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.

Dell XPS 15

Laptops are always popular gifts, and the Dell XPS 15 is one place where you can’t go wrong. It may not be the fastest laptop on the market, nor the cheapest, but its style, reliability, and balanced performance makes it a great buy. And today, you can get $100 off and a free Canon ELPH 100 HS digital camera if you order from Dell online and use this coupon code: 932N$0ZCCHWZB9.

Sony DSC-HX9V and Nikon Coolpix P300

Speaking of digital cameras, the Sony HX9V and Nikon P300 are both excellent cameras that can be found on sale today at Amazon.com. These two cameras have been among out top ranked ever since they were released. The P300 is a little more on the affordable side, and the HX9V offers a few more features for those who like a bit more manual control.

Smartphones

Smartphones are on sale today as well, and this includes the latest and greatest phones that have been recently released, such as the acclaimed Galaxy S II. The iPhone 4S has also gone on sale at various places, but finding it is a bit tough since it tends to sell out rather quickly. Both phones make excellent gifts, and with many retailers and carriers (such as Verizon Wireless), the return window extends into January, just in case something goes wrong with the device.

LG 47LW5300

If you ever wanted to get on the 3D TV train, now is your chance. Dell is offering an amazing deal on the LG LW5300 at $430 off, plus free shipping. Considering that it’s a 47-inch LED flat panel, the price is pretty amazing as is, but throw in a 120Hz refresh rate AND 3D PLUS a Blu-Ray Player, and you’ve got yourself a killer deal.

This is just a tiny portion of the deals that are out there today and will continue through the weekend. If there is an item you have your eye on, look it up on alaTest. Our price search updates in real time, so there’s a good chance we’ll catch the best sale price for you. Go ahead, give it a try.