Samsung RF510-S01

Samsung RF510-S01US

The Samsung RF510-S01US ($939.99 list, at TigerDirect) is equipped with parts that you would want in a desktop replacement laptop, particularly the fast Core i5 processor and integrated Nvidia GeForce 330M graphics chip. Add a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and this is a pretty high-tech laptop. The mundane design and lackluster battery scores are two of my only peeves. Otherwise, it takes care of all your performance needs (gaming included), while keeping the price manageable. A black glossy plastic lid of the RF510-S01US lacks decorative patterns, color variation, or any hint that it wants to stand out with its looks. The Asus K52F-A1 ($679.99 list, 3.5 stars) and Dell Inspiron 15R-1847MRB ($729.99 list, 3.5 stars), in contrast, use brush strokes, textures, and colors to draw attention away from the fact that their frames are made of plastic. Even the Acer Aspire AS5742-6475 ($599.99 list, 4 stars) applied a coarse texture over its plain black lid, to ward off finger prints and smudges; the RF510-S01US picks them up like a mirror. If design precedes everything else on your shopping list, it doesn't get any better than the aluminum-clad Dell XPS 15 ($1,115 direct, 4.5 stars) and Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Thunderbolt) ($2,199 direct, 4 stars).