Budget users should consider a netbook or a 11in notebook. These are low-cost laptops that still allow you to perform basic office work and Web tasks, and they can even be used for some multimedia tasks such as watching videos and listening to music.

Home users should consider a , , or an Inspiron 17. Even a laptop can be considered. These laptops offer plenty of speed and features and can be used for running office applications, some gaming and they can even be used as media centres if the configuration features a TV tuner card.

Students can consider any of Dell's laptops, depending on their budget. We'd stick with an Inspiron laptop, but there is nothing stopping a student from buying a business-focused Vostro or even a stylish Studio laptop. You could even go for a Dell XPS laptop if you want something with better-than-average grunt.

Business users should consider a laptop in Dell's range. We think these are very well built laptops with surprising good looks and plenty of useful features. Depending on the work you do, you might also want to consider a , which has even better build quality, and more advanced features such as integrated broadband.

Gamers and enthusiasts should consider an laptop, a laptop, or even a Dell Studio, which are big and have plenty of power under the hood. Configure it with a high-end graphics card so that you can get the most out if when playing the latest games.