Laptops, notebooks, tablets and ultra portables… we can name them all but choosing which one is the best is simply not a matter for the faint hearted. For one thing, the best – or to be more appropriate, the most serviceable units are not necessarily the lightest ones; and the lightest versions may not be at par to the performance level we all aspire. Besides, with so many people looking into hyper specific computer functions (i.e. gaming, multi media connectivity, for software development, etc.) finding the ones that fits the bill can be rather taxing. Additionally, there are a great number of us who prefer to choose a laptop on a very essential category: how does the model look when we prop it up somewhere? Does it look cool, or totally outdated by 3 months? Do we get envious stares or depreciatory sneers?
We know. We know. But you have to admit that there are some people who do think within those lines, and that includes us. We believe that buying a laptop is very much like investing in a car. We want to be seen with it and hope (fervently) that when we show it off, it will not die on us in mid-task. However, for purposes of discussion, we are targeting our sites to the lightest models in the market – as of May 2008. Naturally, in a few months time, there will be major upsets when the newest models roll off the assembly lines.
We have compiled here a list of the lightest travel laptops that are available now. Some of these are great for really belting out work to bill with that travel schedule; or if you prefer to zone out to a couple-of-hundred-dollars worth of gaming machine, then our offerings might give you some insights.
Lenovo ThinkPad X300
So far, the Lenevo ThinkPad X300 is meeting all required weight desirability factors. It is compact, lightweight and thinner than most of its predecessors – and can definitely compete with the other brands of laptops when it comes to performance. Yes, it also wins extra brownie points for looking all sleek and shiny. There is enough processing power on this machine to take you through an entertaining ride (watching videos or gaming) in case you decide working on the plane is not particularly worth it. The Lenovo ThinkPad X300 also comes with a built in DVD burner, finger print reader and (this should really amaze you) a full sized keyboard.
Dell XPS M1530
Okay, we must admit that the Dell XPS M1530 is not particularly lightweight. At 6 pounds, this is definitely heavier than the rest of the machines listed here. However, we are looking into performance as well, and price. With the risk of being called cheapskates, we honestly believe that dollar per dollar, acquiring a Dell XPS M1530 at a modest $1,000 - $1,500 price range is enough to make us flock into the shops. Besides, if you look at it in a more practical viewing window, what possible tasks can the other ultra portables that the Dell XPS M1530 cannot? Aside from looking cool and up-to-date, that is.
ASUS Eee PC
Hardly known in the more popular computer and laptop shops, the ASUS Eee PC is one of the best kept secrets of the trade. This machine sells within the price range of $200 - $550, and yet can definitely deliver a wallop. These tiny, tiny units (it has a 7” screen) are enough to garner envious looks from the business people in first class. However, for a machine this small, our excessively fat fingers do pose as a problem. And we have a running battle with the non-Windows based operating system.
