Apple’s 13in Macbook has been named as one of the best laptops of 2009 by a technology expert.

CNet.com’s guide to the best portable computers of 2009 stated that the unibody design has been promoted to the “Pro” series, all while adding features and cutting the base price.

The Samsung N120 was described by the website as an “excellent entry” into the market, adding that it is an incredibly tempting product for anyone looking into netbooks.

HP‘s Pavilion dv6 is a “gorgeous” laptop available at an affordable price, with tech fans being advised to check-out this product if they are wanting a new machine.

Talking about the trends of laptops and netbooks in 2009, CNet.com said that “very decent” products are now being sold for less money, while the optical drive has also began its slow and inevitable death spiral, seeing its status move from “necessary to accessory”.

In a poll by ProCompare.com, Sony Vaio‘s NW 15.5in laptop came out on top thanks to its mixture of power and style.

Having a PC or laptop at home can help a child to improve their educational achievements, according to an industry firm.

A spokesperson for Becta, a group which is leading the national drive to inspire the innovative use of technology through learning, said that the government’s Home Access programme will be a huge step forward for many children and families in closing the digital divide.

The comments came after information published on Number10.gov.uk, which said that thousands of families will be able to claim free computers and internet access in a bid to boost the learning potential of lower income families.

“Recent evidence has suggested that having a computer at home associates with a two grade improvement in one subject at GCSE. This means that a pupil who would have got a D could, with the effective use of technology at home, now get a B at GCSE,” added the spokesperson.

The Apple Macbook MC207LL/A will be the best laptop product of 2010, according to an industry blog.

A review posted on NewsTrendsToday.com stated that despite owning a previous generation Macbook, upgrading to the new model was a “no-brainer”.

Despite stating that the two machines look very similar, the writer was impressed by the new backlit screen which gives sharper and brighter colour output.

“Next, the new multi-touch trackpad is just awesome. I loved the old one but this new one just blows my mind. I can use one or two fingers to perform different actions in half the time it would take me on my old computer,” the blogger added.

The new OS X Snow Leopard operating system also came in for praise by the blogger, stating that his system runs a lot quicker as it does not use up as many resources, admitting that “it really makes a big difference”.

Another major selling point of the Macbook is its new unibody enclosure, which provides a sturdier casing for people who are always on the move.