Ultrabook Specs

 An Ultrabook is a higher-end type of subnotebook defined by Intel. Ultrabooks are designed to feature reduced size (less than 2.1 cm (0.82  inches) thick) and weight (usually less than 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)) without compromising performance and battery life. They use low-power Intel processors with integrated graphics and unibody chassis to fit larger batteries into smaller cases. Some models have limited external ports (e.g. USB) due to their extremely thin profile.

 Sony VAIO S13 (SVS13112FXW)
Sony VAIO S13 (SVS13112FXW)
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.31.2012
Bottom Line: The Sony VAIO S13 (SVS13112FXW) isn't the most innovative or powerful ultraportable available, but its inclusion of some nifty features and capable multimedia performance makes it a solid choice for users looking to add some flair to their everyday computing. 


Sony VAIO Z13 (SVZ13114GXX)

Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.24.2012
Bottom Line: The Sony VAIO Z13 (SVZ13114GXX) is a premium ultraportable laptop with a price to match, but while its quad-core processor provides processing oomph, it also cuts battery life short.
 
Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2012)

Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.21.2012
Bottom Line: The ultrabooks are catching up to the pioneer Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid-2012) in terms of portability and capabilities, but the latest iteration is a nice system for those who want a second or third Mac around the house. However, for the price, competition is fierce. 


Vizio 15.6-inch Thin + Light (CT15-A1)

Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.20.2012
Bottom Line: The Vizio 15.6-inch Thin + Light (CT15-A1) has a gorgeous design and is a decent performer, but a few significant problems mar this ultrabook's debut. 

Toshiba Satellite U845-S406
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.15.2012
Bottom Line: The Toshiba Satellite U840-S406 doesn't reinvent the wheel but is nonetheless a decent system for users looking for a well-designed, reasonably priced ultrabook for day-to-day use. 

Toshiba Satellite U845W-S410
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.14.2012
Bottom Line: The Toshiba Satellite U845W-S410 will attract movie lovers craving extra-widescreen entertainment, but the 21:9 display winds up being more of an inconvenient gimmick than a feature. 




Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.09.2012
Bottom Line: The Lenovo X1 Carbon is an ultrabook designed for business. It has IT-friendly vPro built in, the ThinkPad TrackPoint, weighs under three pounds, and has over seven hours of battery life. It's the ultrabook you want if you're thinking business. 


Samsung Series 5 NP535U3C-A01US
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.07.2012
Bottom Line: The Samsung Series 5 NP535U3C-A01US gives you the portability of an ultrabook at a lower price, but compromises on performance. 


HP Envy Sleekbook 6z-1000
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.07.2012
Bottom Line: HP has positioned its AMD-powered HP Envy Sleekbook 6z-1000 as a lower-priced alternative to Intel-certified ultrabooks. Unfortunately, the axiom that "you get what you pay for" applies here. It's underpowered, has a mediocre screen, and may feel slow even when brand new. 


HP Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us
Editor Rating  
Review Date: 08.02.2012
Bottom Line: HP has positioned its AMD-powered Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us as a lower-priced alternative to Intel-certified ultrabooks. Unfortunately, the axiom that "you get what you pay for" applies here. It's underpowered, has a mediocre screen, and may feel slow even when brand new.