I need a very small and light laptop, but not sure which one

[jd29]

I have a desktop that does everything I want it to, and I work there most of the time. But I'm thinking about buying a small laptop (11" is the ideal size, since even 13-14 is a little big for what I want) to work on command line stuff, watch videos from bed, travel, take to work, etc. Nothing too intensive (I'd watch 720p and 1080p mkv's every now and then but that's about it), and no gaming. I'd like it to have an SSD. Most of the time would be spent either using terminal/remote desktop, browsing or watching videos/movies. And I'd really like it to be as light and thin as possible to take with me.

Thing is I'm not sure which laptop suits my needs.

 

[jsrudd]

I'm assuming Windows as the OS.

You're very limited in your options for a 11'' windows ultrabook. The only real candidate is the Asus 11'' Zenbook which is a little over $1000.

With a 13'' there are a lot more choices (just browse newegg). If I were buying a windows ultrabook it would be the Thinkpad X1 Carbon.

 

[jd29]

Any OS is fine, really. I use Ubuntu as my main OS in the desktop.

The Lenovos are 14", I really want something small like the 11" I mentioned.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Sounds like what you really need is a tablet capable of command line stuff. Not sure if there are iOS options for that, but it seems likely Win RT on Surface could likely handle your usage needs.

With regard to ultrabooks, if you have the cash, Macbook Air is still the best implemented+ portable11" ultrabook.

I think Lenovo as indicated above has good thin and light options. Also, I know the Acer S7 series has a small 11inch that is probably competitive.

 

[zdbc13]

I've been reading really good reviews of the new Samsung Chromebook

http/www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#ss-cb

For $249 it's pretty cool. Of course it means learning a new operating system but, hey, that's fun....

 

[jd29]

I've been reading really good reviews of the new Samsung Chromebook

http/www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#ss-cb

For $249 it's pretty cool. Of course it means learning a new operating system but, hey, that's fun....

Chromebooks are cool, but no VLC, almost 0 local storage, Skype and other stuff keeps me away.

 

[jd29]

budget?

$900-1300

 

[nbelote]

Samsung ATIV tablet $1199:
http/www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0098O9TRO
It's supposedly got a plasticy feel to it, but I personally can get around that as I don't abuse my devices.

Acer W700 tablet (comes with dock and bluetooth, not detachable, keyboard) for $999:
http/www.amazon.com/Acer-Iconia-W700-6465-11-6-Inch-Tablet/dp/B009H1BHY6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351189773&sr=1-1&keywords=acer+w700
The old Acer W-series tablets got high ratings, as I am sure this one will also.

 

[jd29]

Samsung ATIV tablet $1199:
http/www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0098O9TRO
It's supposedly got a plasticy feel to it, but I personally can get around that as I don't abuse my devices.

Acer W700 tablet (comes with dock and bluetooth, not detachable, keyboard) for $999:
http/www.amazon.com/Acer-Iconia-W700-6465-11-6-Inch-Tablet/dp/B009H1BHY6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351189773&sr=1-1&keywords=acer+w700
The old Acer W-series tablets got high ratings, as I am sure this one will also.

Ok that Samsung has my attention. How would you guys rate that against a Macbook Air (disregard OS).

 

[Tibbs01]

I would recommend the Lenovo X230 or even the X230(t) they are 12.5", I love my X220. Fabulous keyboard and fit's the bill for your other stated uses quite well.

 

[nbelote]

Considering its not out yet, we can't. I would suggest reading this, however:
http/www.slashgear.com/samsung-ativ-smart-pc-pro-hands-on-29244594/

Edit: Here's a good preview video:
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nT3dhMs4_Y

 

[nbelote]

There's also always the Lenovo Thinkpad X230:
http/www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/xtablet-series/x230t/

 

[jd29]

There's also always the Lenovo Thinkpad X230:
http/www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/xtablet-series/x230t/

Over my budget once I add the SSD.

Right now I'm leaning towards that Samsung hybrid and the Macbook Air.

 

[nbelote]

I also found these three:
http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4960952&CatId=219
http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4904341&CatId=4935
http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4977869&CatId=927

Out of those, I am partial to the HP as it has a slightly better CPU and 8GB of RAM as well as the choice between Windows 7 and Windows 8. Pretty solid build, as well. The last Elitebook I had took a ton of damage quite gracefully.

 

[nbelote]

From the HP website, regarding the 2170p:

Dimensions and weight
Weight
Starting at 2.94 lb (Starting at 1.33 kg)
Dimensions (W x D x H)
11.5 x 7.56 x 1.04 in (29.2 x 19.2 x 2.65 cm

http/h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF06a/321957-321957-64295-3740645-3955549-5245427.html?dnr=1

So it's not nearly as thin or light as a MBA.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Right now I'm leaning towards that Samsung hybrid and the Macbook Air.

They look to be very competitive. Looks like the same processor/graphics in both.

Samsung is slightly thinner but $100 more expensive for the 128gb ssd models. Claims better battery life, but I'm not sure I'd take that at face value. Samsung has a higher resolution display, but I'm not sure you will get all that much benefit from the extra pixels on an 11" screen. I would worry about the two parts falling apart accidentally.

Air on the other hand has incredible build quality and durability. I'd be much less worried about it getting damaged, etc when traveling. Also the magsafe and all that Apple stuff is nice. Need to find somewhere that you can feel both of them - touch is really important in a personal device.

 

[nbelote]

Best Buy, more than likely. Or if you have a Fry's nearby.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Hah. I just realized why the Samsung is thinner and lighter with more battery. I don't think it is -- Samsung doesn't appear to count the keyboard part in their dimensions/specs. Together the parts look much thicker.

 

[nbelote]

I doubt that the measurements take into account the keyboard.

 

[jd29]

Cool, I'm studying the options. Right now it's looking like the Macbook Air. Never thought I'd be considering an Apple laptop haha, but it does appear to be the best one for what I'm looking.