InformationWeek offers Ultramobile PC guide without any UMPCs in it
I’m being facetious, probably because I’m a cup low in the coffee department this morning, but it actually does highlight that UMPC naming issue we kick around from time to time. Regardless, InformationWeek does offer a solid overview of ultraportable notebooks targeted for the mobile warrior. It’s a concise look at features, weight and cost of the following candidates:
- Fujitsu LifeBook P7230, 2.6 pounds, $1,599
- Lenovo ThinkPad X61s, 2.7 pounds, $1,474
- Dell XPS M1330, 4 pounds, $1,299
- Toshiba Portege R500, 1.7 pounds, $1,999
- Sony Vaio TX, 2.7 pounds, $2,200
- Apple MacBook Pro, 5.4 pounds, $1,999
All in all, a good assortment of very capable mobile machines. Many of the quoted prices are starting prices, so if you’re the market or you’re comparing these devices, be sure to spec them out with comparable hardware to adjust the prices accordingly. Also remember that Toshiba just announced a 64 GB Solid State Disk (SSD) option for the R500 that further reduces the weight, slightly increases battery life and drives up the price about $700.
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That’s because UMPCs don’t have full keyboards on them and in that regard I agree with IW. If your goal is to be a notebook replacement then you need the keyboard you’re replacing. UMPCs with an external keyboard work well for you and I but they’re targeting the mobile professional who wants a full notebook.
Wasn’t the Sony VAIO TX supposed to be the laptop that could be configured with a 120GB HDD AND a 32GB SSD? Maybe that was the VAIO T?
How the hell is a 5.4 pound Macbook Pro an ultraportable? I don’t even think the Dell XPS should be on a list of ultraportables at 4 pounds. That looks more like the sort of list you would compile if you just had to include a couple of companies rather than a list of ultraportables.
It’s the Sony TZ-90. Really pimp piece of work. 11″ LED backlit screen. Nice keyboard. Has 1.8″ and 2.5″ slot so can have 32GB SSD + 160GB HD.
I’m still miffed that Dell discontinued their 12.1″ (super)model in favor of a 13.3″ monster.