HP 3205tx - Core i5 basic notebook

The $1728 HP Pavilion dv7-4010TX is a cross between a potent Core i7 gaming notebook and TV tuner equipped entertainment notebook.

For $698 Compaq Presario CQ62-355TU is an ideally specced basic notebook thanks to the Intel Core i3-370M processor.

For $777 you get a 15.6in notebook with 4GBs of RAM, a massive 500GB hard drive and an OK processor, making it a great basic laptop for the price.

The Lenovo G560 is one of a new breed of basic notebooks that have remarkable computing power in spite of their price, in this case a low $698.

ASUS's 15.6in basic notebook has dropped another $100 and is now the first with a powerful Core i5 processor to go under $900 - a great deal if you can live with onboard graphics.

The Intel Core i5 CPU is among the best CPUs on the market, and the HP Pavilion DV6 3006TX for $1069 that includes it is a fine notebook.

Although the new generation of Sandy Bridge Intel Core i7s are more powerful than the Intel Core i7 in this allrounder notebook, for just $994 you’re still getting a bargain.

I have just been given a Dell Dimension 4300.

This is great, because I also just got an LCD TV, and I wanted a pc to connect up to it.

My needs are very basic, as I have other machines for doing my more demanding stuff.

The Compaq Presario CQ56-103TU is a very basic notebook, but at this very low price you’re getting an excellent deal regardless.