17'' Laptop Test: Samsung R730 and Packard Bell EasyNote LJ61

Samsung R730

Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives Editor's Choice Dell XPS 17 Five-Star MacBook Apple MacBook Pro 17 inch 2011 Good Value Asus N55SF-S1050V

These days, it's increasingly common to have a large laptop at home, rather than a desktop computer and all of the peripherals that implies.  The two desktop-replacement laptops that we're looking at today are part of that trend, and allow you to have a 17.3'' screen and a comfortable keyboard for a very affordable price.  And of course, if you want to, you can pick them up and go somewhere else ...

With its brushed aluminium interior and gorgeous red exterior, the Samsung R730 certainly doesn't look like an entry-level laptop.  But it's still an inexpensive option that's open to not just basic office work but also photo and video editing.

Packard Bell is betting on the attractive price of its EasyNote LJ61 being a winner with consumers.  For not that much more than a high-end netbook, it has a widescreen 16:9 display and a great keyboard and trackpad.

> Test: Samsung R730
> Test: Packard Bell EasyNote LJ61
 
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