Computers: laptops go multimedia.

The next time you watch a movie, you may be reaching for a mouse instead of a remote. Computer makers are placing less emphasis on processor performance and more on their products' abilities to handle multimedia.

Some new desktop computers, for example, look and operate more like the home-theater component in your den than that beige box under your desk. And a few laptops priced below $700 have screens wide enough to let you enjoy movie DVDs without the annoying letterbox bars that appear on conventional monitors.

But not all new laptop features live up to their promises, we found. Here's our assessment of some new laptop features you'll find at stores and online:

Wider and brighter displays. Laptop screens aren't only getting wider. Several manufacturers now equip select models with new screen technologies that promise superior colors and visibility outdoors.

These screens have a clear, glossy surface instead of the more common matte finish and go by brand names such as TruBrite (Toshiba), BrightView (HP), Ultrabright (Gateway), and Xbrite (Sony). This technology is sometimes paired with wide-angle capability which enables a group of people to clearly view the screen.

Images on a TruBrite-equipped test model did indeed appear richer and brighter under most lighting conditions. However, the screen was hard to view in some situations (see photo, below right).

Computer bypass. Some laptops are now designed so that you can playa DVD or CD without booting up the computer. Although promoted as an energy saver, this feature provided little improvement in battery life when playing DVDs, we found.