This VAIO is stylish and redefines the meaning of the term ultra-portable. We wouldn't recommend it if you are just looking for a notebook, but if portability is your number one concern, then you can't go past the VGN-TX27GP.

The Sony Vaio SZ15GP/B is a great entry level unit for people who want to get mobile but don't need a monster laptop.

Alienware takes a nice step out of the high-power desktop world into the ultraportable market with the Sentia m3200

The Fujitsu LifeBook P7120 is an attractive and cleverly designed notebook with all the bells and whistles of some much more expensive models.

An ultralight tablet PC that is a little weak on character recognition, and too high on price.

Unfortunately there is no microphone, and the specs are a bit weak where it matters.

Samsung has come up with a fantastic, lightweight ultraportable in the Q30. It's got enough power to drive productivity applications and manages to run for 5.5 hours with a long-life 6-cell battery.

The lack of a built-in optical drive and the so-so keyboard mar this lightweight notebook; however, the price is reasonable for an ultraportable.

This mid-sized widescreen has plenty of power and a sizable, speedy hard disk, and it's backed by a three-year warranty.

The ASUS has big application performance and a sleek physical appearance.

If you consider battery life and light weight the most important laptop criteria, give the LifeBook P7010 a close look. You could probably live with this 1.5-kilogram unit's less-than-perfect keyboard and screen.

Spring for the extra battery (at an extra charge) to add needed life to this otherwise fine and very light travelling companion.