Apple, Lenovo lead pack of high-powered laptops

Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro and Lenovo’s ThinkPad W510 both received reviewer’s choice recognition in a review of high-powered laptops by Government Computer News’ testing lab.

The GCN Lab tested devices from Apple, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and Sony Vaio.

The Lab used PassMark’s Performance Test 7 software, which has 28 benchmark tests covering areas such as CPUs, graphics, disks and memory. The Lab also put the laptop’s batteries through their paces.

Read the entire laptop review

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None of the laptops was found to be a poor performer according to the PassMark tests. The reviewers found the group of devices all to be powerful computers, calling them a “bevy of true powerhouse laptops ready for any task a busy government employee can throw at them.”

Apple had the highest battery life and good performance but was knocked for the limited number of ports. It received a value score of B-plus. It received praise for its touchpad, which is large and has many of the touch-screen features popular on the Apple iPhone and iPad.

The Lenovo had the best overall performance with an A-minus value score. Its lowest score was a B-plus for ergonomics. The reviewers praised the Lenovo for its built-in fingerprint scanner and its plethora of ports.

Among the other laptops reviewed:

• Fujitsu America: Value score B-plus, but was knocked for it low battery life and low performance. It scored well with its large variety of ports and slots.
• HP EliteBook: Value score: B, but it had a short battery life and heavy weight (6-pounds, 7 ounces). Its performance score was an A.
• Samsung P580: Value score: A, but was found to have a short battery life. The price ($999) was praised, but the reviewers found that it is probably best for short work trips.
• Sony Vaio EB: Value score: A, but was knocked for its low performance. Its low price of $850 and roomy interface were big pluses for the reviewers.