Sony's Vaio X Series is one of the new breed of laptops that pushes the definition of ultra-thin to new limits. Although not the absolute thinnest available, this new Vaio is also compact and lightweight, making it a desirable, if pricey, mobile client for the executive traveler. Available to buy now, the Vaio X Series has a footprint smaller than anA4 sheet of paper and an ll.lin screen, characteristics that mark it out as an ultra-portable, a segment of the laptop market that emphasises portability, but often at a premium price.

This new Vaio certainly has a premium price. Even the entry level model just 13.9mm, it is thinner than virtually any other laptop we are aware of except for Dell's recently launched Adamo XPS. The Vaio is also one of the lightest with a start weight of just 655g (depending on choice of battery). For this price, you get a specification that is not much better than a typical netbook, which makes the Vaio X Series a stylish but costly option for those needing a highly portable system to carry with them when travelling.

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However, we have concerns about whether the X Series is sturdy enough to survive everyday use on the road. The system's screen bends alarmingly and even the chassis can be deformed noticeably by exerting only modest pressure. In tests, we found the Vaio very pleasant to use, although somewhat underpowered for anything but basic productivity tasks, while its compact size and light weight mean you hardly notice you are carrying it. We were also surprised at how long the battery lasted, considering the slimline format.