Your mobile may be the main way you access the internet. And while you can read the news or check the weather on the phone, you may want more capabilities.
Whether you need a full keyboard for typing, want to be able to see the full version of web pages, or simply want a larger screen for watching videos, a mini laptop might be the solution for you.
You still might have questions like what is a tiny laptop called? Which company’s mini laptop is best? Or perhaps, what is the price of a mini laptop? What is a mini netbook?
Mini laptops are more portable and cheaper than full-size versions. They fit easily into a large handbag and won’t weigh you down on lengthy commutes. Here are a few things you should look for when buying a mini laptop, along with our top picks.
What is a Tiny Laptop Called?
Smaller-sized laptops are often referred to as notebooks or netbooks. Perhaps you even found this post by searching, “what is a mini netbook?”
There’s no set definition, so you’ll also see them called mini laptops or just laptops. You may even see them labeled as “ultra-portables.” “Chromebook” is another name that refers explicitly to machines that run on the Google Chrome OS.
So, what is a tiny laptop called? We describe tiny laptops as any portable PC with a screen around 33 centimeters or smaller.
Why Buy A Small Laptop?
People buy a mini laptop for many reasons. Some want a keyboard to write long-form for school, university, or work. Others want to watch videos or read texts on a larger screen than their mobile.
Mini laptops are far cheaper than full-size laptops. Generally, they’re only a quarter to a third of the price. That means netbooks are affordable for a wide range of people.
What Can A Mini Laptop Do?
The biggest difference between a mini laptop and something like your mobile phone is the keyboard. Some are basically tablets where you can attach a keyboard if needed. Others have the keyboard permanently built in as a larger laptop would.
Mini laptops also have more processing power than your phone, so you can have a lot of internet browser tabs open if you’re researching something. They can also easily run software like PDF readers, spreadsheet makers, and presentation makers that might crash your mobile.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Mini Laptop?
What company mini laptop is best? Well, that depends on a number of factors.
First, consider your price range. While mini laptops are cheaper than full-size versions, there’s still a wide price range. Second, think about what factors are most important. Will you be doing a lot of typing? Do you need a touch screen?
Third, many mini laptops are designed especially for school use and are built to withstand accidental spills and falls. Do you need that kind of durability?
The laptop market is booming in South Africa, and there are plenty of good choices around.
Our Top Picks
1. Asus W202NA – Best For Kids And The Price Conscious
The W202NA was built for use in schools, which means it’s a pretty rugged little machine. Its edges are rubber coated to protect it from falls as high as 1.1 meters, and it’s also built to withstand high pressure, spills, and vibrations. We feel pretty confident our kids won’t break this thing.
This model has an attached keyboard and a 180-degree hinge. That means you can lie the computer completely flat and still type on it! This makes it easy to share in groups, whether at school or work.
We also love that the anti-glare 29-centimeter screen and the speaker quality make it a great little screen to watch movies on. This mini laptop gives you a lot of value for a relatively low price and is especially good for kids. As computers become more prevalent in schools in South Africa, this is a good model.
2. Acer Spin 11.6″ – Best For Those Who Want A Touchscreen
If you’re torn between purchasing a tablet or mini laptop, the Acer Spin 1 might be exactly what you’re looking for. It has a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge that allows you to bend the keyboard back, so only the touchscreen is visible. This makes it perfect for people who like to play touchscreen games or enjoy drawing on the screen.
The OS on this machine is Google Chrome, which provides excellent speed and virus protection. It does, however, require an internet connection to work, so this might not be the best machine if you aren’t always around a WiFi connection. Depending on where you purchase your Spin, you may be able to get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
That’s really the only potential downside, though. The Acer Spin also comes with an HD webcam, 2 USB ports, and an SD card port. If a touchscreen is on your list of must-haves, but you also have budget constraints, this model should be on your list.
4. Lenovo Thinkpad X12 Detachable – Best For Business Users Who Need Portability
This Lenovo Thinkpad is one of the higher-priced models on our list, but we think it gives you phenomenal quality for the price. The main feature is the screen can detach entirely from the keyboard and become a tablet. Not everyone needs this feature, but it does enhance portability.
This model also comes with plenty of security measures great for business use or the privacy-conscious. There’s a fingerprint reader and a webcam that supports facial recognition. The webcam is also automatically shuttered when not in use, making it easy to make sure your privacy’s protected.
Whether you work with spreadsheets or graphic design, the X12 has the processing power to deal with it all. The detachability makes it easy to just take a tablet into a meeting. Throw in a whisper-quiet fan and a battery that will last you a full work day, and you have a highly portable business workhorse.
5. HP Pavillion 13.3″ – Best For Gamers
At almost 34 centimeters, this screen is one of the larger ones on this list. But we wanted to include it because it combines portability with entertainment. While mini laptops have gaming limitations due to their smaller size and weight, the HP Pavillion handles most modern games well.
The solid speakers and impressive visual display also make this a great laptop choice for people who enjoy streaming movies and TV shows. The graphics are crisp, and while the speakers could be louder, they are clear with no distortion.
The only potential drawback is that this model doesn’t come with an SD card reader. However, it does boast an HDMI slot and multiple USB slots that give some flexibility. If you enjoy gaming or want a mini laptop that can handle both work and play, this is the one for you.
5. Dell Latitude 5310 – Best Business Value
If you’re looking for a highly portable device for work that won’t break the bank, you should look at the Dell Latitude. It offers a decent amount of processing power and excellent battery life. It can handle spreadsheets, video chat, and other core business capabilities.
The 33-centimeter display also offers very true-to-life color and contrast. This also makes it a good choice for amateur photographers who need to use editing software regularly or people whose work involves some graphic design.
The Latitude also comes with an SD card reader, multiple USB ports, and a touchpad that can support gesture controls. It might not be the flashiest model on here, but that’s also why it’s a good value for the money.
6. Acer Travelmate B3 – Best For Travellers And Business Trips
If you travel a lot for business or enjoy working in coffee shops and public places, you want something incredibly durable. With the Acer Travelmate, which was designed for use in schools, you definitely get that. It’s a rubber-edged laptop designed to withstand high falls and being stacked under books and papers.
The Travelmate B3 doesn’t have a ton of processing space and isn’t ideal for daily business use. But it has enough power to handle video calls, emails, and light work from the road. Its incredible battery life of up to 12 hours also means you won’t be wandering around airports to charge it.
Its low price also makes it a good choice for cash-strapped students or families who need a laptop just to handle the basics. If you’re looking for something inexpensive and with no frills, the Travelmate B3 is an excellent choice.
7. Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga – Best Non-Windows Business Model
Lenovo’s ThinkPad offers a great overall experience – solid graphics, a fabulous 4K display, and ample ports. This makes it ideal for anyone working in graphics or photo editing. It’s a device that works great on the road but can also be plugged in at the office.
It’s only potential downside is that it comes with Chrome OS, though you may be able to get an upgrade to Windows 11 depending on where you buy it. That’s a clear drawback if your company uses Microsoft exclusively, but it might be a plus if you’re a freelancer who prefers working with Chrome.
The ThinkPad C13 also comes with a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen, making it great for people who prefer to work with a tablet. And its lightning-fast processing speed impresses no matter how you use it. All around, it’s a solid business laptop and a good choice for movie fans, as well.
A Wide Selection Of Mini Laptops
Which company’s mini laptop is best? Well, it depends on what you’re using it for! Students, gamers, and business people have very different needs. We hope this list has given you some good information to start your search!
What is the price of a mini laptop? PC International carries a wide range of mini and full-size laptops, including all of the models mentioned on this list. We’re proud to offer some of the lowest prices in South Africa. We also offer safe and secure buying, free delivery to main centers, and click-and-collect purchasing.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. And if none of these laptops meets your needs, you can always build your own PC!
