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There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models being released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task.

The first thing you need to consider is what you need in the laptop. Are you looking for something to compete on the gaming grid? Then a discrete graphics card and big screen are necessary components in the laptop you choose. Are you on a limited budget? Then be on the lookout for a anything under $500 that offers at least a Core i3 CPU and 4GB of memory. If a business system is what you need, then security measures like a fingerprint reader and a TPM module are must-haves. For those who spend a lot of time on the road, then an ultrabook or an ultraportable will keep back and shoulder strain to a minimum. For those who need a system meant for watching movies, a Blu-ray player is a must-need feature.

Alienware M17x R4

$2,599 direct
$2,274.00 at Dell The Alienware M17x R4 adds the latest Intel Core processor and Nvidia graphics to one of the best gaming laptop chassis in the business, resulting in a system that exudes performance. It's ostentatious, audacious, over the top, and, strangely enough, more affordable than rivals

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Retina Display)

$2,199 direct
$2,239.00 at Datavision With an especially high-resolution screen, thin chassis, and up-to-date components, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina display is the new king of high-end desktop replacement laptops

Asus Zenbook Prime UX32VD-DB71

$1,299 list
$1,299.00 at Amazon The Asus Zenbook Prime UX32VD-DB71 adds a speedy third-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce graphics to the ultrabook formula. What Asus has wrought is the thinnest and lightest 1080p HD power system on the market—and the ultrabook to buy if you want to get real work done

Eurocom Monster 1.0

$1,605 direct
The Eurocom Monster 1.0 is a midrange ultraportable gaming laptop that packs a lot of power into its 11-inch frame, but it could use a design makeover.

HP EliteBook 8460p

$1,239 direct
$1,167.52 at ANTOnline The HP EliteBook 8460p isn't the most portable business laptop you can buy, but it's one of the most solid choices both literally and figuratively.

HP Folio 13-1020us

$899.99 list
$835.99 at Amazon.com With a handsome design and terrific battery life, the HP Folio 13-1020us is one of the best-engineered ultrabooks you can buy for $900

Lenovo IdeaPad Y480

$1,000 street
$999.99 at CompUSA.com The Lenovo IdeaPad Y480 combines quad-core "Ivy Bridge" adrenaline with speedy Nvidia graphics and an exemplary screen-keyboard combo to stir up the 14-inch mainstream laptop segment.

Lenovo ThinkPad X230

$1,164 direct
$1,299.99 at Amazon Marketplace The Lenovo ThinkPad X230 picks up right where the previous model left off, with performance and portability that are tops among business ultraportables.

Sony VAIO E15 (SVE15116FXS)

$749.99 direct
$674.99 at Sony - Official Store With its latest VAIO E15, Sony brings Intel Ivy Bridge processing to entry-level desktop replacement laptops to great effect—and throws in enough extras to keep people buying when other manufacturers catch up.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-31

$4,843 street
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 is a rugged 13-inch touch-screen laptop that shrugs off incredible abuse.