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  We rate notebook PCs on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. The notebook PCs we review can generally be divided into four classes: ultraportable (or smaller), thin-and-light, mainstream, and desktop replacement. Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance within a specific product class. For example, the battery-life score counts for less in a review of a desktop-replacement notebook than it does for a review of a thin-and-light.

The rating criteria, with the weightings by class, are:

 

  Design:
Evaluates the physical design of the notebook PC, chiefly size and weight. The keyboard and cursor controls are also critical in this category. The keys should be of sufficient size, offer decent travel, and be logically organized. The touchpad and pointing stick (or both) should be responsive and precise. We also look for a sensible layout of drives and ports. Extra points are awarded for the use of materials that make a notebook more rugged, such as a magnesium case or drives mounted on rubber feet.
  • Ultraportable (or smaller): 20 percent
  • Thin-and-light: 30 percent
  • Mainstream: 20 percent
  • Desktop replacement: 10 percent

Features: Judges a notebook's features and their quality, which can vary widely depending on the laptop's class and price. Key features we examine include the type and speed of the processor and system memory, the type and the size of the display, storage, communications, and ports. Overall, we prefer a system that provides a competitive mix of features for its price.
  • Ultraportable (or smaller): 30 percent
  • Thin-and-light: 20 percent
  • Mainstream: 30 percent
  • Desktop replacement: 30 percent
Performance: Gauges the overall performance of the notebook PC. This rating is based primarily on results of independent, industry-standard benchmark tests that measure performance on typical business, content-creation, and 3D and gaming applications. Note that we rate battery life--a critical factor in notebooks--separately. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.
  • Ultraportable (or smaller): 30 percent
  • Thin-and-light: 20 percent
  • Mainstream: 10 percent
  • Desktop replacement: 40 percent
Battery Life: Measures the expected battery life of a notebook PC in typical use based on an independent, industry-standard benchmark test. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.
  • Ultraportable (or smaller): 10 percent
  • Thin-and-light: 20 percent
  • Mainstream: 20 percent
  • Desktop replacement: 10 percent
Service and support: Assesses the company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty (parts and labor); the turnaround time for repairs; coverage for onsite service; and technical support via phone (toll-free), e-mail, and the Web.
  • Ultraportable (or smaller): 10 percent
  • Thin-and-light: 10 percent
  • Mainstream: 20 percent
  • Desktop replacement: 10 percent

 

What the numbers mean
  10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.9 (Spectacular):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.

  
Note: We've recalibrated our rating scale as of July 2005 to give us more room to emphasize the differences between one product and another. As a result, you may note some disparity between products rated according to the former scale and those ranked based on the new one.