Ultraportable Laptops Reviews

This report covers ultraportable laptop computers. With few exceptions, these models weigh a maximum of 4.8 pounds (most weigh less than four pounds with a stock battery) and have widescreen displays up to 13.3 inches. Tablet PCs, which are designed to be used with a stylus and touchscreen, are a subset of ultraportable laptops. If weight isn't such a big issue for you, ConsumerSearch has companion reports on regular laptops and on cheap laptops costing as little as $500. Apple computers , including the MacBook Air, are also covered in a separate report.

Ultraportable laptops are smaller and lighter than general business laptops, but there are some tradeoffs. You generally pay extra for miniaturization and the associated cooling requirements with an ultraportable notebook. They are less functional, and battery life is shorter. Some small models forgo hardware, such as optical drives. Some of those shortcomings can be overcome by using optional, extra cost docking stations and external DVD drives. Conversely, mainstream laptop computers have better functionality with larger, 14.1- to 17-inch displays. They are also generally more rugged to better withstand travel, but they do weigh more. Ultraportable laptops are your best option if travel weight is your first priority over screen size and power.

We found the best ultraportable laptop reviews at NotebookCheck.net and NotebookReview.com. The reviews at NotebookCheck.net are awkwardly translated from German, and some models covered are not available in the U.S., but the reports are incredibly comprehensive. Reviews are augmented by multiple photographs and charts showing detailed benchmark results with comparisons to similar models, a lengthy list of similar ultraportable laptops and lists of pros and cons. NotebookReview.com is similarly excellent and would be perfect, if it provided an easy way to compare laptops. TabletPc2.com and TabletPCReview.com are good specialty sources for tablet PC information and reviews, but neither examines convertible laptops (which can be used as conventional laptops or as tablet PCs).

No ultraportable laptops are completely panned in reviews, but many of the reviewers that cover them don’t rate anything below average. A couple of hybrid products earn mixed ratings, however. PC World thinks the Fujitsu LifeBook U810 convertible laptop (starting at *est. $1,000) is just too small to use -- the 1.56-pound U810 only has a 5.6-inch display. Fujitsu calls it a mini-notebook. Laptop magazine says performance is poor, but it is competitive as a tablet or ultra-mobile PC (UMPC). While Laptop magazine’s reviewer didn’t like the keyboard on the Fujitsu U810, CNet’s reviewer thought it was the highlight of the product. Laptop, CNet and PC Magazine all think mobile broadband is essential, an option lacking on the Fujitsu U810.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

In spite of a few criticisms, the Dell XPS M1330's strengths make it a clear favorite in the ultraportable category among reviewers. The Lenovo ThinkPad X61 is a close competitor. Each represents a better value for certain consumers.

The Fujitsu LifeBook S6510 attempts to bridge the small gap between a mainstream business laptop and an ultraportable. Reviewers disagree about Fujitsu’s success.

The Toshiba Satellite U300/U305 series is one of the very few ultraportables available at a budget price. It doesn’t excel in any area, but several reviewers grudgingly acknowledge that it is a bargain.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X300 is too new and initially too expensive to assess fairly. Early reviews and several articles are adding to the buzz that Lenovo missed its goal by being beaten to the marketplace by the somewhat similar MacBook Air as the first laptop to fit into an envelope.

Manufacturers have tried to find a market for sub-notebooks for many years. Smaller has always been both better and worse. Tablet PCs and PDAs with the Windows CE operating system never gained mass popularity. Now, a new class of micro PCs are experiencing unprecedented popularity. These sub-notebooks are marketed to both children and businesspeople. The Asus Eee PC series captivates reviewers. They represent a rare instance of smaller being cheaper, but these micro laptops aren’t for everyone -- at least not all adults. They run the Linux operating system and have slow Celeron processors, 7-inch displays and cramped keyboards.