Most of the ultraportable notebooks in our roundup use the Pentium III processor with SpeedStep, running at 600 MHz. The Dell notebook's 500-MHz PIII is the only processor without SpeedStep. Bold type denotes first place. Low scores are best.
High scores are best.
These miniature notebooks all weigh less than 4 pounds each. To save weight, certain elements must be eliminated or reduced-such as screen size. The ultralight philosophy emphasizes size and weight concerns over screen size, so don't expect to see 14 to 16-inch screens in this class of laptops. A smaller screen means a smaller casing, which fits better on laps and airplane tray tables. Another weight-saving measure is shrinking the battery.