Dell XPS M1210
The Dell XPS M1210 is an ultra-portable laptop, packing a dual-core processor clocked at 1.66 GHz (T2300E) with 512 MB of DDR2 RAM and a 12.1 inch screen. It is light in weight at 1.86 kg and comes with WI-FI and Bluetooth. Powered by an Intel 950 Graphics chipset, it allows for impressive multimedia capabilities and if that is not enough for you, Dell also offers an option to upgrade to Nvidia's 7400 Geforce Go system for 3d gaming.
In terms of expansion, this laptop comes with 4 USB slots along with a firewire slot that allows for external AV devices such as HD-Cams to be connected to the notebook. The laptop also has a 1.3 MP cam for those who like to video-conference using Skype and other IM services. It even has a 5.1 media card reader allowing you to access external storage media such as compact flash memory cards that are common place in cameras.
Since Dell allows you to customize the Laptop quite easily and provides you the option to upgrade to higher specifications such as a faster processor, more system memory and more HDD space this ultraportable comes highly recommended. Prices start at Rs 60,000
Lenovo T60
Built around a sturdy frame, the Lenovo T60 model is available in 14 and 15 inch screen sizes with a native resolution of 1400 x1050. It is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz (T2500), which is one of the fastest processors currently available. Most other manufacturers offer this speed only at extra cost. With 1 GB of system memory and a Radeon X1400 graphical system, the T60 is certainly feature rich. Wireless connectivity is taken care of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The laptop also as expected has the normal RJ11 and RJ45 jacks present that round up the wired connectivity option.
One important point to note for this laptop is the extra care that has been placed in the physical construction of this laptop. Its body is made of rugged plastic that can withstand quite a bit of abuse. The screen is well protected as it is encased in a sturdy lid which does not budge even under the hardest knocks. Its keyboard is spill proof and keys are fairly recessed allowing for long hours of work to be done in comfort.
This heavy duty notebook retails at over Rs 1.5 Lakh.
HP DV8216TX
HP notebooks are well known for being sturdy workhorses with decent features and good overall performances. Keeping this in mind HP‘s mid range effort is the HP DV8216TX.
Though at first glance it appears to be not so great on features it packs in a few surprises that leave other notebook manufacturers in the dust. For starters, its 17 inch, Widescreen screen is arguably the best in its class. Clear, bright and equipped with HP's Dual lamp system it makes working on this laptop a pleasure. The surprises don't end there. For all those “desktop replacement” seekers, HP has chosen to include a full 101-key keyboard with a numeric keypad that makes working on this machine as close to the desktop experience as possible. However all the features pale in front of the biggest surprise. HP has equipped this notebook with its recently introduced 2 drive system that allows it to equip its notebooks with two hard drives. The HP DV8216TX ships with 2 x80 GB HDDs for a total space of 160 GB space. This kind of storage space is just not available from any other manufacturer. If that is not enough HP also offers a 120 GB option that allows you to expand your HDDs right up to 240 GB.
Powered by a dual-core processor this notebook retailing at Rs 84,000 is one of the top contenders in the price vs. performance stakes today.
Dell Inspiron 6400
If you are one of those discerning buyers for whom gaming is not a consideration but still looking at decent expansion options and multimedia features, the Dell Inspiron 6400 is for you. Equipped with a 15-inch screen this dual-core powered laptop comes fairly well loaded out of the box with a 60 GB HDD and 512 MB of ram. Weighing at a steady 2.8 kg it is not that heavy and can be easily carried around. Despite its medium level status it still manages to surprise by including features like a 5-in-1 memory card reader, TV-out support via an S-Video port and even a firewire slot. These are features not normally found in the mid-level range and can only be seen in the premium product range. Its prices start at an affordable Rs 58,000.
Dell Inspiron 9400
Rounding up our list we finally arrive at the Dell Inspiron 9400. This laptop is made with only one kind of user in mind - the enthusiast. Designed to be a full-blown desktop replacement, this fantastic notebook comes equipped with everything; well almost. It has a fantastic 17 inch screen which has a native resolution of 1,920 X1, 200 (WUXGA) and is powered by one of the most powerful dual-core processors around the T2500 (clockspeed of 2 GHZ). Graphics is handled by the Geforce 7900 GS Go system, which is currently the most powerful graphical subsystem available on the mobile platform. This chipset allows current games like F.E.A.R to be run at the notebook's native resolution fairly decently. Sound is taken care of by an internal 2.1 with an integrated subwoofer, which puts the sound output of this laptop in a whole new class by itself. In terms of expansion options Dell has spared no effort. The Inspiron 9400 offers FireWire, S-Video out and a number of USB 2.0 ports. Connectivity is taken care of by 56Kbps modem and the 10/100 Ethernet jacks. Though it loses out to the HP in terms of storage it ships with a faster 100 GB 7200 RPM drive that does not hinder the laptop in performance. With base models of starting at Rs 70,000 it's a must have for any heavy duty user or enthusiast.
The Hp dv2025TU is a great dual core notebook - 14", 512, 100GB, remote, integrated camera,DVD writer etc. The classy imprint finish is impressive too. Have had it for a few months now - its what I wanted!! I travel very frequently and this book carries all I need for advice! Compared to my previous Toshiba[6yrsold] - its a relief not to have almost everything outside the laptop! 
