Ultrabooks are the latest buzz in the laptop industry. This class of laptop was created with the launch of Apple MacBook Air. In fact, the term Ultrabook is trademarked by Intel and is now used to refer to thin laptops with good performance and long battery life. Here we review the best we’ve seen in this category so far.
Check Out: Ultrabook Buying Guide – Tips, Advice and Factors To Keep In Mind
Which is the Best Ultrabook?
1. Apple MacBook Air
For Mac users, there’s only one option in this segment, the 13 inch MacBook Air launched this year. Costing approximately $1200, it sports the 3rd Gen Intel i5 CPUs, upgraded web cam and USB 3.0 ports. Unfortunately, an Ethernet port is not included and the 128GB SSD hard disk seems a little smaller than what we’re now used to. At about 3 pounds, this is definitely one of the lightest machines. The Macbook even manages to deliver a long lasting battery life of over 4.5 hours. On the whole, this is a good Ultrabook.
2. Dell Inspiron 14z
This laptop manages to meet the Ultrabook criteria even while sporting a CD/DVD burner. With a price tag of just $900, it is very affordable. It sports a large (for ultrabooks!) 14†screen and comes with i3 processor, 8GB RAM and a dedicated AMD graphics card. Unfortunately, the battery doesn’t last a full working day, and there is a distinct budget feel to the parts. This ultrabook also sports a bigger touch pad with two separate mouse buttons for left and right click. Overall, this is a commendable effort from Dell to pack-in some great features at such a price.
3. Acer Aspire S5
This is the most expensive Ultrabook with a price range of $1300-1450. It is even thinner than a MacBook Air making it the thinnest Ultrabook out there. What’s interesting about this ultrabook is the innovative MagicFlip port door used to cover the ports. It is the lightest Ultrabook weighing just 2.65 pounds and has a great battery life. The only gripe a user could have is the absence of a backlit keyboard. With a 3rd generation Intel i7 processor, and a separate Intel HD graphics card, it is the most advanced Ultrabook. Moreover, this world’s slimmest laptop offers great multitasking options and is highly responsive. Good features and processing speed bring this ultrabook from Acer to the top 5 list.
4. Sony Vaio T Series SVT13112FXS
This is the first ultrabook from the Sony stable. It has great value as it is priced between $765-830. It falls in to the budget ultrabook category. It has all the ports that you could need, but no optical drive. Without a good keyboard, this is a machine for casual use. The TFT screen is disappointing too. But, some of the impressive features include the machine’s ability to wake-up in less than 3 seconds from the sleep mode, less time taken to re-establish a lost wireless connection and Intel’s Rapid storage technology easily manages the system’s functioning. Thus, the Sony Vaio Ultrabook offers good value for the money you pay.
5. HP Envy Sleekbook 6
This laptop is all about sharp looks at a low price of $600. Unfortunately, the lower price is achieved by underpowered, inefficient AMD processors and a slower conventional hard drive. The major plus point is a large 15†screen. Also, this machine manages to offer some good graphics, which looks better on the 15 inch screen. The sound system powered by Beats is another advantage you get at such a price. Perhaps, a slightly better configuration would have put this ultrabook higher on the list. Nevertheless, HP Envy Sleekbook 6 ultrabook does good justice to the price it is offered at.
Close Contenders:
HP Folio 13-1020US – this incredibly well engineered and well crafted ultrabook priced at $900, was one of the closest contenders to the top 5 list. Following it were the super slim Samsung Series 9, 15 inch ultrabook, solidly made Asus Zenbook and the super-sleek HP Envy 14 inch Spectre.
Well, these were the ultrabooks that managed to make it to the top 5 list so far. However, it is still too early, before we finalize the list of the best Ultrabooks of 2012. Also, there are several ultrabooks waiting to roll out sooner or later this year. Do have a look at the list of 16 Thin And Light Ultrabooks To Watch Out in 2012 which we prepared back in May 2012.
So, based on many more to come, will there be another, completely different ultrabook list than or is the list going to be the same? Let’s wait and find out!
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the second one that is dell inspiron is the best in my opinion
But still I think that Apple is beyind comparison. Though pricey, it still the best UltraBook available at the market.
I think it’s appropriate that Apple MacBook Air is at first ranks
Hi Aditya, thanks for dropping by 🙂
And yes, I do agree with you on that.. !
I’ll assume best UltraBooks depending on Price as well as quality. Surely, Apple is the best and I have good experience with Dell Laptops so I have pretty much expectation from Dell. But will be much pleasure and interesting if you make a post on cheapest UltraBooks.
Nice share, these these are the best and relatively cheap but cheapest would me much interesting.
I’m going to buy a Macbook Pro, not Air…I don’t know why but Air is just not my thing! What would you prefer from the two?
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I already have MBP so, I am happy with that as I also feel Air is not for me 😉
But when I do have ample money sitting in my account with nothing left to do in the world, I can think about it 😀
mac is so expensive
Yes, I agree. It is a bit expensive but then best things come at a premium 😉
Anyways, there are some other options in the market as well which offer similar features at a lesse price… which one do you like after MaC?
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.