Just because a portable computer is thin and light doesn't mean that can't have great power. Take, for example, Lenovo's ThinkPad X60. This ultraportable computer weighs just around three pounds, yet is powered by an Intel Core Duo processor and features a decent set of components for its svelte frame.

Of course, you can't get that thin without making sacrifices, but we'll talk about those in a moment. That Core Duo is a 1.83GHz T2400 CPU, offering excellent central power thanks to its twin processing units on a single chip. Lenovo pairs that CPU with a respectable 512MB of speedy 667MHz DDR2 memory.

You can't upgrade the processor in these portable computers, but you can beef up the memory, which would definitely improve the overall performance. Doubling the RAM to 1GB adds $90 to the system price.

Part of what makes the X60 ultraportable is its 12.1-inch display. It's definitely smaller than the average laptop, but the resolution is sharp enough and the colors bright enough for Web browsing and basic office tasks.

Hard drive size starts at 40GB in a 5,400rpm drive. It's about as low as you'll see on a new laptop, but depending on what you'll be using your X60 for, it may be enough to suit your needs. Lenovo includes a range of upgrade drives, letting you double your elbow room to an 80GB drive for a reasonable $50, for example.

The hard drive is shock mounted on rubber rails, helping to prevent damage in the event that the portable computer is accidentally dropped. Lenovo also incorporates their ThinkVantage Active Protection System into the X60, which features an internal motion sensor that stops the hard drive if there's a sudden change in motion.

The major omission you'll notice is the optical drive. As is, there's no built-in CD-RW or DVD drive, but you have options if you need an optical drive with your laptop. The X60 series has a Mobile Media Base that can snap onto the bottom of the portable computer. The base lets you add additional peripherals such as an optical drive(s) as well as a second battery to your portable computer. However, it adds quite a bit of weight to what is supposed to be an ultraportable.

On the other hand, if you just need an optical drive to take with you on the road, you can add an external USB model that's small enough as to not take up much room in your laptop bag. Either way, it'll cost you at least a couple hundred dollars to add an optical drive.

ThinkPads have always been popular business laptops, so if you're using the X60 for business, you'll probably want to make the upgrade from Windows XP Home edition to the Professional edition ($70). Lenovo also offers business users a built-in fingerprint reader on these portable computers for $30, adding another layer of security for logins and passwords.

Internet connectivity is not a problem with these portable computers. There's a built-in modem and gigabit Ethernet, so you can connect to a high-speed corporate network at a good clip. And the built-in 802.11a/b/g WiFi lets you jump on the Net at any hotspot you come across.

This ultraportable runs at pretty low power, as battery life approaches nearly four hours on its default four-cell battery. For $100, you can opt for the eight-cell battery and double the life, giving you extended power for international flights and long hours on the road.

Even with the X60's small frame, the keyboard is full sized and comfortable to type on. There are also function keys for maneuvering in a Web browser as well as volume controls at the top of the keyboard.

Lenovo offers a one-year warranty on these portable computers which doesn't include any perks such as on-site repair. But it's average for portable computers these days--if you want extended coverage, you'll have to pay extra for it.

The starting price of this portable computer is a bit high for the components you get, but you're paying more for the extreme portability of this thin-and-light machine. If you want a long-lasting, tiny, powerful portable computer, Lenovo's ThinkPad X60 features good core components (sans optical drive) and some appealing extras.


Pros: Very portable, good core power
Cons: No built-in optical drive


[Note: In 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of 168,500 lithium-ion battery packs used in ThinkPad computers. To learn more, follow this link]

Warranty
1-year limited