This revolutionary little machine is a great choice for kids at school, or travellers looking for a basic unit to update their blog, check e-mails or write their travel diary with. We wouldn't recommend it as much to the elderly, simply due to the keyboard and screen size, but it is simple to use and does the job well.

It has been out for a while now, but the original Eee PC is still great value and one of the best super-portable laptops on the market.

Physically, it's the same as the Linux version, and it has less storage space, but it does feel a little faster and it's much better suited to playing videos.

Even if you've never used Linux before, the Linux version of the Eee PC 900 is worth considering. It's more expensive than the Windows XP version, but it does have a larger internal storage capacity, and we feel that it's easier to use.

The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (FJ100PA) is designed to be a true ultraportable device, sturdy enough to take some knocks and light enough for everyday use. Business users will appreciate the connectivity and networking options. When compared in terms of specifications, performance and value of the FH441PA model it doesn’t shine as brightly.

It's small, affordable and easy to use. Business users will appreciate the fast networking options and the ExpressCard slot. Travellers and students will love its large hard drive capacity and the fact that it's compact but still easy to use.

The Acer Aspire 2920-302G25Mn is an ultraportable 're-imagining' of the all-purpose Gemstone series; offering a similar performance in a lightweight package. Provided you can overlook its garish interior, there's plenty to love about this little gem of a performer.

The Vostro 1200 is a good choice at a smart price for the travelling business user with good processing power, Wi-Fi connectivity and battery life, despite being let-down by some design issues.

If you're looking for top comfort and full features in an ultraportable, you'll find them all in the XPS M1210.

A strong, lightweight laptop, the Dell Inspiron 700m has a neat wide-aspect screen. All that mars the notebook is a slightly cramped keyboard, an annoying optical drive button and a short battery life.

The NEC Versa E6210 looks nice and is a good size for those on the road. The battery life didn't impress us, but will be fine for the casual user, as will the performance of this machine.