Looking for suggestions on mini laptops featuring backlit keyboards?
Looking for suggestions on mini laptops featuring backlit keyboards?
Hello,
I am searching for a mini laptop that meets these specific needs:
- Several USB ports for experimenting with microcontrollers
- Fanless design for quiet operation near a sleeping baby
- Silent performance (Pentium, Celeron or Core-M chips would work)
- Glossy screen suitable for cleaning toddler fingerprints
- Most importantly, a backlit keyboard for low-light use
Background:
I have enjoyed mini laptops throughout my life. I owned most Asus EEE PCs and some MSI wind laptops, including the Asus X205. After college, I mostly used Vivobooks until switching to ultrabooks. In 2021, I wanted a mini laptop again and ordered an Asus L210, but it didn’t meet my expectations. I returned it and bought a second-hand L200 for temporary use. The L210’s display was poor compared to the L200, colors faded, and cleaning fingerprints was challenging. The power button was placed in an awkward spot, often accidentally pressed by family members. I also tried older models like E202/E203, which were better than the L210 but still not a significant improvement over the L200. The L210’s backlit keyboard is optional, while other series lack this feature.
Any suggestions?
A long time ago, I purchased a Lenovo 11.5" ideapad 100S for travel purposes. You can refurbish them on eBay for around $100: https://www.ebay.com/itm/133927163629?ep...SwKtlWhwxl It features a backlit keyboard and is without a fan. The specifications are quite limited, and the processor is slow by today's standards. The screen brightness seems sufficient. You might also discover a more recent model on the Lenovo website.
Where you are, what site do you favor for buying, and what amount are you planning to spend? The current situation with laptops means that cheaper models often use lower quality materials, which is typical for budget options that prioritize low TDP components over durability. If you're considering Apple's MacBook Air, it stands out as a premium choice.
A long time ago, I purchased a Lenovo 11.5" ideapad 100S for travel purposes. You can refurbish them on eBay for around $100:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133927163629?ep...SwKtlWhwxl
It features a backlit keyboard and is without a fan. The specifications are quite limited, and the processor is slow by today's standards. The screen brightness seems sufficient. You might discover a more recent model on the Lenovo website.