Smaller and lighter. That’s the mantra of the latest generation of laptop computers. Weighing in at a mere 3 to 4 pounds but carrying price tags of $1,400 and up, these models offer an agile alternative for lawyers on the go, with only a slight tradeoff in screen size, battery life and power.

The monitors on these featherweight machines are usually 12 to 13 inches, sufficient for most document work. Battery life will last about four hours, but in order to increase battery power for a long-distance flight, manufacturers offer battery extenders, which will add some bulk to the machine but often double the time spent away from an AC adapter.