Ultraportables are tiny, sleek and simple, and without a doubt, they are the fastest growing brand of computer in the electronics market today.
By Gabe Perna
They’re tiny, sleek and simple, and without a doubt, they are the fastest growing brand of computer in the electronics market today. We’re of course referring to mini laptops, or as they’re known to technophiles, ultraportables. More features than a Smartphone while less of a burden to carry than a traditional laptop, ultraportables are perfect travelling companions for busy executives. Their typical simplicity makes ultraportables an ideal tool for concentrating on work during a long plane ride or while on a layover.
With any significant high-end electronic device, it’s not a question of why, but rather which one. Look no further, Technology Digital has found our top 5 favorite ultraportables on the market today.
1. Acer Aspire One
Top to bottom, the Acer Aspire fuses all the features you need in a mini laptop, almost flawlessly. Its weight, size, price and performance capabilities have made it – not only the top selling mini laptop on the market – but one of the most popular laptops in general. Powered by its Intel® Atom™ processor N270, the Acer Aspire has an extraordinary seven hour battery life making it stand out among ultraportables. The Aspire has a striking design and comes in four separate colors. Priced at around $350, many consider the Acer to be a bargain of the highest order.
Price: $350
http://www.acer.com/aspireone
2. Asus Eee PC 1000
Considering Asus’ preeminence in the mini laptop market, calling it, “The King of Ultraportables,” is not that far of a stretch. In fact, Asus offers enough mini laptops to warrant a Top 5 list of their own (stay tuned for that list in an upcoming issue). The Asus Eee 1000, or one of its several offspring including the most recent version, the Asus Eee 1008HA, may be the prize of the pack. The Asus Eee PC 1000 has six hours of battery life, and for executives use large files, this computer comes with a 60 GB storage option.
Price: $400
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?p_id=yxnygjomzezmz0hn
3. MSI Wind U100-013US
With a name like Wind, it better be light to carry. And at an astounding 2.3 pounds and measuring only 7 inches long by 10 inches wide, the Wind will clearly not break your back. It’s as diminutive as it gets when it comes to the ultraportables. Yet even with its small stature, the Wind packs quite a punch. Its Intel® Atom™ 1.6GHz Processor along with its built in webcam and MIC designed for video conferencing are just two reasons why the Wind is an industry favorite.
Price: $350
http://www.msimobile.com/
4. MacBook Air
Similar to the MSI Wind, the MacBook Air’s name says it all. At only three pounds, the Air is light and easy to carry like any other ultraportable. However, Apple’s smallest offering is far from an average tiny laptop. With a 13.3 inch LED-backlit glossy screen and Mac’s typically well endowed graphic capabilities, the Air is an eye pleaser to the fullest extent. At .76 inches of thickness, it’s one of the most slender notebooks out there. Its growing popularity proves that with ultraportables, ‘thin is in.’
Price: Starting at approximately $1099
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/
5. Dell Adamo
Consisting of a little more than half an inch of thickness, the Dell Adamo is as thin as it gets. In fact, placed next to the Adamo, the MacBook Air looks like it needs to go on Jenny Craig. All kidding aside, the Adamo is quite the impressive ultraportable. For one, the thin, sleek look has a sexy appeal. Yet despite this small size, the machined, torsion tested aluminum chassis structure ensures the Adamo will not break easily. The Adamo features a built in webcam with a SD card slot, backlit keyboard, power USB and USB ports, and it comes WiMax ready.
Price: Starting at approximately $1499
http://www.adamobydell.com/