Power for less

Consumer Reports’ tests turned up some very good models that it judged CR Best Buys. For example, the Toshiba Satellite T135-S1305, a 13-inch laptop that weighs only 3.7 pounds (there is no optical drive) and boasts a nine-hour battery life, costs just $470. And the Dell Studio One 19, an all-in-one desktop with very good overall performance, costs $630, hundreds less than many competitors.

If style is important, you will have fun choosing. Expect bright colors mixed with graphics such as brushed-on paint or swirling designs. Sony’s lineup includes Hibiscus Pink and Caribbean Green laptops, and Dell’s includes Dim Sum Plum and Teal the Cows Come Home.

You can also add artwork to your laptop: Dell models include designs by T-shirt designers, sculptors, painters, and others. Some HP laptops come loaded with wallpaper created by various artists.

Here are other developments that might affect your choice of a computer:

More touchscreens. These let you use your finger on the screen to navigate, zoom, and perform other functions. HP’s all-in-one TouchSmart line has used such displays for a while. Other touchscreen models include the all-in-one Gateway One series, the Acer AZ5600, and the Dell Studio 17 Touch laptop.

Competing tablets. With sales of Apple’s iPad surging, other computer makers have begun to introduce tablet models. For example, the 7-inch Archos 7 Home Tablet, which uses the Android operating system, is available for $200. Dell recently released the Streak, a 5-inch Android-based tablet with phone capability. Acer plans a 7-inch Android-based tablet this fall. The Asus EeePad, a tablet that runs on the Windows 7 operating system, debuts early next year in 10- and 12.1-inch versions.

3-D displays. A number of computer models already feature this technology. For example, Asus announced the EeeTop PC ET2400 all-in-one. And Lenovo offers a 3-D laptop, the IdeaPad Y560d. Consumer Reports hasn’t yet assessed 3-D computer technology, but if you are interested in it, be sure to try it out in a store before taking the plunge.

Match a desktop to you needs. Full-size desktops are feature-laden but take up lots of space. A slim or compact desktop will save space. All-in-ones are the most compact but often cost more.

Pick the right laptop size. If portability and price are priorities and your workload is light, consider a 10-inch netbook. For heavier work, a 13-inch laptop is a better choice but will cost more. Most people find the best balance of price, power, and portability in a 14-inch to 16-inch laptop. A 17-inch or larger model works well as a replacement for a desktop.

Weigh a laptop’s ergonomics. It’s best to try out a laptop in a store before you buy it. Pay special attention to the keyboard size and layout. The keys shouldn’t feel mushy when you type on them. The touchpad should be large enough for your finger to traverse the span of the display without lifting. And make sure that the touchpad buttons aren’t too difficult to press.

Consumer Reports writes columns, reviews, and ratings on cars, appliances, electronics, and other consumer goods. Previous stories can be found at consumerreports.org.