27. Toshiba Satellite P205

As compared to the other notebooks in this Buyer's Guide, the Toshiba Satellite P205 stands out by virtue of its larger size and greater heft. It's 15.7" x 11.3" x 1.75" (front) - 2.1" (back), and weighs 7.2 lbs and up (our review unit tipped the scales at 7.65 lbs). It's also an interesting color: an inky shade that Toshiba tellingly called "onyx blue."

The notebook comes with 2 GB of DDR2 667-MHz RAM standard, and can accommodate up to a maximum of 4 GB. It also includes a sizable 5400 RPM 80 GB SATA drive as well (200 and 250 GB models are available for $175 and $200, but they run at 4200 RPM; 120 and 160 GB models rotate at 5400 RPM for $75 and $125). There is also room for a second drive if you want one (120 GB for $75 and 160 GB for $125).

When it comes to notebooks, bigger isn't always better, but it's not always worse, either.

The reason for the bigger dimensions is a larger display. Unlike the three other 15.4" units we cover in this Buyer's Guide, this notebook features a 17" TruBrite TFT LCD display with a maximum resolution of 1440x900 (the others top out at 1280x800). This enables the unit to display 720p DVD video at native resolution, unlike the other units, which must downscale to display the same content on their smaller screens.

The sizable 2 GB of RAM in the P205 isn't just largesse, however. The unit's graphics circuitry is built around the Intel 950 graphics media accelerator (GMA) that can borrow anywhere from 8 MB to 256 MB of shared graphics memory for its own use, as needed. Those who want more graphics oomph can upgrade to the Nvidia GeForce Go 7600 for $95 with 128 MB, or $155 for 256 MB of built-in graphics RAM.

You do get quite a few extras above and beyond RAM and disk space on this unit as well. It includes built-in stereo Harmon Kardon speakers that delivery surprisingly realistic sound. The bigger deck creates room for a full-size 104-key keyboard, with 10-key number pad to the right (though the intermediate keypad with arrow and page control keys is missing). The base 1.73-MHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 offers plenty of horsepower, though more powerful options are available for added cost.

You'll also find a Webcam and microphone built into the bezel around the LCD screen, plus 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi support (a $54 option; adding Bluetooth costs $25). There's also a 5-in-1 memory card reader that can handle Secure Digital, Memory Stick (regular and Pro), Multi Media Card and x-D Picture Card media. There are four USB 2.0 ports and a Firewire port for device connections, as well as various monitor and video outputs. There is even a 4X dual-layer DVD burner that supports many formats, along with LabelFlash media upon which labels may be inscribed. The unit ships by default with Windows Vista Home Basic, but those seeking to make the most of its multimedia capabilities will want to add Windows Vista Home Premium for $30.

Toshiba puts a lot of software on the P205 as well. In addition to a whole slew of Toshiba tools and utilities, a management console, documentation and a disc-creation package are included Third-party software includes Microsoft Works 8.5, various Google tools, Yahoo! Music Jukebox, and Ulead DVD MovieFactory, among numerous others. Trialware includes Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day) and McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day).

All told our unit cost $1,035 as configured. It's somewhat more than the other units we've covered here, but you do get more in exchange for spending more. In fact, we'd recommend this as the best choice for those users who will want to use it to watch DVDs and listen to music for the best possible sound and picture. For more information on the Toshiba Satellite P205-S6287, visit the vendor's