Top 5 Thin and Light Notebook PCs

Polywell offers a terrific bundle of components that make this a very high performance notebook computer that doesn't feature an extremely high price tag. Features such as a Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, 4GB of memory, GeForce 8600M GT 512MB Graphics and 1680x1050 15.4-inch screen give this some of the best performance out there. There are a few minor annoyances with it such as it only having two USB ports and no essential software packages standard, but these can easily be overlooked.

While HP doesn't offer quite the same levels of performance as the PolyNote V516ND, it still offers some very strong features. It comes with 4GB of memory, large 250GB hard drive and a strong overall software package including Vista Ultimate 64-bit operating system. It does lack a little in terms of graphics by only using the GeForce 8400M GS graphics and a 1280x800 15.4-inch display, but this isn't a problem for those not looking at more than casual gaming. This is definitely a system to look at for those using memory intensive applications such as graphics and video.

Those looking for multimedia on the go will be surprised at how affordable the Toshiba Qosmio F45 is. While it doesn't include the high definition TV tuner like the larger G45 models, the F45 does come equipped with a HD-DVD compatible optical drive for playback of HD-DVD movies. It can't record to this format, but is still capable of recording to CDs and DVDs. The 300GB of hard drive space is one of the highest available on the market and provides plenty of space for storing digital media. The only real drawbacks are the slight larger size and white keyboard that can easily show dirt.

It all those 15.4-inch notebooks are still too big for you but you don't want to drop down to a small ultraportable that sacrifices speed, then the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 14.1-inch widescreen model might be something to consider. Its new roll cage chassis design improves this already highly reliable thin and light notebook. Definitely the best choice for those looking for a business notebook system and a good choice for those looking for a long term thin and light notebook purchase. If you want to use it for digital video, you might want to reconsider though as it does not feature a FireWire port.

If you are really into high definition video but HD-DVD isn't the format that you have invested in, then the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E might be the choice for you. The system comes equipped with a 2x Bluray compatible writer that can also be used with CD and DVD media. Not only does this allow one to playback Bluray movies, but also to create their own high definition media. The drive also features a very large 250GB hard drive to store your programs and other digital media files. Of course the graphics aren't as robust as the Qosmio due to its GeForce 8400M GT graphics and for some reason Sony use the smalled ExpressCard/34 that doesn't allow use of the larger ExpressCard/54 expansion cards.