Back to School Tech Guide Bug

When ultraportables first appeared, the fascination with them was widespread and instant. The tiny laptops that could scour the Web and act as a media hub seemed quite remarkable. But that excitement quickly faded as the reality of cramped keyboards, underpowered parts, and eye-strainingly minuscule screens set in. Boy, have things changed. Nowadays, companies would be laughed at if their ultraportables didn't offer full-size keyboards or if the processor had only one core. As for screens, well, take a look at the gorgeous 13-inch one on the Voodoo Envy 133. Indeed, one in the latest generation of ultraportables can legitimately and productively serve as your primary computer.

The definition of an ultraportable from four years ago still stands: It's any laptop that weighs less than 4 pounds. The major difference is the recent proliferation of subcategories such as handheld PCs, ultramobile PCs (UMPCs), and netbooks. Although they have their charms, UMPCs and netbooks still do best in secondary roles, while the demand remains stagnant for handheld PCs, which serve only niche markets. A UMPC like the MSI Wind can cost as little as $480, run Windows XP, and offer a variety of features, but it still pales in comparison with road-ready ultraportables like the Sony VAIO VGN-SZ791N.

Finding an ultraportable at a reasonable price is no longer an impossible task. You just need to pick the right parts. An ultraportable's typing experience can easily ruin your love affair with it. As a general rule, you'll want a full-size keyboard that measures at least 18.5 centimeters from the "Q" to the "P" letter keys, so make sure you bring a ruler while shopping. The Toshiba Portégé R500 (SSD) gets the keyboard right. Unless you have already settled on getting a UMPC, shoot for a system with a 12- or 13-inch screen. Many of these screens are backed by LED lights, which make them thinner and more energy efficient.

You can keep telling yourself that an optical drive isn't necessary, but just wait till you get stuck on a long trip, wishing that you had one. Both the ASUS U2E-A2B and the Sony SZ791N integrate a dual-layer DVD burner without adding too much weight. A healthy helping of wireless options will keep you connected in remote locations. Aside from Wi-Fi, which every laptop should have, the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 can also be configured with a GPS module, a cellular modem, and Bluetooth, for instance. The processor of choice is an energy-efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and don't even consider a system if its manufacturer dares to put in less than 2GB of memory.

Lastly, look for the biggest battery money can buy. If the notebook doesn't offer extended batteries, think about a second battery of the same capacity. After all, these systems are meant to hit the road, so you'll want them to keep going as long as you do.

Products in this Roundup:

Lenovo ThinkPad X200Lenovo ThinkPad X200 ($1,199 direct)

AngleToshiba Portégé R500 (SSD) ($2,599 direct)
It's an ultraportable that weighs 1.7 pounds, but you'll have to do without an optical drive, work with a smaller battery, and pay for an expensive SSD drive.

AngleSony VAIO VGN-SZ791N ($2,499 direct)
The Sony delivers a combination of outstanding performance scores and long battery life.

AngleASUS U2E-A2B ($2,499, list)

Voodoo Envy 133 : FrontVoodoo Envy 133 ($2,449 direct)
If looks could kill, the Envy 133 would be to die for.

MSI Wind : AngleMSI Wind ($480 street)
Out of all the UMPCs on the market, the MSI Wind is the best deal.

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