Dell XPS 13
Offering a basic model and a touchscreen version, the Dell XPS 13 is one of the best ultrabooks out there for its price. Both models are very lightweight and have a beautiful 3,200 x 1,800 display.
Dell claims that the battery can last up to 15 hours, an impressive length of time. The performance of the machines is stellar, with its 2.2GHz Intel Core CPU and 8 gigabytes of RAM. Especially nice is that the cost of the machine is on the lower end, especially for ultrabooks of its calibre.
Lenovo LaVie Z Ultrabook
This product has the distinction of being the lightest ultrabook in the world, but it’s also a very, very good computer. The display is a powerful 2560 x 1440. It’s a strong performer with a
2.40GHz Intel Core and 8 GB of RAM.
The lack of a touchscreen and its shorter max nine hours of battery life are the biggest things standing in the way of perfection, but the Lenovo LaVie Z is certainly a fine piece of machinery in its own right.
Asus ZenBook UX305 Ultrabook
This Asus ultrabook needs to be consider with one thing in particular in mind: its low price. The starting model of a ZenBook is a pithy $629. That obviously means, though, that you’ll have to sacrifice in performance and many other features.
Its resolution isn’t high, it doesn’t have a touchscreen, its battery life is only up to 8-10 hours… all that shouldn’t necessarily discount it, though, given that its a solid machine for its price. If you’re on a budget, this might be the best ultrabook you can find. We’re giving this our award for best ultrabook for the money.
4. Macbook Air
The Ultrabook branding started as a way to compete with this device, but it feels wrong not to include the still very relevant MacBook Air in a discussion about the category of computer that it revolutionized. While it doesn’t have a touch screen option and the screen isn’t HD, the MacBook Air has the benefit of being the most tested model, given that it was the first of its kind, and both its hardware and software are dependable.
If the OS X operating system and the other downsides mentioned above aren’t deal breakers, then the MacBook Air should absolutely be under consideration. And, for as low $899, even those “deal breakers” might stop feeling like such big obstacles to get past. This gets our award for best ultrabook under $1000.
5. Microsoft Surface Book Ultrabook
Thanks to a detachable touchscreen and slim form factor, the Surface Book is a top pick.
The monster in the ultrabook category, the recently released Microsoft Surface Books the priciest laptop on this list, but its cost might be validated by its impressive features. It’s one of the best performers out there with a 2.4GHz Intel Core and 8 GB of RAM It has a gorgeous 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense display.
The detachable tablet might be the best in its class. Downsides include the shorter battery life (especially without the keyboard), the heavier weight and of course the massive price point (starting at $1499). But if you have cash to spend, this device definitely needs to be under your consideration.
