Lenovo ThinkPad X40 2386 (Pentium M 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HDD)

Summary: I gave this machine a ten because it deserves much better reviews than it has gotten. Anyone who does not like this machine has no understanding of its component to size ratio or what its purpose is. Yes, this machine does not have an optical drive, or a fire wire port, but it is not meant to. IBM has optimized the features that are most important for an ultraportable. How often does anyone use a firewire or optical drive on their ultraportable? Do not buy this as your main comp, but DEFINITELY buy it as a second commuter-computer. I had a FULLY loaded Dell x300 before this (I've owned 16 laptops) and this U.Portable blows it away in every respect!! The Dell was a cheap plastic piece of crap with screen probs, touchpad probs, and worst of all, service probs like you would not believe. This IBM is built like a tank and performs like an absolute dream. And remember, if you are porting a mini-laptop around everyday, you will drop it eventually! With this laptop you are covered. It has a magnesium and titanium chasis, not plastic garbage, and a hard drive protection system. It also has multiple other hidden features not found with any other laptop. And what a keyboard! Also, IBM = customer service. Oh, and regarding the trackpoint -- I have always been a touchpad guy, but this one works a lot different than trackpoints of the past. It is amazing and now I prefer it to the touchpads. The central button has all sorts of functions and the trackpoint button is large and in charge. Anyway, mine is fully loaded with a 1.4 G Pentium M, 1.5 G Ram, 40 G HD, 4 cell, 8 cell, and wedge batteries, multi burner in X4 base, etc. I absolutely love it!! BTW, I would really give it only a 9.5, but it is definitely the best ultraportable on the market. If I could change anything I would give it the Hitachi 7200 RPM 60 GB HD, but this is larger than the mini inside the chasis, and I would give it 128 Meg of its own video memory. That is a dream though, and no company can do that in such a small notebook yet, especially with everything else. However, you can swap a better HD in the base. This laptop really is the best ultraportable on the market, hands down. You probably think I work for IBM or something, but I do not. I am just a fan of good quality products. Buy this machine and thank me later.