Ultrabook is a specification and brand developed by Intel for a class of high-end notebooks which are designed to feature reduced bulk without compromising performance and battery life. They use low-power Intel Core processors, solid-state drives (SSD), and unibody chassis to help meet these criteria. With these features there are few things missing in Ultrabook, like the optical drive. Intel has set minimum specifications to be qualified as an Ultrabook, so you are sure to get good battery and performance with Ultrabooks.
Intel has a minimum specifications for these kind of laptops and it includes the ones are a low-voltage Intel Core processor, a frame no thicker than 0.83 inch, at least five hours of battery life, and fast boot times (these specifications change every year when new processors are released).
Last year, we had covered some of the best Ultrabooks available, but things have changed with the release of Windows 8. So here is a list of best premium ultrabooks you can buy in 2013 running Windows 8. A couple of models are from 2012, but they were made available only in 2013 after the release of Windows 8.
1. Acer Aspire S7:
Aspire S7 is one of the best looking ultrabooks and Acer has upgraded it at the Computex 2013. White Gorilla Glass 2 makes the beauty of the 13.3″ Aspire S7 Series gleam at an ultra-thin 11.9 mm. The 11.6″ model, with its sleek aluminium unibody, is just 12.2 mm slim. It also features a touch screen which is full HD and can be operated in 180 degrees. The Aspire S7 Series’ electroluminescent backlit keyboard illuminates automatically, optimizing its glow to suit the ambient light and keep your eyes comfortable.
Quick Features:
- Type: Clamshell with touch
- Processor: 3rd gen Intel Core i5, i7
- Screen Size: 13.3’” / 11.6”
- Weight: 1.29 kg
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
- Operating system: Windows 8
2. ASUS TAICHI 21:
ASUS TAICHI 21 is the first ultrabook with dual display. Featuring dual displays, it offers the performance of a notebook when you need it and the convenience of a tablet when you don’t. Lid open, TAICHI is a powerful notebook with a crystal-clear Full HD screen, Intel Core processor and backlit keyboard. Lid closed, TAICHI is a lightweight tablet with a slim, tapered profile and a multi-touch Full HD screen for intuitive fingertip control with Windows 8.
Quick Features:
- Type: Convertible with touch
- Processor: 3rd gen Intel Core i5-3317U (1.7GHz) / Intel Core i7-3517U (1.9GHz)
- Screen Size: 11.6″
- Weight: 1.22kg
- Graphics: Intel® GMA HD
- Operating system: Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit)
3. ASUS Zenbook Infinity:
ASUS just annnounced the new Zenbook Infinity with which is wrapped with Gorilla Glass. The lid is covered in the ultra-strong, scuff and scratch resistant material, which makes for a beautiful, glossy appearance and offers an extra layer of security to help protect this intricate Ultrabook’s sleek design. As of now there is no mention of the release dates of Infinity.
There is also a Mini DisplayPort and a Micro HDMI outlet. The Ultrabook also comes with a SD card slot and two USB 3.0 ports on either side.
4. Dell Convertible XPS 12:
Although the XPS 12 is a convertible ultrabook, it is slightly thicker and heavier than the other ultrabooks available. You can use it as a laptop or a tablet using the unique swivel mechanism. It also features a 1080p Gorilla Glass touchscreen display.
- Type: Convertible with touch
- Processor: 3rd gen Intel Core i5 3317U (3M cache up to 2.6 Ghz)
- Screen Size: 12.5″
- Weight: 1.52 kg
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Operating system: Windows 8
5. Dell Convertible XPS 11:
At the Computex 2013, Dell announced a new convertible ultrabook, the XPS 11. The 11.6-inch laptop comes with an outstanding 2560 x 1440 resolution, plus its exterior is adorned in a carbon fiber weave and machined aluminium. The device is a convertible laptop which can be folder to make it a tablet as well.
As of now there are no details about the hardware and pricing.
6. HP ENVY SpectreXT
HP ENVY SpectreXT is another beautiful ultrabook from HP. It comes with 13 inch diagonal HD BrightView LED backlit display with a full backlit keyboard. It also features a 128GB or 256GB hard disk. It has a 8 hours battery life.
9. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga Convertible:
IdeaPad Yoga is a full fledged convertible ultrabook which has good reviews. Combining the productivity of an Ultrabook with the intuitive touch experience of a tablet, the 13.3-inch Yoga 13 will give you the ultimate in versatility. Convert between four modes to make the most of Windows 8. It has a unique 360 degree rotating mechanism which can be used to make it a tablet as well. Yoga comes in both 11.6″ and 13.3” displays.
Quick Features:
- Type: Convertible with touch
- Processor: 3rd gen Intel Core i5, i7
- Screen Size:13.3″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 4000
- Operating system: Windows 8
10. VAIO Duo 13:
Sony Announced the VAIO Duo 13 to replace its existing Duo 11 which was released last year. It is almost the similar design with few changes. It comes with a 1080p IPS display and Sony’s X-Reality processing engine you’ll already find on some Xperia smartphones. It also has 10 hours which comes through Sony’s Active Sleep technology.
Quick Features:
- Type: Convertible with touch
- Processor: Intel Haswell Processor
- Screen Size:13″/ 11inch
- Weight: 0.8 kg (11), 1.06kg (13)
- Operating system: Windows 8
11. VAIO Pro 13/11
VAIO Pro 13/11, the world’s lightest touch capable Ultrabook, exhibits incredible durability and mobility. By using carbon fiber throughout the case, the touch enabled VAIO Pro 11 achieves the light weight of 0.870 kg (approx.) and the touch enabled VAIO Pro 13 achieves a weight of only 1.060 kg (approx.). Vaio Pro also comes with stunning battery life, the best for any ultrabook.
Quick Features:
- Type: Clamshell (touch)
- Processor: Intel Haswell
- Screen Size:13″/ 11inch
- Weight: 0.8 kg (11), 1.06kg (13)
- Operating system: Windows 8
12. Samsung Series 9
The Series 9 is designed with mobility in mind, thanks to dramatic duralumin enclosure complete with arching curves and remarkable durability. Series 9 also includes backlit keyboard, brilliant LCD display screen and a large multi-touch clickpad. It comes with a 128GB solid state drive.
- Type: Clamshell
- Processor: 3rd gen Intel Core i5 processor
- Screen Size: 15″
- Weight: 1.64kg
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Operating system : Windows 8 64bit
This list contains only selected ultrabooks, there are mutiple models available from each OEM partners. You can check their website to get details on other models.
Do you get paid for this article?! Why is it still on top :/
The article is not a paid one, it is written by me and it is made sticky to get more attention to readers. It gets changed when a new featured article comes in. Earlier it was Galaxy S4 review, I hope your doubt is clear.
Ah, I get it. Thank you for explaining 🙂
Good list Nirmal. Any suggestion for a good development laptop for me? Something like Lenovo 420/520 which is under 75K? Of course, I don’t want an Ultrabook priced at 1 lakh 🙂