Notebooks & Accessories

News: UPCs on the Way

This year should mark the debut of the Ultra Personal Computer, a device that packs the power of a PC into a PDA form factor. Oqo is promising that its UPC (which about 0.8 pounds and measures 4.9 by 3.4 by 0.9 inches) will be available in June through its Web site. The device runs Windows XP and features 256MB of RAM, a 20GB hard drive, a 5-inch wide TFT LCD screen, a 57-key thumbpad, integrated 802.11b networking, and other features.

Review: Best High-End Notebook Bag

If you're in the market for a notebook bag, you might consider Tumi's Single Compartment Brief ($295). I'm a big Tumi fan, and though I haven't tested this particular bag, it recently received a solid review in The Wall Street Journal. The leather/nylon Tumi bag is fairly light (3 pounds, 9 ounces), and compact. The bag can hold a notebook up to 13.5 by 10 by 2.75 inches in size.

For my review of the Tumi Wheel-A-Way Deluxe Expandable Brief With Computer Case and other notebook bags, read "Hands-On Guide to Notebook Bags."

Review: Toshiba Ultraportable Almost Has It All

Toshiba's Portege M100 ($2099) is the "Miata of ultraportable notebooks," says PC World reviewer Carla Thornton. The 5.3-pound ultraportable, which recently earned a Best Buy in PC World's Top 15 Notebooks roundup, is sleek, fast, and well equipped. There is a handy Wi-Fi switch, and with a secondary battery in the modular drive bay, the notebook can keep running for up to 8.6 hours, according to Toshiba. The 12.1-inch screen is nothing to scream about, though. (For the latest prices, check the PC World Product Finder.)

Review: IBM ThinkPad R50 Just Right

The IBM ThinkPad R50 isn't too heavy or too light, and it offers both basic and deluxe notebook features, PC World's reviewer Carla Thornton says. At around $1750, it's modestly priced (check our Product Finder for the latest prices). The keyboard is firm and responsive. The ThinkPad offers both a touchpad and pointing stick. By hitting a keystroke combination, you can enlarge the current window to fill the screen. And the R50 also features IBM's ThinkLight, a small LED in the lid that beams light on the keyboard.