The U3 offers HDMI and eSATA ports, integrated HSDPA and GPS and features a dual graphics setup. Whether or not you are willing to sacrifice an internal optical drive for these features will determine if this stylish ultraportable is for you.

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 MacBook Air is a superbly crafted notebook, but this niche product isn't for everyone. Its lack of optical drive, FireWire and Ethernet ports deem it inadequate for power or everyday users. Regardless, it functions well as a secondary device for frequent travellers, or those who require basic, hassle-free computing.

The Fujitsu Lifebook U1010 3.5G is a great example of the increasingly popular ultra mobile PCs. It's easily held and is comfortable to use while also being extremely portable. If the size and weight weren't enough to get you excited then the addition of 3.5G HSDPA speeds of up to 7.2Mbps should help.

An excellent choice for on-the-road business users, offering great performance and excellent battery life. Its size, weight and battery life make it very portable and it's got some style, too.

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.

As a multi-purpose business notebook, the Lenovo 3000 V200 performs admirably well in almost every area. However, those after a highly portable unit are likely to find themselves a little weighed down.

Although the Panasonic Toughbook CF-W5 is not the most stylish or powerful machine, it does offer some good battery life and should take a few knocks without any trouble. However, for the premium price it is short on ports and other features, a disappointment despite the advantages of its rugged design.

The OQO E2 is quite an impressive little design with some good connectivity and would suite a number of tasks, as long as they require more portability than power

It's rare to find a notebook as versatile as the LifeBook P1610. There are certainly compromises to be made for its tiny frame and convertible design, but if blistering performance isn't essential, the P1610 is well worth a look.

The VAIO TZ17GN is an ideal ultraportable thanks to a compact, lightweight frame, good battery life and solid, if not outstanding performance. A stylish design sweetens the deal.

The Fujitsu Q2010 is an ideal mobile tool with a lightweight design and integrated 3G making it great for use on the road. It lacks grunt but should be more than enough for office applications and keeping intouch with colleagues.