Top 5 Laptops for the Fall-
Availability: December 2012
The outlook: A new entry in Hewlett-Packard's highest-end laptop line, this slim 15-incher looks very slick and capable, and would even if you didn't know it had a touch screen. The body is all brushed metal, about 18 millimeters thick and weighing 4.7 pounds, and during a brief hands-on session, it felt like a very upscale, very thin, midsize laptop.
Availability: $1,199 (estimated)
The outlook:This Windows 8 prototype laptop is described as "the industry's first multimode notebook with a 360-degree flip-and-fold design." It's a 13.3-inch touch-screen laptop, with a unique display that folds fully over to become a tablet. Of the convertible laptops we've seen recently, it's th eone that compromises its clamshell form the least.
Availability: Fall 2012
The outlook: Flip the screen 180 degrees, and it ends up pointing out from the back of the lid, allowing you to close the clamshell and leave the screen exposed, but keep the keyboard and the touch pad covered. From our very brief hands-on experience the new was certainly thinner than the 2010 original, and added a backlit keyboard and a big buttonless clickpad. The overall look and feel was very ultrabook-like/
Availability: TBD
The outlook:Microsoft joins the tablet wars with the Surface, available in both Windows 8 and Windows RT versions. The hardware looks impressive, and at the right price, it could be the go-to Windows 8 tablet.
Availability: October 26
The outlook:Taking a cue from Asus and its Transformer line of tablets, the 11.6-inch HP Envy x2's claim to fame is its full-size aluminum keyboard attachment with trackpad. After failing with the TouchPad tablet, the X2 may put the company is on the right track.
