The latest ultraportables pack features you'd expect from larger laptops, including integrated optical drives and roomy keyboards. They still won't replace your desktop, but they're highly able on the road.
PROCESSOR
Many top-of-the-line ultraportables now carry Intel's Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Core 2 Duo CPUs, and these are your best choice for powering Microsoft's Windows Vista OS. Ultraportables are largely valued for their portability, not their speed; clock speeds as low 1.06GHz, 1.2GHz, and 1.6GHz should offer plenty of power for on-the-road productivity chores. Budget ultraportables mostly use Intel's Atom low-power mobile processor.
MEMORY
Having adequate RAM is crucial for fast performance, especially when running multiple apps. Though Linux-based budget ultraportable can get away with as little as 512MB, we recommend opting for at least 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM if you're running Windows Vista. Some vendors may offer the option to add Intel Turbo memory to your system. These flash-memory modules, available in 512MB or 1GB varieties, reduce the time it takes for your computer to power up, access programs, and write data to the hard drive.
GRAPHICS
To keep their size and battery life in check, ultraportables often forgo dedicated 3D chips in favor of integrated graphics. When coupled with 1GB of RAM, Intel's latest GMA X3100 graphics chipsets do support Windows Vista and its graphics-intensive Aero interface.
HARD DRIVE
Since you probably won't be storing lots of digital media files or editing video on an ultraportable, an 80GB or 100GB drive should be adequate. In addition to standard hard drives, some vendors have introduced solid-state drive (SSD) options for their ultraportable notebooks. These flash-memory-based drives, which have no moveable parts, offer faster boot times, lower weight, and increased resistance to shock. This technology is currently quite expensive, however, and drive capacity is usually limited to 32GB or 64GB. Unless having the added durability is a must, we recommend sticking with a traditional hard drive.
OPTICAL DRIVE
To maintain their slim profiles, ultraportables often don't include built-in optical drives. Of those that do, some include internal DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drives or multiformat (DVD±RW) DVD burners, which write to both plus- and minus-format DVD media. A few allow you to swap out the optical drive for an extra battery.
KEYBOARD
Due to their compact size, many ultraportables feature smaller-than-usual keyboards and touch pads. In some cases, the keys themselves are actually slimmer or truncated, making it difficult for touch typists to find their way around the keyboard. If possible, try out the keyboard before you buy.
CASE
Look for a model with a case that's durable, preferably one made from a metal alloy. By definition, an ultraportable notebook should weigh less than 4 pounds. You can find ultraportables as light as 2 pounds.
WIRELESS CONECTIVITY
Integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 wireless networking (Wi-Fi) are essential. Look for a notebook with a Wi-Fi card that supports the 802.11a, g and Draft N wireless standards. Draft N makes use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which reduces signal interference and provides greater range and throughput, up to a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 300Mbps. Bluetooth is also standard on many laptops, though some configurations provide it only as an option. For maximum compatibility with other Bluetooth devices, make sure your laptop supports Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). If you want to be able to get online when you’re out of range of any Wi-Fi networks, look for notebooks that can be configured with a built-in WWAN module, which lets you tap into a cellular mobile broadband networks from AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon for a monthly fee.
DISPLAY
Ultraportables' screen sizes typically range from 7 to 13.3 inches. Opt for a model with the largest possible screen. While LCDs with traditional fluorescent tubes are still the norm, look for notebooks with LED-backlit displays—they’re lighter and offer increased power savings. Many screens now come with a reflective coating that provides a better viewing experience when watching movies. Some people don't like the reflectivity of these glossy screens, however, so be sure to check out a laptop's display in person before you buy. If you want to use your notebook for video conferencing, opt for a system with a Webcam built in to its display bezel.
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