Is a 2.5 lb laptop durable enough for daily carry?

Yes. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon at 2.48 lbs is MIL-STD-810H tested for drops, vibration, and temperature extremes. MacBook Air's aluminum unibody is exceptionally rigid. Premium lightweight laptops use advanced materials that are lighter AND stronger than plastic.

What do I give up with an ultralight laptop?

Typically: fewer ports (compensate with a USB-C hub), smaller battery (though efficiency makes up for it), and no dedicated GPU. For productivity, email, and web browsing, you give up nothing. Gamers and video editors need heavier machines.

Best Lightweight Laptops Under 3 lbs 2026