What is the difference between an ultrabook and a laptop: which is better to choose? Intel Ultrabook: what are ultrabooks? Equipment, technologies, history of the development of the idea, specifications and prices

Ultrabook is a relatively new direction in the development of mobile computers, which has many similarities with traditional laptops. Looking at the sometimes exorbitant price tags for this device, many users wonder why it is better than a simple laptop. Next, we’ll talk about the reasons for this price difference, and also figure out how an ultrabook differs from a laptop.

A little about the history of ultrabooks

For the first time, a device that can be classified as an ultrabook was first introduced by Steve Jobs' company and was called MacBook Air.

The direction seemed very promising, so in 2011 Intel announced the creation of a line of processors for a new generation of laptops, where they were called ultrabooks for the first time.

At the same time, conditions were announced, compliance with which allowed a portable PC to be classified as an ultrabook:

1. If such a device has a diagonal of less than 14 inches, the thickness should be 1.8 cm. For devices with a larger diagonal, the thickness should not exceed 2.1 cm.
2. The ultrabook processor must maximum load convert electricity into heat in an amount of no more than 17 W. Due to low power consumption, it does not heat up much, so it no longer requires a device such as a fan cooling system.
3. The battery life cannot be less than 5 hours. However, in practice, manufacturers, trying to minimize the thickness of the case, do not install enough high-capacity batteries. As a result, sometimes the autonomy of ultrabooks is no better than that of conventional laptops.

At the same time, restrictions on the display diagonal or, for example, such a condition as the presence or absence of a DVD drive are not specified.

Main characteristics of ultrabooks

The ultra-thin body of the devices imposes serious limitations on the hardware:

The above does not allow running too “heavy” applications on such laptops. But in the classroom they make a huge difference compared to laptops. An ultrabook is always the flagship model of electronics manufacturers. Therefore, they do not consist of budget hardware, but of the most advanced hardware and software components.

Advantages of an ultrabook

This device is designed mainly for work - an ultra-modern high-quality display, and with a fully “working” diagonal of up to 18 inches, it will not cause much strain on your eyes. Despite the reduced processor characteristics, the system on these devices works without any “brakes” due to the presence of an SSD drive. Unlike HDD, it has phenomenal read and write speeds.

True, sometimes manufacturers bundle an ultrabook solid state SSD small volume, which only records system files. The rest user information can be stored on a regular hard drive. It is better if a hybrid drive is used. The difference is that it contains SSD and HDD blocks in one case.

One cannot help but appreciate the appearance of the ultrabook. Its body is made not from cheap laptop plastic, but from high-quality aluminum or other alloys. Sometimes it is covered with expensive scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, and weighs only 1.5 kg.

The absence of noise during operation due to the exclusion of fans from the cooling system should also be assessed. Consequently, they do not collect dust and do not require annual maintenance such as disassembly and cleaning. The only thing that really scares off buyers is the price of the device.

The lowest level is usually $800. Top-end configurations can cost as much as $1500-2000. It is not difficult to calculate that the most sophisticated gaming laptop will cost a little more, or even cheaper, than a regular “inexpensive” ultrabook. Therefore, their market share today is small and almost all of it is purely premium. These devices are purchased mainly by people with special requirements for the dimensions and design of the devices.

Designed to make everyone's favorite portable equipment even more convenient to use. Main distinctive features Such devices are: extremely thin, light weight and stylish design. The first company to combine all this in one gadget was Apple with its MacBook Air, which was released back in early 2008. And literally after some time, many other reputable companies began to produce their Air clones, and the well-known company Intel introduced the term “ultrabook” into use.

What is an ultrabook: comparison with laptops

So what exactly sets laptops apart from their more elegant cousins?

Compared to their older comrades, they are practically weightless.

Thickness

The thickness of most models does not exceed one centimeter.

Autonomy

Minimum 10 hours of battery life during intensive work, thanks to modern high-capacity batteries.

· Appearance

Unique style and ergonomics inherent in absolutely all classes of ultrabooks.

· Productivity

Despite their small size and weight, they provide the same speed that a regular laptop can offer, and thanks to the use of SSD drives, Ultrabooks can turn on and wake up much faster.

Quite high at the moment, but Intel plans to reduce the maximum price to $1,000.

What is an ultrabook: ttechnical component

· SSD storage.

· Processor from Intel.

· Non-removable battery.

· Volume random access memory from 4 gigabytes.

· Impossibility of replacing the original processor and RAM.

What is an ultrabook: popular models

· Samsung Series 9 ultrabooks. The main difference between these devices and others is big screen, larger dimensions and incredible performance make you consider upgrading your laptop to this ultimate Ultrabook.

· ASUS Zenbook ultrabooks. Everything you saw in the Samsung Series 9, only made by ASUS. Part-time closest competitors Apple MacBook Air.

· Toshiba Portege ultrabooks. Minimalist design and big time battery life - just what you need on the road.

Ultrabooks Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga. A full-fledged hybrid with a tablet PC, for lovers non-standard solutions.

· Ultrabooks HP Envy 14. The first “glass” ultrabook. Its body is completely covered with Corning. Elegant and shockproof.

What is an ultrabook: pitfalls

If you still decide to become a proud owner of this device, be prepared to travel to service center at the slightest difficulty, because the more complex the design of the device, the more difficult it is to repair it.

Also remember, ultrabooks do not have an optical drive, and such an innovation will be very difficult to get used to. For example, you will no longer be able to install the operating system using the standard disk method for everyone.

But be that as it may, ultrabooks are advanced design, compactness and mobility. Ultrabooks mean status, and status is worth paying for. Having bought yourself such a device, you will always feel one step ahead.

Today, one of the most convenient devices to use is an ultrabook. Its price and specifications are slightly higher than those of a regular laptop.

High technologies have become very closely integrated into our daily lives. Various types of electronic devices are becoming smaller and more compact, but at the same time more powerful and productive. Almost every day all sorts of new products appear on the market, the use of which is becoming more and more comfortable.

What it is?

An ultrabook is usually called any laptop with a small thickness (usually up to 20 mm) and weight (no more than 2 kg). Although it can have any screen diagonal. Despite their very compact size, most ultrabooks today have excellent performance characteristics. Since the disadvantage free space inside the housing is compensated by high efficiency electronic components.

The term ultrabook became widespread after 2011. It was then that a presentation of the joint development of Intel and Apple was made.

It combines all the advantages of products from both manufacturers. The prototype of the first ultrabook is considered to be the 2008 Apple MacBook Air subnotebook. This year has become something of a new era in the field of high technology.

How are they different from laptops?

• The difference between a laptop and an ultrabook lies not only in overall dimensions, but also in some other important details:
• Ultrabooks do not have drives for reading CD/DVD/Blu-Ray discs;
• the battery is built into the motherboard;
• The ultrabook's graphics accelerator is built into its CPU;
• the price of the equipment in question is sometimes several times higher than the cost of a conventional, larger analogue; some modifications are equipped touch display

(regular laptops for the most part are not equipped with this option). The first thing that catches your eye upon inspection (after the compact size) is the absence of a disc reader. But it’s hard to call this a disadvantage. Since disks are almost out of use, and all communications are carried out via a USB port. Therefore, the inability to use disk media

does not cause serious inconvenience.

The main feature of an ultrabook is the impossibility of quickly replacing the battery, since most often its contacts are soldered to the motherboard.

To remove the battery or replace it, special equipment is required, as well as skills for such work. Most often, the graphics accelerator is built into the CPU, which saves some free space. However, this does not affect the power. High productivity is achieved through the use of the latest technologies. At Modern electronic components are capable of processing more information at greater speed.

Typically, the cheapest ultrabook costs 2-3 times more than its larger “brother”, which has standard dimensions and similar performance characteristics.

This price has a serious justification - the cost of small-sized parts and assembly is relatively high, as it involves greater complexity.

Video: Acer Aspire P3: an amazing transformer

Which ultrabook to choose? Today in the ultra-thin segment laptop computers there is a large amount different modifications

. It is quite problematic for an ignorant person to select a suitable device among all this variety.

When choosing, you must first decide on the following points:

Based on this, you should look through the descriptions of various modifications, and then choose the best option.

Technical characteristics

When choosing a device in a store, the first thing you should pay attention to is the technical parameters. Since almost all modifications are equally light, have the same thickness and weight with the same diagonal. The most important parameters

that should guide you when choosing and purchasing the equipment in question: The capacity and quality of the battery is very important factors

, because replacing the battery in such equipment is very problematic. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to its capacity and type. The optimal batteries today are lithium polymer. They are much more durable than other types of batteries, and also have greater capacity for comparable sizes. How higher resolution screen of the purchased PC, the more convenient it is to operate it. Since this directly affects how quickly the user gets tired. Optimal resolution

with a screen diagonal of 13.3 inches - 1920x1080 pix. For comfortable use

Most modern programs require a fairly powerful CPU. When looking closely at any model, you should focus on processors with a frequency of at least 1900 MHz. The number of cores must be at least 2. Otherwise, problems may arise not only with any applications, but also with starting the operating system.

If you need to work in any programs that require a powerful video card, you should purchase an ultrabook with GPU, whose performance index is at least 910 (according to Futuremark).

Video: The most unusual ultrabook

Despite the fact that almost all models are equipped with video cards integrated into the processor, performance does not decrease as a result. Since the absence of a discrete video processor is compensated by the use of a disk SSD type

, as well as high-speed RAM. Ultrabooks do not have disk drives. That is why you should make sure that there are several USB ports, the presence Wi-Fi module

and Bluetooth, as well as other interfaces and options necessary for comfortable use.

Who is it suitable for? Ultrathin laptops are specific and expensive devices.

It only makes sense to purchase such a device if you really need it. The most important advantage of this category of equipment is its compactness. That is why such devices are suitable for people who travel frequently, for whom carrying a few extra kilos of luggage is a serious problem. An ultrabook is often necessary for businessmen, travelers, and students. All these categories of people often move and move around. Carrying a heavy bag weighing 4-5 kg ​​is inconvenient and impractical. Ultra-thin device in this case

is an excellent solution.

Price and performance

Summary table of price-to-performance ratios for models from each price segment: There is a direct relationship between the cost of the device and its performance. The price is influenced by many factors. The better specifications

model, the higher its cost. The manufacturing company also has a direct impact on the price.

• The equipment in question can be roughly divided into three categories according to their cost:
• budgetary;
• middle class;

premium class. Enough quality models Acer produces devices in the budget category. One of the best models is the Aspire V3-371. It is equipped with a fairly powerful processor - Intel Core

i3 (1.9 Hz), as well as fast RAM. Its volume is about 4 GB. The cost of this model ranges between 20 and 25 thousand rubles. In average price category there are more productive devices. For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is equipped with a very fast hard drive SSD type as well RAM – 8 GB. But you have to pay for such high performance - the cost of this model ranges from 70 to 80 thousand rubles.

The “premium” category includes those laptops whose cost exceeds 80 thousand rubles. This is exactly what the Asus UX301LA is. Its price reaches 100 - 110 thousand rubles. The operating speed is extremely high thanks to the powerful processor (i7 3.1 GHz, dual-core) and SSD drive.

Thus, we can conclude that an ultrabook is a device whose performance is directly related to cost. And the more expensive the product, the better its performance parameters are likely to be.

According to analysts, ordinary laptops will soon be almost completely replaced by ultra-thin analogues that have the same performance and screen resolution, but at the same time are extremely light and compact.

Ultrabooks are the next round of development in the computer industry. Leading manufacturing companies are achieving greater miniaturization of electronic components every day. That is why the bodies of the equipment in question will become smaller and smaller over time, and the equipment itself will become even more convenient and functional.

Now that laptops have firmly taken the place of home and personal computers, buying them no longer looks like a special event. On the contrary, the choice of a laptop has become commonplace and prosaic: we need a laptop for the office - we buy a working laptop model, for the home - a desktop, for walking - a netbook, for business trips - a subnote, for games, editing, serious computing - a specialized workstation. And only when buying an ultrabook, the mind suddenly gives way to feelings - and we buy them, intuitively feeling the beauty and potential.

What is an “ultrabook” and why is it needed?

To turn the purchase and use of an ultrabook into a conscious step, you must first decide: what is an “ultrabook” and what can you get from it? It sounds unexpected, but there are three answers to this question.

The first of them was provided by Apple in 2008, releasing a laptop in a thin-profile case.

UltrabookTM

The second response was received from Intel in late spring 2011, when it put forward an initiative to create a special type of laptop, officially registering the “Ultrabook” trademark and forming a list of mandatory and desirable requirements for third-party manufacturers wishing to use this brand.

Finally, the third answer was received after the summer of 2011 from the laptop market itself, where the name “ultrabooks” unofficially began to be used to refer to thin-profile subnotebooks with designer appearance, similar in characteristics to “certified” representatives.

Thus, an "ultrabook" is that laptop with a thin profile that is considered an ultrabook by Intel or laptop market players, but not made by Apple (which has a traditional position of exclusivity).

Strict canons of style

By putting forward the initiative to create a special type of laptop under the Ultrabook brand, Intel has formed several mandatory and several desirable principles for their design and appearance. Case thickness and weight were mandatory, while “stylish design” and a Unibody chassis were desirable. Intel did not discuss the dimensions of the ultrabooks, but initially it was about laptops with a screen diagonal of 13.3 inches.

With such a thick body, any design will be elegant

Currently, ultrabooks and laptops classified by the market as this type generally adhere to Intel's regulations. This means that ultrabooks with displays whose diagonal is equal to or less than 13.3 inches have a thickness of no more than 18 millimeters, ultrabooks with screens from 13.3 inches (14 and 15 inches) have a thickness of no more than 21 millimeters. The weight of ultrabooks in the 2012 generation has been discussed at the following level: for models with a display diagonal of 13.3 inches and smaller – no more than 1.5 kilograms; for 14-inch models - no more than 1.8 kilograms, for models whose screen diagonal exceeds 14 inches - no more than 2 kilograms.

By introducing specific criteria, Intel showed that ultrabooks are solutions for everyday, constant use. They do not limit a person’s movement with their weight, combining in their design minimal dimensions (due to reduced thickness) with a maximum display area.

To make the structure strong and reliable, they use best materials

Intel did not want (or was unable) to formalize the concept of “stylish design”, however, third party manufacturers, understanding what we were talking about and the design of which model to focus on, already in the first generation they created quite a few ultrabooks, which with their appearance aroused the desire to purchase them for personal use. And although most modern ultrabooks can be characterized by the word “stylish,” there are undoubted design masterpieces on the market - with unique types of body coating, unusual profile shape, bright colors, unusual fastening mechanisms for the lower and upper parts (this is especially true for transformable ultrabooks).

The thin profile of the ultrabook case, combined with the other dimensions that are quite significant relative to it, forced manufacturers of this type of laptop to be attentive to the rigidity of the structure. Intel showed in its specifications Possible Solution in the form of a Unibody chassis. But even in case of deviation from this unwritten standard, materials such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, and various high-quality composites with a cellular reinforcement structure are used in ultrabook cases.

Most ultrabooks prefer a sleek design

In general, all this together: a thin profile, high-quality case materials, an attractive stylish design - and create the appearance of an ultrabook as a device that you want to buy without even knowing about its capabilities. Moreover, manufacturers are doing everything to ensure that the visual image of the ultrabook simply does not allow one to doubt either its capabilities or its technical characteristics.

Work with complete pleasure

Creating an aesthetically pleasing laptop is not too burdensome for the vast majority of manufacturers. This has been demonstrated repeatedly, without requiring any registration of a new trademark, or separating such laptops into a separate type.

However, Intel, proposing a list of requirements for ultrabooks, not only discussed external form standards, but also presented very strict requirements for “content”. It is the combination of attractive elegant design with high computing power and it was proposed to label it with the name “Ultrabook”.

Processor - any, as long as it's Intel Core, based on the architecture Ivy Bridge and with thermal package no more than 17 watts

For the ultrabook computing platform, Intel proposed to use latest processors Intel lines Core i5 and i7. It is also not prohibited to install Core i3 in ultrabooks, but this step is not encouraged, since the power of this processor is not always enough for the system to operate in instant response mode.

The processors used always belong to the energy-efficient line with a reduced thermal package. This is due not only to the design of the case, where it is difficult to place a full-fledged system cooling, but also two more factors.

The first of them is structural. Due to the fact that ultrabook specifications indicate a maximum case thickness, Intel suggested that manufacturers mount the maximum number of system components using direct wiring on the motherboard.

The second factor relates to Intel's requirement to provide the ultrabook with the longest possible battery life. Currently, this period should be at least 5 hours, and in the next generation it should increase to 9.

Due to the design features and requirements for battery life, ultrabooks are equipped with non-removable built-in batteries

Currently, the basis of a modern certified ultrabook should be an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor with third-generation Ivy Bridge architecture. The thermal package of this processor should not go beyond 17 watts - that is, it should definitely belong to the energy-efficient line. Such strict requirements make ultrabooks devices with a fairly unified platform - almost all modern models are built on based on three processors: Intel Core i3-3217U, Intel Core i5-3317U and Intel Core i7-3517U.

Fast, a lot and good

Since the configuration of the video subsystem was never discussed in the specifications of ultrabooks as a trademark of Intel, we will not dwell on this issue in too much detail. Let's just say that modern ultrabooks provide a full range of solutions: from the use of integrated cores (Intel HD4000) to full-fledged discrete video accelerators from Nvidia and AMD.

Ultrabook motherboard is a real work of art

But on the system Intel memory, inviting manufacturers to participate in the creation of ultrabooks, paid quite close attention. So, the RAM capacity of an ultrabook must be at least 4 gigabytes. And almost all models of modern ultrabooks either meet or exceed this parameter. Some exceptions are difficult to recognize as such, since manufacturers of models with 2 gigabytes of RAM always reserve the buyer the right to increase the volume (to order or independently).

Initially, only a solid-state SSD array appeared in Intel's requirements for ultrabook manufacturers as a long-term storage device. This was required by positioning ultrabooks as devices with instant response ( quick start, quick exit from sleep mode, fast loading programs, high speed file operations...). Subsequently, the requirements were relaxed both due to economic reasons and under pressure from users who wanted to see devices with a sufficiently large capacity for storing information in ultrabooks. Currently, modern ultrabooks are equipped with both solid-state arrays and hybrid systems, including a small SSD and a thin-profile (7 or 9 millimeters thick) hard drive.

The island keyboard has long been recognized as the most convenient and compact. Just for ultrabooks

Regarding drives optical disks, then due to the special design of ultrabooks, its installation was not provided. However, with the appearance on the market of models with a diagonal of 14 and 15 inches (and, accordingly, with a more spacious body), this issue has completely become the responsibility of manufacturers.

At the peak of technology

Having listed Intel's requirements for ultrabook manufacturers in terms of design, dimensions and basic platform characteristics, we must not forget about the “desired” functionality of this type of laptop, without which market participants cannot see them.

Without a doubt, the stylish appearance and performance of ultrabooks shape their opinion as modern device. Manufacturers are trying not to spoil this opinion by including the latest technologies in the functionality of laptops. Among them are the use of USB 3.0, Thunderbolt and DisplayPort ports, support wireless connection to external displays (Intel WiDi), built-in 3G/4G modems...

The communication capabilities of ultrabooks are getting richer with each generation.

Modern ultrabooks and future generation ultrabooks are beginning to be widely used touch screens, acquire GPS modules and NFC.

Finally, significant attention from ultrabook manufacturers is paid to the issue of the security of stored information and the issue of countering the theft of laptops from their owners. To help them, Intel is developing Antitheft and Identity protection technologies to solve these problems at the infrastructure and platform levels.

Price for the masses

Having covered structural, technical and functional characteristics ultrabooks, noting the role of Intel in the formation of this type of laptop, we deliberately avoided the issue of cost.

But it was the price that was the main factor that forced Intel and laptop manufacturers to work in the same direction. The price of ultrabooks is constantly striving for an economically comfortable level, allowing them to become a mass product. And the main goal of ultrabooks entering the market is to force other types of laptops into narrow niches.

Ultrabooks, as a mass product, will allow one to quickly reduce the cost of all modern technologies used in them: the production of fast, efficient processors, solid-state arrays, modules wireless communication, ultra-strong alloys and composite materials…

Ultrabooks - laptops of the near future

An ultrabook is like the evolution of a laptop.

A modern ultrabook is a laptop that combines the best design practices, an efficient computing platform, the highest degree of mobility (both due to its size and thanks to a long battery life), broad functionality and ease of use.

At the same time, its price turns out to be lower than what would be expected based on the totality of its properties.

Ultrabooks continue the market trend that has turned laptops into... everyday device for work and leisure - replacing desktop computers with them. Ultrabooks are even more mobile than laptops. They are more comfortable to work with, thanks to thoughtful ergonomics and optimization for instant response to user actions. Ultrabooks use the full range of the latest technologies: from solid-state arrays to wireless connection to monitors. The thin frame of Ultrabooks forces engineers to carefully design their chassis structure, using the best materials - as a result, the Ultrabook body is much stronger and more durable than the body of a regular laptop. Finally, the appearance of the ultrabook is much more aesthetically pleasing from a mass market point of view; it fits perfectly into its surroundings modern man and the interior of his house.

As for cost, the new generation of ultrabooks shows that manufacturers are serious about solving this problem further. And although classic mass laptops Simply, due to their design, they will always be cheaper than ultrabooks, gradually the psychological difference between their prices will be more and more leveled out.