Tech Gift Guide: Laptops

Laptop prices are falling, and you can find a basic, budget laptop for as little as $500 after sales and rebates. But if you want to get the latest features, you'll have to pay the higher prices that come with the stylish, powerful new models. Many have the newest version of Intel's Core Duo processor, which gives computers better multitasking ability, along with handy features such as built-in Web cams for video conferencing or YouTube recording.

THE BARGAIN: Dell Latitude D620

Why this laptop: It has a thin casing with a 14.1-inch wide display, Intel Core Duo processor, a three-year warranty (but you have to mail the computer in) and Dell's Wi-Fi Catcher to scan for wireless hotspots. Upgrades include Bluetooth and mobile broadband, Core 2 Duo processor, DVD burner, extra memory and RAM.

What's cool: It has features a consumer can love, but the durability needed for business.

What they don't tell you: Its battery life is average, the optional fingerprint sensor shrinks the mouse button, and the speaker isn't great.

Price and location: Starts at $899 after instant savings on Dell.com, but you might want to spend another $167 to upgrade to 1GB RAM, an 80GB hard drive and a DVD player.

THE GOOD BET: Sony Vaio C-Series

Why this laptop: It has a bright 13.3-inch wide-screen display, dual-layer DVD burner, Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a multimedia card reader, all standard in a sleek 5-pound package.

What's cool: It comes in the typical black and gray, and also in pink, green and white. And it's small.

What they don't tell you: It's not as light as some other laptops with similar-size screens, but it's also not as expensive. The colorful models will come out in a few weeks and will require you to buy the more expensive C190 model direct from Sony.

Price and location: The most basic model, the C140, is $1,199 at Best Buy and starts at $1,349.99 at SonyStyle.com. The C190 model starts at about $200 more.

THE SPLURGE: Apple MacBook Pro (top)

Why this laptop: It has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, bright 15.4- and 17-inch wide-screen displays, double-layer DVD burner, stereo speakers, dedicated graphics cards and built-in Bluetooth.

What's cool: It has a lighted keyboard, built-in video camera, sleek design and huge 17-inch display in the more expensive model.

What they don't tell you: It's a little short on ports compared with similar desktop-replacement PCs, and free customer support by phone is limited to 90 days, unless you buy an expensive AppleCare protection plan.

Price and location: Starts at $1,999 to $2,499 for the 15.4-inch model and $2,799 for the 17-inch model at the Apple Store.