Unlike the early models of 2012 that highlighted ultra-slim forms and solo SSD drives, 2013′s top ultrabook manufacturers have focused on creating more affordable and memory-sufficient laptops with HDDs. Companies like Lenovo, Sony and HP have outshined their contenders in the ultrabook wars by thinking outside of the box and offering a range of laptops and hybrids that are reasonably cheap without having to sacrifice beauty or performance.
The top 5 ultrabooks of 2013 are as follows:
1. Lenovo IdeaPad U410 Ultrabook
Wrapped in brushed aluminum casing, the U410 is reliably sturdy and able to withstand the normal wear and tear of everyday use. It is perfect for multimedia tasks and everyday content editing including business presentations, document creation, and multimedia modification. This Lenovo model is considered one of the most efficient ultrabooks in the market. It may not score high in the gaming category but when it comes to raw performance, the U410′s power is remarkable.
PROS:
- Very Affordable Price
- Great color selection and design
- Ivy Bridge processor
- Dolby Theatre v4 sound enhancement
- Sufficient storage
- NVIDIA Dedicated Graphics Card
CONS:
- On the chunky side of ultrabook models
- Sensitive trackpad
- Poor battery performance compared to rated battery life
Specifications:
- Up to 3rd generation Intel Core i7 Processor
- Up to Windows 8
- Up to 8GB memory
- 1TB 5400 rpm hard drive
- NVIDIA GeForce 610M 1GB graphics
- 14.0″ HD LED display 1366×768
- Battery life up to 8 hrs
- Weight 4.08 lbs.
- Dimensions: 344mm x 235mm x 21mm (13.5″ x 9.3″ x 0.8″)
2. Toshiba Portege Z935-ST4N04 Ultrabook
Known for being one of the lightest 13″ ultrabooks in the market, the Toshiba Portege Z935-ST4N04 is perfect for business users who pay particular attention to battery life, port abundance and portability. Built with magnesium alloy and internals protected by a honeycomb structure, the Portege Z935 is sturdy and unwavering. Unfortunately, its battery is sealed which means that swapping it for a replacement isn’t an option. In comparison to its predecessor, this Toshiba model came back stronger and faster with a third generation Intel Core i7 processor and SSD. Port-wise, the Z935 is built with a plethora of full-sized ports.
PROS:
- Lightest 13″ ultrabook weighing at 2.4 lbs
- Strong and fast performance
- Abundant port selection
- Adequate battery life
- Spill-resistant and back-lit Keyboard
CONS:
- Low Resolution at 1366 x 768
- Key travel is a bit shallow
Specifications:
- 3rd generation Intel Core i7-3687U Processor
- Windows 8
- 8GB memory
- 128GB Solid State Drive
- 13.3″ widescreen HD LED display
- Up to 8.35 hours battery life
- Weight only 2.46 lbs. and 0.63″ thin
3. HP ENVY Customizable Ultrabook 6t-1200
HP’s ENVY line is often known for its aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The HP ENVY 6t-1200 is no different with its attractively designed brushed metal finish. This laptop is a good choice for students and professionals who want a slick, lightweight and portable device for school or work projects. It also has an average battery life of 6 hours. Performance-wise, the HP ENVY Ultrabook 6t-1200 is very well-capable of handling an average user’s normal home and business needs. While it may not have the hardcore specs of a gaming laptop, this HP ENVY ran Elder Scrolls V Skyrim without overheating problems in mid-low graphic settings. Lastly, its cold start boot-up time is in an average of 10 seconds.
PROS:
- Aesthetically-pleasing industrial design
- Lightweight at 3-4 lbs
- Fast boot-up time
- Portable
CONS:
- No VGA connector
- No built-in CD/DVD drive
- Fingerprint and smudge-magnet black finish
Specifications:
- 3rd generation Intel Core i5-3337U Processor plus Intel HD Graphics 4000, upgradeable to 3rd generation Intel Core i7-3517U Processor + 2GB Radeon 7670M Graphics
- Windows 8
- 4GB memory, expandable to 16GB
- 500GB hard drive + 32GB SSD
- 15.6″ HD BrightView LED-backlit display
- Battery life 8 hrs 45 min
- Weight 4.75 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.72 x 9.95 x 0.78 in
4. Sony VAIO 13.3″ T Series Custom Ultrabook SVT131290X
The SVT131290X is Sony’s updated version of its famed ultrabook with the option of a touch screen to fully enjoy what Windows 8 has to offer. With this latest operating system, it’s no surprise that this updated VAIO T13 model performs and boots zippy fast. Just like most VAIO laptops, the SVT131290X sports the prominent angular and edgy aluminum/magnesium shell Sony is known for. As for battery life, the SVT131290X boasts an average of 6 hours which noticeably exceeds most of its competitors.
PROS:
- Great price
- Sleek design
- Noteworthy battery life
- Highly responsive 10-point touch screen
- Clean and crisp sound with good volume
CONS:
- No option to upgrade to discrete graphics cards
- Not so impressive webcam and keyboard.
Specifications:
- 3rd generation Intel Core i3-3217U processor, upgradeable to 3rd generation Intel Core i7-3517U processor 3.00GHz with turbo boost
- Windows 8
- 13.3″ HD LED backlit display with Touch Screen option
- 4GB RAM,expandable to 8GB
- 320GB (5400rpm) hard drive + 32GB MLC HHD, upgradeable up to 256GB SSD
- Intel HD Graphics 4000
- HDMI, USB 3.0 ports
- up to 7 hrs 30 min battery life
- Weight 3.54 lbs with battery
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 Convertible Ultrabook
With the domination of Lenovo in the ultrabook market comes their bold decision to create the Yoga series and its interesting convertibility. The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is powered by an Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7 processor and solid state drive for speedy performance. Also, this Yoga sports a 1600 x 900 IPS display rather than the heavily-criticized 1366 x 768 screen resolution most recent Lenovo models have been built with. Although its average battery life was lower than Lenovo’s rating which was at 8 hours, 6 hours for general use is still notable given its hybrid form factor and functionality.
PROS:
- 360 degrees flip and fold ability
- Decent build quality
- Adequate battery life
- Fresh and original form factor
- Windows 8 touch functionality
CONS:
- Pricey
- Screen resolution could have been improved to rival similarly priced competitors
- Lack of upgradeability
Specifications:
- Up to 3rd generation Intel Core i7 Processor
- Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro
- Up to 8GB memory
- Up to 256 GB SSD
- Intel HD Graphics 4000
- 8 hours battery life
- Weight 3.4 Lbs.
- Dimensions: 333.4 x 224.8 x 16.9 mm (13.1 x 8.9 x 0.67″)
Final Words
2012′s ultrabook market was booming. With the emergence of hybrid laptops and fresh form factors, the laptop industry will have to step it up this 2013 to provide consumers with ergonomically designed ultrabooks that will cater to the masses’ needs.
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