2012 has been hyped as the year of the Ultrabooks and as we near the end of Q1, there have been new models that stretch our idea of what constitutes one. Do these 14- and 15-inch laptops with optical drives and discrete graphics count as Ultrabooks? Apparently, Intel and PC vendors think so, but whether these newer laptops will actually dilute the Ultrabook branding or confuse consumers is still a matter of speculation. Perhaps we should just treat them as laptops and review them on their merits.
But which are the Ultrabooks that have impressed us so far? Based on the results from our previous shootout and taking into account the new models that have launched this year, I narrowed down our favorites according to five criteria: Design, performance, features, battery life and price. Here are some of the best Ultrabooks you can find in stores now.
But which are the Ultrabooks that have impressed us so far? Based on the results from our previous shootout and taking into account the new models that have launched this year, I narrowed down our favorites according to five criteria: Design, performance, features, battery life and price. Here are some of the best Ultrabooks you can find in stores now.
Best design: Lenovo IdeaPad U300s
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Although the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s was one of the first Ultrabooks in the market, we haven't seen a more distinctive design yet. New arrivals such as the HP Envy 14 Spectre may be more flashy, but we like the originality of the U300s. The two-tone, book-like appearance is unique without feeling gimmicky and the matte finish isn't as fingerprint-prone as the Spectre.
Alternative: Dell XPS 13 If you prefer an Ultrabook that looks more like the MacBook Air, the Dell XPS 13 is probably a good choice. Besides having a similar tapered design, this Dell laptop actually has a more compact footprint than the MacBook Air. The Dell's carbon fiber and aluminum chassis also feels pretty sturdy, despite not being a unibody design. Price (Lenovo IdeaPad U300s): S$2,099 (US$1,668) | |
Best performance: Dell XPS 13
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Comparing the performance of Ultrabooks used to be straightforward. The hardware was more or less standard--you can expect an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with 4GB of RAM and an SSD or a hybrid HDD. System performance generally boiled down to which laptop had the better SSD. In this case, the Core i7 version of the Dell XPS 13, which uses a 256GB Samsung SSD, scored 3,839 in PCMark7, dethroning former top dog, the Asus Zenbook UX31E (PCMark7 score: 3,684).
Alternative: Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 However, the arrival of Ultrabooks with discrete graphics that boast superior graphics performance, such as the 15-inch Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3, has upset the order. As the majority of Ultrabooks are using integrated graphics, we don't think it's fair to give the performance crown to the Acer. But if you happen to be looking for an Ultrabook that's seriously capable of 3D gaming (and don't mind its extra bulk and weight), the M3 is currently the only choice. Price (Dell XPS 13): S$2,099 (US$1,668) for the Core i7 version | |
Best battery life: HP Folio 13
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With an uptime of 407 minutes, the HP Folio 13 narrowly beats the Toshiba Portege Z830 (396 minutes) to emerge as the Ultrabook with the best battery stamina. There's a small trade-off here--at 1.5kg, the Folio 13 is heavier than most of its 13.3-inch rivals and part of this weight is likely contributed by its impressive battery.
Price: S$1,399 (US$1,112) Alternative: Toshiba Portege Z830 | |
Best features: Samsung Series 5 Ultra (14-inch)
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Discrete Radeon graphics, matte display and an optical drive are some of the standout features on this Samsung 14-inch Ultrabook. While some of you will probably disagree on whether it should be put in the same category as 13.3-inch models, the fact is that this laptop isn't that heavy at 1.8kg thanks to its aluminum chassis. Also, despite the optical drive, it's reasonably slim and its large frame means that Samsung didn't have to skimp on the ports and connectors. You can even upgrade the RAM and SSD on this laptop through a removable panel at the bottom.
Price: S$1,588 (US$1,270) Alternative: HP Envy 14 Spectre | |
Most affordable Ultrabook: Acer Aspire S3
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Acer tends to price its laptops very competitively, even when it comes to Ultrabooks. The S3 may not be the best example of an Ultrabook, but it's a competent machine with an attractive price tag. Of course, you won't get a speedy SSD with the entry-level model of the S3, though the upgrade option is there. If you're looking for a slim, portable laptop, the S3 gets the job done without costing an arm and a leg.
Alternative: Samsung Series 5 Ultra 13-inch The 13.3-inch version of the Samsung Series 5 Ultra (S$1,288 or US$1,025) is a good alternative: It's slightly pricier, but you'll get a brighter, matte display and longer battery life. Price (Acer Aspire S3): S$1,099 (US$874) | |
