I want to purchase on of those small laptops for my daughter for Christmas. She is a teacher's assistant at a University, working on her Masters Degree. They have wi-fi at the University. She said everyone keeps a laptop right on their desk and they research stuff as the professor is talking! I've looked into the Sony Vaio vgn-T350P. At circuit city, it is around $2100. Upon doing a search through bixrate for the best price, it had a web site out of Europe. It was : http://www.flamingo-systems.com/item...25&id=35563811 The price was like $400.00 dollars cheaper there! I am skeptical from ordering out of the country though. I was also looking at the IBM thinkpads. I just read Cyllabus's recommendation for the Dell Latitude X1. There are too many to chose from. Because they are so small, should one buy an extended warranty on it?

Hi, personally I would recommend the IBM (or now Lenovo) X series. Very reliable and not too pricey. Here's a link to the UK page: http://www.pc.ibm.com/europe/thinkpa....html?uk&cc=uk

Lewis

My students do that. I always wondered what kind of stuff they research while I talk...

A lot of my coworkers are running around in Japan now with the IBM X41.

VERY VERY NICE...I myself wouldnt get it as it is 1.8" drive and also non-standard memory? So very hard and expensive to upgrade. Actually I am not sure you ?can? upgrade the hard drive.

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Speed is not an issue--all of these little machines being discussed are just fine with a broadband internet connection--wired or wireless. I'm typing this on my x1 via wireless, 30 feet and two walls from the router. No problem.

If you are U.S. based, buy in the States. Unless you are a very sophisticated early-adopter gizmo-masochist of course!

The warrantees for US purchased stuff are usually honored world-wide. Is the reverse true, Flyertalkers?

They pioneered the ultra compact notebook and then stopped making then for a while. They are back now. Wondering how the new ones were.

Small.

Very small. And too small to be any real use.

She is also a teacher's assistant that teaches a philosophy class. She says they try to find stuff either backs up (and add to the discussion) of what the professor is teaching or to argue with them!

I came to the same conclusion after extended test drive of a Libretto. The display is bright, but the DPI is way too high that makes letters too small. The keys are too small and close together that it is likely to striking 2 or 3 keys. Also, the AccuPoint/TrackPoint nub is below the keyboard instead of between the GHB keys.

In this weight class, I would opt for a Panasonic R4 over Libretto. Larger 10.4" display. Close to normal key pitch. Longer battery life. All this at the same weight just shy of 1 kg/2.2 lb.

I have heard some good things about Averatec

My friend says that Sam's has one of their models (doesn't know which one) for around $800.

I'm looking for something light to read email and do some light surfing while I travel.

EmailKid

Does anybody have any thoughts on the Samsung Q30? I know that Dell has modified and rebranded it as their X1. The 12.1" screen is as small as I want to go and at only 2.5 pounds, it's great for travel.

Since Samsung and Dell have a non-compete agreement, the Samsung branded Q30's aren't available in the US so I'm thinking of picking one up when I'm in the UK next year.

I have a 2 year old Averatec and recommend it. The smaller keyboard is the only problem, but I got used to it and I really just take it with me on trips to do email and surf. For this it is fine. It is light and small, just like it's suppoed to be.
The keyboards on the newer machines seem like they have a better "feel" than mine. So if the price is right, go for it. I think there was a discussion about a year ago on FT that mentioned that they Averatec used quality components. I have not had a problem where I have needed to call the company and I get about 2 1/2 hours on a battery charge.

Read my post above. Why not get the Dell? It is a superior mod (includes bluetooth) and quite a bit cheaper. Only downside-- bland grey color. But its sooooo light!

Aside from the color, I believe the Samsung Q30 has a brighter glassy (for lack of a technical term) screen, compared to the matte type the Dell has. The brighter screen would be a major consideration for me.

Not having seen either notebook in person, it's a bit of tough choice.

How much does a Samgsung Q30 cost?