Small laptops are the perfect computers for businessmen or students who do a lot of traveling.  It is almost impossible to carry larger laptops along with a briefcase or backpack full of books through airline terminals or college campuses.    

There are several popular brand name computers that offer small laptops with all the necessary power and programs for most users needs.  Their smaller size is able to fit in a backpack along with books and paperwork or in a briefcase full of files and catalogues.

Imagine the ability to study or conduct business in any environment from the corner café to the neighborhood park.  If you travel home or go on vacation you could take your work, hobby or homework with you.   

When traveling on an airplane or commuter train these small laptops are able to be opened with ease.  On your commute to work or special business meeting you would be able to complete tasks and be ready for whatever hits you as you enter the workplace.

The first step in doing your pre-purchase research is to decide what your computer needs or desires are. Will you want to download videos and music?  Will you be producing graphic designs?  Could you get by with a small screen or do you need a larger one?  I have listed a few best laptop computers below along with some of their specs.

ASUS Eee PC 904HA

This computer made the list of small laptops because it is the best value at $350. The price makes it affordable for the college student as well as the small business owner. It is a little heavier than the other small laptops and does not have a DVD drive. It does have a 160GB hard drive and three USB ports, so you can store movies easily.

HP Mini (AKA 2113)

This machine has been custom designed with the traveler in mind.  These small laptops are listed at approximately $750.  These computers have a HP3D server hard drive, and a chasis made of titanium.  It also has an aluminum shell as well as a keyboard that is moisture resistant.  The MacAir is the only laptop on the market that is able to beat this model’s thinness.   

Toshiba Satellite Pro U400-S1001X

This computer is quite possibly the most durable on our list of small laptops.  Priced at or below $800 it may also be the toughest.  It also has charging capability for USB tools such as an iPod when the power is off but it is still plugged into an electrical outlet.

Apple MacBook MB061LL/B

This Apple MacBook has made our list of small laptops even though it is the largest, heaviest and not quite as suitable for taking on business trips.  This computer is for the laptop crowd that has a need for a bigger screen.  With its nearly $970 price tag, it is not quite as affordable as the others. One important feature for our laptop travelers is that it can find and connect to Wi-Fi in almost any location.

As with any large purchase it is important to comparison shop, read laptop computer reviews, and get advice from the computer expert in your family (every family has one!)