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John Morris and Josh Taylor
New ultralight notebooks: We give you the skinny

John Morris and Josh Taylor
Contributing Editors, AnchorDesk
Friday, April 26, 2002
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Not long ago, the market for ultralight notebooks was ultra-small. But as computer makers have found ways to boost performance and cram more features into these 3-pound packages, they've become a viable alternative for the jet set. Our reviews team just tested three of the newest entries in this growing category from Dell, Gateway, and Sony.

The Dell Latitude X200 and Gateway 200 look virtually identical (they are manufactured by the same company), but they come in different configurations. The Gateway 200 we tested included a faster processor and a media slice with a CD-RW drive (you can upgrade to a combo DVD/CD-RW drive). The Latitude X200 has a slower, low-voltage processor that delivers better battery life and a larger hard drive, but the media slice is optional. Instead, you get an external CD-ROM drive with the base configuration.

The Sony VAIO PCG-SRX77, the least expensive of the three, has the same processor as the Latitude X200. But it has a smaller display (10.4 inches), and external drives, including an i.Link (IEEE 1394) combo DVD/CD-RW, are optional. What sets the PCG-SRX77 apart are digital photo and video features typically found in much larger notebooks and desktops.

All three ultraportables include IEEE 1394, Ethernet, and modem connections, and built-in wireless 802.11b networking. The PCG-SRX77 and Gateway 200 are available now, but you'll have to wait until early next month to get your hands on the Latitude X200.

Dell Latitude X200
Editors' Rating: 8.0
Read Review

Gateway 200
Editors' Rating: 7.6
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

Sony VAIO PCG-SRX77
Editors' Rating: 7.3
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

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Toshiba Pocket PC e310
A look at the slim, feature-filled handheld that's primed for groundbreaking success.
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Escape velocity: Game PCs under $2,000
These five budget PCs are perfect for playtime, and all come complete with powerful processors.
Read Reviews | Compare systems

Lexmark Z65 Inkjet Printer
Editors' Rating: 6.9
Fast print speeds, a high resolution, and dual paper trays are sure to impress home and office users.
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

Plextor PlexWriter 40/12/40A EIDE CD-RW drive
Editors' Rating: 7.2
Plextor steps up with 40X write speeds and delivers top-notch documentation, hardware innovations, and a good price.
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

Jessica Kashiwabara contributed to this column.

What's the most important feature to you in a notebook computer? Speed? Size? Weight? Something else? TalkBack to us!

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