The U46E-BAL5's design alone should spark a great deal of interest. Its aluminum cover isn't brushed like the Asus U41JF-A1 ($857 street, 4.5 stars), Samsung QX411-W01 ($899.99 list, 3.5 stars), and Toshiba Satellite L745-S4210 ($639.99 list, 3.5 stars). Instead, it uses a tree-ring pattern that can be felt if you run your fingers through it. There's a bar-like extension on its rear side that, to an extent, masks the big 74WH battery (it elevates the laptop slightly from the back). Along with its brass-like hue, the U46E-BAL5 is undeniably attractive and stands out among its peers. It weighs 4.9 pounds, which is heavier than the Toshiba L745-S4210 (4.5 pounds) but in line with the Samsung QX411-W01 (5.1 pounds), Asus U41JF-A1 (4.9 pounds), and Sony VAIO VPC-EG16FM /W ($829.99 list, 4 stars) (5 pounds).
