Well that was fast. No sooner did
we get word that Samsung was boasting that
their new Q35 is the
"world's smallest" Core Duo laptop than we were reminded of
Lenovo's X60, which
weighs in at just 2.7 pounds, compared to the Q35's 4.1. Like the Samsung, the X60 has a 12-inch display, and also
includes an 80GB drive. The main reason for its more slim profile: no optical drive; you need either a USB drive or an
optical docking station. Ars Technica took a look at the X60, and found some differences between the X60 and earlier
IBM-designed ThinkPads, including a redesigned keyboard (which now actually includes a Windows key) and a new dock
connector. In the end, Ars found that the new model benefits from the Core Duo's speed and battery life, and still has
many of the ThinkPad qualities, such as an ergonomic keyboard and sturdy design, that the model was known for under
IBM, making it one of the "best ultraportable machines on the market." And it looks like Samsung may be
forced to start referring to its offering as the "world's smallest Core Duo laptop with an internal optical
drive."
