1: Asus Zenbook UX31

The Zenbook UX31E is considered an Ultrabook (aka an Ultra-Portable Notebook), and it is a direct competitor to the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air. Compared to the Air, the UX31E is just as thin, features the same Core i5 processor (or optional Core i7), same SSD storage, and same 4GB of RAM. Yet, the UX31E has a higher resolution screen, HDMI output, and USB 3.0, all while costing about $100 less than the MacBook Air. Oh, and did we mention it looks very chic with its aluminum chassis. We’re not surprised it took the Air’s #1 spot on our board.

2: Asus G74SX

Yup, another Asus, this time of the gaming variety. The G74SX weighs in at roughly $1650, depending on configuration. This usually includes the top-end Core i7 processor, 12GB of RAM, 1.5TB of storage, and the performance-packed Nvidia GTX 560m graphics chip. Even though the 560m isn’t the fastest video card on the market, the G74SX’s high-end components and 1080p display make for an excellent cost-to-performance ratio at its current price. It has a pretty bulky chassis, but that’s something most mobile gamers are used to.

3: Acer Aspire S3

The Aspire S3 is another MacBook Air competitor. Unlike the Zenbook which tries to surpass the Air in every way, the S3 looks to appeal to people’s wallets. At just $799, the S3 comes it at a third cheaper than Apple’s cheapest 13-inch MacBook Air; however, the Aspire S3 does this by using many of the same components found in Apple’s $999 11.6-inch model.  It sacrifices a bit in display resolution and build quality, and you don’t quite get that SSD storage performance. Still, other than that, it offers very nearly the same performance and form factor, and the price tag is hard to argue with.

4: Dell XPS 15

Until recently, the XPS 15 held the #1 (and occasionally #2) spot on our list for over a year. It’s actually quite surprising that it has dropped so far. Still, 4^th is quite respectable, and the XPS 15 still offers a heap of performance as well as customizability at relatively good prices. Starting at $999, you can get a very capable Core i5 based system; however, in the $1500 range, you can get features such as an industry leading 1080p display and Core i7 processor. Dell’s prices are slightly higher than similar offerings from Acer and Asus (likely why they have surpassed it), but the quality does speak for itself.

5: Asus N55SF

For those looking for a laptop that can do just about anything without breaking the bank, the N55SF-DH71 is by far one of the best choices, costing about $1200. It features a Core i7 processor along with 8GB of RAM, so you’ll never be lacking in terms of performance. Its 16-inch display is neither too small nor too big and sports an agreeable 1080p resolution (great for watching Blu-rays with its included Blu-ray drive). And for the PC gamers, its Nvidia GT 555m can handle most high-end games with the settings maxed. At 1.5-inches thick, it’s a tad on the bulky side, but not unreasonably so.

1: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

The Xperia Neo is essentially an updated version of Sony Ericsson’s first major Android smartphone, the Xperia X10. It has faster hardware, Sony’s mobile Bravia display technology, and an 8MP Exmor R image sensor (one of the best smartphone cameras on the market).

2: Samsung Galaxy S

Even though the Galaxy S II is currently the reigning champ of smartphones, its launch has dropped the price of the original Galaxy S considerably. And despite its age, the Galaxy S remains rated in the top 10 in our cell phone category, even among the latest and greatest devices.

3: Dell XPS 15

Laptops typically have trouble making the top list, competing with cameras and smartphones for attention, but the XPS 15 is an amazing platform. If you’re in the market for a laptop, definitely check it out.

4: HTC Sensation 4G

The Sensation 4G had its day as top dog up until the Galaxy S II came out. It now sits in the number two spot on our cell phone list. Still, it’s one of the best choices for a smartphone right now. Many consider the HTC Sense User Interface far superior to Samsung’s TouchWiz found on the Galaxy S II.

5: Nikon D7000

As one of the premier digital SLR cameras, even amongst photography professionals, it’s no surprise that the D7000 made our top 10 list. The price is a bit steep for an entry-level photography enthusiast, but it’s an excellent camera.

6: Nikon CoolPix P500

The P500 is the latest of Nikon’s compact super-zoom cameras. Its 36x optical zoom lens is virtually unmatched in the compact digital camera class.

7: Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D

The T3i is the perfect camera for anyone looking to get into the world of digital SLR. Its balance of affordability, features, and performance makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from amateur to professional.

8: Sony Ericson Xperia X10 Mini Pro

The Xperia X10 Mini Pro may be a bit aged and certainly more than a little underwhelming in terms of performance, but its price is something you just can’t argue with. It’s one of the best smartphones you can find for under $200 off contract.

9: Nokia C3

While it doesn’t have all of the features you’d find in an Android or iOS device, the Nokia C3 is still a very capable smartphone. To sweeten the deal, you can find it for close to $100, off contract.

10: Nokia N8

The Nokia N8 is coming up on a year old (that’s nearing retirement age in smartphone years), but it remains one of the most powerful and versatile Symbian based smartphones on the market. It has also gotten a lot cheaper than most of the Android devices in its class.

So there it is, the top 10 most popular products on alaTest for the last month, every single one offering something unique that makes it stand out from the rest of the crowd. What are some of your favorite products on alaTest? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

alaTest is great when you have a specific product that you’d like to see reviews on. Simply type the model name into the search bar and off you go, but what about when all you have is a type of product to search for and you want to know which model is the best? alaTest can do that too, and we’ll show you how.

Starting Your Search

Instead of using the search bar when you want to browse a type of product, it’s much better to find the proper category first. On the top of our homepage, at alaTest.com, there is a row of categories just below the search bar. This is where you’ll want to start, or use the Category Index. For example, if you’re looking for your perfect laptop, you’ll want to go to our Laptop Category. Additional search tips are available on our help page.

The Search Filters

Once you’ve navigated to the proper category, it’s time to make use of the search filters. Just above the search results is a button that says “Show All Filters.” Clicking this will show you the available filters for the specific category you’re browsing.

In our example, we’re searching for a laptop. It’s possible to adjust your price range with the Price slider, select a screen size, processor speed, and even battery life. Select the criteria that are most important to you, and the results list will automatically refresh.

Sort by alaScore™

By selecting alaScore from the “Sort By:” dropdown menu, all of the results will be ordered by rank, calculated by our exclusive alaScore™ algorithm. We gather millions of reviews from all over the internet from both experts and users and combine them into an overall score. This is what sets alaTest apart from all the rest. Product rankings on sites like Amazon and Newegg are almost entirely based on user reviews, and while you can look up expert reviews on specific products, it’s difficult to know how that relates to true user experience. AlaTest covers both sides of that coin.

Product Comparison

Many times, your filtered search results will have several products with high alaScores, making it difficult to compare them. Don’t worry; we have a solution for this, too. On the left side of the screen are check boxes next to each search result. You can select up to five products and click the “Compare” button to view all of them in a side-by-side comparison.

In our laptop example, this allows you to view things like their overall rank in the laptop category, the many reviews that have been collected, and all of the system specs as well. It looks like that Acer Aspire 8943G has quite a bit to offer over the others, but users seem much happier with the Samsung R580.

The Smartphone App

Once you’ve experienced firsthand just how incredibly useful alaTest can be, you’ll almost definitely want to check out our smartphone app. It’s available on both the iPhone and Android. You’ll be able to search for products, read reviews, and compare prices. You can even search for a product by scanning the barcode with your smartphone’s camera.

1: Patapon 3

All of the Patapon games have been surprising hits and a staple of the PSP platform. Patapon 3 is no exception. As a direct sequel, following Patapon 2, the game play is essentially the same, marching your armies to the beat of a drum; however, new elements, such as Hero Patapons and expanded multiplayer modes, breathe extra excitement into the series.

2: Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

With success of the original Dissidia, it comes as no surprise that there would be a second. It’s your typical fighting game but with all of the most loved characters of the Final Fantasy franchise. Unlike the original, Dissidia 012 also includes a single-player story mode, giving it some much needed depth.

3: Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection

Just as it was done with Final Fantasy: Tactics as well as the previous Final Fantasy installments, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is a direct remake of the original, sporting much of the same game play of the 1991 classic but with high-detail CGI cut scenes to emphasize the story.

4: Phantom Brave

Phantom Brave was originally published on the PlayStation 2 game in 2004 and has now been remade for the Wii and PSP. As a tactical RPG with a fun storyline that is still simple enough to put down and pick back up, it lends itself nicely to the portable environment of the PSP.

5: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

As a recreation of the Super Nintendo classic, Tactics Ogre, this new version gives you the same great tactics-based game play with a rather detailed game world and storyline. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, this is the game for you.

The PSP really does have loads of great titles, and you can view them all in our PSP Games Section. Tell us some of your favorites in the comments below.

1: Pokémon Black & White

Pokémon is one of those games that makes up part of Nintendo’s heart(gold) and soul(silver). Many people bought the DS solely so that they could play Pokémon, and Black & White lives up to the reputation. It’s the same Pokémon experience we should all be used to, but with an exciting graphics overhaul, and of course, all new Pokémon!

2: ­­­Okamiden

As a sequel to the much loved Okami, the DS exclusive Okamiden pairs the colorful brush-based game play with the DS’ touch screen interface. The two truly make a great match, but if you loved Okami, don’t be surprised if a bit of the story is repeated in Okamiden.

3: Radiant Historia

Radiant Historia is a time traveling, tactics-style, RPG offering game play experience reminiscent of Super Mario RPG and Legend of Mana, along with elements from the Chrono Series. It’s hands-down the best RPG on the DS this year.

4: Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation

The Dragon Quest (also known as Dragon Warrior) series has been around for a couple decades now. This version is actually a DS remake of the 1995 original (for Super Nintendo). If you’re looking for an epic RPG that will give you, literally, days worth of game play, Dragon Quest is where it’s at.

5: de Blob 2

As much fun as de Blob 2 is for the Wii, it really finds its calling on the DS. As a light game with fairly uninvolved game play, it really is best suited for handhelds, and paired with the DS, it doesn’t disappoint.

If you would like to see reviews for all DS games, from this year and the past, head on over to our Nintendo DS Games Section. Be sure to sort by alaScore to see which rank the best.

1: Portal 2

Portal 2 is everything you could possibly love from the original Portal (like witty humor, exciting puzzles, and insane sentient robots set to make your life a living hell) plus an entirely new game mode: Cooperative Multiplayer. Portal 2 truly is nothing short of amazing. We just wish it were a bit longer; both game modes only last about 12 hours in total.

2: Dead Space 2

If you like suspenseful horror, the Dead Space series is for you. Dead Space 2 keeps the same gruesomely terrifying game play as its predecessor but with an added flare of more action. It also includes a fun, though somewhat limited, team based multiplayer mode for some extra depth.

3: Total War: Shogun 2

Shogun 2 is certainly one of the lesser known hit titles of the year, but it still turns out to be a very enjoyable strategy title. It combines both turn-based and real-time strategy together into a unique experience. It is often praised for bringing the Total War series back to its roots.

4: Crysis 2

Crytek games have always been praised for pushing the envelope of graphics performance, and Crysis 2 was no exception (though some wish Crytek pushed further than it did). Crysis 2 took the series out of the tropical jungle and into the concrete jungle and refined the game play experience. It also adds a critically acclaimed multiplayer mode that rivals Call of Duty’s Modern Warfare 2.

5: DiRT 3

DiRT 3 is the current leader when it comes to PC Racing Simulators. Even though it only focuses on Rally Racing, which disappoints some, it maintains a lot of widespread appeal with additional party modes, such as Zombie Infection and Capture the Flag. It also includes a new Hardcore Mode for dedicated racers who want to test their skill.

We also have many more PC games in our PC Games Category. Just sort by alaScore to help find the most popular.

Those of you who are regular readers of our blog probably remember our last alaTest Trends article from back in March. Back then, the most popular products on alaTest were the Nokia C7, Sony Ericsson Xperia X8, LG LE5300 Series LED TVs, Canon EOS Rebel T2i, and Sony KDL-HX800 Series 3D TVs. But as expected in the technology world, trends are constantly shifting, and we have a new set of top items based on our data from May 2011.

1: HTC Desire HD

The HTC Desire HD has been in at least the top 5 smartphone spot ever since its launch in October of 2010. It is beginning to show its age, though only slightly, with newer smartphones outperforming it in some areas, but this certainly doesn’t make it a poor choice. In fact, with the HTC Desire S now available, prices for the Desire HD have been falling substantially, making it an excellent deal. These price drops, paired with its still high-end smartphone status, are surely the reason for the Desire HD’s recent jump in popularity.

2: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

While still a perfectly reputable name brand in the digital camera industry, Panasonic is not generally among people’s first choice, often preferring Canon, Nikon, or even Sony; however, the LX5 presents a unique space in the digital camera market. It features a quality image sensor and superb lens, but then, so does its competitors. What makes the LX5 popular is its size, representing a middle ground between traditional compact cameras and “EVIL” models (those smaller than DSLRs but still featuring removable lenses and SLR-sized image sensors). The LX5 gives you better quality than a compact, while remaining lighter (and cheaper) than an EVIL camera.

3: Nokia N8

A trend in the trends is beginning to form here. If you might remember, one of Nokia’s smartphones held the number one spot in our last alaTest Trends article. Despite dropping down to 3^rd, Nokia remains in our top five with the N8, a brilliant little smartphone, loved and revered for its versatility and network compatibility. The Nokia N8 is one of only several smartphones to feature a Pentaband 3G radio, meaning it’s compatible with nearly all GSM cell providers in the world. The N8 is also quite affordable, sometimes as much as $100 cheaper than comparable smartphones.

4: Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

The PowerShot SX30 IS is basically a DSLR camera at a digital compact camera price. Though technically classified as a compact camera, the SX30 is far from compact; however, many feel that it’s a small price to pay for the stupendous lens it comes with, featuring an astounding 35x optical zoom. As a fully manual camera, it appeals to entry level professional photographers, but it still features enough automatic modes for anyone looking for a camera that can take amazing photographs in almost any situation.

5: Philips PFL970H Series LCD TV

HDTVs are still a very strong seller, and the Philips PFL970H Series is not only one of our top 5 most popular products, but also the top ranked HDTV on alaTest. It’s a bit pricier than most HDTVs in its class, but you really won’t find deeper black levels or richer, natural color anywhere else. Its advanced image processor also allows you to apply post processing motion effects without the odd distortion some other TVs create when watching Live Action.

On top of product reviews and ratings, we have the possibility to use our homegrown data. We are then able to see what the major trends of the year are in terms of products and brands. This is precisely what this post is about. This time, we decided to focus on cell phones.

Throughout the year, the top rated cell phones were:

(results based on 1050 expert reviews from Nov 30^th 2009 through Nov 30^th 2010)

• #1: HTC Desire

The HTC Desire features a sleek design with a sharp and responsive touch screen. The 1GHz Snapdragon processor keeps things running smoothly, and call quality is good

HTC Desire Reviews

• #2: Motorola Droid X

The Motorola Droid X makes another fine addition to Verizon’s Android family, bringing with it a rich multimedia experience and more connectivity features.

Motorola Droid X Reviews

• #3: HTC Desire HD

Powered by the latest Android 2.2 Froyo hand in hand with the latest HTC Sense. HTC might just have a natural bestseller on their hands

HTC Desire HD Reviews

• #4: Apple iPhone 4

Apple shows again with their new iPhone 4 that they are undoubtly a top player in the smartphone game

Apple iPhone 4 Reviews

• #5: Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000

The Galaxy S is a pleasure to use thanks to the smooth, bright and colourful screen. Packed with tons of features, it’s the best Android hardware we’ve seen so far.

Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000 Reviews

Throughout the year, the top rated phone brands were:

(results based on 616 expert reviews from Nov 30^th 2009 through Nov 30^th 2010)

• #1: Apple

Apple released one of the top-rated phone of the year in June with the iPhone 4.

• #2: Samsung

Samsung released seven of the 50 best-rated cell phones of the year, including the Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000 or the Samsung Epic 4G.

• #3: HTC

HTC released eight of the top 50 cell phones of 2010, including the HTC Desire, HTC Desire HD or HTC Legend.

• #4: Motorola

Motorola released five of the top 50 cell phones of 2010, including the Motorola Droid X, Motorola Droid 2 or the Motorola Milestone.

• #5: Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson released seven of the top 50 cell phones of 2010, including the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro.

alaScore™ is a simple rating scale, ranging from 0 to 100. It provides you with a quick and simple method to compare similar products on alaTest websites. The higher the alaTest™ score, the higher the overall quality of the product. As you can imagine, universal rating scale has to be as consistent and objective as possible, something impossible to achieve based on just one review of a product. This is why alaScore™ is calculated based on hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of reviews from across the entire internet.

alaTest collects both expert and end-user ratings for every product. These ratings are then weighted appropriately, based on four factors:

Factor 1: Degrees of Deviation – this is calculated by comparing each individual rating to the relative (essentially an average) rating of all the others.

Factor 2: Reliability of the Source – because alaTest collects its reviews from all over the internet, it’s important to consider where each rating is coming from.

Factor 3: Level of Expertise – this is simply a distinction between professional reviews and end user reviews. It is necessary partly because professional reviews tend to be much more accurate and thorough, but also because end-user reviews greatly outnumber the professional ones.

Factor 4: Age of the Product – since technology is constantly improving, it is important to consider the age of a product.

Additional information

It’s important to remember that a low alaScore™ does not necessarily mean the product is a poor value or not recommended. A low score simply means that the product did not perform as well as its competitors; however, at the right price, it can still be a phenomenal deal.

If you want to read more about alaScore, click here.