Toshiba Portégé R500

Taken on its own merits, the R500 is still a good ultraportable: it's impressively small and light, and if every gram counts, it's well worth considering over more expensive options such as the TZ12 or its mechanical hard disk sibling, the TZ11 (web ID: 117830). But it isn't without its failings, and if you can afford the TZ11 or TZ12, and working outside isn't a priority, then go for one of them. Alternatively, there's the slightly larger Sony G11, which costs more but doesn't suffer from the R500's heat problem, besides offering an incredible nine hours of battery life.

However, the R500 is temptingly decent value for money, and if the idea of working in the garden or next to a sunny window appeals, there's nothing else to match it.

Author: Dave Stevenson