Traditionally, laptops less than 13 inches in size are often more expensive than larger models. Prices on these ultra portable laptops are coming down, and manufacturers are making a bigger variety of models with a variety of features. Several manufacturers also make extra-small laptops less than 10 inches that weigh barely more than a hardcover book.

Examples of laptops less than 13 inches include:

1. The Lenovo ThinkPad R61i and X300 and the IdeaPad U110, 3000 V200 and 3000 V100;

2. The Asus Lamborghini, many other Asus 13-inch laptop models and also the Asus Eee PC series;

3. The Toshiba Portégé and Tecra lines;

4. Many models in the Toshiba Portégé and Tecra lines;

5. The Acer TravelMate 6292 and Ferrari 1100;

6. And the HP Pavilion tx2000z, Compaq 2710p and 2510p and the very small HP 2133 Mini-Note PC.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit the website of a small 13-inch laptop manufacturer

Many laptop manufacturers sell laptops on their websites, and some offer customization options. All manufacturers provide extensive product information, so you can see all the models they currently make. Look for features that fit your needs and make a list of models you want before you shop at other stores or websites.

I recommend: Search and compare notebooks at Lenovo, where you can order any model customized to fit your needs. View laptops by screen size and see an overview or specifications of each model at ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Use the Laptop Finder at Toshiba America Information Systems to quickly identify popular Toshiba laptops with screens of 11 to 13 inches or click on each series to learn their exact specifications. Compare models of small VAIO laptops or order customized models at Sony Electronics Inc.

Buy a laptop less than 13 inches at many online stores

Look for an under 13-inch laptop for sale at online vendors that compare models made by different manufacturers side by side. These vendors often sell accessories and upgrades made specifically for the laptops they sell. Find a small laptop bag your new ultra portable will fit in or a docking station or port replicator for your office.

I recommend: Visit the laptop section to find many models of small laptops with free shipping on qualifying items at Buy.com Inc.. Use the search tools at PC Connection, Inc., to search for the best 13-inch laptop for sale and narrow your search to laptops with the features you need.

Find used laptops under 13 inches online

You can often find 13-inch laptop deals from vendors who sell refurbished items, open box or closeouts. Vendors service and repair refurbished laptops to restore them to the manufacturer's quality standards. Open-box laptops may be new or returned items and manufacturer's closeouts are older models still in their original boxes.

I recommend: Find many refurbished laptops under 13 inches at Geeks.com, where they've been specializing in manufacturer's closeouts and refurbished items since 1996. Browse the selection of small refurbished laptops at TigerDirect, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many 13-inch laptop models sacrifice certain features to achieve their small size. Check out the battery life, screen resolution and keyboard configuration of each model you are considering to be sure you won't be disappointed.
• •  Manufacturers make very small and affordable laptops such as the Asus Eee PC and the HP Mini-Note series. These laptops have tiny screens and keyboards and often run Windows XP or a version of Linux instead of Windows Vista due to their slower processors and smaller amounts of RAM.