What's the lightest laptop that you travel with? [WARNING: 2 tiny pix]

[pianowizard]

When you want to travel as light as possible but must bring a laptop along, what's your laptop of choice? As many of you know, I am obsessed with traveling light. But I also care about having enough screen resolution, because I want to view two windows side by side even while traveling. I tried many ultraportable laptops over the years and none of them were satisfactory. The three lightest ones happened to be all Sony Vaios and each had its problems:

1) The 1.82-lb VGN-X505ZP was light enough, but had only 1024x768 resolution, 512MB of RAM and a 20GB 4200rpm HDD. It also lacked Wi-Fi, so I had to add a PCMCIA wireless card, making the laptop slightly heavier.

2) The 1.49-lb X Series (VPC-X113KG) was even lighter, but was extremely fragile especially the lid -- the screen got severely damaged after just one trip. Though its 1366x768 was better than the X505ZP's 1024x768, it was still very crippling.

3) The 1.23-lb P Series (VGN-P530CH) was not only yet lighter but actually small enough to fit in the front pockets of my pants, and 1600x768 was just wide enough to support side-by-side windows, but the screen was so small and short it was painful to use.

And all three laptops required their own chargers, which added to the travel weight.

But now I think I have come up with the best solution -- the Lenovo Thinkpad 8 Windows tablet with a case and a Bluetooth keyboard:





It uses a standard micro USB charger, which I always carry for my phone anyway, so in a way I don't need to bring a charger for the Thinkpad 8. Its 8.3" 1920x1200 screen is just large enough (and tall enough, thanks to the 16:10 ratio) that it's reasonably comfortable to view, and is also wide enough that I can tile two windows, albeit tightly. I use Windows 10 in desktop mode and scale at 125%, effectively reducing 1920x1200 to 1536x960, but that's fine. I found a super light external Bluetooth keyboard that has a touchpad. The keys are fairly small but still allow me to type reasonably fast. The case, designed specifically for the Thinkpad 8, works just like the Apple iPad Smart Case in that it has a cover that folds to create a stand that supports two viewing angles. The Thinkpad 8 + case + keyboard add up to a total of 1.58 lbs, which is certainly light enough. What's more, even though the case adds a bit of bulk, it still fits inside the front pockets of most of my pants, as can be seen in the second photo. Incidentally, I bought the LTE model from the UK, hoping to get at least 2G in the U.S. but unfortunately it doesn't work at all because it doesn't have any of the U.S. cellular bands. I forgot to test cellular connectivity while I was in China, Taiwan and South Korea a couple months ago. When I visit Hong Kong this fall, I will see whether it works there.

I bet many other forum members also try to travel as light as possible. What laptop do you travel with?

[ajkula66]

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I bet many other forum members also try to travel as light as possible. What laptop do you travel with?

Heh...on my recent trip to Europe I took my 15" R61FL with me. Loved every second of it and got quite a few "ooohs" and "aaahs" from both random people and my friends...

I *might* buy a X60 tablet (with SXGA+ panel, of course) for the sheer purpose of having a travel machine, but that task is really not high up on my "to do" list.

[Puppy]

Incidentally, I bought the LTE model from the UK, hoping to get at least 2G in the U.S. but unfortunately it doesn't work at all because it doesn't have any of the U.S. cellular bands.

Which one, Sierra Wireless EM7345 or Ericsson N5321gw ? The first is 4G/LTE and supports US bands the latter is 3G only. Both configurations were sold in EU.

In case of EM7345 the issue is to get the right firmware version. There is a long thread in Lenovo forum regarding EM 7345 crappy firmware https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-T ... -p/2193557 Do not use preinstalled EM 7345 driver/firmware, it does not work at all. Update it from Lenovo, for non-US countries I recommend to use a bit older version GTWO42WW because latest one GTWO45WW has broken generic firmware.

The EM7345 WWAN device is supposed to be versatile and it is not possible to deliver it by a single firmware version. There is Firmware Updater Service windows service that is responsible for that, it detects the mobile network operator from SIM card and then loads customized firmware version, if exists. Basically there is one generic firmware for EMEA and custom ones for US AT&T and Verizon (and Telstra). Do not change the SIM card until complete Windows shutdown was performed. Make sure proper firmware was loaded by command: netsh mbn show i

It is supports following LTE FDD bands. It does not support TDD bands:

Band 1 (2100MHz)
Band 2 (1900MHz)
Band 3 (1800MHz)
Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100 Mhz)
Band 5 (850MHz)
Band 7 U:2500 MHz - 2570 MHz D:2620 MHz - 2690 MHz
Band 8 U:880 MHz - 915 MHz D:925 MHz - 960 MHz
Band 13 (700MHz)
Band 17 (700Mhz)
Band 18 U:815 MHz - 830 MHz D:860 MHz - 875 MHz
Band 19 U:830 MHz - 845 MHz D:875 MHz - 890 MHz
Band 20 U:832 MHz - 862 MHz D:791 MHz - 821 MHz

Check it with the table here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks

I use the ThinkPad 8 as well as a replacement of my good old X31. The build quality is actually worse, I already had to replace broken touchscreen cable connecting the touch screen and system board. Otherwise I like it. It is better than 6" phablets with crippled mobile OSes and more mobile than big 10+ inch tablets.

[Tasurinchi]

I used the TP8 for travelling a lot actually. It's an excellent device for media consumption IMO. And the screen is just gorgeous.

I'm now using its larger sibling, a 1st gen TPT10, I'm very happy with it too, specially with the performance since it's the 4GB model. The extra weight doesn't bother me although it takes more space in my backpack...

[Puppy]

And the screen is just gorgeous.

Well, it is not bad but excellent according Lenovo standards. TP10 has too low resolution for me. I can't stand 1280x800 on 8" tablet screen so 1920x1200 on 10" only is very likely the same pain. 8" tablets are dead for Lenovo while HP and Dell still have new "pro" models. Unfortunately the future of small devices are phones or phablets with their crippled OSes. I am tempted to buy Lumia 950 XL Dual Sim (excellent LTE bands support) when prices drops even more.

[600X]

I don't really care that much about weight, although it is an important factor. I used to lug around a T61 with 9c, which became unbearable over time. Nowadays, I carry a T440s with me which weighs roughly 1.6Kg, which is ok for a fully fledged 14" notebook. The only lighter machine that I have is the 1.2Kg Yoga 900 with 13" screen, but I can barely notice a difference, so there is no need for me to upgrade at this point, although the 1.4Kg T460s is quite tempting.

The 700-something gram Lavie Z is quite intriguing as well, but has several severe drawbacks like the keyboard and speakers. If I could afford one, the Panasonic RZ5 would be my on-the-go laptop.

[Tasurinchi]

TP10 has too low resolution for me.

Wow... You must have very good eyes

[fatpolomanjr]

Used to be my X220 Tablet. Then it became my Thinkpad 10 Tablet (1st gen), which I still use to lecture with. Write the notes in OneNote, lecture with the tablet in hand. It is a very fine solution for a math instructor.

The screen size and aspect ratio makes it very bad for programming, however, so unless I teach that day I carry a "beater" X61 with T8100. I have another X60 chassis laying around in much better condition that I am going to install one of xiphmont's LED backlights into once I get a hold of an SXGA+ display from an X60 Tablet. And eventually an X62 motherboard if HOPE sells it abroad.

[AIX]

Heh...on my recent trip to Europe I took my 15" R61FL with me. Loved every second of it and got quite a few "ooohs" and "aaahs" from both random people and my friends...

They will keep you in mind as the eccentric American

I *might* buy a X60 tablet (with SXGA+ panel, of course) for the sheer purpose of having a travel machine, but that task is really not high up on my "to do" list.

I am thinking about buying an X230t, I never had a tablet Thinkpad, but I can't decide if it's worth the monies...


I have a Microsoft Surface Pro 2 (10.6", 16:9, 1920x1080, i5-4300U, 4GB, 128GB, 2 pounds) with Type Cover 2 keyboard (0.55 pounds) and I'm using it for short trips (1-2 days), but I still prefer (any of) my laptops over the tablet. Anyway, I'll be exclusively Surface powered in my two weeks holiday in Sicily this summer, hope I'll survive.

[ajkula66]

They will keep you in mind as the eccentric American

I'm the farthest thing on this planet from being an American, my good man, eccentric or not...

[oeuvre]

Dell Latitude E7450, weighs 3.6 pounds

[shawross]

I do a bit of travelling and I manage to get by with the X301 for which I have 2 batteries. If the battery life becomes an issue I would probably go for a Yoga or an X1.
Normally if I want to use something on a plane or away from a power outlet I use my 5.5 inch phone which has a 5000mAh battery.

[pianowizard]

Heh...on my recent trip to Europe I took my 15" R61FL with me. Loved every second of it and got quite a few "ooohs" and "aaahs" from both random people and my friends...

I think the heaviest laptop I have ever traveled with remains my first Thinkpad, a 600E. That was between 2002 and 2003, when that 600E was my lightest laptop. I needed to back up my files onto Zip discs, so I also brought a parallel port Zip drive with a huge AC adapter. The 600E, its charger, the Zip drive and its charger probably totaled around 8 lbs! Though that 600E had a fully functional USB port, I didn't have a USB flash drive until 2004.

Which one, Sierra Wireless EM7345 or Ericsson N5321gw ? The first is 4G/LTE and supports US bands the latter is 3G only.

Thanks for the tip! I had tried connecting to the T-Mobile network once and it couldn't connect, so I just assumed that it didn't support 1900 MHz or 2100/1700 MHz.

I use the ThinkPad 8 as well as a replacement of my good old X31. The build quality is actually worse, I already had to replace broken touchscreen cable connecting the touch screen and system board. Otherwise I like it. It is better than 6" phablets with crippled mobile OSes and more mobile than big 10+ inch tablets.

Currently my biggest phone is 7.0" 1920x1200, the Huawei Honor X2, so the Thinkpad 8 isn't a whole lot bigger, but I completely agree that Android and other mobile OS's are too crippled.

Until last month, my biggest phone was actually slightly bigger than the Thinkpad 8: the Samsung Tab S with 8.4" 2560x1600! It was great for surfing the internet, but carrying it daily in my pants pocket was too much so I finally downgraded to my current Huawei. I was also unhappy with the Tab S's battery duration.

Unfortunately the future of small devices are phones or phablets with their crippled OSes. I am tempted to buy Lumia 950 XL Dual Sim (excellent LTE bands support) when prices drops even more.

Doesn't it run desktop mode only when docked? If that's not the case, I should look into this phone as well.

I don't really care that much about weight, although it is an important factor. I used to lug around a T61 with 9c, which became unbearable over time. Nowadays, I carry a T440s with me which weighs roughly 1.6Kg, which is ok for a fully fledged 14" notebook.

I travel with my Thinkpad 8 only on trips when I plan to do extremely light work. When I expect to work more, I grab my Sony Pro 13 (13.3" 1920x1080 touchscreen, 2.23 lbs, average-sized charger). If I ever need to do very heavy work while traveling, I can visualize myself carrying my recently acquired Dell Inspiron 15-7568 2-in-1 (15.6" 3840x2160 touchscreen, 4.64 lbs, smaller than average charger).

The 700-something gram Lavie Z is quite intriguing as well, but has several severe drawbacks like the keyboard and speakers.

Which is why I think I would like my Sony Pro 13 more than the Lavie Z.

Wow... You must have very good eyes

If I remember correctly, Puppy uses the tablet mode on his Windows tablets. 1280x800 on 10" is acceptable in desktop mode, but too low in tablet mode.

I'm the farthest thing on this planet from being an American, my good man, eccentric or not...

But you are a U.S. citizen, no? And I bet you sound more American than when you first moved here, even though you may not be aware of it.

Normally if I want to use something on a plane or away from a power outlet I use my 5.5 inch phone which has a 5000mAh battery.

Yeah, if I am away from home for just a day or two and don't need to get any work done, I bring just my 7" phablet.

[RealBlackStuff]

I'm the farthest thing on this planet from being an American, my good man, eccentric or not...

But you are a U.S. citizen, no? And I bet you sound more American than when you first moved here...

I've known George for many years and I can tell you that he is NOT a US citizen (and never will be), and that he definitely does NOT sound American at all!

[Tasurinchi]

1280x800 on 10" is acceptable in desktop mode, but too low in tablet mode

But the TPT10 has a WUXGA screen, hence my comment...

[Puppy]

If I remember correctly, Puppy uses the tablet mode on his Windows tablets. 1280x800 on 10" is acceptable in desktop mode, but too low in tablet mode.

My issue is text anti-aliasing. On such low DPI as 1280x800 on 8" (180 PPI) screen I still can see the blurry fonts and green edges of black text on white background (I have such cheap tablet for Windows 10 Insider Preview testing) while 1920x1200 on 8" (280 PPI) finally enables me to read anti-aliased text without the pain. I use the Windows 8.1 Metro tablet mode most of the time and/or desktop mode with 150% zoom. On desktop monitor (100 PPI) and laptop (125 PPI) I am unable to read any form of anti-aliased text at all, more details here http://annystudio.com/misc/anti-aliased-fonts-hurt/

[ajkula66]

I'm the farthest thing on this planet from being an American, my good man, eccentric or not...

But you are a U.S. citizen, no?

My old friend RBS has put it better than I ever could do myself...

I've known George for many years and I can tell you that he is NOT a US citizen (and never will be), and that he definitely does NOT sound American at all!

And I bet you sound more American than when you first moved here, even though you may not be aware of it.

IDK...you and I have spoken face-to-face, so feel free to throw in your own impression. My take is that I don't sound American at all, although I do use certain terms/expressions that I've adopted over the past 17 years that I've lived in this country that I wouldn't have used in my previous life...

[Puppy]

Congrats, 15000 ! The magic number

[ajkula66]

Congrats, 15000 !

Thank you, good sir!

The magic number

LOL and then some...

[pianowizard]

On desktop monitor (100 PPI) and laptop (125 PPI) I am unable to read any form of anti-aliased text at all, more details here http://annystudio.com/misc/anti-aliased-fonts-hurt/

But aliased rendering is acceptable, right? Text looks jagged, but sharp.

IDK...you and I have spoken face-to-face, so feel free to throw in your own impression. My take is that I don't sound American at all, although I do use certain terms/expressions that I've adopted over the past 17 years that I've lived in this country that I wouldn't have used in my previous life...

Yes, the five of us Thinkpads.com forum members had a fun gathering in NYC. A few days afterward you and I chatted over the phone as well. But these interactions don't enable me to tell whether you sounded less American when you were a new immigrant. How do you pronounce the "o" in words like "positive" and "possible"? I bet you pronounced them differently 17 years ago.

[Puppy]

But aliased rendering is acceptable, right? Text looks jagged, but sharp.

Yes, that's what I use on these low PPI desktop and laptop displays. Unfortunately Windows 7 is the last version where you can turn ClearType completely off, in 8.1 and 10 it is partial only. But this is not possible to use in tablet (Windows 8.1 Metro) mode which is the only useful mode on such devices. Otherwise aliased text looks very good on 8" 1280x800 tablet with 100% zoom in desktop mode.

[QWERTY Andreas]

My current travel computer is my Thinkpad 8.

Former have been a HTC shift, an OQO 01+ and a Fujitsu F-07C. All the formers became too slow for most tasks, unfortunatly... The Fujitsu can barely keep up for any work by today.. But it is by far my ligthest travelcomputer at 218 grams. So i still keep it, and use it now and then.. But not much.

Im looking forward to have a new "up to date, pocketable computer": https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-la ... --2#/story

[Puppy]

Im looking forward to have a new "up to date, pocketable computer": https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-la ... --2#/story

Interesting concept, especially the mechanical keyboard. Unfortunately there is no mobile Internet connection.

[Temetka]

I just sold my T410 to my co-worker because for months I have only used my Surface Pro 4. Before that I would switch off between my Surface Pro 2, X301 and T410. I am now considering selling my X301 as it hasn't been used in many months. I will keep the SP2 because I do use it on occasion and I enjoy it in tablet mode.

At home I switch between a Latitude E6520 and Precision M4800. Sometimes I use the SP4 if I am just browsing reddit or whatever.

[AIX]

I barely used the SP2 in my two weeks holiday but my Kindle and the phone. When the villa's on the beach just looking at the sea and listening to it is more appealing...

[blink]

Has to be an x series. Nowadays its a X200s. Been overseas with me quite a few times. Cheap enough nowadays to not worry if damaged or stolen. Before it was an x60/61s. If im only away for a week or so on vacation i normally do not bother. It is nice to have a break from the puter. However anything 2 weeks or longer i will take one. Though i normally do not switch it on for the 1st week .

[schen]

I used to travel with "X" Series machines (traditional, non-X1), till my eyes got bad. Then, I went from an X300, to X301, to X1 and now a T430s. I don't travel as much as I used to, plus the combination of: hate low resolution screens, and not being able to handle high res, small one has led me to my current T430s.

I must say though, it's a bit like visiting home since I used to carry a the various "T" series machines before my time with the X's. I tried the ThinkPad 8 Tablet for a while, but HATED the Windows 8, didn't care for the W10, so when back to an Android tablet since I don't use them as a computer, but as a reader mostly. Now I have an nVidia Shield Tablet for that job. It's just the right size and weight for me.

[AIX]

I've upgraded from my Surface Pro 2 to a Surface Pro 4; bigger (12.3" 3:2 vs. 10.6" 16:9), slimmer, lighter, fanless (got the m3 model), much better keyboard, it's awesome, I love it.

[Whitieiii]

I used to carry a Thinkpad x131e i3 8gb ram 128 gb ssd that I refurbished with me on my trips but I sold it for $200 usd so now my T440s i5 8 gb ram 500gb hdd is my travel machine again... can't seem to stray from my T440s even though it's not my fastest machine... my other computer that isn't to be mentioned here is my powerhouse almost desktop replacement.....

[TonyJZX]

I might be able to get away with a 10" but have settled on my X300 X201 T400s.

IMO the reduced form factor and weight is a boon over even full sized T420 14" units.

Never away from a socket so that's not an issue but the std and ultrabay battery is more than enough.