Overview
In order to define the best out-of-the-box laptop, there are some minimum criteria we need to have. The criteria are as follows:
- Memory size of at least 2 GB
- Free of bloatware
- Must have an optical drive
- Decent processing power
Your minimum criteria for a good out-of-the-box criteria may differ from the above. However, you may have your own important criteria that you may want to add.
Let's now look a few of the best out-of-the-box laptops out there.
1. ASUS U6S
The first model worth mentioning is the ASUS U6S. The ASUS U6S is a lovely little laptop that weighs under pounds. The best thing is that it still manages to squeeze in a whole lot of computing power beneath its surface - a nVidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card, 160GB of hard disk space and a solid processor. It somewhat lacks battery life, but that is ok if you don't intend to take it out that long.
2. Dell XPS M1530
The
Dell XPS M1530 is another solid out-of-the-box laptop. It has great multimedia features and has a super solid graphics card for 3D gaming. It also has a Blu-ray burner which is really neat.

The Dell XPS
M1530 laptop
3. Gateway P-171XL FX
The
Gateway P-171XL FX is an interesting member on this list - it has ultra-premium parts and has the best mobile garphics
processing unit on the market now (i.e. the
nVidia GeForce 8800M GT). You also get 1920 x 1200 resolution and 400GB of hard disk storage.

The Gateway P-171XL FX laptop
4. Apple MackBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn)
The Apple MackBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn) is another powerhouse which is a solid out-of-the-box contender. The Penryn processor is already a huge performance enhancer, and it also contributes to the amazing battery life of the laptop. A highly recommended model.
Conclusion
You've now seen 4 of the best out-of-the-box laptop machines out in the market. If you like your laptop to work from the start, with no installing / upgrades necessary, then any one of the above machines will be right up your alley.