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Notebook computers to go
By Paul Taylor

Published: April 18 2008 03:00 | Last updated: April 18 2008 03:00

Those with long memories and large coat pockets may recall the "sub-notebook" PCs of the 1990s and early 2000s, such as Psion's Series 7, Toshiba's Libretto, Compaq's Contura Aero and Olivetti's Quaderno.

The concept is making a comeback as a high-performance, "ultra-portable" device that slots neatly in between full-size laptops and hybrid devices such as the HTC Shift ( www.htc.com ) with its tilting 7in touch screen, slide-out qwerty keyboard and built-in 3G cellular data connection.

Asus, the Taiwanese PC-maker, has scored an unexpected hit with the Asus Eee PC ultra-portable notebook, with prices starting at £183 in the UK. The Eee PC, based on Intel's ClassmatePC project, is designed to run internet-based applications and was targeted at the education market. But it has been snapped up by mobile professionals looking for a low-cost portable device with a reasonable, albeit somewhat cramped, qwerty keyboard.

The basic Eee PC, which went on sale last October, was built round a Linux operating system, with solid-state flash memory storage rather than a spinning hard drive, Wi-Fi networking and a bright 7in screen - all weighing less than 2lb (0.9kg). (Asus has now ex-panded the range to include a Windows XP machine and others with greater storage.)

But what differentiates the Eee PC from tablet-size "ultra-mobile" PCs such as Samsung's U1 and from mobile internet devices such as OQO's Model O1 are its traditional clamshell design, touch pad -pointing device and near- full-size qwerty keyboard. With Asus expecting to sell up to 5m Eee PCs this year, other PC-makers have begun to take notice.

I have been testing one of the first direct rivals, Hewlett-Packard's HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, launched in the US and elsewhere 10 days ago. Like the Eee PC, the Mini-Note ( www.hp.com ) offers a choice of operating system including Linux and Windows Vista Business. It costs from £388 in the UKfor the basic version with 512KB of Ram, a 1GHz Via processor and SuSe Linux.

My $599 test model came with Windows Vista Home Basic, a 1.2GHz Via C7-M microprocessor, 1GB of Ram and an 8.9in widescreen display. Unlike the Eee PC, its 120GB hard drive is standard.

The Mini-Note is designed to appeal equally to students and cost-conscious business travellers tired of carrying a heavy laptop. It measures 10.04in wide by 6.5in deep by 1.05in thick (255 x 165 x 27mm) - smaller than most hardback novels - and weighs about 2.8lb (1.27kg) with the standard three-cell battery. An optional six-cell battery doubles the battery life to about four hours and elevates the back of the PC to create a convenient angle for typing. This raises the weight to about 3.3lb.

The Mini-Notes's size is determined by the cleverly designed qwerty keyboard with big keys, and the LCD (liquid crystal display) panel bordered by stereo speakers and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. With an elegant and durable brushed aluminium case, the Mini-Note has the look and feel of a machine several times its price. This is a device almost anyone - male or female - would feel comfortable carrying in one hand.

Its sturdiness is more than skin-deep. HP has built the Mini-Note around a magnesium alloy support structure and included the company's HP 3D DriveGuard to help protect the hard drive and its data.

Other features include a mini-touch pad with "scroll zone" for navigation, although the mouse buttons on either side of the pad are awkward. The Mini-Note has all the standard ports and connectivity options including integrated Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth and the option to add a broadband wireless data card in an express card slot.

The low-power Via processor and integrated Via graphics sub-system do a good job driving the system, butgenerate a lot of heat that can make the Mini-Note uncomfortable to hold on a lap for long periods.

Most users should find the 120GB hard drive adequate, although HP offers a 160GB option as well as a 4GB flash memory for Linux-based systems and a 64GB SSD (solid state drive) version for those who need faster, more reliable storage.

Overall, despite a few niggles, I am impressed by the HP Mini-Note. It provides value for money and is a worthy competitor for Asus.

I have also been looking at the HTC Shift. At 800g, it is smaller and lighter than the Eee PC and the Mini-Note, and may be ideally suited to mobile internet access.

The model I have been testing is powered by an 800MHz Intel processor. It has 1GB of Ram and a 40GB hard drive, comes with a 7in 800 by 400 pixel touch-sensitive display and is running Windows Vista Business. It also has a built-in 3G wireless data card, WiFi networking and Bluetooth connectivity.

Stand-out featuresinclude the clever way its screen slides up and tilts to reveal a mini-qwerty keyboard. Its SnapVue technology provides quick, easy access to e-mail and SMS text messaging without the need to fire up Windows.

I am not sure I would feel comfortable leaving my laptop at home and taking the Shift on a long business trip, but I found it great for my daily commute. The Mini-Note is a far more rounded machine that should please most users, including students and business people.

When a full-size laptop is just too heavy

Q. I want an ultra-mobile device that I can use while travelling. What are my options? You could consider a qwerty- based smartphone, provided you do not intend to do too much typing. Alternatively, take a look at a larger device such as the HTC Shift that comes with a reasonably large touch screen, a qwerty keyboard suitable for two-finger "hunt-and-peck" typing and Windows Vista.

Q. How about a sub-notebook device such as the Asus Eee PC or HP 2133 Mini-Note? Both provide a good alternative to lugging around a full-size laptop. They are a fraction of the price and ideally suited for running basic office productivity software and web applications. The Mini-Note is particularly attractive, especially when paired with a plug-in wireless broadband card.

Q. What about a lightweight laptop with a full-size screen? If you plan on doing heavy duty office work, gaming or running processor-intensive multimedia options, ultra-light laptops such as the ThinkPad X300 are probably the best bet. But be prepared for a relatively hefty price tag.

paul.taylor@ft.com Paul Taylor tackles your high-tech problems and queries at www.ft.com/gadgetguru
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008