Best Small Laptop Computers

Since its inception in 1975, the laptop has come a long way in defining size. A laptop, any model or size, is much smaller than a desktop. But in today's technology market, there at least 4 major classifications for a laptop, such as desktop replacement, heavy weights with multiple features. Then there's the ultra small tablets (iPad), and regular or normal sized laptops (screen size between 13-15 inches). Small laptop computers have multiple monikers, like ultraportables, netbooks, and subnotebooks. They all denote the same dimensions, weight less than 4.4 pounds, and their screen size is between 10-12 inches.

The following mini laptops are some recent models that bring out the best features and performance, with a small size.

Best Small Laptops

Apple MacBook Air ($999)Dimensions:

• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 2.38 lbs

Tech Specs:

• Processor: Intel Core i5
• Memory: 2/4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
• OS: Mac OS X Lion

Features:

• Battery life: 5 hours
• FaceTime web camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 1 Thunderbolt port, 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 MagSafe power port

Sony VAIO Y Series ($450)Dimensions:

• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 3.23 lbs

Tech Specs:

• Processor: AMD Dual-Core
• Graphics: MD Mobility Radeon HD
• Storage: 320GB
• Memory: 2GB
• OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

Features:

• Battery life: 6 hours
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN port
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 1 SD slot

Toshiba Mini NB505-N508BL ($270)Dimensions:

• Screen size: 10.1 inches
• Weight: 2.9 lbs

Tech Specs:

• Processor: Intel Atom Processor
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
• Storage: 250GB
• Memory: 1GB
• OS: Windows 7 Starter

Features:

• Battery life: 8 hours
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 SD slot
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Ethernet LAN port

Samsung Series 9 ($1200)Dimensions:

• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 2.31 lbs

Tech Specs:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 Processor
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
• Storage: 64GB
• Memory: 2GB
• OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

Features:

• Battery life: 7 hours
• 2 USB ports, 1 HDMI port
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless
• Bluetooth 3.0
• Webcam with 1.3 MP camera
• 1 SD slot

Lenovo IdeaPad S205 ($430)Dimensions:

• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 3.26 lbs

Tech Specs:

• Processor: AMD Dual-Core processor
• Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 512 MB
• Storage: 320/500/750GB
• Memory: 4GB
• OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

Features:

• Battery life: 5 hours
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless
• LAN port
• Webcam with 1.3 MP camera
• 6-in-1 card reader

Prices are approximate and vary according to location and offers available

Small laptop computers are prized in different functional areas. For corporate use, these laptops allow performance on the go, with a convenient size. Laptops are at their most tiresome in airports and other traveling terminals, where you need to carry them around and use them in uncomfortable situations. At that time, the size and weight of a small laptop is highly appreciated. Imagine sitting in an airplane with a 17 inch laptop! And college students prize ultraportables as a good replacement for books. But make sure that your insistence for small size doesn't mean compromise in features.