In the confusing world of mobile computers, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between different categories of laptops. Not only are there notebooks and netbooks, but to make things even more difficult – there are also those laptops categorised as ultraportables. Half notebook, half netbook, these laptops seem to want the best of both worlds. GWL take a look at four of the newest and best ultraportables.
While the number of ultraportables being released is on the decline, and some commentators are even forecasting their demise, the manufacturers on this list would choose to disagree. Before we jump into the individual models however, it is necessary to discuss exactly what makes for an ultraportable, and how they can be distinguished from other notebooks and netbooks.
OK – first their was the humble laptop, otherwise known as the notebook, with screen sizes generally ranging between 13 and 18 inches. Most laptops are designed to perform a wide variety of different tasks, and basically act as desktop replacements for when people are on the move. Regular laptops can be powerful, but they are also bigger, heavier, and lacking in battery life compared to those computers sold as netbooks and ultraportables.
The rise of the Internet, the birth of social networking, and the growth of remote cloud computing services meant lots of people didn’t really need powerful computers when they were away from home – enter the netbook. The rise of netbooks runs parallel with the growth of the Internet, and is one of the clearest examples of the connection between the growth of virtual space and the shrinking of hardware.
A netbook is basically a smaller and less powerful laptop, with screen sizes between 5 and 11 inches, less graphics capabilities, and less CPU grunt. They are not designed to perform intensive tasks and are more at home simply surfing the Internet. Netbooks are not meant as a primary computer, they are not designed to watch movies on, and as far as playing games – forget about it.
Ultraportables are also known as subnotebooks, ultra-thins, or ultra low-voltage (ULV) notebooks, and entered the market to satisfy a growing consumer demand for more portable computers that didn’t sacrifice too much in terms of power and graphics. While Intel Core CPUs are still popular, a number of ultraportables on the market utilise AMD processors, due in part to the restrictions Intel places on the configurations of smaller machines.
Lets have a look at four of the best examples in this category, all of which are new and available right now in 2010.
Toshiba Portege R705 – the lightest with an optical drive
The Toshiba Portege R705 is the lightest and least expensive model featuring the Portege badge, with a 3.2 pound chassis and a 13.3 inch display. The screen is glossy and looks good from straight-on, although the viewing angles do leave a lot to be desired. With an Intel Core i3 processor and 500GB of RAM, the Portege 705 is capable of most tasks without breaking much of a sweat.
One interesting feature of the Portege R705 is its use of Intel Wireless Display Technology, which allows video to be beamed to a bigger screen for those occasions when 13.3 inches really wont cut it. Additional hardware is needed to perform this magnificent deed however, with the Netgear Push2TV going for about $100. The Toshiba Portege R705 is a true ultraportable, and Toshiba claim it is the lightest 13.3 inch model in the world with an optical drive. It sells for about $899, with a couple of configuration possibilities on offer.
Alienware M11X – the most powerful mini gamer
The Alienware M11X is the smallest of the Alienware range, a line of computers normally associated with large screens, blinking lights, and uber powerful gaming performance. While the M11X sacrifices some of this grunt for its small size and weight, there is more than enough left to keep most users happy. The M11X comes with an 11.6 inch screen, Nvidia Optimus graphics, and the same glowing logo and blinking bling of the bigger designs.
The Alienware M11X comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 500GB hard drive, and up to 8GB of RAM. While it does generate a little more heat than most other ultraportables, this is sometimes the price you have to pay when you fit so much power in such a little frame. The automatic switchable graphics of the Nvidia Optimus graphics and the quality of the screen make this a great gaming machine, as long as you have the budget to meet the $1300 price tag.
Dell Inspiron M101z – the least expensive
The Dell Inspiron M101z is a great little computer, with an 11.6 inch screen and the choice between a number of AMD processors. Just like any Dell computer, configurations are flexible and extensive, as are the choice of colours on offer. Some of the colours available are Peacock Blue, Tomato Red, and Promise Pink, and the price is low enough that you could always buy a few to always have one to match your outfit.
The Inspiron M101z is well fitted out, with lots of ports on offer for such a little machine. Along with the 3 USBs and 7 in 1 card reader, there is also the standard HDMI, VGA, and Ethernet ports. Dell are advertising 6 hours of battery life, but everyone knows how much they like to exaggerate, and third-party testing has shown the real number to be more like 4 1/2 hours. While not as powerful as either the Alienware or Toshiba models, the Toshiba M101z is also a lot cheaper, starting from only $449.
Lenovo Thinkpad X201 – the durable performer
The Lenovo Thinkpad X201 is a 12 inch laptop with an excellent battery life and a quality Thinkpad build design. The Thinkpad range can be seen in offices and home around the world, and this smaller model retains the same reassuring level of durable quality. With an Intel Core i5 processor and 320GB hard drive, you also don’t have to sacrifice much in terms of power. There is also a convertible touchscreen tablet version of this laptop.
The durable build quality of the Thinkpad X201 mean that this is not the lightest laptop in the bunch, although at 3.8 pounds it is not too heavy either. It also comes with a bigger keyboard than most of the ultraportables on the market, and could even double as a desktop replacement if you can put up with the little screen. The addition of 3 USBs and an express card slot are features not regularly seen on a computer of this size, and the resolution of 1280 x 800 is also very impressive for a 12 inch machine. There is no optical drive or discrete graphics however, and with configurations starting from $1100, you just know that a few extras are going to put you closer to the $2000 mark.
All of these machines are fantastic, although they are very different from one another. It is always a good idea to make a list of the features that really matter to you – such as graphics performance, power, battery life, the inclusion of an optical drive, and the price – and find a model that ticks all of the right boxes for your lifestyle.
