Ultralight Laptops Guide

on CNet.Com. This should be a "From The Dark Side" note because you won't find an offering from Apple among the ultralights. Apple pioneered this category with the Duo series and PowerBook 2400c but never followed through despite an exploding market. The PowerBook G3 Series 1999 (a.k.a. Lombard or Bronze Keyboard) approached the weight of the 2400c plus an extra battery and the weight may well be reduced again with the PowerBook G3 Series 2000. However, weight is only one of the issues. The other is size, mainly the measurement from the top of the screen enclosure to the surface that the PowerBook is sitting on. With today's airline seat pitch, the 2400c barely makes it open (sometimes not) if the seat in front is fully reclined, even "up front." Meeting this height standard will require a screen smaller than 14 inches unless the aspect ratio is dramatically changed which is unlikely. With a thin case and perhaps moving the ports to the sides, an iBook 12" screen could fit the bill. I can fantasize, can't I?