Lenovo ThinkPad X121e

The basics

Tiny laptops have taken a battering recently, with the Apple iPad and other tablets becoming increasingly popular. The Lenovo ThinkPad X121e could change all this, offering great quality, usability and performance in a compact package that's perfect for the busy professional.

The good

The Lenovo ThinkPad X121e is a tiny ultraportable laptop. With an 11.6-inch screen, it's small enough to take with you wherever you go, yet the screen is also large enough to work on for long periods of time. With a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, there's plenty of space for browsing websites, without having to scroll from side to side.

You'll be able to choose from a couple of different processing options, including an AMD chip if you're on a tight budget, or an Intel Core i3 processor if you want a bit more power. The 4GB of RAM helps to speed things along nicely, with an additional 4GB available when ordering. We even managed to get over six hours of battery life out of the Lenovo ThinkPad X121e.

Opt for the Lenovo ThinkPad X121e with an Intel Core i3 processor, and you'll also get integrated 3G, letting you surf the internet on the move, and take full advantage of this lightweight machine.

As with most Lenovo laptops, the keyboard on the Lenovo ThinkPad X121e is excellent, and a real selling point. The keys are spaced far enough apart to make typing without mistakes easy, and it's also comfortable when typing for hours on end.

There's a pointing stick in the middle of the keyboard, offering an alternative means of navigation for those who don't like touchpads.

The bad

It really is difficult to pick fault with the Lenovo ThinkPad X121e. At worst, the touchpad could be slightly easier to use, with the integrated buttons proving a bit fiddly.

The bottom line

The Lenovo ThinkPad X121e is a great all-round package, and should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for an ultraportable and affordable laptop. It's well-made, looks good and performs capably, and backs this up with great usability.