Top 5 dual-core mini-notebooks

Don't get us wrong. We think Netbooks are great for what they are intended for. As low-cost PC companions for accessing the Internet, this category of machines offer the best bang for the buck.

However, there exists a class of users who not only demand the portability of a mini-notebook, but also require the performance and features of a full-featured laptop. For this group we only have one thing to say... We hope your wallets are deep, because these little babies are going to rock your world as well as your bank account.

Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	Asus U2E (Core 2 Duo U7500 Processor 1.06GHz, 1.5GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 8.4 out of 10 The good: Leather lid and palm rest; integrated DVD writer; HDMI output. The bad: Uncomfortable keyboard. The bottom line: The Asus U2E is a fantastic laptop. It's far slower than rivals such as the Sony Vaio TT series or MacBook Air, but it's stylish, feature-rich and in many ways more desirable than many of the alternatives. Price: S$2,598 (US$1,912.78) Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Fujitsu LifeBook P1620 (Core Duo ULV U7600 Processor 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM) Outlook One of the smallest convertible tablet PCs in the market, this LifeBook offers dual-core performance along with an impressive battery life. Granted that its connectivity features are limited, but with a generous three-year warranty and expansion accessories, the LifeBook P1620 is a premium tool for those requiring a touchscreen laptop. Price: S$2,998 (US$2,207.28) See full specs | Rate this
	3.	IdeaPad U110 (Core 2 Duo L7500 Processor 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Gorgeous design; lightweight yet solid construction; sharp screen resolution; comfortable keyboard; ships with two batteries. The bad: Lacks a built-in optical drive; glossy screen finish sometimes produces annoying reflections; piano finish on keyboard is prone to smudges; fixed configuration can't be customized; no 3G/HSDPA option. The bottom line: The 11.1-inch Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is the most beautiful laptop we've seen in years, and behind those good looks is a well-appointed, fairly priced ultraportable. Despite a few minor nitpicks, we recommend the IdeaPad U110 to those who want a lightweight, eye-catching laptop for frequent travel. Price: S$2,999 (US$2,208.02) Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Raon Digital Everun Note (AMD Turion X2 processor 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM)   CNET Asia rating: 7.3 out of 10 The good: Dual-core performance capable of rendering HD videos; mini-USB jack allows the Everun to act as an external storage device without powering up; exceptionally portability with a touchscreen; optional HSDPA radio. The bad: Expensive; no Ethernet port; inadequate battery life. The bottom line: Possibly the first UMPC with dual-core performance, the Everun Note is a must have for those who demand performance in a portability package and are willing to pay for it. Price: S$1,238 (US$911.48) Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Sony Vaio VGN-TT17GN/X (Core 2 Duo SU9400 Processor 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM)   First take Before the advent of Netbooks, the Sony Vaio T series and Fujitsu LifeBook P lineup gave glimpses of true mobility. With a petite form factor and long battery life, the Vaio T remains the premium model for the traveling executive. Though on the surface it may seem to compete with low-cost Netbooks, the Vaio brings the Core 2 Duo platform and an integrated optical drive to the game. Sony further justifies its premium price tag by encasing the T series with a carbon-fiber chassis. The latest iteration, the Vaio TT series, ups the ante by offering dual solid-state drives (SSD) as well as a Blu-ray writer drive, a feature not seen in ultraportables previously. Price: S$4,299 (US$3,165.15) First take | See full specs | Rate this