The wrappings are hardly off the holiday gifts and a new tech tool emerges. The tech news of the week is that ultrabooks are on the cusp of filling the void between the full-size laptop and the tablet. There are just a few more items to check off the delivery list.
Ultrabooks sound suspiciously like netbooks. Toshiba, Acer, Hewlett-Packard and a handful of others started offering “notebook” computers in 2007. These lighter, smaller, and cheaper alternatives to the traditional laptop provided much promise in moving us along toward more mobile computing.
Christened “netbooks”, notebook computers were appealing but tended to be underpowered with limited battery life. The majority used a light version of the Microsoft XP operating system. The MacBook Air, launched in 2008, provided limited competition due to its comparatively high price. Netbook use grew steadily until the advent of tablets such as the iPad.
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Intel, the leading manufacturer of computer chips, and Microsoft seek to make up for losses to the tablet market. Intel has trademarked the name ultrabook and defined its specifications. Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system nears launch in 2012. Windows 8 will come installed on most ultrabooks.
What does an ultrabook include?
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- turns on instantly
- is always connected
- battery life of longer than eight hours
- Flash memory for rapid Internet use
- thinner than 0.8 inches
- weighs less than 3.1 pounds
- full-sized keyboard
- latest version of Microsoft Windows
- Intel's newest chipsets
- USB 3.0
What does it not have?
- no hard disk drive
- no slot for a DVD
Which companies are offering ultrabooks?
- Acer
- Asus
- Toshiba
- HP
- LG Lenovo
- Samsung
Ultrabooks are not a casual purchase hovering around $1,000. Intel is working on that too. Intel CEO Paul Otellini is expected to announce the official launch of the “Ivy Bridge” processors at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012, held January 10 through 13 in Las Vegas. These processors will provide low voltage, energy-saving power features. Drop in ultrabook prices to the $600–$700 level are expected to follow.
Check out the new ultrabooks at your local computer store.
Will an ultrabook fit your computer needs? Will it replace or serve alongside your laptop or tablet?
