SLIDESHOW: Seven Affordable Laptops for Smaller Businesses

The screen is the first thing you notice about the HP Compaq 6820s. In fact, it's hard to turn your eyes away because it's huge. At 17", it's a decadent viewing experience (especially at this price point) -- big enough, you may blow off thoughts of a docking station and external monitor. Prices on this model start at $949 and top out at $1,299. An added bonus of that spacious screen is a full size keyboard and a roomy cockpit that won't have your thumbs jousting for space; if you're OCD about symmetry the off-center touchpad may grate. At 6.5 lbs., it's not exactly svelte, but won't risk your rotator cuff as you dash through the airport terminal either. With robust multimedia features, the 6820s will make your presentations shine and won't have you squinting at your budget spreadsheet. But all that flash and sizzle does suck power and you'll need a second battery to keep working for an entire cross-country flight (though you'll probably make it through one DVD).

• Price: From $949
• Weight: 6.5 lbs
• Screen size: 17"
• Battery life: 3 hours
• Thickness: 1.27"
• OS: Windows Vista Business
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz)
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g