And the Award for Best Laptop Computer Value Goes To...

In today's day and age, more and more people are crossing over to laptop computers. The simplest reason? They're perfect for those on-the-go and even better for multi-tasking.

This guide, based on Consumer Reports' Ratings, is intended to provide the most worthwhile information to assist you in deciding which laptop to buy.

Of the five categories (14.1-inch Budget Models, 15.4-inch Budget Models, 15.4-inch Workhorse Models, 17-inch Workhorse Models, and 12.1 to 13.3-inch Slim and Light Models), the highest overall rating is a 70, given to the Apple Macbook Pro 17". Priced at $2800, it is also the most expensive, but is well worth the money, as it was named as the best desktop replacement. The 17" Macbook Pro also has the top score for display qualities.

As a brand, Apple computers have the lowest repair rate in Desktop Quality at 11%. Apple laptops are slightly more breakable, having received a 17% repair rate (with the other brands ranging from 16% to 19%.

Going back to overall scores, the next highest score was a 63, which is shared by the Gateway NX260X, Toshiba Satellite M11, and Apple Macbook Pro 15". There are slight differences in the prices and features of these next picks:

Priced at $1,025 and $935 respectively,the NX260X and Satellite M11 both have memory-card slots but lack built-in microphones. The Satellite M11 then also gives the option for a fingerprint reader.

In the 2007 reports, the lowest rating scored was a 35, given to the Averatec 7160-EC1, priced at $1,100. The 7160-EC1 received the worst ergonomics (ease of keyboard, touchpad, switches as well as case design) result. It also did not fare well with its speakers, receiving "poor" ratings in that category along with the Lenoa 3000 N100 (With a score of 53, this laptop is priced at $950), Apple Macbook 13.3" ($1,200, the 13.3" Macbook model received a 62), Gateway NX100X 12.1" (priced at $1,400, the NX100X 12.1" was rated 50), and Toshiba Protégé R200 12.1" (receiving a score of 50, this model costs $2,225).

The best value in workhorse models are as follows:

In the 15.4-inch category, both Gateway and Dell excel. The Gateway NX560XL sells for $1510, a good value for a laptop with an overall rating of 59. Receiving a slightly lower overall rating of 58 is the Dell Inspiron E1505, currently priced at $1060.

For a slightly larger screen, the best value products in the 17.1-inch category are the Dell Inspiron E1705, selling for $1365 with an overall rating of 60, and the HP Pavilion dv8000t, given a rating of 50 and priced at $1200.