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I admit it. I'm technically challenged My ideal computer is one that's so intuitive that I don't even need to crack the manual. Or call the support line. It just works.
So I was surprised when I was selected to test three hot ultraportable PCs: the Vaio 505F SuperSlim Notebook by Sony Corp., the Portege 3015CT from Toshiba Corp. and Sharp Corp.'s Actius A100. Weighing about 3 pounds each (with battery), these are the hippest subcompacts on the market-fully functioning computers outfitted for quickly accessing e-mail and the Internet, building spreadsheets and even producing simple multimedia presentations. And all three systems boast large active-matrix LCD screens, one of the latest and greatest flat-panel display technologies.
With an estimated U.S. selling price of between $1,700 and $1,800 (the newer models released this spring are closer to $2,000), the ultralights are an attractive alternative for business travelers in search of a versatile laptop that won't break their backs. But given their small size and cramped keyboards, my editor was wary: How reliably do they work under the wear, tear and deadlines of real life? Are they just expensive notepads or complete document production systems? So she dialed my number.
"Why me?" I asked when she called. She cleared her throat. "Well, we want someone who is, well ..." I finished the sentence for her: "A techno-dummy, an average Josephine who knows the basics but makes all the normal mistakes."
And so, for the past nine days I've been pounding on these state-of-the-art machines-typing in the coffee shop (where I'm sitting now, sipping a latte), editing stories while traveling in a car late at night, logging notes during a daylong technology conference. I've put these spiffy machines through my own consumer test, working on each model for three days.
My preliminary conclusions: These sleek ultralights are truly portableimpressively light, a perfect fit for an airplane meal tray. Even with accessories, they easily slip into a briefcase. They are practical, as long as you know their (and your) limitations.
First, I am not typing on a full-size keyboard (despite manufacturers' claims that they're almost full-size), so I'm constantly making typing errors and hitting keys that send the cursor flying or trigger some unwanted commandand I have small fingers....