ie8 fix

Best ultraportable laptops

(Updated March 14, 2012 12:06 AM PDT)
Dan Ackerman
Dan Ackerman
Senior editor
Scott Stein
Scott Stein
Senior editor
Small 11- and 12-inch laptops used to be executive toys that cost $2,000 or more. Today, they're the best deal going for laptops, with reasonably powerful systems starting around $400, thanks to lower-cost Intel and AMD CPUs.

Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, Summer 2011)

This year's 11-inch MacBook Air improves on last year's model in several significant ways and is by far the fastest ultraportable you're likely to find, though some users will consider the limited flash storage space to be a hindrance.

Price: $938.95 - $999.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, Summer 2011)

HP Pavilion dm1z (fall 2011)

There have been plenty of 11-inch AMD-powered ultraportables this year, but HP's Pavilion dm1z was the first, and this updated version puts it back in the lead in this crowded category.

As Reviewed: Pricing not available

Similar Model Starting at: $369.99

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
HP Pavilion dm1z (fall 2011)

Alienware M11x (spring 2011)

Don't be fooled by its unchanged looks: the 2011 Alienware M11x makes big leaps forward in performance, graphics, and battery life, while keeping a reasonable price. Anyone looking for a portable gaming-ready laptop will have a hard time resisting the urge to pick one of these up.

As Reviewed: $1,099.00

Similar Model Starting at: $899.00

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Alienware M11x (spring 2011)

Sony Vaio YB Series VPC-YB35KX/B

The more affordable and better-performing Sony Vaio YB35KX/B is a modest improvement on the last YB model we reviewed, adding up to a full-featured but cramped 11-inch laptop that'll cost a lot less than an ultrabook.

Price: $489.00 - $549.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Sony Vaio YB Series VPC-YB35KX/B

Lenovo IdeaPad S205

Combining AMD's excellent ultraportable Fusion platform with Lenovo's consumer-friendly IdeaPad designs, the S205 is a solid, if unexciting, 11-inch laptop ideal for on-the-go Web surfing.

As Reviewed: Pricing not available

Similar Model Starting at: $429.00 configure at Lenovo

4 stars

Very good

Read full review
Lenovo IdeaPad S205
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