Compaq Presario X1000
This notebook has the highest score in features and performance, which makes it the Editor’s Choice in this category. It’s a Centrino that has a wide screen display with an Ati Radeon graphics with 64 MB of dedicated memory to complement. You can take the resolution up to 1920X1200 with 32-bit color depth. It comes with 512 MB RAM, 80 GB HDD and a 2.4 X DVD writer.

In BW 2002, it scores 27.1. In MCCW 2003, it is again amongst the toppers securing 32.8 Winstone units. Battery backup is also good as it lasts for 2 hours and 32 mins. Its graphics performance is the best, scoring 9733 in 3Dmark 2001 SE benchmark. 

The laptop scores highest in features as well. The laptop is 1.4” thick and weighs under 3 kgs. It has most of the connectivity options, barring the legacy serial and PS/2 ports. These include a memory card reader, S-video, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, SPDIF and FirWire. It has three USB ports and a PCMCIA slot. It even has a docking port, for adding a docking station. 
Overall, a great laptop well worth the price. 

Edge Lifestyle 1555
Decent performance and features at a great price make this laptop the runner up in this category. More or less an unknown brand, the Edge Lifestyle is basically an Intel BTO (Built-to-Order) laptop. 

The laptop has an in-built jukebox that can play CDs even when your system is switched off. It has a three-in-one memory card reader, in built microphone and a SPDIF out for music. Plus, there’s S-Video, IrDA, Wi-Fi and a FireWire port. The laptop’s performance is above average in most tests, though it doesn’t come anywhere near the winner in graphics and gaming performance. It manages a 33.6 in MCCW 2003, which is third highest in the lot. Battery backup is also pretty good and lasts 3 hours. 

The machine comes at an astounding price tag of Rs 79,800 loaded with features like 512 MB RAM, a 40 GB HDD, a jukebox and a DVD combo drive, thus making it a great buy.