Ultraportables are no longer just for executives traveling in first class. These lightweight laptops are designed—and priced—for everyone. From the CEO to the daily commuter to the student, there's an ultraportable, unique enough in its style and purpose, to suit all.

The CEO, or any business executive for that matter, who travels frequently needs an ultraportable that is light, capable of e-mail (which they all are), and secure. Though security is important for everyone, the high-level executive may be dealing with data sensitive issues. Laptops with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) have an added level of hardware protection built in to keep snoopers away. The Fujitsu LifeBook P1510 packs a one-two security punch, with the inclusion of TPM and a fingerprint reader. This laptop is also a road-ready winner in that it's just 2.2 pounds. And with a swivel of its screen, it turns into a convenient tablet—a useful tool for communicating ideas.

The student, however, wouldn't benefit as much from such a small laptop. Neither would the person purchasing the ultraportable as his or her primary home system. Here, power and portability are both important. A good choice would be the Sony VAIO VGN-S470P. It's 4.3 pounds, which is just a little heavier than most ultraportables, and it's got power. The VAIO also has a 13.3-inch screen, which makes staring at the display for long hours more tolerable.

Though the daily commuter would also benefit from the Sony VAIO's power and light weight, his or her primary concern is ease of use and battery life. The MPC TransPort U1000 isn't the prettiest ultraportable we've seen, but it has an extended battery life of just over 7 hours and its optical drive is integrated. (Most ultraportables have external optical drives.) Charge it up at night and off you go, literally, with no strings attached.

So whatever type of computing you do, one of these ultraportables is likely perfect for you.

In this roundup:

Fujitsu Lifebook P1510 Fujitsu LifeBook P1510
We can't say enough good things about this mini-convertible ultraportable.

MPC TransPort U1000MPC TransPort U1000
This workhorse of an ultraportable has an optical drive and amazing battery life.

This ultraportable packs walloping performance in a remarkably sleek and slim design.