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB or DDR3 RAM.  Secondly, it comes with ATI mobility Radeon HD 4830 with 1GB of dedicated video memory, and thirdly, it has a full  HD 1920 x 1080 screen.

The speed and performance of this laptop make it an excellent choice as a multimedia or dedicated gaming computer.  The only let down is the lack of a VGA port, although there is a HDMI port on-board.  This is a very serious computer, and it has a serious price tag starting from about $2500.  If you are looking for delightful design and maximum performance on a reasonably portable 15.6 inch machine – and your wallet can handle the heat – the HP Envy 15-1021 TX is a great choice.