My last laptop was a 13", but it didn't have the power I wanted/needed. So I have a 15" now. And I consider it a desktop replacement. I can't wait until I can get 13" that'll do that. A couple more years and I think we'll be there.
I don't think you have to wait - Dell's little M11X AlienWare can do 16gb of ram w/ a core i7 in an 11", and less-ugly 13"s are doing iX w/ 8gb of ram these days too.
I have a 15" currently - but I think I might make my next one a 13", for portability.
Lightweight means a lot to me - and if it's got great options for a high resolution and large external monitor then I'm happy. Hell, with DisplayLink technology nowadays, multiple external displays with a laptop is entirely feasible.
Right now it's a 13" macbook pro. If I had an external screen or two at my home desk, which I have been putting off, I could definitely go even smaller.
I have done 15" in the past but it's not portable enough for me.
I've got a Sony VAIO Z, 13.1" @ 1920x1080. It takes a bit getting used to, but it's great to have a high-res screen for coding and also not have to lug around a huge, heavy machine.
I'm happy enough with my productivity on 13 inch, I probably spend most of the time remote using it as is with occasionally plugging in a external monitor. One advantage for me is it forces me to think about my apps usability on a smaller screen as opposed to 1080p at home where its very easy to fit everything in.
Still tugging along on my first generation Asus EEE PC. It's 7.1". Tiny and slow compared to what's out there now, but it does the job I need it to do.
The 14 was much more comfortable to use on a plane (I flew much more often back when I bought it), but I rarely fly any more.
What I have done a lot of lately is take "working vacations" where my laptop becomes my only computer for a couple of weeks while my son and I decamp to my folks' farm on his breaks from school. I love that my job makes that possible, but doing it with the 14" laptop got old after awhile.
My son uses a 10" netbook -- more because it's a good fit for his 8yo hands than for portability. He's still a bit small to type well on a full-sized keyboard.
Not entirely clear if you are asking for what it is, or what we'd like it to be. I have a asus 1000he, and I think the ideal is 11-12" (i.e. just a hair larger). I'm considering upgrading to a Thinkpad x220 later this year, but I'm hoping someone comes out a non-overpriced SSD model with higher res screen (i.e. linux macbook air).
Hackers can use whatever they feel is the best platform for their hacking. I personally felt sick to my stomach dishing out the cash for a 15" MBP knowing I could get the same hardware for half the price from Dell, however I want to (eventually) do iOS dev so I felt my hands were tied. Otherwise I would have just put Ubuntu on a Dell and VM'd Windows.
I used 15" laptops for years, but recently switched to 13" and feel like it is a more productive screen size. I love dual monitors, but 15" seems just big enough to have distractions visible without having multiple windows usable. The 13" let's me focus.
I'm moving more and more towards buying an Air and hooking up an external monitor to do "real" work. Two screens are better than one, and supreme portability and good battery life keep sounding better and better as I use my 15" MBP.
Don't get me wrong, I love the space on-screen. And I no longer have a TV, as it's large enough for my small living room. But all that really matters to me is an external screen port and a full-size keyboard. Being able to move it around and use it more places more often comes in soon after, and size comes much later.
I have an old Asus EeePC with a 10 inch screen as my ultra-portable
machine. When I travel I can throw it into a carryon bag and still have a
lot of room for other stuff. I don't mind the small screen that much; my
main gripe is the keyboard. It's just too small for easy typing. What I'd
like to upgrade to is a Thinkpad X100e. I think it will still satisfy my need
for exceptional portability, and it has a full size keyboard. I must
confess I also think its 11.6 inch screen will be somewhat nicer than
my current 10 inch screen.
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[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 93.9 ms ] threadLightweight means a lot to me - and if it's got great options for a high resolution and large external monitor then I'm happy. Hell, with DisplayLink technology nowadays, multiple external displays with a laptop is entirely feasible.
http://www.displaylink.com/
I have done 15" in the past but it's not portable enough for me.
Next portable will likely be the 11' MacBook Air, as I'm really impressed with all the reviews evoking the spirit of the 12" PowerBook... but fast.
The 14 was much more comfortable to use on a plane (I flew much more often back when I bought it), but I rarely fly any more.
What I have done a lot of lately is take "working vacations" where my laptop becomes my only computer for a couple of weeks while my son and I decamp to my folks' farm on his breaks from school. I love that my job makes that possible, but doing it with the 14" laptop got old after awhile.
My son uses a 10" netbook -- more because it's a good fit for his 8yo hands than for portability. He's still a bit small to type well on a full-sized keyboard.
(I voted both of my laptops, not his)
Computer C is connected to a 12" IBM 3151, but I only use it for the anachronistic aspects.
edit: not sure why I'm being downvoted, just curious
Don't get me wrong, I love the space on-screen. And I no longer have a TV, as it's large enough for my small living room. But all that really matters to me is an external screen port and a full-size keyboard. Being able to move it around and use it more places more often comes in soon after, and size comes much later.