Dell does a great job on their website now of giving you comparative weights on laptops so it is easy to find lighter ones, I however was not willing to downgrade for weight - loved my Dell. I also worried that going with a lighter machine might also mean one that easier to damage when transporting. I instead bought a great swissgear bag wtih wheels, it is very easy to navigate with and very flexible with a bunch of pouches and a SUPER inner bag for those few times I do want to carry my laptop (for example if I gate check the bigger outer bag I just take the little bag on the plane with me, it holds all my stuff). I say solve shoulder strain by stopping carrying instead of being forced to a machine you might not be happy with.