Lenovo ThinkPad T410s - 2924-9HG

Configuring this system on Lenovo's web site takes the price of our review unit to $1779, before taxes and shipping. We also found the T410s with the same specs on Amazon for about $1500. Taking form factor, performance, and build quality into consideration, we feel the asking price represents a good value. Let's look at a couple of comparable notebooks to the ThinkPad T410s. After configuring a 14" HP EliteBook 8440p with the same components found on our review model, it rang in at $1912.

With enough speed to be your primary computer for years to come, the ThinkPad T410s with Nvidia Optimus graphics and solid state drive raises the bar for mobile performance. And, if you can afford to attach three monitors simultaneously, this notebook can seriously boost your productivity. The 3.8-pound machine also boasts supreme comfort, plus the durability and security business users expect from a ThinkPad. Just make sure you invest in the three-cell battery, which adds a couple of hours of juice while bringing the price of this portable powerhouse to a steep but reasonable $1,899. While we prefer the Sony VAIO Z in this weight class because it offers an even higher resolution 1600 x 900 display (which sits lower for easier airline travel) and backlit keyboard, the T410s is a formidable business machine that will plow through your to-do list like nobody's business.