Smallest Notebook

V

vodacom3g

Vodacom Representative
Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
12,065
Since I'm supposed to look after you bunch 24/7, I need to get myself a truely portable notebook that can take a PCMCIA datacard. Need something between a Jasjar and a normal notebook.

(Lekker when you have a legit excuse to buy cool toys!)

So here's my question:

Which is the smallest notebook / tablet pc / laptop that can take a pcmcia card?

So far I've seen (but have no experience with):

1: Toshiba Libretto (http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cmod.to?coid=-29335) - 7.2" screen - 210x165x30mm - <1Kg
2: Flybook (http://www.flybook.co.za/Default.aspx) - 8.9" screen - 235x155x31 - 1.23Kg
3: Fujitsu Siemens P1510 (http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/products/mobile/tablet_pcs/lifebook_p.html) - 8.9" screen - 232x167x34.5 - 1.2Kg
4: Sony Vaio (http://www.sony.co.za/prod.asp?DTID=1&CID=45&SID=96&PID=1932) - 11.1" - 272x195x28 - 1.25Kg
5. Panasonic Toughbook CF-W4 (http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?page=5788&head=0) - 12.1" - 268x210x44mm - 1.29Kg
6. Fujitsu Siemens P7120 (http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/products/mobile/notebooks/lifebook_p.html) - 10.6" - 271x209x28mm - 1.28kg
 
Last edited:
D

diabolus

Executive Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2005
Messages
6,312
Dialogue Flybook is not bad played with one for a while has a pcmcia slot but no cd/dvd drive that was the only drawback and they are a touch expensive.
Click to expand...

Yea, the flybooks is the smallest i've seen so far, plus it got a tablet-touch screen which folds flat on top of the keyboard like the Toshiba's tablet pcs.

http://www.flybook.co.za/
 
M

Mams

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
771
V3G:
I used ( and still have but not using ) the old Libretto 110ct.My impressions on Toshiba is that they make the best mini laptops. However I cant say regarding the new Libretto as i have not used it nor seen it. The specs seem good though.

Fujitsu and Sony: Seen both in Dubai but havent used them. The Sony is a tad big.

Flybook: Im using this at the moment- infact i have not used my office PC for internet and email in the past month - neither have i used my Asus laptop - The Flybook has replaced them both ( for internet usage )

My impressions:
*It is the most versatile mini notebook i have used and i highly recommend it.
*The really nice thing is that the PCMCIA slot is at the back so u dont even see your HSDPA card - its outta the way.
*Bulit in Bluetooth is handy and so is the WiFi - also has 2 x firewire
*Size is perfect
*lacks an IR port
* lacks standard DVD/CD. Im using my Librettos old PCMCIA CD for installing applications an its fine. A Usb DVD writer combo is what i plan to get and then its on par with the Libretto ( Libretto has standard DVD docking station )

On the whole, for Internet usage this is the perfect notebook.
 
A

arf9999

MyBroadband Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Messages
6,791
Mams said:
Fujitsu and Sony: Seen both in Dubai but havent used them. The Sony is a tad big.
Click to expand...
:eek: Sony: Dimensions (W x H x D) mm 272.4 x 21-28.5 x 195.1 mm
Flybook: 235 X 31mm X155
So flybook has a smaller footprint, but Sony is thinner and weight is almost identical (1.23kg vs 1.25kg)

BUT: Flybook has no Optical Drive, Screen is smaller (8.9" vs 11"), screen resolution is lower (Sony is HD ready 1366 x 768; Flybook 1024 x 600), Processor is slower (Transmeta 5800 is less powerful than Centrino ULV and uses memory for software decoding layer), Keyboard is small but still usable on the Sony and it includes a trackpad.

Oh, and as I mentioned earlier n the thread, the Sony LCD screens rule ATM.

IMO - If you need to upgrade from a PDA, the flybook is ideal as long as you keep in mind the inherent shortcomings of a PDA. If you are using a notebook, and want to reduce the size and weight with minimal compromise the Sony wins hands down.

Edit: One more thing, The Sony can be used as a really good portable DVD player....actually a really expensive DVD player, bt you get the picture :)
 
Last edited:
M

Mams

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
771
The next toy i will try is the Vaio...just need the cash then ill get my hands on one...
V3G: u got no constraints as u dont pay!
 
V

VodaGuy

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2005
Messages
29
sony viao's good

worked on a director's viao up here and its really very dinky. screens beautifull and battery life is very respectable. don't know about the rest. good luck.
 
SJB

SJB

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2005
Messages
108
Smallest XP Prof Notebook...

http://www.mobilityguru.com/2006/03/14/is_the_world/

This is awesome, but unfortunately no PCMCIA. It still make some good reading with the conclusing hinting to the options available with PCMCIA.

I found that sites like Toms Hardware and Newegg have the most info on most harware. THW with professional reviews and Newegg with end users' experience.

V3G, seems like ideally you want the size and weight of the machine above, speed of a Dual Core AMD FX, battery life of at least 12 hours with the standard battery, and of course a PCMCIA slot.

Let us know what you decide...
 
internaut

internaut

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2005
Messages
701
Dell Notebooks are a wise investment as well. For an extra R1800 you can now choose a 4 year Complete Care warranty which covers hardware failure, accidental damage and theft the VERY NEXT day. :)
 
A

arf9999

MyBroadband Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Messages
6,791
internaut said:
Dell Notebooks are a wise investment as well. For an extra R1800 you can now choose a 4 year Complete Care warranty which covers hardware failure, accidental damage and theft the VERY NEXT day. :)
Click to expand...
but they're crap:)
 
Roman4604

Roman4604

Executive Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
5,554
arf9999 said:
you're right...they're relatively crap.:D
Click to expand...
Depends on what category you're talking about.

For example I would think a high end gamer would beg to differ with you regarding the XPS M1710.

If your talking about sub-notebooks (=< 12' displays, as per this thread) then yes Dell's current Latitude X1 is nothing to write home about. Since this range is manufactured by Samsung for Dell, the X2 will probably be based of their quite nifty new Q35.

Personally I've been using Dell's Latitude D6XX range (14' display, any smaller is not productive for me) for some time and they seem to stike a nice balance between size, weight, performance, integrated features & price. Will probably continue, upgrading to the latest D620 ... dual core, 9 cell battery & integrated HSDPA does it for me.

Each to his own I suppose.
 
Last edited:
M

Mams

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
771
Mams said:
The next toy i will try is the Vaio...just need the cash then ill get my hands on one...
V3G: u got no constraints as u dont pay!
Click to expand...

Got my SONY Vaio T27....and sold the Flybook - this forum is persuasive..Ok, my first impressions: Its much faster and the screen is better - only no touch screen..
Battery life is atleast 4 times better than flybook...and who needs built in GPRS when u have a HSDPA card?

V3g, what did u get yourself?

PS: and the built in DVD writer much better than plugging in an external drive
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top