How to Choose the Right Ultrabook for You

Your Guide to buying the best Ultrabook

Overview

An Ultrabook is an ultra lightweight laptop that offers the performance and power of a desktop computer in a sleek, portable form. If you are considering an Ultrabook for your next laptop purchase, this guide will walk you through the key features you need to consider in order to find the right one for your needs. In this guide, we will cover topics such as processor speeds, RAM, storage, display size, weight, battery life, and much more. We will also provide some tips on how to get the best value for your money. By the end of the guide, you will have a better understanding of the different Ultrabook models and be able to make an informed decision on the right one for you.

Key features

  1. Size: How large a screen and physical size do you need? Ultrabooks have different sizes available, from 11" to 15".
  2. Processor: How powerful of a processor do you need? This will determine how quickly you can run applications and games.
  3. Memory: How much RAM do you need? This will determine how many applications you can run at a time.
  4. Graphics: Do you need integrated graphics or a dedicated graphics card? This will determine how good graphics quality you can get.
  5. Storage: How much storage do you need? Typical Ultrabooks come with 128GB SSDs, but some come with 256GB or even larger.
  6. Battery Life: How long of a battery life do you need? Look for laptops that have at least 8 hours of battery life.
  7. Connectivity: What type of ports do you need? Look for laptops with the ports you need, such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and more.
  8. Price: What is your budget? Ultrabooks can range vastly in price, so make sure to look for one that fits your budget.

See the most popular Ultrabook on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability: Ultrabooks are ultra-portable, lightweight laptops typically weighing around 3 lbs. or less, making them easy to carry around.
  • Performance: Ultrabooks are equipped with powerful processors and graphics cards, making them great for multitasking and high-performance computing.
  • Long Battery Life: Ultrabooks are designed to provide long battery life, with some models lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.
  • Thin and Light Design: Ultrabooks feature thin and light designs, making them easy to tote around without sacrificing performance.
  • Secure: Ultrabooks come with added security features such as fingerprint scanners, encryption software and antivirus programs.

Cons

  • Price: Ultrabooks are generally more expensive than other laptop models, and the best ultrabooks have a significantly higher price tag than other laptops.
  • Weight: Even with an ultrabook’s slim design, it typically weighs more than a tablet. This may be a concern for those who need to carry their laptop around with them.
  • Memory: Most ultrabooks have less internal storage than traditional laptops, so they may not be able to store as much data.
  • Battery Life: Ultrabooks often have shorter battery life than traditional laptops, so they may not be able to stay powered for as long.
  • Upgradeability: Many ultrabooks have limited upgradeability, so you may not be able to upgrade or add components when you need to.

Best alternatives

  1. Tablet - Portable device with a touch-sensitive display screen, typically a slate-sized computer running a mobile operating system.
  2. Chromebook - A laptop running the Google Chrome OS operating system.
  3. MacBook Air - A lightweight laptop from Apple, featuring a slim design and long battery life.
  4. Convertible Laptop - A laptop which can be converted into a tablet by folding the display back on the keyboard.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Power Supply - The power supply is the source of power for the Ultrabook and is typically an AC adapter.
  • Battery - The battery gives portable power to the Ultrabook and typically has a lifespan of several hours.
  • Protective Case/Cover - A protective case or cover can provide additional protection from scratches, dirt, and dust.
  • External Keyboard/Mouse - An external keyboard and mouse can provide added convenience and extra features.
  • Hard Drive/Storage Device - A hard drive or other storage device provides additional storage for data and programs.
  • Monitor - An external monitor can provide a larger display for viewing multimedia content or other applications.
  • Cable/Adapter - Cables and adapters provide the necessary connections between the Ultrabook and other devices.
  • Software - Software such as security programs and office suites can be installed on the Ultrabook.

Common questions

  1. What features should I consider when buying an Ultrabook?
    • Processing power
    • Storage space
    • Battery life
    • Graphics capabilities
    • Screen size and resolution
    • Durability
    • Weight
    • Connectivity options
    • Portability
  2. What type of Ultrabook should I buy?
    • Business Ultrabooks are usually more expensive but offer features such as enhanced security, longer battery life, and better connectivity.
    • Gaming Ultrabooks usually have more powerful processors, larger screens, and dedicated graphics cards.
    • Consumer Ultrabooks often have more style and portability but less power and fewer features.
    • Hybrid Ultrabooks are a combination of both laptop and tablet, allowing for more flexibility.
  3. What is the average price range for an Ultrabook?
    • Ultrabooks typically range in price from $500 to $2,000, depending on the model and features.
  4. What is the difference between an Ultrabook and a laptop?
    • Ultrabooks are typically thinner and lighter than laptops due to their construction and lack of hardware like optical drives. They also tend to have longer battery life and more powerful processors.
  5. Are Ultrabooks good for gaming?
    • Ultrabooks are not typically designed for gaming, but some models offer enough power and features to be used for casual gaming.

Trivia

In 2020, Intel's Project Athena, which is focused on creating powerful, ultra-lightweight laptops, launched the Ultrabook. This new device promises to enable people to take their computing experience to the next level with features such as long battery life, fast charging, thin and lightweight designs, and powerful performance. But, what many people don't know is that Intel named the Ultrabook after a character from the classic Japanese manga series, Ultra Man. After the first issue of the original Ultra Man series was released in 1966, the character became a household name, and Intel chose to honor this legacy by naming their new device the Ultrabook. Sources: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/processors/project-athena.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Series

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.