The UltraBook Trend
Thanks to the aggressive marketing and cut-throat tactics of Intel, you can now procure an Intel Ultrabook relatively cheaply. Many consumers prefer ultrabooks to laptops due to their compact size, lightweight body, and overall handiness. With their specs increasingly comparable to powerful laptops, it makes perfect sense to opt for an Ultrabook. Back in 2010, Apple created waves in the slim line revolution when they launched the MacBook Air. An ultrabook (according to Intel) should not exceed a thickness of 18mm and 21mm for 13.3-inch and 14 inch (or larger) laptops respectively. Moreover, they should have a five-hour battery life. The trend set by Apple and Intel soon inspired industry players such as Acer, Asus, Dell and HP to create ultraportable laptops (aka Ultrabooks).
While features such as portable structure, Wi-Fi Technology, and Bluetooth are available for most ultrabooks, 3G connectivity for mobile operations, however, is still missing.
Here are the top five ultrabooks:
Acer Aspire Timeline U M5: Cool as a cucumber
With a solid chassis that incorporates Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz CPU, 6GB powerful RAM, and Nvidia GeForce GT640M graphics processor, the Acer Aspire Timeline U M5 is a business ultrabook which offers an unmatched multimedia processing performance. This means this ultrabook can handle all the graphically intensive tasks with a smile. Unlike other ultrabooks, the M5 boasts a 15.6-inch display, with standard 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. The built-in optical DVD RW drive is ideal for media-related functions. Data transfer with the M5 is a piece of cake, thanks to its two USB 3.0 ports. Tired of the ultrabook heating up, or making the sound of a diesel engine? Well, the Acer M5 works silently, without heating up.
The Acer Aspire Timeline U M5 is a power-packed ultrabook. However, it is not as portable as other ultrabooks.
Asus Zenbook Prime UX31a: Power to the core
Asus impresses yet again with its stylish design (remember the Zenbook Ultrabook), albeit, with a major hardware enhancement. With the latest Intel Processor and excellent display panel, the Asus Zenbook Prime UX31a addresses all your digital requirements. The Full HD, 1920 x 1080 IPS panel (more than 2 million pixels) offers an awe-inspiring digital display. The powerful dual-core 1.9GHz i7 CPU and 4GB RAM sitting inside this ultrabook help you perform all digital tasks, such as editing even HD photos, with amazing ease. It’s easy to make the clam that the Asus Zenbook Prime is the ultimate Ultrabook.
Dell Inspiron 14z Heavyweight feature
While the Dell Inspiron 14z is surely not the lightest or slimmest (weight – 1.9 kilos and dimensions – 344 x 240 x 21mm), it does offer a decent array of features, such as two USB 3.0 ports and combi headset. And particularly that feature which Dell is well known for, the ability to customise the specs as per your requirements. Choose from Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, with the integrated Intel HD Graphic 4000. This ultrabook also carries an optical drive, a feature rarely seen on Dell ultrabooks.
Sony Vaio T13: Sony delight
Sony Vaio T13 is the debut ultrabook from Sony. The lower price tag can be ascribed to its moderate power and lesser features. However, its design and build quality does not fail to impress. You may not be happy if you compare it with Apple’s MacBook Air or the Asus Zenbook, however the T13 does offer an incredibly sharp finish. Weighing in at 1.6KG and with a thickness of 17.8mm, the T13 is a robust ultrabook. The aluminium-magnesium alloy accounts for its tough chassis, and the brushed aluminium finish gives it a robust architecture.
The second-gen 1.4GHz i3 dual-core processor powers the debut ultrabook from Sony, while 4GB of RAM and Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics offer you reasonable good features. The hybrid storage system comprising 320GB HDD and a 32GB SSD, ensures faster response time from sleep mode. The instantaneous wake times of this ultrabook is another feature to look for.
Toshiba Z930: Powerful yet light
The Toshiba Z930 follows on from the Japanese giant’s successful foray into the ultrabook domain. This ultrabook adheres to the design of its predecessor Z830. However, on the spec front, this new breed of ultrabook offers a heavy transformation. With the Intel Core i5-3317U CPU clocking a speed of 1.7GHZ, the Z930 easily surpasses its older brother. Its 6GB RAM makes ‘multitasking’ a child’s play. The 128GB SSD may not seem huge enough for storage, but it surely offers more speed compared to others. The 20mm thick Toshiba Z930 weighs only 1.1KG. The Ivy Bridge processors offer less power consumption and enhanced battery life (up to 5 hours). The Toshiba Z930 can also be used to fuel a smartphone or other USB device, even in standby mode.
Author Bio:
Jaime Wills is a tech-savvy entrepreneur who’s always up to date with the innovative trends from O2 and similar national and international brands. When she’s not busy with the demands of her flourishing business, she likes to wax enthusiastic about Apple products with their user-friendly and highly aesthetic interfaces.
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