Top 5 Best Ultrabook Today

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   Acer Aspire S7

Advantages: Excellent full HD touchscreen, slim and lightweight design, solid construction with premium materials.

Disadvantages: The sharp edges of the feel uncomfortable, the machine are quite hot, the keyboard is shallow and compact, low battery life.

Conclusion: Acer has shown its ability to design eye-catching hardware with high-end materials and high specifications. However, the edge edges are a bit rough, and companies need to fix incoming updates.

Why it stands out: We never get tired of the full HD touch screen on the Aspire S7, feeling like Acer pairing a keyboard for a tablet with a high-resolution screen. Of course, it’s still a complete Windows 8 Ultrabook and not just a multimedia entertainment machine.

Touch support: Full HD touch screen standard

Acer Aspire S7-392-9439 13.3-inch WQHD Touchscreen Ultrabook, i7-4500U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256SSD Drive (Crystal White): Buy it now

Introduction

The Acer Aspire S7, first introduced in 2012, marked Acer’s entry into the premium ultrabook market. It stood out with its sleek design, high-resolution touchscreen, and powerful performance, aiming to compete with other high-end ultrabooks such as the MacBook Air and Dell XPS 13. The Aspire S7 series has undergone several iterations, but its core strengths have remained: an ultra-slim profile, top-notch build quality, and impressive performance. This review delves into the details of the Acer Aspire S7, examining its design, display, performance, software, connectivity, battery life, and overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

Design Overview

The Acer Aspire S7 is a marvel of modern design, featuring an ultra-slim chassis made from aluminum and Gorilla Glass. The use of Gorilla Glass on the lid gives the ultrabook a distinctive look, setting it apart from other devices that typically use metal or plastic. The overall aesthetic is minimalistic and sleek, with clean lines and a premium feel.

The Aspire S7 measures just 12.72 x 8.78 x 0.51 inches and weighs a mere 2.87 pounds, making it one of the thinnest and lightest ultrabooks on the market. This extreme portability makes it an excellent choice for professionals and students who need a powerful yet portable device.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Aspire S7 is impressive. The aluminum chassis is sturdy and resistant to flex, giving the ultrabook a solid feel despite its thin profile. The hinge mechanism, which allows the display to tilt back 180 degrees, is robust and provides smooth, consistent motion. The use of Gorilla Glass on the lid not only enhances the device’s aesthetics but also adds a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

Screen Quality

The Acer Aspire S7 features a 13.3-inch IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (some models offer a 2560 x 1440 resolution). The Full HD resolution ensures crisp and clear visuals, with excellent color accuracy and contrast. The IPS technology provides wide viewing angles, making it easy to share content with others without significant color distortion.

Touchscreen Functionality

The touchscreen functionality is a standout feature of the Aspire S7. It is highly responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing the user experience when navigating the Windows operating system. The touchscreen is particularly useful for tasks such as browsing the web, using touch-optimized apps, and interacting with multimedia content.

Brightness and Outdoor Visibility

The display of the Aspire S7 is bright enough for comfortable indoor use and performs reasonably well in outdoor conditions. While direct sunlight can cause some glare and reflection, the display remains readable in shaded outdoor environments. The high brightness levels also contribute to better visibility in brightly lit indoor spaces.

Performance

Processor and RAM

The Acer Aspire S7 is powered by Intel’s Core i5 or Core i7 processors, depending on the specific model. These processors are part of Intel’s Ivy Bridge or Haswell series, providing a good balance of performance and power efficiency. The ultrabook typically comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs and ensures smooth performance across various applications.

Storage

The Aspire S7 is equipped with a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, with capacities ranging from 128GB to 256GB. The use of SSD technology results in fast boot times, quick application launches, and overall snappy performance. The storage capacity may be a limitation for users who need to store large amounts of data, but it is adequate for most users’ needs.

Real-World Performance

In real-world usage, the Aspire S7 performs admirably. It handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, document editing, and multimedia consumption with ease. The combination of a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, and fast SSD storage ensures a smooth and responsive user experience. Even more demanding tasks such as photo editing and light video editing are well within the capabilities of the Aspire S7.

Software

Operating System

The Aspire S7 ships with Windows 8, which can be upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows operating system provides a familiar and user-friendly interface, with a wide range of software applications available through the Microsoft Store and other sources. The inclusion of a touchscreen display enhances the usability of Windows 8/10, as the operating system is optimized for touch input.

Pre-Installed Software

Acer includes several pre-installed applications on the Aspire S7, some of which are useful, while others may be considered bloatware. Useful pre-installed software includes Acer’s power management and backup tools, as well as applications for accessing Acer’s cloud services. However, users may want to remove some of the less useful applications to free up storage space and improve system performance.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The Aspire S7 features dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi performance is strong, with good range and stable connections, making it suitable for both home and office use. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with a wide range of peripherals such as wireless mice, keyboards, and headphones.

Ports and Expandability

Despite its slim profile, the Aspire S7 offers a decent selection of ports. It includes two USB 3.0 ports, a micro HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. While the absence of a full-sized HDMI port and limited USB ports may be a drawback for some users, the available ports are sufficient for most everyday needs. The inclusion of an SD card reader is a welcome addition, providing an easy way to expand storage or transfer files from cameras and other devices.

Battery Life

Longevity

The Aspire S7 is equipped with a 4-cell lithium-polymer battery, providing up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge. In real-world usage, battery life varies depending on the intensity of the tasks being performed. For light tasks such as web browsing and document editing, the battery life is closer to the advertised 7 hours. However, more demanding tasks such as video streaming or photo editing will reduce the battery life.

Charging Time

Charging the Aspire S7 from 0% to 100% takes approximately 2-3 hours using the included power adapter. The fast charging time ensures that users can quickly recharge the ultrabook and get back to work or play.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Keyboard

The Acer Aspire S7 features a chiclet-style keyboard with well-spaced keys and a white backlight. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, with sufficient key travel and tactile feedback. The backlight is adjustable, allowing users to work in low-light conditions without straining their eyes. The only minor drawback is the slightly shallow key travel, which may take some getting used to for users accustomed to keyboards with deeper key travel.

Touchpad

The touchpad on the Aspire S7 is generously sized and supports multi-touch gestures. It is smooth and responsive, providing accurate cursor control and seamless navigation. The integrated buttons are easy to press and provide a satisfying click, enhancing the overall user experience.

Camera and Multimedia

Webcam

The Aspire S7 is equipped with a 1.3-megapixel HD webcam, which is suitable for video calls and conferencing. The webcam provides clear and sharp images in well-lit environments, although performance may decline in low-light conditions. The built-in dual-array microphones capture clear audio, making it easy to communicate with others during video calls.

Audio Quality

The built-in stereo speakers deliver clear and loud audio, suitable for watching videos, playing music, and making video calls. While the audio quality is decent for a device of this size, it lacks the depth and bass response of dedicated external speakers. For an enhanced audio experience, users can connect external speakers or headphones via the headphone jack or Bluetooth.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Sleek and Elegant Design: The Aspire S7 features a slim and lightweight design with a premium aluminum and Gorilla Glass construction.
2. High-Resolution Touchscreen: The Full HD IPS touchscreen offers crisp and vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
3. Powerful Performance: The Intel Core i5/i7 processors, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage ensure smooth and responsive performance.
4. Long Battery Life: The 4-cell battery provides up to 7 hours of usage on a single charge, with fast charging capabilities.
5. Comfortable Keyboard and Touchpad: The chiclet-style keyboard and responsive touchpad enhance the overall user experience.

Cons

1. Limited RAM: The 4GB or 8GB of RAM may be limiting for more resource-intensive applications and multitasking scenarios.
2. Storage Capacity: The 128GB or 256GB SSD may not be sufficient for users with large storage needs.
3. Port Selection: The absence of a full-sized HDMI port and limited USB ports may be a drawback for some users.
4. Webcam Performance: The 1.3-megapixel webcam’s performance declines in low-light conditions.

User Experience

Everyday Use

In everyday use, the Acer Aspire S7 excels, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience. Its lightweight design and impressive battery life make it easy to carry around and use throughout the day. The powerful processor and fast SSD storage ensure that tasks such as web browsing, email, document editing, and multimedia consumption are handled with ease. The touchscreen functionality enhances the user experience, making navigation intuitive and engaging.

Productivity

For productivity tasks, the Aspire S7 performs admirably. The comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad make typing and navigation a breeze. The high-resolution display provides ample screen real estate for multitasking, allowing users to work on multiple documents or applications simultaneously. The inclusion of productivity

tools such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace further enhances the Aspire S7’s productivity capabilities. Users can create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with ease, whether they are working from home, in the office, or on the go.

Entertainment

As an entertainment device, the Acer Aspire S7 offers a compelling experience. The high-resolution touchscreen display delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for streaming movies and videos. The built-in stereo speakers provide clear audio, enhancing the multimedia experience. The touchscreen functionality adds another dimension to gaming, allowing users to interact directly with games and apps.

Mobility and Portability

The Acer Aspire S7 is designed for mobility, combining a lightweight chassis with long battery life. Its slim profile and durable construction make it easy to carry in a bag or backpack, making it suitable for frequent travelers and students. The fast charging capability ensures that the ultrabook can be quickly recharged between uses, minimizing downtime and keeping users productive on the move.

Software and Operating System

Windows Operating System

The Acer Aspire S7 runs on the Windows operating system, providing users with access to a wide range of software applications and tools. Windows 10, which is compatible with the Aspire S7, offers a familiar and user-friendly interface with a robust ecosystem of apps and services. The touchscreen functionality is well-integrated into Windows 10, allowing users to interact with apps and content using touch gestures.

Acer Software

Acer includes several pre-installed applications on the Aspire S7, designed to enhance the user experience. These include Acer’s proprietary utilities for power management, system backup, and recovery. While some users may find these applications useful, others may prefer to remove them to streamline their system and free up storage space.

Connectivity Options

Wireless Connectivity

The Acer Aspire S7 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi performance is excellent, with strong signal strength and stable connections, making it suitable for both home and office environments. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to easily pair the ultrabook with wireless peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and headphones.

Ports

Despite its slim design, the Aspire S7 includes a decent selection of ports for connectivity. These typically include two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, a micro HDMI port for connecting to external displays, an SD card reader for expandable storage, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. While the absence of a full-sized HDMI port and limited USB ports may be a drawback for some users, the available ports cover most everyday connectivity needs.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Performance

The Acer Aspire S7 is equipped with a 4-cell lithium-polymer battery, which provides up to 7 hours of usage on a single charge. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and screen brightness settings. For lighter tasks such as web browsing and document editing, users can expect closer to the advertised 7 hours of battery life. However, more demanding tasks such as video streaming or gaming will reduce battery life accordingly.

Charging Time

Charging the Aspire S7 from 0% to 100% takes approximately 2-3 hours using the included power adapter. The fast charging time ensures that users can quickly recharge the ultrabook and resume their work or entertainment activities without significant downtime.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Keyboard

The Acer Aspire S7 features a chiclet-style keyboard with well-spaced keys and a white backlight. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, with adequate key travel and tactile feedback. The backlighting is adjustable, allowing users to work in dimly lit environments without straining their eyes. Overall, the keyboard is well-suited for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for professional use.

Touchpad

The touchpad on the Aspire S7 is spacious and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures for intuitive navigation. It offers precise cursor control and smooth scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience. The integrated buttons provide a satisfying click when pressed, further contributing to the touchpad’s usability.

Camera and Multimedia

Webcam

The Acer Aspire S7 is equipped with a 1.3-megapixel HD webcam, which is suitable for video calls and conferencing. The webcam delivers clear and sharp video quality in well-lit environments, although performance may decline in low-light conditions. The built-in dual-array microphones capture clear audio, ensuring that users can communicate effectively during video calls.

Audio Quality

The built-in stereo speakers on the Aspire S7 deliver clear and balanced audio, suitable for watching videos, listening to music, and participating in video calls. While the audio quality is decent for a device of this size, users seeking a more immersive audio experience may opt to connect external speakers or headphones via the headphone jack or Bluetooth.

Pros and Cons Recap

Pros

1. Sleek and Elegant Design: The Aspire S7 features a premium aluminum and Gorilla Glass construction, combining durability with a stylish aesthetic.
2. High-Resolution Touchscreen: The Full HD IPS touchscreen offers vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
3. Powerful Performance: Intel Core i5/i7 processors, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage ensure smooth multitasking and responsiveness.
4. Long Battery Life: The 4-cell battery provides up to 7 hours of usage on a single charge, with fast charging capabilities.
5. Comfortable Keyboard and Touchpad: The chiclet-style keyboard and responsive touchpad enhance usability during typing and navigation.

Cons

1. Limited RAM and Storage: The 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB SSD may be limiting for more demanding users with extensive multitasking or storage needs.
2. Port Selection: The absence of a full-sized HDMI port and limited USB ports may be a drawback for users who require more connectivity options.
3. Webcam Performance: The 1.3-megapixel webcam’s performance declines in low-light conditions, impacting video call quality.

User Experience Summary

Everyday Use

The Acer Aspire S7 excels in everyday use, offering a lightweight and portable solution for professionals, students, and users on the go. Its powerful performance, high-resolution touchscreen, and comfortable keyboard make it ideal for tasks ranging from productivity to entertainment. The sleek design and durable build quality add to its appeal, making it a stylish and functional choice for modern users.

Productivity

For productivity tasks, the Aspire S7 delivers reliable performance, allowing users to work efficiently whether in the office or at home. The combination of a responsive touchscreen, comfortable keyboard, and fast SSD storage enhances productivity, enabling seamless multitasking and quick access to applications and files. The inclusion of Windows 10 further enhances productivity with its familiar interface and robust software ecosystem.

Entertainment

As an entertainment device, the Acer Aspire S7 offers a satisfying experience with its vibrant touchscreen display and clear audio. Users can enjoy streaming movies, browsing the web, and playing casual games with ease. The touchscreen functionality adds another layer of interactivity, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

Conclusion

The Acer Aspire S7 is a standout ultrabook that combines sleek design, powerful performance, and versatile functionality. Its premium construction, including aluminum and Gorilla Glass materials, gives it a distinctive look and feel that stands out in the competitive ultrabook market. Whether used for work, study, or leisure, the Aspire S7 delivers on its promise of providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

Despite some limitations such as RAM and storage capacity, the Aspire S7 remains a compelling choice for users seeking a lightweight, portable, and high-performance ultrabook. Its long battery life, fast charging capability, and excellent display make it well-suited for users who value mobility without compromising on productivity or multimedia capabilities.

Overall, the Acer Aspire S7 continues to be a relevant and desirable option in the ultrabook category, offering a blend of style, performance, and usability that appeals to a wide range of users.

2. Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A

Pros: Slim, attractive design, full HD display, large battery life.

Disadvantages: expensive price, shallow keyboard.

Conclusion: Asus Zenbook UX31A is the most beautiful and compact in the Asus 13 inch Ultrabook group. But for only $ 200 more, you can own the Asus Zenbook UX32VD with a more powerful processor and graphics.

Why it stands out: With its razor-sharp design, aluminum frame, and full HD resolution screen, Zenbook Prime meets all the expectations expected on a high-end Ultrabook. Asus has also improved the multi-touch touchpad driver to make it work more accurately than its predecessors.

Touch support: Asus Zenbook UX31A Touch version.

Asus Zenbook UX31A-DH71 Ultrabook- 13.3″ Full HD Display, Intel Dual-Core Processor i7-3517u 1.9GHz, 4GB Memory, 256G SSD, Windows 8: Buy it now

The Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A made its mark in the ultrabook market upon its release, combining a sleek design with powerful performance and a high-resolution display. Aimed at professionals and users seeking both style and substance, this ultrabook offered a compelling alternative to competitors like the MacBook Air. This review explores the key features, performance, design, display quality, battery life, and overall user experience of the Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A boasts a striking design that blends elegance with functionality. Crafted from aluminum, its slim and lightweight chassis exudes a premium feel while remaining highly portable. The brushed metal finish not only enhances durability but also resists fingerprints, maintaining a clean appearance even with regular use. The ultrabook measures just 0.11 inches at its thinnest point and weighs around 2.86 pounds, making it easy to carry for daily commutes or travel.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the Zenbook Prime UX31A is its 13.3-inch IPS display with a stunning resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This Full HD display delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, photo editing, and professional tasks. The IPS technology ensures that colors remain accurate and consistent, whether viewed from the side or straight on, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Zenbook Prime UX31A is equipped with Intel’s third-generation Ivy Bridge processors, specifically the Core i5 and Core i7 options. Combined with up to 8GB of RAM and SSD storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB, this configuration provides robust performance for multitasking, productivity applications, and light gaming. The SSD storage ensures fast boot times and quick application launches, contributing to a smooth and responsive user experience.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Zenbook Prime UX31A features a backlit keyboard with well-spaced keys that offer comfortable typing for extended periods. The backlighting feature is particularly useful in low-light conditions, allowing users to work or type effortlessly. The large glass-coated touchpad supports multi-touch gestures, providing precise cursor control and smooth navigation throughout the Windows operating system.

Connectivity and Ports

Despite its slim profile, the Zenbook Prime UX31A includes a decent selection of ports for connectivity. It features two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, a micro HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a mini VGA port for additional display options, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. An SD card reader is also included, offering convenient access to expandable storage and quick file transfers.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for ultrabooks, and the Zenbook Prime UX31A delivers respectable performance in this regard. With its 50Whr lithium-polymer battery, the ultrabook offers up to 6-7 hours of usage on a single charge under normal usage conditions. This longevity makes it suitable for a full day of work or study without needing to recharge, enhancing its appeal as a portable computing solution.

Audio and Multimedia

The Zenbook Prime UX31A features ASUS SonicMaster technology, which enhances audio quality through finely tuned software and hardware components. The built-in stereo speakers deliver clear and balanced sound, suitable for enjoying music, watching videos, or participating in video calls. While the audio quality is decent for an ultrabook of its size, users seeking a more immersive experience may opt to connect external speakers or headphones via the headphone jack.

Software and Operating System

The Zenbook Prime UX31A typically comes pre-installed with Windows 8, which can be upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows operating system provides a familiar interface and access to a vast ecosystem of applications through the Microsoft Store and other sources. ASUS includes several proprietary utilities and applications designed to enhance user experience, such as power management tools and system optimization software.

User Experience

In everyday use, the Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A excels in delivering a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Its combination of powerful performance, high-resolution display, and lightweight design makes it well-suited for professionals, students, and casual users alike. Whether used for productivity tasks, multimedia consumption, or creative endeavors, the ultrabook’s responsive performance and portability ensure that users can stay productive and entertained wherever they go.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Sleek and Lightweight Design: Aluminum construction with a slim profile and lightweight form factor.
2. High-Resolution Display: 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
3. Powerful Performance: Intel Ivy Bridge processors, up to 8GB of RAM, and SSD storage for fast performance.
4. Long Battery Life: Up to 6-7 hours of usage on a single charge, suitable for all-day productivity.
5. Backlit Keyboard and Responsive Touchpad: Comfortable typing experience with backlit keys and precise touchpad navigation.

Cons:

1. Limited Port Selection: Although sufficient for most users, some may find the port selection (especially lack of full-sized HDMI) restrictive.
2. Audio Quality: While decent, the built-in speakers may not satisfy users looking for high-fidelity audio.
3. Noisy Fans Under Load: Like many ultrabooks, the Zenbook Prime UX31A’s fans can become audible during heavy usage.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A remains a compelling choice for users seeking a stylish, powerful, and portable ultrabook. Its combination of premium design, high-resolution display, robust performance, and long battery life makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from professional work to multimedia consumption and everyday computing needs. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as port limitations and average audio quality, the Zenbook Prime UX31A stands out as a reliable and versatile computing companion that continues to hold its own in today’s competitive ultrabook market.

3. Dell XPS 13

Pros: The 13-inch screen is surrounded by glass in a smaller, standard frame, sophisticated design, eye-catching and powerful at the right price.

Cons: There is no HDMI port, no microSD card slot, battery life is worse than other lightweight laptops.

Conclusion: Dell crammed a 13-inch screen into a very small chassis of the XPS 13 Ultrabook, making it one of the few laptops that were slightly lighter than the MacBook Air at some point.

Why it stands out: If the XPS 13 has a better screen, we will rank it as the top ultrabook of 2012. And recently Dell has decided to change, update the XPS 13 screen. With 1920×1080 px screen resolution, Ivy Bridge CPU, and SSD. Only one thing Dell has not gone so far by offering an XPS 13 touchscreen version.

Touch support: No.

Dell XPS9360-4841SLV 13.3″ Laptop (7th Generation Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Silver): Buy it now

The Dell XPS 13 has long been hailed as a flagship ultrabook, setting the standard for design, performance, and portability in the laptop market. Known for its premium build quality, stunning display, and powerful performance, the XPS 13 continues to be a favorite among professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts alike. This review dives into the details of what makes the Dell XPS 13 a standout choice in the competitive landscape of ultrabooks.

Design and Build Quality

The Dell XPS 13 features a sleek and minimalist design that combines aluminum and carbon fiber materials to create a lightweight yet durable chassis. The exterior is crafted from aluminum, giving it a premium look and feel while providing robust protection for the internal components. The carbon fiber composite palm rest not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances comfort during prolonged use by remaining cool to the touch.

Measuring just 0.58 inches at its thickest point and weighing approximately 2.7 pounds, the XPS 13 is incredibly portable, making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase. The thin bezels around the display contribute to its compact footprint, maximizing screen real estate without increasing the overall size of the laptop.

Display Quality

The Dell XPS 13 is renowned for its stunning display options, which include a Full HD (1920 x 1080) non-touch panel and an Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) touchscreen panel. Both options feature InfinityEdge technology, which minimizes bezels to provide an immersive viewing experience. The Full HD panel delivers crisp details and vibrant colors, making it ideal for everyday productivity and multimedia consumption.

For users who require sharper visuals and enhanced color accuracy, the Ultra HD touchscreen option offers a higher resolution and wider color gamut, making it suitable for photo and video editing tasks. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, allowing multiple people to view content on the screen without color distortion.

Performance

Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 is powered by Intel’s latest generation processors, ranging from Intel Core i5 to Core i7 options. These processors are paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and fast PCIe SSD storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. This hardware configuration ensures snappy performance, allowing users to multitask seamlessly, edit photos, or run demanding applications without experiencing lag or slowdowns.

The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide adequate performance for casual gaming and multimedia editing tasks, although serious gamers and professional graphic designers may opt for models with dedicated graphics cards for enhanced performance.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Dell XPS 13 features a backlit keyboard with well-spaced keys that offer a comfortable typing experience. The key travel is shallow but responsive, allowing for accurate typing with minimal effort. The backlighting feature adjusts automatically based on ambient lighting conditions, ensuring visibility in dimly lit environments without distracting glare.

The precision touchpad is spacious and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures for intuitive navigation within the Windows operating system. It provides precise cursor control and smooth scrolling, enhancing productivity during tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and content creation.

Connectivity and Ports

Despite its slim profile, the Dell XPS 13 includes a range of connectivity options to meet the needs of modern users. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support high-speed data transfer, external display connectivity, and charging. Additionally, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack are included for expanded connectivity options.

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures future-proof compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories, making the XPS 13 a versatile choice for professional and creative workflows.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for portable devices, and the Dell XPS 13 excels in this regard. Equipped with a 52Whr battery, the XPS 13 offers impressive battery life, providing up to 12-14 hours of usage on a single charge under moderate usage conditions. This longevity ensures that users can work, study, or stream content throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently, making it an ideal companion for frequent travelers and on-the-go professionals.

Audio and Multimedia

The Dell XPS 13 features stereo speakers powered by Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology, delivering clear and immersive audio quality. The speakers produce rich sound with good clarity and depth, suitable for watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls. While the audio performance is decent for a laptop of its size, users seeking a more immersive experience may opt to connect external speakers or headphones via the headphone jack or Bluetooth.

Software and Operating System

The Dell XPS 13 typically comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface. The Windows operating system offers access to a vast ecosystem of applications through the Microsoft Store and other sources, allowing users to customize their productivity, creativity, and entertainment experiences.

Dell includes several proprietary utilities and applications designed to enhance user experience, such as Dell Mobile Connect for seamless integration between the XPS 13 and compatible smartphones, Dell Power Manager for optimizing battery performance, and Dell SupportAssist for system diagnostics and updates.

User Experience

In everyday use, the Dell XPS 13 delivers a seamless and enjoyable user experience, thanks to its combination of premium design, powerful performance, and long battery life. The compact and lightweight chassis makes it easy to carry and use in various environments, from coffee shops to conference rooms. The responsive keyboard, precise touchpad, and vibrant display contribute to enhanced productivity and creativity, allowing users to accomplish tasks efficiently and enjoy multimedia content with exceptional clarity and detail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Premium Design: Sleek aluminum and carbon fiber construction with a compact and lightweight form factor.
2. Stunning Display Options: InfinityEdge display with Full HD or Ultra HD touchscreen options for vibrant visuals and immersive viewing experience.
3. Powerful Performance: Intel Core i5/i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and PCIe SSD storage for fast performance and multitasking.
4. Long Battery Life: Up to 12-14 hours of usage on a single charge, ideal for all-day productivity and entertainment.
5. Excellent Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, microSD card reader, and headphone/microphone combo jack for versatile connectivity.

Cons:

1. Shallow Key Travel: Keyboard may not suit users who prefer deeper key travel for typing.
2. Average Audio Quality: Built-in speakers provide decent sound but lack bass and depth for immersive audio experiences.
3. Limited Port Selection: Despite Thunderbolt 4 ports, some users may miss additional USB-A ports for legacy peripherals.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 13 continues to be a benchmark for premium ultrabooks, offering a compelling blend of design, performance, and portability. Its sleek and durable chassis, stunning InfinityEdge display options, powerful hardware configuration, and long battery life make it a versatile choice for professionals, students, and multimedia enthusiasts alike. Despite minor drawbacks such as shallow key travel and average audio quality, the XPS 13 excels in delivering a superior user experience that meets the demands of modern computing and creativity.

Whether used for productivity tasks, creative projects, or entertainment purposes, the Dell XPS 13 remains a standout option in the competitive landscape of ultrabooks, showcasing Dell’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

4. Lenovo X1 Carbon

Advantages: Lightweight carbon fiber frame, high-resolution matte screen, solid texture, great keyboard.

Disadvantages: Red, the basic model, lacks switch accessories for Ethernet port and video output, battery life is still not high.

Conclusion: Except for the limited battery life, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon has improved quite a bit compared to its predecessor in all parts. However, its price is still too expensive.

Why it stands out: ThinkPad X1 Carbon blends the classic design of the ThinkPad line with the latest, most advanced materials commonly used in laptop design. In addition, it’s so light that sometimes you forget that it’s a big 14-inch laptop.

Touch support: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch version.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 CARBON Ultrabook – 14″ WQHD (2560×1440) TOUCHSCREEN, Intel Core i7-5600U, 256GB SSD, 16GB, Wireless a/c, Backlit Keyboard, FP Reader, Warranty till 2019, Win 8.1 Pro: Buy it now

The Lenovo X1 Carbon stands as a flagship ultrabook in Lenovo’s lineup, renowned for its sleek design, robust performance, and business-focused features. Designed to cater to professionals and power users, this ultrabook combines durability with portability, making it a versatile choice for those who need a reliable companion for work and travel. This review delves into the key aspects that define the Lenovo X1 Carbon’s appeal and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo X1 Carbon features a minimalist and premium design that emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality. Constructed primarily from carbon fiber reinforced materials, the ultrabook strikes a balance between durability and lightweight portability. The matte black finish not only lends a sophisticated look but also resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean appearance.

Measuring just 0.59 inches in thickness and weighing approximately 2.4 pounds, the X1 Carbon is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a briefcase or backpack. The robust build quality ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, whether in the office, during travel, or in mobile work environments.

Display Quality

The Lenovo X1 Carbon is available with multiple display options to cater to different user preferences. The standard configuration includes a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, which offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. This display is suitable for general productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption.

For users who require sharper visuals and enhanced color accuracy, Lenovo offers an optional WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS display with Dolby Vision HDR support. This higher-resolution display provides crisper details and deeper contrast, making it ideal for professionals involved in content creation, photo editing, and video production tasks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lenovo X1 Carbon is powered by Intel’s latest generation processors, ranging from Intel Core i5 to Core i7 options. These processors are paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and PCIe SSD storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. This hardware configuration ensures responsive performance, allowing users to multitask seamlessly, run demanding applications, and handle intensive workloads without experiencing slowdowns.

The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide sufficient performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks, although users requiring more graphical horsepower may opt for models with dedicated graphics cards. Overall, the X1 Carbon delivers robust performance that meets the needs of business professionals, students, and creative users alike.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Lenovo X1 Carbon features a spill-resistant keyboard with Lenovo’s iconic ThinkPad design. The keys offer a comfortable typing experience with good tactile feedback and sufficient key travel, allowing for fast and accurate typing during extended work sessions. The keyboard is backlit, making it easy to work in low-light environments without straining the eyes.

The large precision touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and provides accurate cursor control, enhancing productivity and ease of use within the Windows operating system. The inclusion of physical TrackPoint buttons above the touchpad offers additional navigation options for users who prefer the traditional ThinkPad pointing stick.

Connectivity and Ports

Despite its slim profile, the Lenovo X1 Carbon offers a comprehensive selection of ports to accommodate various connectivity needs. It typically includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support high-speed data transfer, external display connectivity, and charging. Additionally, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a microSD card reader are also included for expanded connectivity options.

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories, making the X1 Carbon suitable for professional workflows that require fast and reliable connectivity.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration for mobile devices, and the Lenovo X1 Carbon excels in this regard. Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the ultrabook offers impressive battery life, providing up to 13-15 hours of usage on a single charge under moderate usage conditions. This extended battery life ensures that users can stay productive throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers and professionals on the go.

Audio and Multimedia

The Lenovo X1 Carbon features dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering clear and immersive audio quality. The speakers produce balanced sound with good clarity and depth, suitable for listening to music, watching videos, and participating in video conferences. While the audio performance is decent for a laptop of its size, users seeking a more immersive experience may prefer using headphones or external speakers for enhanced audio fidelity.

Software and Security Features

The Lenovo X1 Carbon typically comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, providing a secure and productive computing environment for business users. Lenovo includes several proprietary utilities and applications designed to enhance user experience and productivity, such as Lenovo Vantage for system management, Lenovo Power Manager for optimizing battery performance, and Lenovo ThinkShield for advanced security features.

User Experience

In everyday use, the Lenovo X1 Carbon delivers a seamless and efficient user experience, thanks to its combination of premium design, powerful performance, and long battery life. The lightweight and durable chassis, coupled with the responsive keyboard and precise touchpad, makes it easy to work comfortably for extended periods. The vibrant display options and robust performance ensure that users can tackle demanding tasks, collaborate with colleagues, and enjoy multimedia content with exceptional clarity and detail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Premium Build Quality: Durable carbon fiber construction with a lightweight and sleek design.
2. Vibrant Display Options: Multiple display configurations including Full HD and WQHD with Dolby Vision HDR support.
3. Powerful Performance: Intel Core i5/i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and PCIe SSD storage for responsive multitasking and productivity.
4. Excellent Keyboard and Touchpad: Spill-resistant keyboard with comfortable key travel and precision touchpad with multi-touch gestures.
5. Comprehensive Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI, microSD card reader, and headphone/microphone combo jack for versatile connectivity options.

Cons:

1. Limited GPU Performance: Integrated graphics may not suffice for intensive gaming or professional graphics work.
2. High Price Point: Premium features come at a premium price, making it less affordable for budget-conscious users.
3. Average Audio Quality: Built-in speakers deliver decent sound but lack deep bass and richness for immersive audio experiences.

Conclusion

The Lenovo X1 Carbon stands out as a flagship ultrabook that excels in design, performance, and functionality, making it a top choice for business professionals, students, and power users. Its premium build quality, vibrant display options, powerful performance, and long battery life combine to deliver a superior computing experience for productivity, creativity, and multimedia consumption.

Despite minor drawbacks such as integrated graphics limitations and a higher price point, the X1 Carbon offers unparalleled reliability and versatility in various work and travel scenarios. Whether used for office tasks, content creation, or entertainment, the Lenovo X1 Carbon continues to uphold Lenovo’s legacy of innovation and quality, providing users with a reliable and efficient tool for achieving their professional and personal computing goals.

5. Toshiba Portege Z930

Why it stands out: Design based on the 2011 design (Toshiba Portege Z830), but the Portege Z930 (Ivy Bridge CPU platform update) is still a great Ultrabook. Besides the ultra-thin and lightweight frame, its battery life is also great. Keyboards and monitors may need improvement, but business customers will find all the handy features on the Z930, especially rich connectivity ports, including Ethernet ports.
Touch support: No.

Toshiba Portege Z930-S9311 13.3′ Ultrabook – Intel Core i5 2.90 GHz: Buy it now

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 is a sleek and lightweight ultrabook designed for professionals and business users who prioritize portability without compromising on performance. Featuring a durable magnesium alloy chassis and a range of productivity-focused features, this ultrabook aims to deliver reliability and efficiency in a compact form factor. This review explores the key aspects that define the Toshiba Portégé Z930’s appeal and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 impresses with its minimalist design and robust build quality. Crafted from magnesium alloy, the ultrabook strikes a balance between durability and portability, weighing just 2.5 pounds and measuring 0.63 inches in thickness. The matte silver finish not only enhances its professional look but also helps resist fingerprints, ensuring a clean appearance even after extended use.

The slim profile and lightweight construction make the Portégé Z930 easy to carry in a briefcase or backpack, ideal for professionals who are constantly on the move. The sturdy build quality ensures that it can withstand the demands of frequent travel and daily use in various work environments.

Display Quality

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with a standard resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While the resolution may not match the higher pixel densities of some competitors, the display offers adequate brightness and color reproduction for productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. The matte finish helps reduce glare, making it suitable for use in brightly lit environments or outdoors.

Performance

Under the hood, the Toshiba Portégé Z930 is powered by Intel’s third-generation Ivy Bridge processors, offering options ranging from Intel Core i3 to Core i7 models. This range of processors is complemented by up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM and SSD storage options up to 256GB, ensuring responsive performance for multitasking, office productivity, and light content creation tasks.

While the integrated Intel HD Graphics provide sufficient performance for everyday computing and multimedia playback, users requiring more graphical horsepower for gaming or graphic-intensive applications may find the integrated graphics limiting.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Portégé Z930 features a spill-resistant keyboard with well-spaced keys that offer a comfortable typing experience. The keys have a shallow travel distance but provide good tactile feedback, allowing for accurate and efficient typing during long typing sessions. The keyboard layout includes dedicated function keys and multimedia controls, enhancing productivity and ease of use.

The large multi-touch touchpad supports Windows gestures, providing smooth and precise cursor control for navigating the desktop, browsing the web, and interacting with applications. The touchpad’s responsiveness and accuracy contribute to a seamless user experience, complementing the ultrabook’s overall usability.

Connectivity and Ports

Despite its slim profile, the Toshiba Portégé Z930 offers a decent selection of connectivity options to meet the needs of business users. It includes two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer and peripheral connectivity, a VGA port for legacy display connections, an HDMI port for digital video output, and an SD card reader for quick access to multimedia files and expandable storage.

Additionally, the ultrabook features an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a security lock slot for added protection against theft. The inclusion of these ports ensures versatility and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories, enhancing the Portégé Z930’s usability in various work environments.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for mobile devices, and the Toshiba Portégé Z930 delivers respectable performance in this regard. Equipped with a 52Whr lithium-ion battery, the ultrabook provides up to 8-9 hours of usage on a single charge under moderate usage conditions. This longevity allows users to work throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently, making it suitable for business travelers and professionals who require reliable performance on the go.

Audio and Multimedia

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 features stereo speakers located above the keyboard, delivering clear audio quality for multimedia playback, video conferencing, and casual listening. While the speakers produce adequate sound with decent clarity and volume, users looking for enhanced audio performance may prefer using headphones or external speakers for a more immersive experience.

Software and Security Features

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 typically comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, providing a secure and productive computing environment for business users. Toshiba includes several proprietary utilities and applications designed to enhance user experience and system management, such as Toshiba Eco Utility for optimizing power consumption, Toshiba Password Utility for enhanced security, and Toshiba PC Health Monitor for system diagnostics and maintenance.

User Experience

In everyday use, the Toshiba Portégé Z930 delivers a seamless and efficient user experience, thanks to its combination of lightweight design, robust performance, and long battery life. The compact form factor and durable build quality make it easy to carry and use in various work settings, from conference rooms to coffee shops. The responsive keyboard, precise touchpad, and adequate display quality ensure that users can stay productive and focused on tasks without encountering significant usability issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Slim and Lightweight Design: Magnesium alloy construction with a thin profile and lightweight form factor.
2. Decent Display Quality: LED-backlit display with adequate brightness and matte finish for reduced glare.
3. Responsive Performance: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors, up to 8GB of RAM, and SSD storage for fast boot times and multitasking.
4. Spill-resistant Keyboard: Comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys and good tactile feedback.
5. Comprehensive Connectivity: USB 3.0 ports, VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card reader, and headphone/microphone combo jack for versatile connectivity.

Cons:

1. Average Display Resolution: Lower resolution compared to some competitors, limiting sharpness and detail.
2. Integrated Graphics: Limited graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
3. Noisy Cooling Fan: Fans can become audible under heavy workloads, potentially distracting in quiet environments.

Conclusion

The Toshiba Portégé Z930 offers a compelling blend of portability, performance, and productivity features, making it a suitable choice for professionals and business users who prioritize mobility and reliability. Its lightweight design, durable construction, responsive performance, and respectable battery life ensure that users can stay productive on the go without compromising on usability or functionality.

While the ultrabook may not feature the highest display resolution or dedicated graphics options found in some competitors, its overall performance and connectivity options make it a practical solution for professionals seeking a reliable tool for everyday computing tasks, office productivity, and mobile work environments. The Toshiba Portégé Z930 continues to uphold Toshiba’s reputation for delivering solid business-focused ultrabooks that cater to the needs of modern professionals.