4 Ultra Portable Reviewed

Asus Eee PC 1215T

The sea-shell designed Asus 1215T comes equipped with the standard features expected of a budget ultra-portable. Besides the usual array of I/O ports, some positive distinguishing features come in the form a large, square-shaped, multi touch sensitive touch-pad which is the best amongst this segment and also in a way offers great amount of palm rest besides it. Also, the chiclet keypad is well designed with ample spacings between individual keys.

The multi-gesture touch pad is an add-on feature. The 0.3MP webcam comes with a privacy shutter so that you can discontinue capture mode without discontinuing web conf call.

'Express Gateway', an instant-on OS gives an alternative to booting the regular Windows and offers functionality like web browsing, Skype apps, etc. Available in black, silver and red color options, Asus 1215T has a decent battery backup and also scores good on aesthetic front.

Bottomline: Well packaged ultra-portable at the price but loses on performance. A good substitute for a high end netbook.

Dell Inspiron M101Z

Dell Inspiron M101Z is a great option if you are looking for a decent performer for productivity apps with a PC Mark score of 2924, with features almost equivalent of a notebook. It comes with 4GB RAM which is the highest in this segment and has a good battery backup of around 3 hours The 1.3 MP web-cam is ideal for your web conferences. The deck space is wisely utilized with well separated keys as compared to its counterparts.

Another distinguishing aspect is that function keys are activated by pressing them in combination with 'Fn' key and the same set of keys work for brightness/ volume control, WLAN, etc.

This makes it more practical for day to day usage. Besides the two standard USB 2.0 ports, the additional port is a 'powered' USB 2.0 which means you can charge your mobile battery or power external USB devices even when the ultra-portable is switched-off. The dual-colored body adds to the looks of the M101Z but the glossy lid and the glossy display are a big let down.

Bottomline: With 4GB RAM, decent performance, and features at par with a notebook, it's worth buying.

Acer Travel Mate TimelineX 8172T

Acer 8172T from the TimelineX series stands to its claim with the longest battery back-up not only in this category but against all the products included in the shootout. The 8172 is sleek, looks professional and is just easy enough to lug at 1.7kg weight. The Intel Core i3 powered ultra-portable scores 2924 in PC Mark, making it a decent performer in office apps. It also has security features such as the fingerprint reader and 1.3 MP webcam just enhances your web-conferencing experience. 8172T comes with 'Absolute Data Protect' from Acer which facilitates deletion of personal data.

Besides the usual array of ports the ultra-portable comes with Acer's 'EasyPort IV' docking connection which gives you the option of multiple USB ports, VGA port, DVI-D port, Gig Ethernet LAN, etc.

Bottomline: With most of the 'must have' features, great performance and outstanding battery back-up, 8172T emerges the winner of the ultra-portable category.

Lenovo Think Pad X201s

Lenovo Thinkpad X201s is a professional's pick that weighs just close to a light 1.7 Kg. What you get in this cost is an ultra-portable powered by the Intel Core i7 clocking at 2.13 GHz and Windows 7 Professional. Besides a 320GB HDD/2GB RAM, you can also upgrade the main memory by opening the rear maintenance cover.

The notbook comes with a powered USB 2.0 and the 'Thinklight' keyboard lamp makes working convenient in low lit rooms. The multi-touch touch-pad, though small, is sensitive and functions well. The ThinkVantage button enables a quick access to Lenovo tools.

The ultra-portable scores high on performance and has a decent battery backup of close to 3 hours. Overall, a decently packaged product but the price factor made us keep it aloof from comparing to the other reviewed ultra-portables.

Bottomline: A pricey ultra-portable with great performance but misses on some expected features as web-cam.