The best 11 and 12 inch mini laptops in the UK 2023

The computer industry is full of a number of powerful and better 11- and 12-inch mini laptops. Size is another evolving aspect of laptop hardware, as tiny and ultraportable models are now readily available. However, the choice is not simple as there are so many different models. Read this guide to find out more.

Acer TravelMate Spin B3 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Acer TravelMate Spin B3

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a compact convertible laptop with solid battery life and an excellent keyboard that make it stand out in the market. It offers more than just these great features.

382 £ on Fnac

What makes the Spin 311 unique from other Chromebooks at this price point is that it has the double duty of an Android tablet, with thetouchscreen able to rotate 360 degrees in tablet mode that lets you play Android games for example. More precisely, it is 2 in 1, it has adapted to the domination of tablets, more portable and more convenient than laptops. You will also benefit from its keyboard, when you need it for your work.

Although it is a budget laptop, Acer has equipped the laptop with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and a microSD slot for additional storage. The computer has an impressive 10 hours of battery life, making it a great option for those who are constantly on the go. Overall, this mini laptop is exactly what many people want from a Chromebook: small, inexpensive, and capable enough to handle light work and play every day.

HP Chromebook x360 12b 2
7/10

The best cheapest

HP Chromebook x360 12b

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

The beautiful HP Chromebook x360 12b delivers the 2-in-1 experience, bolstering it with advanced stylus support. With the versatility of a 360 hinge this compact convertible Chromebook adapts to your needs.

239 £ on Amazon

HP has rolled out the Chromebook x360 12b, a convertible with a 12-inch touchscreen display with a slightly squarer aspect ratio of 3:2. It's an attractive, portable, versatile productivity companion. The device is a 2-in-1 hybrid, which allows you to use it as a laptop or tablet, as the screen rotates all the way around to form a tablet. Hybrid Chromebooks are very popular, because it means you get two devices for the price of one.

This laptop is very similar to every other HP laptop you see. Whether it's a Windows machine or a Chromebook. That's not a bad thing, as it has a nice look. They look like everyday laptops, which is what most of us are looking for. The lid is white with the familiar HP logo in the middle and the bottom of the laptop is gray.

HP ProBook x360 11 G5 3
9/10

The best high end

HP ProBook x360 11 G5

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

The HP ProBook x360 11 is a laptop that easily flips and folds to fit all the ways students love. HP's proprietary software tools make it easy to secure and manage IT services.

399 £ on Fnac

This is one of the very few options in this class with still modern hardware and high-end configurations, a rugged 11-inch convertible laptop that meets MIL-STD-810G standards, so it's ideal for travel, thanks to its ability to survive the daily hassle and occasional bumps. HP has definitely hit all the marks with this ProBook x360 11 G5. It is already equipped with an SSD as well as a 48 Wh battery and splash-proof keyboard, all in a 3.2 lb plastic shell.

On top of that, it's also easy to upgrade, you can insert an 8GB RAM and an even larger 256GB SSD. And what makes the ProBook unique is that it's still much lighter than any larger laptop. In fact, users never forget the oft-repeated remark that the light size and hybrid nature work well.

Apple - MacBook Air MD711 4
9/10

The best of excellent choice

Apple - MacBook Air MD711

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

Looking for a lightweight 11-inch laptop with great specs? This should be your choice if you are ready to use Mac OS instead of Windows or Chrome. This MacBook Air MD711 has some very impressive specs.

315 £ on Fnac
Buying guide • November 2023

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop

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Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

Best 11 and 12 inch mini laptop in 2021

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Comparison table of the best 11 and 12 inch mini laptops

Editor's Choice Inexpensive Highest Quality Excellent Choice
Acer TravelMate Spin B3 5
8/10
HP Chromebook x360 12b 6
7/10
HP ProBook x360 11 G5 7
9/10
Apple - MacBook Air MD711 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Acer TravelMate Spin B3
HP Chromebook x360 12b
HP ProBook x360 11 G5
Apple - MacBook Air MD711
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a compact convertible laptop with solid battery life and an excellent keyboard that make it stand out in the market. It offers more than just these great features.
The beautiful HP Chromebook x360 12b delivers the 2-in-1 experience, bolstering it with advanced stylus support. With the versatility of a 360 hinge this compact convertible Chromebook adapts to your needs.
The HP ProBook x360 11 is a laptop that easily flips and folds to fit all the ways students love. HP's proprietary software tools make it easy to secure and manage IT services.
Looking for a lightweight 11-inch laptop with great specs? This should be your choice if you are ready to use Mac OS instead of Windows or Chrome. This MacBook Air MD711 has some very impressive specs.
Power
10 hours autonomy
2 in 1 hybrid
High-end configurations
powerful hardware configuration
Specificity
360 degrees rotation
great look
Lightweight
Elegant
Functionality
touch screen
touch screen
Easy to upgrade
backlit chiclet keyboard

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - 11 and 12 inch mini laptop

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How to choose your 11 and 12 inch mini laptop

Since the needs are very varied and depend on your situation, we have included in this buying guide some criteria to make your choice easier.

#1 - Memory or RAM

Memory or RAM is what directly affects the access time in the body of your laptop. The more RAM there is, the faster your computer can access vital information on the computer's hard drive. So, how much basic RAM should you look for in your new mini laptop? As a general rule, many agree that a mini laptop should have at least two gigabytes of memory, but if you want quality games and reduced slowdown, go for about four gigabytes or more.

#2 - Hard drives (SSD and HDD)

The hard drive of your computer is where all the valuable information is stored. This can include your games, your operating system, or your media files.In any situation, it's better to have more storage space. Solid state drives typically allow for faster access times, which means they will load much faster. This is a great place to store your operating system and regularly used programs.

Spin units are generally slower in terms of access time, but these units are excellent in one respect, they are cheaper per gigabyte than solid state units, although the price of SSDs is coming down. Since mini-laptop manufacturers will try to reduce space to make your laptop smaller, many mini-laptops primarily use SSD drives.

#3 - Portability

This is a very valuable statistic for those who will be traveling a lot with their new laptop. The best laptops for portability will only weigh about three pounds or less. This sizing makes them easier to carry from place to place without fatigue. Smaller overall size is also an important statistic for a mini-laptop.

#4 - Convertibility

As tablets are generally considered one of the most convenient personal computing options to use, many laptop manufacturers have developed laptops that can be converted into tablets. There are several models of these which usually raise for example the foldable types. They are similar to non-detachable laptops, but with these you can fold them completely so that the keyboard is outside the screen. The whole device then takes on a more tablet-like form factor.

#5 - Battery

You should try to find a machine with a battery life hovering around or above nine hours. And the best small laptop with good battery life will allow you to use your computer more during your school day, for longer periods of time without being plugged in at work, or while traveling.

The touch screen

Touchscreens are a relatively new feature in laptops, but their inclusion brings the mini laptop closer to the tablet experience. While your operating system will need to be Windows 8, Windows 10 or Chrome OS to use the touchscreen features, these types of mini laptops are becoming more common. On the other hand, these models tend to have a short battery life, although some models have up to ten hours of battery life.

The different types of 11 and 12 inch mini laptops

Depending on the specific type of mini laptop you're looking at, the trend toward touch support or not will vary. Let's explore the main types.

The classic mini laptop

The classic mini laptop is a laptop with a full PC operating system, an optical drive and several slots and ports will always be more flexible, which has a relatively limited user interface, fewer port options and depends more on remote applications and services. Most analysts give minilaptops an advantage for business use over other types, especially when they are equipped with multi-core and multi-threaded processors that allow extensive multitasking. Because on a typical minilaptop, you can stay productive with a poor Wi-Fi connection or even no Internet at all.

The gamer mini laptop

Some minilaptops in this class support QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) or 4K displays, a hard drive to supplement the SSD, and optional ultra-efficient cooling fans. Thanks to modern advances, a growing number of them are even quite thin and portable. With laptops at this level, you'll either pay a premium for high-end performance in a thin chassis, or pay for the most power possible in a bulkier build. And as a technical detail, you should definitely give preference to a system with an SSD as a boot drive. SSDs speed up boot time, wake-up time, and the time it takes to launch a game and load a new level.

The 2in1 or hybrid mini laptop

A hybrid laptop can be used as a laptop or a stand-alone tablet. Its hybrid, scalable design is intended to offer something for everyone. For laptop users, it has a touch screen and other tablet-style amenities. And for tablet users, it has a PC operating system, keyboard and other laptop features.

They are also called 2-in-1s, they are convertible laptops and more powerful than tablets, but have more portable features than traditional laptops. As a tablet, they offer the same innovative touchscreen capabilities that tablet users love. As a laptop, they provide the processing power, keyboard and other features of a more advanced PC.

An 11 or 12 inch mini laptop or tablet PC

A mini laptop 11 and 12 inches

In mini laptops, processors typically have faster clock speeds. Even these smaller laptop models have frame designs that can hold (and cool) the latest processors, extra RAM, etc. A standard mini-laptop will probably have more raw computing power. On the other hand, in general, booting up a mini laptop is slow. Plus if you are a less tech savvy user its operating system is a bit complicated to navigate.

A tablet PC

Tablet PCs have evolved considerably since their introduction to the broad consumer market. By definition, a tablet is a highly portable PC whose primary interface is a touchscreen that occupies the entire length/width of the device, but whose speaker and microphone are not positioned for handheld calls. In popular perception, however, tablets simply combine the best aspects of smartphones and laptops, creating what tablet enthusiasts consider the ultimate mobile computing experience. But ultra-thin tablets don't have internal fans. So they rely on different, less efficient processors to avoid heat. And its performance as a tablet is already limited in terms of its processor.

Verdict

For example, if we're just talking about storage and booting, tablets are designed for ultimate portability and use SSDs with less capacity than the older spinning hard drives found in many mini laptops. While high-end mini laptops also offer SSDs, which means better performance and less weight, which have more storage capacity than the drives in tablets.

Why buy an 11 and 12 inch mini laptop?

Innovative features

While mini laptops look like any conventional laptop, some have impressive advantages that larger models do not. Many act as a hybrid tablet and laptop, offering smooth touchscreen surfaces, pens and writing accessories, various folding configurations and removable keyboards. So don't dismiss their size as a lack of functionality.

Durability

Remember, one of the trademarks of a mini laptop is that it can be completely enclosed to protect the screen and keyboard. Some of the entry-level mini laptops are designed specifically for schools and offer spill protection and durable cases. The size and weight of the devices help keep them safe when traveling.

Size

The size of these products is the most notable feature. They are incredibly easy to take with you wherever you go. You can easily use them behind a reclining seat on an airplane, and they fit perfectly into a standard-sized backpack or purse. Most mini laptops won't take up any more space.

The workspace

One of the real joys of having a netbook is setting up a workspace on your computer and realizing how much space you just got back.

Keyboard ergonomics

Mini laptops use short profile keys with a scissor-like spring underneath. Your typing speed will increase almost instantly. After using one for a while, going back to a desktop keyboard feels old and clunky compared to the super-easy keys on a netbook. Plus, the trackpad area serves as a built-in wrist rest, making it ergonomic as well.

The best brands of 11 and 12 inch mini laptops

In our opinion, the best brands of 11 and 12 inch mini laptops in 2022 are :

APPLE-MacBook Air
HP
LENOVO
ACER
ASUS

Apple is one of the world's most valuable technology companies. Since its inception, it has focused on hardware products such as computers like iMac and MacBook, iPod, iPhone and iPad. About the Mac, it has the most advanced and advanced operating system (mac OS) currently developed only and typically by the apple brand. With a reinvented design and major updates for applications. It can be said that Apple Sur's macOS Big reaches new heights in terms of power and elegance.

The HP (Hewlett-Packard) brand is an American computer brand. It specializes in computing and more particularly in the field of computers: laptop, desktop, hybrid, printer. HP has long been number 1 in the world, which is why it is among the best computer brands.

Historically, Lenovo brings together two pioneers of computer technology, Lenovo and IBM, to form a great leader in innovation. Hence, it constantly innovates to remain one of the leaders of the PC+ era. It can be said that currently, it is the first in PC manufacturing in the world.

The ACER brand is a Taiwanese computer company specializing in the manufacture of computers and smartphones. It is in the top 5 of world manufacturer. And it is among the best laptop brands. ACER is a brand halfway between consumer and professional.

Asus is a Taiwanese IT company. For this brand, the key to success lies in its ability to constantly innovate. Thanks to a visionary approach, ASUS ensures a constant evolution of the design and innovations of its products, to always meet the demands and needs of users. And this brand stands out especially for the versatility of its laptops.

What is the price for a 11 and 12 inch mini laptop

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
250 £ to 450 £
Mid-range
450 £ to 800 £
High-end
more than 800 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Switch off after each use

In order to keep your mini-computer's performance at its optimum level, you must take good care of your machine. To do so, don't forget to turn it off after each use. Even if you have a second battery, avoid using it or only turning it on above 10% of autonomy.

Cleaning

Clean your mini laptop from time to time in its entirety, be it the ventilation system, the ports, the keyboard, and the screen. Don't forget also to carry it in a suitable bag to avoid any damage.

Checking the connections

Before choosing your choice, check the connectors on your device if it has several USB ports and allows several options (network, card reader, screen sharing, etc.)

Testing

Don't hesitate to test if your webcam works perfectly with an excellent rendering. The same goes for the touchpad or the Touchpad, the sound of the minicomputer, and the configuration as a whole.

Defining your use

Make sure you don't buy a minicomputer that is not suitable for your use, not ergonomic, without the functions you are looking for (a numeric keyboard for example) or without a CD drive.

FAQ

Will a mini laptop be too small for applications?

There'sno problem using a small screen, as you can always connect it to an external monitor using the HDMI port. Most applications will automatically adjust to the screen resolution or you can adjust it for maximum clarity.

Opt for an SSD or hard drive for better memory storage?

While all of your essential and critical files should be stored on the cloud or on a hard drive that can be kept safely in your home, consideropting for an SSD drive for ease of use on the go.

Why an 11- and 12-inch laptop rather than a larger model?

One word answers this question above all else, portability. The 11- and 12-inch screens allow for a much smaller and lighter chassis than with any other style of laptop.

What is the best processor for a mini laptop?

The intrinsic performance of the processor is more important than the brand. For sure, some of their own brand addicts will tell you that their darling is the best.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  4. laptopmag.com: Best laptops 2021, Laptopmag.com
  5. Best cheap laptops 2021: Our top picks for under $600, Mashable.com
  6. What is a motion control or gesture control laptop?, Lenovo.com
  7. 5 Reasons To Consider A Mini Laptop, Hp.com
  8. Top 10 Best 11 Inch Laptops 2021, Mylaptopguide.com
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See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Acer TravelMate Spin B3 9
Acer TravelMate Spin B3
HP Chromebook x360 12b 10
HP Chromebook x360 12b
HP ProBook x360 11 G5 11
HP ProBook x360 11 G5
Apple - MacBook Air MD711 12
Apple - MacBook Air MD711

Lecteurs

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