Dell XPS M1330

Dell XPS M1330
3.97 lbs.

Price: $999 and up

The numbers don't lie: Once woebegone Dell is clawing its way back, and laptops like this one are a big part of the reason the Round Rock, Texas-based PC giant is turning in better numbers lately. If you're willing to lug around just a pound more computer than the MacBook Air, you'll be able to save $800. Plus you'll get the optical drive the MacBook Air is missing. Not a bad deal, especially considering Apple's starter MacBook will cost you another $100 for a machine that weighs more than a full pound more. Yes, this is the very definition of a sweet spot.