10 mini laptops that won’t weigh you down
Avoid the strain of hauling a heavy laptop to and fro with these lightweight models that don’t compromise on performance.
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While all laptops are made to be portable by design, some are better suited to being tossed into a handbag or suitcase than others.
Known as ‘ultraportables’, these laptop models are generally 14-inches or smaller and weigh less than 1.5 kgs, which means they won’t be such a burden to lug around with you.
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Though the screen size may feel like a sacrifice, plenty of ultraportable models are just as capable as their larger counterparts in terms of performance, making them worth downsizing for.
BEST MINI LAPTOPS
To help you narrow down the mini models that outperform their size, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top options below, based on real customer reviews and our own experience with the products.
As always, please note that prices are correct and products are in stock at time of publishing.
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020), Amazon Australia, on sale $1,399 (RRP $1,499)
CPU: Apple M1
Display: 13.3-inch (2560x1600)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Weight: 1.29kg
With its slim, premium design, Apple’s MacBook Air (2020) is among the most highly-rated ultraportables we've come across. Racking up a huge 4.8 out of 5 star rating from more than 28,000 customers on Google Reviews, the Air comes with a range of great features including a 720p webcam, advanced security and privacy features and the biggest collection of apps seen on a Mac so far.
Fitted with Apple’s M1 chip, the laptop can handle everything from professional editing to gaming, while lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge (depending on the use). The chip also allows for seamless syncing and data transfer with other Apple devices, making the Air an ideal purchase for those already integrated into Apple’s ecosystem.
While it is a little pricier than some other options on this list, the Air delivers such impressive performance and battery life that you won’t need to make any concessions while enjoying its lightweight portability.
Microsoft Surface Go 3, The Good Guys, $849
CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
Display: 10.5-inch (1920x1280)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB SSD
Weight: 553g
Weighing in at just 553g, Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is the lightest model we’ve included. The tiny 2-in-1 is optimised for touch and digital pen use, making it a handy device for students, creatives and entertainment seekers alike. It features a premium design and the best of Windows 11, making it far more capable than a standard tablet in terms of application.
Where the Surface Go 2 was slightly underpowered, the Go 3 is much faster, while remaining incredibly lightweight and thin. You will have to pay separately for the Signature Type Cover keyboard ($199.95), which is a definite downside, but those looking for a light model for everyday tasks will find it worth the spend.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook, Amazon Australia, $449
CPU: Intel Celeron N4020
Display: 14-inch (1920x1080)
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Weight: 1.4kg
Cheap and efficient, this Lenovo Chromebook is an ideal purchase for kids. With its slim profile and up to 10 hours of battery life, it should get them through a full school day with ease, while also providing solid wireless connection and decent audio.
According to reviewers on Amazon Australia, the processor outperforms the laptop’s low price point, with one noting it “keeps up with everything I have thrown at it so far.” The screen quality and camera are definitely lacking but, for the price, the Chromebook will more than serve its purpose as an entry-level student model.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, Lenovo, from $1,852.15 (down from $2,179)
CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
Display: 14-inch (1920x1200)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Weight: 1.13kg
If you can afford to splash out on a premium machine, Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon is well worth the spend. At a base level, you can expect a 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM, which should be more than enough for students and professionals alike. Reviewers have also noted that the model has a long battery life and packs plenty of power into its portable design.
On the downside, the display isn’t as sharp as you would expect for this price range and the camera is only 720p, which is lagging behind other premium models on the market. However, its overall design, usability and performance makes it a solid business laptop choice as well as an entertainment model that’s sure to impress.
Apple MacBook Pro (M1, 2021), Amazon Australia, $1,879
CPU: Apple M1
Display: 13.3-inch (2560x1600)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Weight: 1.4kg
It may not be the most lightweight ultraportable around, but Apple’s MacBook Pro offers the longest lasting battery of any mini model we’ve come across, granting users up to 20 hours of life on a single charge. Fitted with the Apple M1 chip, the Pro also packs a serious punch in terms of power and performance. Apps and files launch almost instantly while the 8-core CPU makes short work of heavy workloads, making it an ideal laptop choice for professionals in any field.
Add to that a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and a 1080p webcam and the Pro becomes one of the best productivity laptops currently on the market. While it is available in both 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch sizes too, this 13.3-inch version offers the best of the Pro’s features in a much more portable design.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft, from $879
CPU: Platinum Intel Core i5
Display: 12.4-inch (1536x1024)
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Weight: 1.11kg
The sleek design and all day battery life of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go has made it one of the best value-for-money ultraportables on our list. At the entry-level, you’ll get 8GB of RAM and a 64GB eMMC, an Intel Core i5 processor and a gorgeous display that makes the laptop appear much more luxe than its price tag. It’s also incredibly durable for such a tiny machine, so you can toss it in your bag without worrying too much about breaking it.
The battery life on the Laptop Go is also impressive, with a run time of up to 13 hours for typical usage. This should be more than enough for students and workers to get through a full day without the need for a charger (depending on the programs they’re running), making it a reliable model that won’t cost you the earth.
Google Pixelbook Go, Amazon Australia, $1,440.90
CPU: Intel Core m3
Display: 13.3-inch (1920x1080)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 64GB SSD
Weight: 1.06kg
While difficult to find in Australia, Google’s Pixelbook Go is worth hunting down. The mini Chromebook is thoughtfully designed, with a backlit keyboard, Hush Keys, great battery life and a 1080p webcam. Its display also outmatches most other Chromebooks in terms of vibrancy and colour accuracy, making it a great little model for every day use.
It’s not the cheapest Chromebook on the market by a long shot, but its minimalist design, fast processor and beautiful screen make it a model with few other downsides to speak of.
CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7
Display: 14-inch (1920x1200)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Weight: 999g
Weighing in at less than one kilo, LG’s Gram 14 manages to be seriously lightweight without feeling flimsy, making it an ideal work and travel companion. Powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Intel Core processor, the Gram boosts up in seconds and handles most tasks with ease while lasting for up to 13 hours on a single charge.
Some customers on Google Reviews have said the trackpad takes some getting used to and can be a little slow, especially if you‘re used to using a MacBook. Overall though, reviewers were quick to note how incredibly lightweight the model is and how impressively bright and clear the display is.
HP Chromebook x2 11, JB Hi-Fi, $1,299
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180
Display: 11-inch (2160x1440)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB eMMC
Weight: 0.56kg (tablet only)
This super lightweight tablet-and-keyboard combo by HP has been specifically designed for those on the go. Reminiscent of Microsoft’s Surface Go line, the Chromebook x2 11 is an 11-inch LCD display which comes with a matching kickstand and slim keyboard — though, unlike Microsoft, you won’t have to pay separately for the latter.
Equipped with up to 10 hours of battery life, built-in 4G LTE, audio by Bang & Olufsen and a fingerprint reader, there is plenty to like about this little machine. However, there’s no denying that the processor is a little underwhelming for the price point. In our experience with the laptop, we found that it quickly got bogged down by multiple open tabs.
If you’re looking for a model to perform simple computing tasks with while travelling though, the x2 11 is a decent choice at an accessible price.
Acer Swift 3 EVO, Harvey Norman, $894 (down from $1,394)
CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5
Display: 14-inch (1920x1080)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Weight: 1.2kg
It may be a little larger than some other models we’ve listed, but Acer’s Swift 3 EVO remains a lightweight option that is highly suited to multi-tasking. Arriving with Iris Xe graphics and Windows 11 pre-installed, the Swift 3 can tackle work, study and even graphic design with ease, making it a great all-round model.
With multiple USB ports and dual-band Wi-Fi 6, the laptop has great connectivity, making it a great choice for both work and entertainment. Reviewers have also said the Swift 3 beats expectations when it comes to gaming, though the slow screen refresh rate does make it worth connecting to a monitor to play.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ULTRAPORTABLE LAPTOP MODEL
Once you’ve used size and weight to narrow down the ultraportable models available to you, we recommend considering the following:
Battery life — Given their smaller size, mini laptops often have reduced battery lives compared to their larger competitors. To avoid needing to charge them constantly, you’ll want to look for models capable of running for at least eight hours. If you’re prone to multi-tasking or want to undertake heavier computing tasks like graphic design or photo editing, you’ll want to bump this up to at least 12 hours.
Display — When opting for a laptop with a smaller screen, it’s a good idea to make up for it by purchasing a model with a sharp display. Typically, you’ll want to look for models with a resolution of at least 1920x1080, though you may need to make some concessions for 2-in-1 tablet models.
Storage — For hard drive storage on any laptop (SSD, eMMC or HDD), we always advise opting for a capacity of at least 64GB. However, most people find that a capacity of 128GB to 256GB gives a lot more breathing room, making it worth upgrading if you can afford it. In terms of RAM, we recommend choosing a laptop with at least 8GB, though 4GB will do for those with light computing needs.
Price — Ultraportables are available in all price brackets, making it fairly easy to find one to suit your budget. Those looking for a professional model will likely want to look to premium laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon or the Apple MacBook Pro (M1, 2021). Those after a cheap-yet-efficient model can meanwhile take a look at models like Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 or Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3i.
If you’re unsure whether a mini laptop is for you, you can also check out one of our other laptop guides including: best budget laptops, best student laptops and best laptop brands.
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