Apartment Therapy Unplugged | Top Ten: Ultra-portable Laptops

Top Ten: Ultra-portable Laptops

"Small is cool" when it comes to laptops too. The insides keep getting smaller, but the screens seem to keep getting larger. While we all love watching a movie on a nice 17-inch laptop, it's not necessarily the best alternative for a computer used in our home and on-the-go. Here's a look at some of the best small laptops. (Price reported is the base price.)

Apple Macbook $1099

Dell XPS M1210 $1299

Fujitsu Lifebook Q2010 $1999

Fujitsu Lifebook P7230 $1699

Toshiba Satellite U205 $1199

Sony VAIO TX Series $2299

Lenovo ThinkPad X Series $1399

ASUS S6F $1899

Asus EeePC $399

(image via Pino Dita)

-Kelly

Comments (8)

I have an X41 Thinkpad Tablet and love it! :-D

posted by Tai on 2007-03-07 13:16:37

I the MSI S270, a predecessor of this machine: http://www.msicomputer.com/NB/product_spec.asp?model=S262

Maybe not as advanced but it makes people look and the price is right!

posted by Thomas on 2007-03-07 17:31:06

I have a Sony VAIO TX and it is great. One of the best things about it is that it has an integrated DVD player (I think it's a recorder too, actually). Many of the ultra-portables keep their weight to a minimum by requiring an external DVD player, which can be a real hassle. The two worst things about the TX? One is that stupid little antenna that to my knowledge only works when used with the Cingular wireless service. And the other is PRICE.

posted by Deb K. on 2007-03-07 18:07:20

Love my MacBook. I'm not so sure that it qualifies as super small. It can get really heavy when I have to lug it around the city. Also, sad to report that the battery doesn't charge anymore and now I have to send my Mac in to Apple to get fixed.

posted by Chris on 2007-03-07 19:25:37

My 12" powerbooks are pretty small: the screens are awesome and they are quite light weight. My !7" PB is basically a desktop with a cool form factor.

posted by ebrown on 2007-03-08 03:01:18

I have had a fujitsu for a few years (it's similar to the model you mention)...I love it, although i'd love to integrate it into a more ergonomic setup for home use. It's so handy to carry around, and it fits in bags that aren't typical "laptop" bags so no one realizes you're carrying a computer around. (i have the illusion i'm less of a mugger target than someone carrying a regular laptop)

posted by robin on 2007-03-08 09:38:36

The mobility problem, solution B.
http://os.newsforge.com/os/06/02/22/2221258.shtml

posted by Dave on 2007-03-21 17:43:58

The brand new Asus 7" Linux machine for $400 is amazing - more configurations due early next year. I LOVE mine for travel - and there are lots of on-line hacks posted so you can add powerful software.

posted by Taureg on November 11th 2007 at 1:12pm
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