All-in-all, if you don't mind the relatively pokey processor and integrated graphics, and are fairly adept at navigating a computer using just the pointing nub, then the nc2400 seems like a pretty good way to shave some pounds from your travel gear.

ENGADGET: HP's Compaq nc2400 ultraportable notebook reviewed

The U2142 is built to contain a third-gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processor with integrated graphics, alongside up to 256GB of mSATA flash storage and 1TB-worth of HDD -- a double helping that brings its weight to 1.5kg (that's 3.3 pounds, or 50 percent heavier than MSI's 11.6-inch slider).

ENGADGET: Gigabyte's U2142 is an 11-inch Windows 8 convertible with a lot to prove

Most intriguing, however, was the "optional high performance integrated graphics" that could reportedly be included on the same processor die, which could certainly prove interesting if crammed into, say, a UMPC.

ENGADGET: More dirt on Intel's Penryn / Nehalem architecture

The Sandy Bridge processor is essentially a CPU that has GPU (graphics processing) integrated within.

FORBES: Intel Hits $30 If Sandy Bridge Turns Tide On Chip Pricing

The ML910 is actually a followup to the ML900 (pictured) features a 13.3-inch widescreen display, 1.66GHz Core Duo processor, 128MB of ATI Radeon X1400 graphics, and choice of radios including integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and WWAN.

ENGADGET: Motorola's rugged ML910 laptop and MW810 mobile workstation

It's also offered with multiple Core i7 processor options, whereas the Series 9 is only available with Core i5, and with integrated graphics only.

ENGADGET: Apple MacBook Pro with Retina display review (mid 2012)