So you've heard the hype, seen the screens, and pored over our robust Vista coverage, and now you're ready to make the leap to the new operating system but aren't sure which notebook you should purchase. No worries: LAPTOP is here to assist in your purchase. But before we can recommend a notebook, you'll have to know which version of Vista suits your computing needs.

 

Windows Vista ships in five editions, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. These editions sport increased features as you move from Enterprise (designed for large companies with complex IT structures) to Business (designed for small businesses) to Home Basic (new file-organization system), to Home Premium (the equivalent of Windows Media Center, with HDTV support and DVD authoring), and concluding with Ultimate (podcast creation, game tweaking, Complete Backup and Restore utilities, and Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption for increased security).

 

Exclusive to Vista is DirectX 10, Microsoft's new graphical API that delivers cutting-edge graphics and killer sound. Since Windows Vista is built on top of DirectX 9, applications that use previous versions of DirectX will work on the operating system, expect for games--DirectX 10 is only compatible with games that run on the DirectX 9 platform or higher.  Direct X 10 isn't just a benefit for the gaming set; Microsoft claims that the API provides greater system stability, which will result in fewer "blue screens of death."

 

But be forewarned: Despite Vista's enhancements over XP, Vista may prove a little overwhelming to first-time users. Instant Search enables you to search for files from virtually anywhere in Windows and returns results on the fly; Windows Sidebar houses Desktop Gadgets, which bring news, weather, and other useful information to your desktop; Internet Explorer 7 brings Firefox-like tabs to the popular browser; Windows Media Player 11 offers a revamped music organization system.  These changes, although they may require some mental reprogramming, make for a smoother overall experience.

 

You're probably wondering how much all of this goodness is going to set you back, but the answer depends on how much you're willing to spend. You can purchase a notebook running Vista Home Basic for less than $800, or you can go in the opposite direction and pick up a tricked-out gaming rig worth a small fortune. With that in mind, we gathered together five of our favorite Vista notebooks, ranging from ultraportables weighing less than three pounds to monster desktop replacements that push the definition of "mobile."

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