The PC Show at Suntec wasn't fabulous, but for all the university students to-be, if you don't want to get a Fujitsu or Acer or iBook from school, check these out. I've only put down the better deals of the more mainstream 14" models, which is a good compromise between size, price and performance.

For those who want their laptops to be built like a brick

HP Compaq nx6320, $2399 (fully black chassis)
Core Duo T2400 processor (1.83GHz)
XP Pro
15" XGA screen
512MB RAM
80GB HDD
DVD burner
Fingerprint sensor
Bluetooth, multi format card reader
Expresscard slot
2.6kg
1 year warranty
* add $99 for mouse, keyboard, docking station and notebook stand. add a further $99 to extend warranty to 3 years (local carry in)
Note: The closest you can get to the tough looks of the ThinkPad if you don't have that much cash to spend

For those who want to train their shoulder muscles

Acer Travelmate 4152, $1698 (typical Acer silver)
Pentium M 740 1.73GHz processor
XP Home
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
80GB HDD
15" XGA screen
nVidia GeForce Go 6200 128MB VRAM dedicated graphics
DVD burner
Bluetooth, multi format card reader
Expresscard slot
built-in 0.35 megapixel webcam
2.84kg
1 year warranty
Note: The price is so low for a model with dedicated graphics because this model has recently been discontinued

For those who are design whores

Sony Vaio FJ67, $1999 (yes the price is right but the specs are low) (fully white chassis and keyboard)
Pentium M 750 1.86GHz processor
XP Pro
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
60GB HDD
CD-RW/DVD combo drive
14.1" WXGA (widescreen)
Memory Stick reader only
built in 310000 pixels webcam
external media player controls
2.4kg
1 year warranty
* freebies: Vaio laptop case, wireless mouse, 1GB thumbdrive
Note: The definition of stunning design, but is sure to get dirty very soon

For those who want maximum value for money

Dell Inspiron 640m, $1599 (silver chassis, black keyboard)
Core Duo T2300 processor (1.66GHz)
XP Home
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
80GB HDD
DVD burner
14.1" WXGA screen (widescreen)
multi format card reader
external media player controls
2.4kg
1 year warranty
Note: I still think it looks hideous

For those who want to be different

Samsung X11, $2499 (silver chassis, black keyboard)
Core Duo T2300 processor (1.66GHz)
XP Home
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
80GB HDD
DVD burner
14.1" WXGA screen (widescreen)
nVidia GeForce Go 7400 256MB VRAM dedicated graphics
Bluetooth, multi format card reader
2.17kg
3 years local warranty
* free mini speakers, mouse, notebook case
Note: The hinge on the test unit felt under damped, making it feel fragile. Samsung's AVS now works like a 'lite' edition of Windows Media Center Edition.

For those who want trouble-free computing

Toshiba Satellite M100, $2399 (peacock blue top cover, silver keyboard surround, black keyboard)
Core Duo T2300 processor (1.66GHz)
XP Home
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
80GB HDD
DVD burner
14" WXGA (widescreen)
harmon/kardon speakers
Bluetooth, multi format card reader
2.26kg
2 years international warranty
Note: The top cover feels very hardy, and why doesn't anyone else does a straightforward volume control dial like Toshiba now? Keyboard is spill resistant

For those who needs maximum security for their data

Toshiba Tecra A6, $2699 (titanium silver chassis)
Basic specs as of Satellite M100, but with XP Pro instead.
3 years international warranty
Toshiba Easyguard system that features shock protection, TPM chip, one-touch data backup utility, Toshiba ConfigFree, fingerprint reader

For those who want a great all rounder but doesn't mind not getting a fantastic Fair deal

Asus A8J, $2298 (titanium grey chassis)
Core Duo T2300 processor (1.66GHz)
XP Home
512MB RAM + 512MB additional free
80GB HDD
DVD burner
14.1" WXGA (widescreen)
nVidia GeForce Go 7300 256MB VRAM dedicated graphics
Bluetooth, multi format card reader
built in 0.35 megapixel webcam
2 years international warranty
* free notebook case, mouse
Note: Asus is a main OEM manufacturer for many notebooks, so they're definitely trustworthy.