While the Dell offered the best all out performance, the Gateway NX200S actually offered the best overall package. Delivering significantly longer battery life and competitive performance all in a more compact and portable package than the Compaq and Dell solutions, it's hard to find fault with what Gateway has delivered. Our only complaint? Ours didn't come with wireless by default, but it looks like the unit now does come with integrated wireless while still selling for less than $600 after mail in rebate.

So it is with great honor and appreciation that we give Gateway our Editor's Choice Gold Award for the Best $600 Notebook.

Our second pick would probably go to the Compaq Presario V2000, but given that it is bigger and has a shorter battery life, there's really no reason to consider it over the Gateway.