Mobile Computing Tips: Watch DVDs in Flight

Notebooks

Tip: One-Stop Shop for Notebook Bags

Shopping for a notebook bag is a drag, because many stores offer only a half dozen (or less) models. But you can get a much broader overview of what's available in computer cases at EBags.com, a site devoted to, you guessed it, bags. After searching by computer bag type (such as wheeled or backpack) or by maker, you can either buy the bag you want online or, even better, go to the bag maker's Web site to find a retailer near you--that way, you can get a look at the bag you're interested in.

Review: Sony's Petite VAIO

The new Sony VAIO PCG-SRX77 notebook earns kudos from Contributing Editor Carla Thornton for its weight (just 2.7 pounds without AC adapter and external CD-ROM), compact size (it slips easily into a handbag or small briefcase), features (it comes equipped for wireless and wired networking), and long battery life (4 hours and 43 minutes from one charge). But beware its dim, small, 10.4-inch screen; tiny keyboard; and lack of legacy connections such as a parallel port and a mouse/keyboard PS/2 port. For the latest prices, go to PC World's Product Finder.

News: Two New Subnotebooks From Toshiba

Not to be outdone by Sony, Toshiba has expanded its Libretto subnotebook line with two new models. Both are based on an 800-MHz TM5800 Crusoe processor from Transmeta and have 10-inch wide-screen TFT-LCDs that support up to 1280-by-600-pixel resolution, 256MB of memory, a 20GB hard drive, an ethernet port, and a slot for Toshiba's Secure Digital memory card. The main difference is that the L5/080 TNKW features an internal wireless local-area network adapter and runs Windows XP Professional, while the L5/080 TNKN lacks the wireless adapter and runs Windows XP Home Edition.

The new Libretto models are available in Japan only; Toshiba has not yet announced plans to sell them in the U.S.