Small and light, the HP Pavilion dm4 ($899) is a pleasant little package that blends a stylish simplicity with some impressive internal specs.
At 14 inches, the dm4 is light enough to hold in one hand, and slip into a book bag. At the same time, it's big enough to type on easily, with a screen that's easy on the eyes. Packed with an Intel Core i5 that gives it enough pep for the basics of working and surfing, though the lack of a graphics card makes it less than ideal for gaming.
The dm4's brushed-metal exterior is simple and handsome; subtle engravings keep things simple without becoming dull.
One feature that sets this machine apart is the fingerprint reader to the right of the track pad, which can be used to lock data down for security purposes -- something you might be interested in if you're worried about nosy dorm-mates.
On the downside, a jittery trackpad makes this a difficult unit to control; you might want to consider plugging in a mouse.
Overall, though, the dm4 offers a nice blend of portability and power for modest uses -- a good choice if you're looking for a laptop that won't break your budget and won't break your back.