Are you tired of tablets but still want an ultra-portable, fast-acting laptop that you can use for a variety of tasks on the go? That’s why the top ultrabooks exist – and these lightweight machines continue to hold their own against tablets thanks to their power, affordability, and those handy keyboards.
Yes, you sacrifice some power and storage with an ultrabook (they pair well with an external storage drive), but you also gain unique features. Chromebooks are also a good example – these cloud-powered machines are very affordable, super light, and use the Chrome OS, making them ideal for fans of Google who don’t mind working in the cloud. Plus they’re fairly inexpensive.
When looking for the best ultrabook, it’s smart to pay attention to several key factors. The first is, of course, the OS – do you need a Windows computer, a Mac, or a Chrome machine? Many programs and apps are not compatible across different operating systems. You should also compare battery life and storage. Battery life can vary, but is usually around 10-12 hours – preferably more if possible. Storage also varies, but if you are willing to pay high prices you can find a model with a 256GB SSD, which will improve speed over a traditional hard drive. That all in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top models.
Dell XPS 13
We didn’t talk much about ultrabook screens, because they tend to be small and relatively unimportant. But the best ultrabooks tend to have high-res screens that are still suitable for careful graphic design work – or passing the time with a movie. The latest version of the XPS 13, in addition to being a powerhouse with 8GB of RAM, includes 4K-quality resolution so that you don’t miss a single detail.
You can buy the XPS 13 models starting at $800, but keep in mind the touchscreen will cost more.
Asus ZenBook UX305
Asus has long produced ZenBooks for ultrabook fans, but the UX305 model is particularly impressive: It provides a lot of the power of higher-end computers, but at a lower price ideal for those without a large budget.
You can find this ZenBook for only around $630 on Amazon.
Surface Book
Microsoft’s Surface Book is certainly a powerhouse, with an ultra-high definition screen, 8GB of RAM, and a 2.4GHz processor. Storage options are diverse and extensive, and the touchscreen comes with its own stylus.
If you are looking for an ultrabook with the functionality of a normal computer, this is a great bet. The only problem is the price, which starts at $1,500.
Dell XPS 13 and the Asus Zenbook are both 16:9. Thanks but no thanks. Not looking for a TV or device to simply watch videos. The outrageously-price Surface Book has got a screen that wobbles if someone across the room sneezes – not to mention other malfunctions that Microsoft is still working to fix for their alpha-testing buyers.
Hoping 2016 brings in a few “get things done” screen aspect ratios at 16:10, 3:2… maybe even 4:3 PLUS OEM add-ons that are actually useful – anything that combats the built-in malware, spyware built into Windows 10. So the next time an OEM says “we take your privacy seriously”(TM), we can actually believe them.