Ultrabook

Entry-level Ultrabook. Premium slim and light chassis, fast processor, and a long battery life - those are the attributes of Ultrabooks. Until now, the prices for such systems have been rather steep. HP sets out to redefine the lower end of the spectrum and introduces a model with an Intel Core i3 processor. What compromises had to be made to keep the price in check?
Intel Core i3-2367M | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | 14.00" | 1.8 kg

Hot stuff. The Apple MacBook Pro 13 is now available with a high-resolution IPS display, a slimmer chassis, and new ports. The newcomer demands a price premium of 500 Euros (~$650) above the cost of the time-tested standard model. Do the changes really warrant the lofty starting price of 1750 Euros (~$2275)?
Intel Core i5-3210M | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.6 kg

Windows 8 Book. The VivoBook S400CA provides the ideal symbiosis for Windows 8: Conventional notebook and touchscreen combined. This allows traditional programs and apps in the tiled layout to both be used as they were intended. The question is whether this makes the VivoBook a well-rounded package?
Intel Core i5-3317U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 14.00" | 1.9 kg

Full HD peanut. The tiny Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A features an 11.6-inch display and a class-leading resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The other specs are noteworthy as well: Intel Core i7 Ivy Bridge dual-core processor, SSD, backlit keyboard, and a sturdy aluminum chassis.
Intel Core i7-3517U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 11.60" | 1.1 kg

Elegant and high-end despite an entry-level price? Has Sony succeeded in creating a better compromise than the competition with its low-priced ultrabook? Will the screen and keyboard ergonomics make work both pleasant and efficient?
Intel Core i3-2367M | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | 11.60" | 1.4 kg

Affordably good. Samsung's Series 5 13-inch laptops do not only feature frequently used Intel components, but also alternative equipment from AMD. Despite the low price, AMD's combination might even reap in a few advantages for itself. We scrutinized whether this is the case.
AMD A6-4455M | AMD Radeon HD 7500G | 13.30" | 1.5 kg

Facelift. Under the name 900X3C-A04DE Samsung offers the well-known 13.3-inch Premium Subnotebook with fresh hardware from Intel. In addition to the matte display with a resolution of 1600x900 pixels, an Intel Core i7-3517U dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD will be offered. Prices start from around 1500 Euros (~$1940).
Intel Core i7-3517U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.2 kg

High-end debut. With the 1500 Euros (~$1927) ultrabook Aspire S5, Acer wants to attract customers in the luxury segment. In order to achieve this, the manufacturer sets on fast hardware, fine materials, and a couple of interesting features. Is this enough to put pressure on the established competition?
Intel Core i7-3517U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.2 kg

Entry-level Zen. Asus has been one of the first out of the blocks when dipping their hands into the ultrabook market. Now, with the UX32A-R3001V, it wants to rock the low-priced competition offering the laptop at around 800 Euro (~$1050). Our test shows how successful it is.
Intel Core i3-2367M | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | 13.30" | 1.5 kg

The cat's meow. With the sleek 13.3-inch Envy Spectre XT 13-2000eg, HP expands its ultrabook portfolio. Featuring an aluminum case, the latest hardware, a Beats Audio system, and a backlit keyboard, does this ultrabook offer substance in addition to its style?
Intel Core i5-3317U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.4 kg

More than just an Ultrabook? Most Ultrabook buyers have to sacrifice performance in favor of enhanced mobility. HP's Envy 6 bucks the trend, and aims to woo gamers with a dedicated graphics card, all while delivering good value for money. Unfortunately, the slim 15-inch model isn't much use outdoors.
Intel Core i5-3317U | AMD Radeon HD 7670M | 15.60" | 2.2 kg

Softened Ultrabook. The Dell Inspiron 14z is an ultrabook with a ULV CPU and a dedicated graphics card. While it may not be as thin as others, it has better hardware and is a good candidate for mobile multimedia use.
Intel Core i5-3317U | AMD Radeon HD 7570M | 14.00" | 1.8 kg

Number one's successor. In late 2011, Acer launched its first ultrabook, the Aspire S3. Now updated, the 13.3-inch Aspire S3-391 ultrabook features Ivy Bridge components starting at 799 Euro (~$999). We tested whether the ultrabook is worth its price.
Intel Core i5-3317U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.4 kg

Fresh Air. Cupertino's smallest notebook receives new components in Apple's mid 2012 update. Cornerstones of the new Macbook Air 11 are the Ivy Bridge processors, flash storage, an 11.6" display and new USB 3.0 ports. Have various Ultrabooks caused the air to get thinner?
Intel Core i5-3317U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 11.60" | 1.1 kg

Ivy Air. Sounds like an airline, but it is the newest generation of Apple's successful subnotebooks. We tested the entry-level model featuring a 13.3-inch screen and Intel's Core i5. Its exterior is - as always - (virtually) nothing new.
Intel Core i5-3427U | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 13.30" | 1.4 kg

Golden mean. The new XPS 14 Ultrabook was presented to the press during the Dell Technology Camp 2012. After the official start at the end of June, the first units with Intel Ivy Bridge and Nvidia GeForce GT 630M are now being delivered. An ultrabook of the upper class that is available from 1149 Euro (RRP, ~1410 USD).
Intel Core i7-3517U | NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M | 14.00" | 2.1 kg

Miracles happen. The first rumors about Asus' new, revised Zenbook series made some waves: Full-HD IPS displays in skinny 13" cases. Hard to believe: non-reflective display surfaces! The rumors turned out to be true, in front of us sits an Asus UX32VD, one of the first specimen of the series with the sought after display panel.
Intel Core i5-3317U | NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M | 13.30" | 1.5 kg

The Second Ivy Bridge. After the quad core models were successfully launched in April, the dual core Ivy Bridge processors are following now. We checked how the new notebook and ultrabook processors perform and whether Sandy Bridge owners should upgrade.