When it comes to buying the best mobile computing device that meet our needs of fast connectivity, easy transportation and high autonomy, the question is not how much money it costs (although this is an important question), but what to choose exactly, since technology made incredible progress in that respect in the last years. So before we start the countdown of the most spectacular convertible ultrabooks on the market, let’s see what are the differences and the advantages of these types of computing devices.
The Netbook. In 2008, Michael Horowitz in writing for CNET explained that Netbooks were “a new type of laptop computer, defined by size, price, horsepower, and operating system. They are small, cheap, under-powered, and run either an old or unfamiliar operating system.”
The Notebook is probably the king of all computing devices ever know to man so far, as it clearly conquered the market a long time ago. The most powerful devices use Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors and even if they are still consumers’ first choice in buying powerful devices with top-notch features, the notebooks faced recently the rise of a powerful enemy: the tablets.
But how about if we had both a notebook and a tablet, and a tent and a stand, all in one, all fast computing, easy to carry, light, beautiful and ready to use in a blink of an eye? What if we had… the convertible ultrabook?
The Ultrabook. Intel did it again (and in big style) when introducing the concept of the Ultrabook and many giant IT companies started producing the ultrabooks, respecting, of course, the criteria set by Intel. For a better understanding of the ultrabook definition and guidelines, you can watch this explanatory video made by Tech In Style
So far we have Intel’s Ultrabook criteria and a very wide series of products all competing with each other. But if the competition on notebooks and tablets is high, check out these spectacular convertible ultrabooks and be amazed!
1. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro
If you heard about Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga convertible ultrabook, you already know it made a sensation first time it appeared, as its multi-mode laptop – tablet – stand – tent, the high computing performances and an incredible touch screen left everybody in awe. Lenovo’s Yoga Series made it clear for everybody that the Ultrabook is going to stay for a while and develop as a product for the future. Lenovo’s contortionist ultrabooks, however, do a lot more than to impress with their design and abilities. At the 2013 IFA Berlin event, Lenovo presented the Yoga 2 Pro, a worthy successor of the 13,3 inch original predecessor, a device that is not only aesthetically impressive, but also unique in its category.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Up to 9 hours with standard battery
- Weight
- Starting at 3.1 lbs
- Sound and Speakers
- Stereo speakers with Dolby® Home Theater®
-
- Ports
- 1 USB 3.0
- 1 USB 2.0
- micro-HDMI
- 2-in-1 card reader, combo jack
- Processor
-
- 4th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-4500U Processor
- 4th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Processor
- 4th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-4010U Processor
- Memory
- Up to 8GB DDR3L 1600 MHz, 1 SO-DIMM slot (2GB / 4GB / 8GB)
- Hard Drive
- 128GB / 256GB / 512GB SSD
- Graphics
-
Integrated Intel® HD graphics 4400
- Operating System
Windows 8
You can check Lenovo shop to make comparisons among the Yoga series products and pre-order the Yoga 2 Pro convertible ultrabook or you can .
Here is the super-flexible convertible ultrabook at IFA Berlin.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga
As odd as it may look to list two products from the same company, it would be ignorant not to do so. The ThinkPad Yoga, also presented at IFA 2013 Berlin, is a product meant to serve business goals, as it still keeps all the features of the Yoga series in terms of multimode and flexibility. Its security features are above standards, and in terms of performance, it offers unique visual and multimedia experiences. In terms of visuals, we have an optional HD IPS Corning Gorilla Glass screen, a multi-touch FHD IPS screen and an oversize glass trackpad with five buttons, optimized for Windows 8.1.
It is fully equipped for business, coming with an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 1 TB memory space, and full-day autonomy (according to the manufacturer, it has an 8 hours of battery life — and a 30-day standby).
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Up to 8 hours with standard battery
- Weight
Starting at 3.46 lbs
- Sound and Speakers
Stereo with Dolby® Home Theatre®
- Ports
- 2 x USB 3.0
- mini-HDMI
- 4-in-1 card reader, Lenovo OneLink
- Processor
Intel Core i5 3317U 1.7 GHz (3 MB Cache)
- Memory
4 GB DIMM
- Hard Drive
500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
- Graphics
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
- Operating System
Windows 8
3. ASUS TaiChi 31 Convertible Ultrabook
Why have only one screen, when you can have two of them? The Asus TaiChi double decker with two Full HD IPS screens made it into the public focus when Asus presented its next best thing after TaiChi 21, a slim and slick aluminum chassis convertible notebook – tablet ready to be used by any consumer, depending on his or her needs. The manufacturer takes pride in its “ultra-performance powered by 3rd generation Intel Core i7 -3517U processors” and its high inter-mode flexibility, the users being able to switch from computer to tablet with only one push of a finger.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Around 5 hours
- Weight
1.56 kg
- Sound and Speakers
Bang & Olufsen ICEpower®
- Ports
- 2 x USB 3.0 port(s)
- 1 x micro HDMI
- 1 x Mini VGA Port
- 1 x SD card reader
- Processor
- Intel® Core™ i7 3537U /3517U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5 3317U Processor
- Memory
DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM, OnBoard Memory 4 GB
- Hard Drive
SATA III SSD 128GB / 256GB
- Graphics
Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4000
- Operating System
Windows 8
A CES 2013 presentation of both TaiChi 21 and 31 can be viewed here and if you’re interested in buying this product you should click on this link to
4. Sony VAIO Duo 13
Just as its predecessor the VAIO Duo 11, the Duo 13 represents Sony’s statement that competition has nothing on them when it comes to convertible ultrabooks. It relies on a 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor working on Windows 8 Pro and, just as the definition of ultrabooks requires, the battery autonomy is impressive, with an up to ten hours life. The Full HD TRILUMINOS IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080) makes it incredibly reliable for visuals and multimedia. It is light, elegant and ready for business or family fun, according to your needs. If the Duo 11 had a digitizer stylus, this one comes with a stylus holder too and some interesting apps such as face recognition and CamScanner.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Up to ten hours
- Weight
2.93 lbs.
- Sound and Speakers
Intel® High Definition Audio with ClearAudio+
- Ports
- HDMI® output
- Headphone output
- USB 3.0 x2 (1 charging)
- Processor
- 4th gen Intel® Core™ i5-4200U
- 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7-4500U
- 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7-4650U
- Memory
- 4GB (4GB fixed onboard x1) LPDDR3-1600MHz
- 8GB (8GB fixed onboard x1) LPDDR3-1600MHz
- Hard Drive
- 128GB (128GB x1) solid state drive
- 256GB (256GB x1) solid state drive
- 512GB (512GB x1) solid state drive
- Graphics
- Intel® HD Graphics 4400
- Intel® HD Graphics 5000
- Operating System
Windows 8
Take a look over the video and if you’re convinced you want this product, you can buy it from the manufacturer’s online store or
5. HP Envy X2 Convertible Ultrabook
Although it may be slow on performance, as some reviewers said, this is considered one of the most sexy convertible ultrabooks on the market, and this is not said by us, but by CNET! The design is simple but elegant and the duality was the one that captured consumers’ eyes, even if there are other convertibles out there to perform better on their computing skills. Good for busy business people and some family entertainment. On the manufacturer’s official website, the price is set at $700, but watch out for accessories too!
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Up to 7 hours (tablet only); Up to 12 hours and 15 minutes (tablet and keyboard)
- Weight
3.07 lbs
- Sound and Speakers
Beats Audio; 2 speakers
- Ports
- 2 USB 2.0
- 1 HDMI
- 1 headphone-out/microphone-in combo
- Processor
Intel® Atom™ Z2760 (1.8 GHz )
- Memory
2 GB 533 MHz LPDDR2
- Hard Drive
64 GB SSD
- Graphics
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
- Operating System
Windows 8
Here’s a short presentation that might inspire you to do some magic and to get the product from
These ultrabooks are just awesome. As far as I’m concerned, I think I would go for Dell XPS 12, this beautiful convertible ultrabook with an elegant and stylish look. I also saw its internal specs and it’s perfect with an 124 GB SSD inside plus the third generation of Intel’s processors. Lightweight, beautiful design and a good price tag. The perfect birthday gift for November :). Thanks!