Whether you are a student or a professional, one thing you will require in your daily life is a laptop. Be it assignments or presentations, a laptop lets you take your work wherever you go. This aspect of portability has been a source of convenience for many.
While there are various sizes of laptops, if you value portability and easy storage, mini laptops are the ideal choice for you. This is because their small size makes them a far more convenient option to travel with than a standard sized laptop.
Even within the umbrella term of mini laptops, there is an array of choices to decide from. However, not all laptops are worth the money. Make sure you choose after analyzing the processor, operating system and the type of storage the laptop offers. Moreover, the ideal choice for you also depends on your requirements. For instance, inquire about the number of ports you might need or the quality of the built-in camera you wish to have.
Do you feel burdened by the responsibility of selecting the ideal mini laptop? Don’t worry. We are here to help you in making the correct decision. Here are the ten best mini laptops for you to choose from:
The Top 10 Mini Laptops
| Name | Processor | Ram | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS C100PA Editor's Pick | Quad-Core 3288-C | 4GB DDR3 | Price |
| Samsung Chromebook 3 | Celeron N3050 | 4GB DDR3L | Price |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 4 | i5 6th Gen | 4, 8, 16GB | Price |
| ASUS T100HA-C4-GR | Quad-Core x5-Z8500 | 4GB DDR3 | Price |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 310 | Atom X5-Z8350 | 2GB DDR3 | Price |
| ASUS T-100 | Intel Atom | 2GB DDR3L | Price |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 100S | Atom Z3735F | 2GB DDR3L | Price |
| Lenovo S21e 80M400DUS | Celeron N2840 | 2GB DDR3 | Price |
| Acer Aspire Switch SW5 | Atom Z3735F | 2GB DDR3L | Price |
| Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series | i3-4030U | 4GB DDR3L | Price |
ASUS C100PA-DS03 Chromebook
Are you looking for a product which offers value-added features at a reasonable price? If so, you may be satisfied with the performance of this laptop. It succeeds in executing a variety of programs, as well as operating simpler systems with immense ease.
It features a Chrome operating system and has a flip convertible design which gives it a trendy look. The design of the product is such that it exhibits a glossy silver finish which gives the Chromebook an aesthetically pleasing look.
Moreover, this compact laptop is also very light in weight, which makes portability a piece of cake.
Specifications
- The product has a 1.5 GHz Quad Core processor
- The RAM of the product is 4 GB DDR3
- The laptop is equipped with an LED-lit screen, and its IPS panel can support multi-touch
- The resolution of the screen is 1280*800 pixels
- It is fitted with a Chiclet keyboard
- The laptop has 16/32 GB storage option
- The screen size is 10.1 inches
- The product weighs 2 pounds
- The dimensions of the product are 7.2*10.4*0.6 inches
- The lightweight of the laptop allows for enhanced portability
- The battery life of the laptop, which is about 9 hours, provides extended and convenient use
- It is robust
- The laptop can be connected to SmartTV which provides for versatile view-ability
- The resolution of the laptop is mediocre and could be improved
- The base storage option is only 16 GB, which does not allow for adequate storage
Verdict
Overall, for the price charged, the laptop has managed to offer satisfactory features which make the investment worth it. This product will be perfect for students.
Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K02US
If you are prone to accidents and clumsiness, then you will appreciate this laptop since it is equipped with a keyboard which is spill-resistant. Such a keyboard allows for enhanced durability of the product.
While it is not ideal for those who need a laptop to do a lot of work, it is perfect for those who need a device for browsing and light use.
The laptop is quite traditional in the sense that it does not feature a touchscreen nor can it be converted into a tablet. However, its extended battery life of up to 11 hours make up for the lack of those features. While the laptop is larger than some of the mini laptops mentioned, it still manages to be quite portable owing to its light weight.
Specifications
- The product features an N3050 processor and has a 4 GB RAM
- The operating system of the laptop is Chrome OS
- The screen of the laptop is 11.6 inches
- The hard-drive of the product has a storage of 16 GB
- The resolution of the display is 1366*768 pixels
- The product weighs 2.5 pounds
- The dimensions of the laptop are 11.4*8*0.7 inches
- It is family friendly due to its robustness and features like spill-resistant keyboard
- It is light weight and quite thin making it perfect to travel with
- It is equipped with an HDMI port which allows it to be connected to an HDTV for enhanced viewability
- The hard drive space of 16GB is very less and may not be enough for many
- The camera built in the product has low megapixels
Verdict
While the laptop exhibits a few flaws, it manages to offer various features which make it perfect for light use. Hence, those of you who are on a lookout for a durable and portable laptop for browsing and researching, you may want to give this laptop a try.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4
This laptop is the perfect example of when style meets quality. Not only is Microsoft Surface Pro 4 equipped with many trendy features, but it also has a sleek and sophisticated exterior for those who appreciate aesthetics.
It is ideal for operating artistic programs ranging from ArtRage to Artflow. This is because it is equipped with a stylus that is pressure-sensitive which is the dream for the artsy people out there.
Moreover, it features an immensely powerful processor which is unheard of for a laptop of such compact size.
Specifications
- The screen is 12.3 inches has as high contrast as well as a little glare to provide you with a comfortable experience
- The laptop has a 6th Generation Intel i5 core
- The resolution of the screen is 2736*1824 pixels
- The dimensions of the product are 7.93*11.5*0.33 inches
- Storage options include 128, 256 and 512 GB
- The operating system of the product is Windows 10 Pro
- The weight of the laptop is 1.7 pounds
- It is amongst the lightest mini laptops you will find
- The laptop has an enhanced battery life of up to 9 hours
- The storage space offered by the product is satisfactory
- The product features a built-in ability to run Office 365
- Neither the stylus nor the keyboard is included in the package which is inconvenient for users
- The screen is prone to suffer from backlight bleed
Verdict
Given that you agree on investing in a keyboard and a stylus, you will find the overall performance of the laptop to be exemplary. This laptop is amongst the best mini laptops you can find for art students.
ASUS Transformer Book T100HA-C4-GR
For those of you who are looking for a product which can serve both as a tablet and as a mini laptop, you may want to give Asus T100HA a try.
Unlike other 2-in-1 laptops, the laptop is marked by a smooth transition and a superior performance owing to a wide range of features, including a battery life of 12 hours. The light weight of the product along with the compact size allows for enhanced portability.
The fast charging technology of the laptop has been appreciated by many for it manages to charge the product in 2 hours which is a source of convenience for many.
Specifications
- The product features a touchscreen with a resolution of 1280*800 pixels
- The screen is 10 inches in size and can be detached to form a tablet
- The keyboard is equipped with a multi-touch pad and a USB 3.0 port
- The weight of the product is 2.28 pounds
- The laptop is 0.72 inches thin
- The product features a Windows 10 operating system
- The processor of the laptop is powerful enough to run acollection of applications
- The resolution of the screen is exemplary
- The thin design allows for ease of storage
- The onboard storage space is only 64 GB which may not be enough for the masses
- The laptop cannot be used in a tent mode despite being a 2-in-1 model
- The keyboard is quite small
Verdict
While the laptop has its own set of flaws, the fact remains that it offers you the chance to enjoy a robust performance at a reasonable price. If you wish to run heavy applications on your laptop, Asus T100HA is ideal for you.
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 310
This mini laptop can be viewed as a 2-in-1 tablet due to its ability to transform from one to another with immense ease. The lightness of the product when combined with the compact size of it makes it a perfect fit for your backpack and hence allows for enhanced portability.
The 10-hour battery life of the laptop makes it ideal for students as well as professionals. The superior performance of the product is ensured by the high-quality processor which allows for fast browsing.
The inclusion of an excellent display and integrated webcams make it a likely choice for many.
Specifications
- The screen of the laptop has a size of 10 inches and a resolution of 12800*800
- The 180-degree viewing angle of the display makes it ideal for all the binge watchers
- The product features a 64 GB storage and an Intel Atom Processor
- The laptop weighs 1.3 pounds and is 0.36 inches thin
- It has a front and a rear camera
- The color depth of the IPS display is phenomenal and perfect for creating art
- The compact size of the laptop makes it highly portable
- The micro HDMI connection allows for improved viewability
- The quality of the webcam can be improved
- The 64 GB hard drive is prone to lags
Verdict
This laptop may not be the fastest one out there. But, if you value portability and wish for a mini laptop which you can use for surfing the net, this laptop will get the job done.
ASUS T-100
Asus T-100 is made for those who wish for enhanced battery life. It is because, via its processor, the laptop manages to offer users a battery life of more than 10 hours. The keyboard of this laptop detached from the screen and therefore the product can be used as a tablet as well.
The product is accompanied by a USB 3.0 port for fast transfer of data as well as a micro HDMI slot so as to provide you with a chance of viewing your presentations and videos on your HDTV. Such a feature is appreciated by students and professionals alike.
Specifications
- The product has a Windows 8.1 Operating System
- The laptop features an Intel Atom Processor
- It features a 10.1-inch display
- The screen resolution of the laptop is 1366*768
- The product has a 64 GB hard drive
- The laptop weighs 2.4 pounds
- The dimensions of the laptop are 10.4*6.7*0.9 inches
- The extended battery life allows for wireless use
- The laptop is equipped with Microsoft Office
- The processor is quite powerful leading to superior performance
- The keys of the keyboard have a plastic feel to them
- The trackpad is too small for practical use
- The aesthetics of the laptop are sub par
Verdict
While the product may not be the best one to show-off, it certainly gets the job done when it comes to functions and performance. Do you value performance over aesthetics? If so, you will be satisfied.
Lenovo IdeaPad 100S
In a market where budget-friendly products are hard to find, Lenovo IdeaPad 100S is amongst the best mini laptopsavailable. Not only is it an inexpensive model but it also succeeds in delivering satisfactory performance.
Such performance is ensured by the powerful processor which is also responsible for the extended battery life of up to 8 hours. The design of the product is marked by style making it a likely choice of those who value aesthetics.
Moreover, the lightweight of the product makes it a suitable companion when traveling while the compact size allows for effective placement in backpacks and totes.
Specifications
- The product is equipped with an Intel Atom Processor Z3735F
- The laptop has a 2GB DDR3L memory
- The size of the screen is 11.6 inches
- The display features a LED backlight and has a resolution of 1366*768
- The laptop weighs 2.2 pounds
- The dimensions of the product are 8*11.5*0.7 inches
- The battery life is extended enough for optimal wireless use
- The laptop is aesthetically pleasing
- It is accompanied by an Office 365 subscription which is perfect for students
- The laptop features some great viewing angles
- The display of the laptop is reflective which undermines visibility
- The thin keyboard may flex during usage
- The lack of 3.0 USB port deters the laptops ability to perform fast data transfer
Verdict
While the product may not offer as great of a performance as some other mini laptops in the list, it succeeds in being a budget friendly option.
Lenovo S21e 80M400DUS
Are you looking for a product for some light work rather than professional use? Well, the performance of Lenovo S21e will not disappoint you if browsing is what you crave.
This laptop is perfect for surfing and binge watching shows since its portable nature means that it can be taken anywhere. The resolution of the screen may not be the best, but it sure gets the job done.
The product features a unique design with curves in the jack area. Such a design gives it a modern vibe.
Specifications
- The product features an Intel Celeron 2.1 Ghz processor
- The laptop has a 32 GB storage and does not have an optional drive
- The screen has a size of 11.6 inches and 1366*768 pixels
- The operating system of the laptop is 8.1 Windows
- The laptop weighs 2.8 pounds
- The dimensions of the product are 11.6*8.4*0.7 inches
- The product’s aesthetics are on point
- The trackpad is wide for optimal use
- The anti-glare coating on the display ensures that your eyes don’t get strained
- Skype lovers appreciate the inclusion of webcam
- The power of the processor isn’t strong
- The RAM is limited and not upgradable
- The Windows 8.1 needs to be upgraded
Verdict
While the product has an outdated operating system, this laptop manages to offer enough features for quick surfing. If such is what you need a laptop for, Lenovo will be satisfactory.
Acer Aspire Switch SW5-012-16AA
Acer Aspire Switch is a foldable laptop which is perfect for those who wish for a device they could stream videos and shows on. Moreover, the display of the laptop can be completely detached to be used as a tablet. Such multifunction of the laptop is lauded by many.
The product can be used in a tent mode which makes it a likely choice for all the couch potatoes out there. The small laptop also has a high resolution which is unheard of at a price charged for the product.
The magnetized hinges of the product make the laptop highly sturdy, since it keeps the two components firmly attached.
Specifications
- The laptop has a 1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z3735F Processor
- The RAM of the product is 2GB DDR3L4
- The internal storage of the product is 32 GB
- The screen of the laptop is 10.1 inch and has a resolution of 1280*800
- It has an 8-hour battery life
- The operating system of the laptop is Windows 8.1
- The laptop weighs 2.6 pounds
- The touchscreen display is very responsive
- The battery life of the laptop is long
- The product is quite versatile and can be used for work as well as browsing
- The glossy screen of the laptop is not anti-glare
- The top part of the laptop is heavy
Verdict
Those of you who are willing to compromise a bit on performance for a product which is stylish and has an extended battery life, you will find Acer Aspire to be amongst the best mini laptops available.
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series
Amongst the other best mini laptops, this laptop provides users with the highest type of performance. The convertible nature of the laptop makes it ideal for those who wish for products that can be used in a variety of ways.
The screen of the laptop is touch in nature and is very responsive to the slightest touch which makes it a likely choice of those who value smooth performance. However, the product also features a limited battery life which may be a source of inconvenience for some.
Specifications
- The processor is 1.9 GHz Intel Core i3-4030U
- The RAM of the product is 4 GB
- The product features a 5400 RPM 500 GB Hard Drive
- The size of the screen is 11.6 inches, and the resolution is 1366*768
- The operating system is Windows 8.1
- It has a weight of 3.1 pounds
- The dimensions of the laptop are 0.8*7.6*11.8 inches
- The product exhibits superior performance which allows it to run an array of applications
- The speakers of the laptop allow for clear and high-quality sound
- The tent mode of is ideal for couch browsing
- The battery life is heavily limited hence limiting the use of the laptop
- The placement of the power button is awkward
Verdict
The product succeeds in being the best amongst the best mini laptops because of its ability to deliver superior performance at a reasonable rate. There isn’t much that should hold you back from purchasing 3000 Series, except for the limited battery life.
Conclusion
All in all, all of these products have managed to be the best mini laptops of 2018. Each of them has features which make the purchase worth it.
Amongst all these best mini laptops, we believe that Del Inspiron 11 3000 Series is the best of the best. This is because it is equipped with many exciting features, has an excellent performance, and is stylish too. It serves to be the perfect holistic package.
Regardless of which mini laptop you pick from this list, rest assured that you will be satisfied. Make sure to align your purchase to your needs and make the best decision.
The products you consider to be best mini laptops may be different from ours. Just make sure you are wise about your decision.
Get yourself a mini laptop you can travel with. Surf the internet. Make your presentations. Equip yourself with the best.
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