Sure, there are ultraportables out there with integrated optical drives and eye-straining screen sizes. But even among those who put a premium on portability, not everyone is willing to accept the performance compromise from low-voltage processors. Thin-and-lights often have screen sizes ranging from 13.3 to 14.1 inches and most do not tip the scales at more than 2.5kg. Though an integrated optical drive was a must in this form factor, the latest models like the MacBook Air and LG P300 gave that up in a bid for a smaller size and gaming performance, respectively. With a slim figure and a full-bodied processor, these portables are perfect for the urban warrior who does not have the luxury of private transport.
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Apple MacBook Air (Core 2 Duo processor 1.6GHz, 2GB, 13.3-inch TFT)
CNET Asia rating: 7.7 out of 10
The good: Incredibly thin yet surprisingly sturdy; new touchpad gesture controls are very useful; remote optical drive makes living without a built-in drive much easier.
The bad: Very limited connectivity; slower than other MacBooks; SSD hard drive option is ridiculously expensive and standard hard drive is small; battery not replaceable.
The bottom line: The design is revolutionary, but Apple's MacBook Air will appeal to a smaller, more specialized audience than the standard MacBook, thanks to a stripped-down set of connections and features.
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BenQ JoyBook S41 (Core 2 Duo T7100 Processor 1.8GHz, 1GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 7.1 out of 10
The good: Integrated Webcam; powerful graphics performance; inexpensive.
The bad: Basic warranty coverage; no multimedia buttons; underpowered speakers.
The bottom line: As possibly the only 14.1-inch machine to hold the powerful Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS graphics card, the JoyBook S41 offers fantastic performance for a portable unit. If only it had dedicated multimedia buttons and better internal speakers.
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LG P300 (Core 2 Duo T9300 Processor 2.5GHz, 2GB RAM)
Outlook
Though it has roughly the same dimensions as the ThinkPad X300, the LG P300 does not sport an integrated optical drive, and for good reason. One does not commonly associate gaming performance with a portable 13.3-inch machine, but this is exactly what we have here. Despite its petite size, the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS graphics card, which is normally found in midsize laptops, allows this thin-and-light to play the resource-intensive Crisis at acceptable resolution and frame rates. But besides blazing speeds, this LG also sports a unique purple tiger-stripe pattern on its top cover.
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Sony VAIO VGN-CR13G (Core 2 Duo T7100 Processor 1.8GHz, 1GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 8.2 out of 10
The good: Attractive design; excellent keypad; great display; great specs for the size.
The bad: Back of screen could do with some reinforcement; poor positioning of speakers; no digital video-out; separated card reader; VAIO Update needs some streamlining.
The bottom line: The Sony VAIO CR13G is a head-turner that most would be proud to tuck under their arms.
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ThinkPad X300 (Core 2 Duo Processor SL7100 1.2GHz, 2GB RAM)
CNET Asia rating: 8.5 out of 10
The good: Extremely thin and light; sleekest ThinkPad yet; built-in DVD burner.
The bad: Solid-state drive comes at a high premium; touchpad's location makes it easy to accidentally graze while typing.
The bottom line: The ThinkPad X300 breaks new ground by packing a broad display, full-size keyboard, and nearly every feature a mobile user needs into a sleek, lightweight case.
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