1. Why to buy an ultrabook in the first place?
Ultrabook is basically characterized by it's longer battery life (7 hrs.), medium to high performance (based on cost), lighter weight (<1.5 kg) and thinner frame (<22 mm). In my opinion a laptop should weigh less so that we can carry it conveniently and maximize it's usage. After all, this itself mostly differentiates it from a desktop. But for using a device on the go implies a better battery life.
But now there is a catch. If the manufacturer provides a larger battery, then the laptop's weight increases which in turn again hampers it's mobile usage. Breaking this vicious circle is what makes ultrabooks costlier than normal laptops.
2. Factors to consider for selecting your suitable ultrabook:
Remember a state flow diagram as given below---
'->' means 'depends on'
device weight -> screen size + battery
Generally, 11 inch screens have lesser weight as compared to 13 inch screens for obvious reasons.
Similarly, 8 cell battery will weigh more than a 6 cell battery.
device battery -> processor + standby time
More powerful the processor, more heat it dissipates, more the cooling required and thus results in faster battery drain.
Thus, for greater standby time we need to compromise either on processor or get a bulkier battery.
Speaking of processors, there are mostly two brands as of now --- Intel and AMD.
Intel is better, costlier and more famous of the two. This is because Intel provides more overall performance and is manufactured using the latest die technology (22 nm) unlike AMD. AMD processors are known to provide better integrated graphics support. But AMD is relatively cheaper.
Basically, Intel is much ahead than AMD in the race for balancing processor performance with it's heat dissipation.
The heat given out by a processor is known by a parameter called TDP (Thermal desigh power).
Lesser the value, more the standby time. (Performance may be hampered if cost remains constant).
You may check the latest Intel Core i5 processors at
http://ark.intel.com/products/family/65504
Note:
1. Core i3 processors have lower TDP values as compared to Core i5 ones.
2. "mobile processor series" are used in ultrabooks (from drop down list).
3. Letter "U" suffixed to processor name implies "Ultra low power".
device performance -> processor + SSD (solid state drive)
Device performance is largely dependent on it's processor more than any other thing.
A SSD helps to boost up performance further by enabling faster boot times and faster response.
This is because SSD does not have any moving parts (no RPM!!!). This also helps to cut down weight,
consume lesser power and to have longer device life. But they are quite costly.
Different ways to check on latest ultrabook brands:
Way 1
Instead of manually searching in each vendor's site or goggling for "top 10 ultrabooks", you may browse
to Intel's site and select a vendor from a common list provided by Intel itself.
Browse to below link:
http://www.intel.in/content/www/in/en/ultrabook/ultrabook-showcase.html
Way 2
Or you can browse to
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Laptop-Search.8223.0.html
Enter the exact processor model from the Intel link given earlier in the search form above and hit
search to get an exhaustive list of notebooks along with their costs, ratings and reviews.
Ex: Select "Intel Core i5-3317U" from processor field and see the results!!!
Further tips
In Intel -> select (lower TDP + higher generation and series within generation)
Extras -> wifi adapter, usb 3.0, bt 4.0, ethernet port, card reader, optical disk drive.
