Portability and power are the two of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a laptop. But sheer aesthetic excellence is arguably just as important for the style-conscious user.
Lucky for us narcissists, several companies have designed laptops that will have you dying to show them off in public. Among our favourites is the Asus S6F -- a laptop finished with real cow leather. The bovine cladding occupies the entire 12-inch lid of the laptop as well as the palm rest below the keyboard.
If you like your laptops slightly larger, you could consider the outlandish 15-inch Asus Lamborghini VX1. It's available in black, but it's the yellow version that really gets our juices flowing. According to Asus, it uses the same paint you'd find on a real Lamborghini, and has a spoiler-like section on the lid inspired by the engine cover slats of a Gallardo.
Despite the recent arrival of Asus pair, the Sony Vaio TX2 remains one of our favourite laptops of all time. Its 11-inch frame makes it hugely portable, and it has the power to hypnotise fellow commuters from a thousand paces.
Last but not least, style aficionados should check out the brand new black MacBook from Apple. It has a sumptuous ebony finish, curved edges and enough cool (but understated) touches to put most laptops to shame.
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
The Lamborghini VX1 isn't for everybody. It's more expensive than ordinary laptops, lacks the practicality of a widescreen display and has styling that will upset the faint-hearted. But these are criticisms that could just as easily describe the legendary cars with which it shares its name. Ultimately, the VX1 isn't as fast or as trendy as a real Lambo, but if you can stomach its looks and price tag, there's little here not to recommend Read more
£1,899
Reviewed on 30 May 2006
Editors:
3.5 stars out of 5
The Apple MacBook is an eminently stylish laptop which offers good all-round performance. It's let down by its propensity to collect fingerprints and smudges, and by its lack of input/output ports, but its excellent keyboard and screen make it one of the best laptops in its class Read more
£899
Reviewed on 26 May 2006
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The S6F is an almost-perfect combination of style and substance. Its distinctive leather finish, small form factor and long battery life make it a joy to take on the road, and its powerful components allow it to keep up with the fastest of PCs. It's also tremendous value for money Read more
£720
Reviewed on 20 April 2006
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The VAIO TX2 is a showcase for Sony's design department. It looks incredible from just about any angle, and while it lacks the performance of its larger rivals, it is perfectly adequate for running business productivity applications. If you're after an ultraportable laptop, and can afford the asking price, then look no further Read more
£1,699
Reviewed on 20 February 2006