What is an Ultrabook?

Introduction

Intel first announced the Ultrabook, a category of high-end laptops, in 2011. The phrase was first used in marketing to describe computers that have a certain set of upscale features. Any laptop that satisfies these requirements can be referred to as an Ultrabook, and Intel updates the requirements on a regular basis.

An Ultrabook is any laptop that meets these often updated minimal criteria and is powered by an Intel chipset. A laptop cannot be referred to as an Ultrabook if it does not match these requirements, but it can still be considered thin and light. Because of this, all Ultrabooks are thin and light laptops, but not all thin and light laptops are Ultrabooks.

The term "Ultrabook" was coined with the sole goal of making business professionals' purchasing easier. Ultrabooks are mostly marketed towards business users and working professionals. The rise in popularity of the phrase "Ultrabook" eliminated the need for purchasers to delve deeply into a new work laptop's features. Alternatively, consumers may just search for an approved Ultrabook-class device and be confident that the laptop meets the minimal requirements. The main purpose of Intel's Ultrabooks was to rival Apple's MacBooks. Touchscreen displays, fast performance, long battery life, and lightweight design are some of the essential characteristics that set an Ultrabook apart. Ultrabooks are renowned for being extremely light and thin, weighing less than 1.4 kg, which makes them incredibly portable and effortless to handle.

History

In 2011, Jordan Baulk Schaer, the communications officer for Intel Capital, announced the creation of a new fund to assist entrepreneurs in developing technologies that align with the company's vision for the next generation of notebook computers. The business allocated $300 million for Ultrabook-related projects throughout the following three to four years. In 2011, Intel revealed the Ultrabook concept at Computer. Using Intel processors, the Ultrabook would be a tiny notebook with a thickness of fewer than 0.8 inches, emphasizing portability and longer battery life than other laptops. With the launch of this marketing campaign and the accompanying $300 million fund, Intel sought to counter the growing competition from ARM-based processors in smartphones and tablets, which are increasingly posing a threat to the declining PC industry.

Ultrabooks faced competition from other subnotebooks, such as Apple's MacBook Air, which was not marketed as an Ultrabook but had comparable form factors and was powered by Intel CPUs until 2020.

Features of an Ultrabook

Keeping up with the specifications of each laptop can be challenging, given the wide range of options available. Ultrabooks don't sacrifice performance or battery life for their sleek, light design. They have a powerful performance punch and are stylish and streamlined. Additionally, notebooks have fairly comparable specifications. Although laptops are not always Ultrabooks or notebooks, they are always categorized as laptop types.

Let's examine how to identify an Ultrabook in more detail:

Ultra-light

The majority of Ultrabooks that are 13 inches or less weigh about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) or less, and some of them weigh less than 2.2 pounds (1 kg). To put things in perspective, a typical laptop weighs between two and seven pounds (900g to 3.2kg). One of the lightest Ultrabooks on the market is the Acer Swift 7, weighing only 1.96 pounds (0.89 kg).

Ultra-slim

Intel imposed stringent size requirements when ultrabooks initially appeared on the market. The allowable thickness for Ultrabooks with displays smaller than 13.3 inches was 0.71 inches (18 mm) and 0.83 inches (21 mm) for clamshell 14-inch devices. With the advancement of technology, this stringent requirement is no longer necessary because Ultrabooks are always thin. Since Ultrabooks are known for their ultra-lightweight and ultra-slim designs, OEMs find it easy to launch new goods on the market because of the Ultrabooks' consistent size and weight.

Ultra-long battery life

Despite their compact size, Ultrabooks are serious machines. Intel mandated that Ultrabooks have longer battery lives than the typical laptop when they initially hit the market. Ultrabooks were supposed to run for five or more hours on a single battery at the time. Laptop makers were able to accomplish this by carefully choosing parts that conserve energy in other areas. The performance and battery life of all laptops, even Ultrabooks, have improved along with technology, so manufacturers are no longer forced to compromise on other features in order to extend battery life.

Ultrabook Specifications – Hardware platform and battery life

Ultrabooks must be powered by an Intel hardware platform in order to meet the requirements set forth by Intel. An Intel 11th-generation Tiger Lake Core platform, an Intel 12th-generation Alder Lake Core platform, or the most recent 13th-generation Rocket Lake hardware will meet the criteria for the newest Intel Evo. Previously, Intel Core U Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge, Haswell, or Broadwell platforms were used to build Ultrabooks.

These processors must be combined with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD for storage. Additionally, the laptops must include contemporary connectivity features like USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt or WiFi6 (or later). The standard was lowered a few years ago to just 4 GB of RAM and either hybrid or SSD storage, which is insufficient for today's workloads and apps. In fact, if you plan to use one of these laptops for intensive multitasking, you should consider configurations with 16 GB of RAM and as much storage as you require. While most Ultrabook designs allow for SSD storage to be upgraded, RAM cannot, so you must select the correct configuration from the outset.

In terms of performance, contemporary Intel Core U and Core P platforms, particularly the better models with better cooling and higher power settings, are more than capable of handling any routine task, some significant multitasking and short workloads. We suggest popular models from the Asus ZenBook, Dell XPS, HP Envy, and Lenovo ThinkPad line; you'll have to read our reviews to find those designs.

Advantages of an Ultrabook

Ultrabooks have other advantages in addition to being incredibly light and thin. Let's examine these in greater depth:

Quick Speed

In the modern world, speed is everything. Users of laptops are used to instantaneous gadget loading so that delays can be annoying. Fast access to files and apps is made possible by Intel Smart Response Technology, which is a feature found in many Ultrabooks. It distinguishes between data with high and low values and stores data blocks in a cache on a solid-state drive (SSD) for optimal high-speed operation. Simply put, low-value data is not added to the cache. Through effective usage of cache data, performance is improved, and users are guaranteed a responsive system.

Solid-state drives

SSD storage, which uses flash memory to store data inside an integrated circuit, is typically included with Ultrabooks. The fact that SSD data does not erase when a device is turned off makes it ideal for storing non-volatile data. Additionally, SSD storage contributes to Ultrabooks being as light as possible because it is lighter and smaller than HDD storage.

Extremely fast processors

The newest Intel processors, which provide computers the computational power they require to function, power the majority of Ultrabooks. Computers with state-of-the-art, potent processors can do tasks more quickly and effectively. These processors also use less power, giving excellent performance without taxing the battery too much.

Disadvantages of an Ultrabook

Ultrabooks have various drawbacks, which are listed below:

Not intended for avid gamers

Those of us who play games might be wondering which Ultrabook is ideal for gaming. Regretfully, Ultrabooks are better suited for light or non-gamers. Gaming laptops are powerful enough to handle extended gaming sessions and are optimized to deliver the best possible experience. Ultrabooks lack the huge screen and dedicated graphics cards that are often found in them. Because of this, Ultrabooks are better suited for work and education. However, some gaming is still doable.

Expensive price tag and restricted possibility to upgrade

While buying an Ultrabook could satisfy some needs, they are not always inexpensive. Because Ultrabooks are on the higher end of the price spectrum, consumers searching for a low-cost gadget could decide to settle for something more in line with their budget. Furthermore, because a lot of Ultrabooks' components are soldered into the motherboard, there might not be much room for upgrades. This makes it challenging to switch out or repair components and may compel customers to get a brand-new laptop in the event that they need more processing or storage capacity.

Small Screen

Because of their small size and compact design, Ultrabooks are ideal for working on the fly. However, their screens are smaller than typical and may strain your eyes. Furthermore, it could be impossible to play computer games or finish tasks that call for a wider workspace on smaller screens. Once more, prospective users should assess their usage patterns and determine if an Ultrabook is the right device for them.

Difference between Ultrabook and Notebook

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ultrabooks make the ideal traveling companion for frequent or digital nomads. Furthermore, anyone working outside won't have to worry about locating a power outlet to charge their gadget, thanks to the strong battery performance. Ultrabooks should run on a single charge for an entire workday, depending on usage. Because of the potential influence on the entire gaming experience caused by a small screen and limited storage space, gamers might want to reconsider if an Ultrabook is the right device for them. Additionally, those who need a wider workspace may find the smaller screen to be inconvenient or cause eye strain. Acer offers an impressive selection of Ultrabooks that combine powerful performance with a lightweight, sleek design. They include an Intel® EvoTM Platform and an optimized 12th Generation Intel® CoreTM Processor for exceptional responsiveness and long-lasting battery life.