ie8 fix

Best 13-inch laptops

(Updated March 14, 2012 12:06 AM PDT)
Dan Ackerman
Dan Ackerman
Senior editor
Scott Stein
Scott Stein
Senior editor
This category is reserved for 13-inch laptops, which are a perfect hybrid for globe-trotting business types (or campus-trotting students). They hit the sweet spot of portability, performance, and features. Be prepared to pay a bit of a premium for performance, but if you ask us, 13 inches is the new mainstream.

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Summer 2011) Editors' Choice - Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Summer 2011)

The latest version of the 13-inch MacBook Air vastly outperforms its predecessor, and can finally be called suitable for mainstream use, instead of relegated as a niche product.

Price: $1,498.00 - $1,599.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Summer 2011)

HP Folio 13 Editors' Choice - HP Folio 13

When it comes to Windows ultrabooks, the HP Folio 13 is the best of the bunch in terms of performance, price, and ergonomics, provided you can live with a less-than-razor-thin design. This laptop is targeted at small businesses but it's really for anyone who wants a reliable ultrabook that isn't a MacBook Air.

Price: $899.99 - $1,349.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
HP Folio 13

Dell XPS 13

Dell packs a 13-inch display into a very small footprint in the XPS 13 ultrabook, making it one of the few slim laptops that actually top the MacBook Air in some areas.

Price: $999.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

Read full review
Dell XPS 13

Sony VAIO Z series VPC-Z390X

With slim 13-inch SSD laptops now well under $1,000, Sony's expensive, high-end Z series laptop is a tough sell, although the long-life slice battery and unique GPU/optical dock help make its case.

Price: $1,549.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

Read full review
Sony VAIO Z series VPC-Z390X

Toshiba Portege Z835-P330

Another entry in the MacBook Air clone wars, the Toshiba Portege Z835 offers great bang for the buck in some areas, but also looks and feels a bit cheap.

As Reviewed: $899.00

Similar Model Starting at: $779.99 configure at Toshiba

4 stars

Very good

Read full review
Toshiba Portege Z835-P330
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