Ultramobile PCs

Sony Vaio VGN-UX390N

Size: 3.7 x 5.9 in.; Weight: 1.2 lb.; $2,500; www.sonystyle.com

31/2 stars

PROS Sony's technical wizardry shines in the new Vaio VGN-UX390N, which is the most feature-rich of this group. It has two built-in cameras, a fingerprint scanner, and a 32GB solid-state flash memory drive (SSD) that's faster and more durable than a traditional hard drive and lasts longer on a charge. The UX390N also has the brightest and sharpest screen of the bunch and uses Edge cellular technology (a close second to EVDO) for connecting to the Web when Wi-Fi isn't available.

CONS While the 4.5-inch screen is sharp, the small text can strain your eyes, and the keys are spaced far enough apart to make typing uncomfortable.

Samsung Q1P SSD

Size: 5.5 x 9.0 in.; Weight: 1.7 lb.; $2,000; www.samsung.com

3 stars

PROS Samsung takes a different approach to mobile computing--and it works with the Q1P. It dodges the dumb thumb issue with a glorious 7-inch touch- screen that's easy to use as a virtual keyboard or a template for scribbling notes. (The handwriting recognition is phenomenal.) The Q1P comes with a 32GB SSD as well as AVStation Now software for fast access to music, photos, and movies. Add the optional organizer case and a portable USB keyboard and you have the next best thing to a standard notebook.

CONS The Q1P is the bulkiest of the bunch, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are your only options for wireless Internet.