The in-betweeners: 11.6-inch laptops and Premium Netbooks (photos)
Bigger than a standard 10-inch Netbook, but still less powerful and less expensive than even budget-minded midsize systems, these 11.6-inch laptops sit somewhat awkwardly between categories. Some call them premium Netbooks, others say they're ultraportable systems. We say they're a worthwhile step up when a single-core 10-inch Atom Netbook just isn't enough. (As a bonus, we've tossed in a couple of similar 12-inch versions at the end.)
- Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Toshiba Satellite T215D-S1140RD
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Better-than-Netbook performance; solid keyboard; good selection of ports for its size.
The bad: Unimpressive battery life; for a nearly $500, may not offer the CPU horsepower one might expect.
The bottom line: An update to last year's T115, the Toshiba Satellite T215D-S1140RD performs like a slightly larger, faster Netbook with better specs and ports. It's definitely a step up, but it may not be enough computer for those with higher expectations.
Dell Inspiron M101z
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Dual-core processor in an 11-inch laptop; good keyboard and touch pad; much faster than similar-size Netbooks.
The bad: Upgraded components aren't cheap; limited graphics; merely average battery life.
The bottom line: Dell's latest take on the Mini line is a dual-core AMD-powered 11-inch system that leaves Netbooks in the dust in terms of both power and price.
Alienware M11x (Core i7, Nvidia Optimus)
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Solid gaming performance in a very compact form; improves on the original Core 2 Duo version; automatic Nvidia Optimus graphics switching; impressive built-in audio.
The bad: The Core i7 ULV processor is still slower than normal Core i7 processors; higher-end configs get too expensive; no optical drive for installing games.
The bottom line: Equipped with Nvidia Optimus technology and new Core i5 and i7 processors, the updated 11.6-inch Alienware M11x has improved performance, but it takes a small step forward, not a quantum leap.
Gateway LT3201u
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: More powerful than Intel Atom Netbooks; reasonably priced; big keyboard.
The bad: Still a single-core processor; unimpressive touch pad and multitouch gesture controls.
The bottom line: Offering a little more Netbook for a little more money, the Gateway LT32 is a solid step up in power, screen size, and price.
Gateway EC14D07u
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Compact laptop manages to still have an optical drive as well as decent dual-core performance and battery life.
The bad: Keyboard feels flimsy; for the price, you could always get a larger, faster Core i3 laptop.
The bottom line: By adding a DVD burner to its Netbook-like form factor and dual-core processor, the Gateway EC14D07u fills a need for those who can't say goodbye to physical discs, although it comes at a price that befits a full-size laptop.
Lenovo ThinkPad X100e
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Phenomenal keyboard; sturdy build; matte screen.
The bad: Underpowered for the price; battery life isn't as good as many Netbooks.
The bottom line: The ThinkPad x100e is essentially the ThinkPad Netbook users have been dreaming of, with one of the best keyboards we've ever tested. Unfortunately, its performance, though better than Atom Netbooks', comes at the cost of longer battery life.
Acer Ferrari One FO200-1799
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Speedy Netbook-size system; good battery life.
The bad: Oddly shaped touch pad; priced out of the Netbook market.
The bottom line: Acer's auto-branded Ferrari One FO200 may look like an 11-inch Netbook, but it sports a dual-core AMD CPU and a mainstream laptop price to match.
Lenovo ThinkPad x201
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Powerful processor in a 12-inch laptop; excellent battery life; typical ThinkPad-quality construction.
The bad: Bulky for a 12-inch laptop; expensive for a nongaming system.
The bottom line: Anyone looking for the power of a midsize laptop in a compact 12-inch body has only a few choices, and none to date tops Lenovo's excellent ThinkPad X201.
Asus Eee PC 1201PN
Editors' rating: 3 out of 5
The good: Comfortable keyboard, good screen and speakers; Ion processor offers some graphics and performance gains.
The bad: Full laptops can be had for the same price; streaming video and gaming are hit-and-miss with this single-core Atom/next-gen Ion configuration.
The bottom line: Touting the Asus Eee PC 1201PN as the first next-gen Nvidia Ion Netbook is a bit misleading, since it offers single-core Atom performance, with no automatic graphics switching in an expensive package that underperforms its predecessor.
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