Ive always been a fan of ThinkPad X-series laptops because of their size and weight. Recently, though, Ive gotten a couple of new ultraportables in for review that are bound to appeal to users who value portability—but want it at a more affordable price.
Hewlett-Packards new ultraportable, the $1,599 HP Compaq nc2400, boasts a bright, 12.1-inch screen and weighs 3.6 pounds. The unit includes an extended battery and has a built-in DVD-ROM/ CD-RW combo. The nc2400 was released in early May.
Meanwhile, the Lenovo 3000 v100 laptop, released on May 31, could provide serious competition to Lenovo Groups own ThinkPad X60s in some markets.
Sporting a 12-inch-wide screen and weighing 4.4 pounds, the $1,649 Lenovo 3000 v100 has a six-cell extended battery and a built-in DVD+R dual-layer DVD burner.
I rarely wish I had an optical drive on my X40 ThinkPad, but the fact that both the Lenovo 3000 v100 and the HP Compaq nc2400 have built-in optical drives will be appreciated by travelers who dont want to carry an external drive with them. Its a feature found in very few ultraportables.
Both the Lenovo 3000 v100 and the HP Compaq nc2400 could give the X60s—the latest X-series ThinkPad from Lenovo and an eWEEK Labs Analysts Choice—a run for its money. Find out when my reviews are published in the June 26/July 3 issue of eWEEK and at eWEEK.com.