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
are 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 – Exec Digital has found the top five favourite ultraportables on the market today.
ACER ASPIRE ONE - $350
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 colours. Priced at around $350, many consider the Acer to be a
bargain of the highest order.
www.acer.com/aspireone
ASUS EEE PC 1101 - $560
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 1101
Seashell may be the prize of the pack. This machine has up to 9.5 hours
of battery life, impressive for an ultraportable. It comes with a slim
profile and razor thin edges which allow for increased portability.
It’s also incredibly energy efficient with Intel® Atom processors and
Super Hybrid Engine technology.
www.asus.com
MSI WIND U100-013US - $350
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.
www.msimobile.com
MACBOOK AIR - FROM $1099
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'.
www.apple.com/uk
DELL ADAMO - FROM $1499
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 aluminium 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.
www.adamobydell.com
