As laptops and other portable electronic devices get smaller and smaller, new ground is being broken in the form of innovative products that are changing the industry. Personal computers gave way to laptops, which gave way to netbooks, which have been supplemented and, in some cases, replaced, by tablet computers.
Between laptops and tablets, though, there has emerged a new innovation presented as a compromise between the best features of both sides. This type of computer is known as an ultrabook — a super-sleek computer that’s been stripped of extraneous features without sacrificing quality. Ultrabooks have increased in popularity for a number of reasons, and they’re expected to grow in popularity in the coming years.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop computer, an ultrabook may be just what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand this computer and why it might be your best option.
Weight
Ultrabooks are smaller by design — typically no more than 0.7 inches thick when closed and weighing less than 3.1 pounds. This makes this computing choice highly portable and even competitive with tablet PCs — an important innovation for laptops that seek to be competitive with competition from both sides.
Battery life
With less weight, fewer moving parts and the latest computer technology, ultrabooks are designed with efficiency in mind. Not surprisingly, their batteries tend to be very good. Most ultrabooks have batteries that run for about eight hours before needing to be charged, which is great since the typical computer user will be on the move and without constant access to a charger or electrical outlet.
Convertibility
As the one-stop solution for those torn between tablets and laptops, ultrabooks offer a unique feature by being convertible. The vast majority of these units feature removable touch screens that can be detached from a keyboard and used as a tablet. That’s a big incentive for anyone who wants the functionality of both platforms but lacks the budget to invest in both products.
Touchscreens
Ultrabooks typically come with touchscreens — an essential feature on tablet-convertible models — which further improves mobility and functionality. Prospective buyers can take time to test out the quality of a touchscreen, including its responsiveness, to make sure a given model is exactly what they’re looking for.
Voice Recognition
Apple’s Siri is only the best-known voice recognition technology. Many other computers and software creators are integrating similar technologies into their products, giving voice recognition capabilities to these cutting-edge devices.
Improved security
Mobile security concerns are a very legitimate question mark for prospective computer buyers. Fortunately, mobile security has improved dramatically over the past few years to provide a level of security on par with any computing device. Consumers can rest at ease knowing that devices geared toward mobile functionality won’t be a step behind traditional computers when it comes to security matters.
The ultimate decision in your computer purchase will depend on what devices offer the features most important to you. But ultrabooks have demonstrated an ability to cut out the unnecessary fluff and give computer users a product with everything they need. This isn’t the same as computers stripped down to the bare bones — your ultrabook can be a high-quality piece of machinery, and it accomplishing that by focusing on what really matters.