Areas where Ultrabooks outperform the MacBook

When it comes to compact and sleek laptops, it was Apple's MacBook Air that started out the 'slim' revolution, back in 2008. Fueled by its high-end pricing, it was left to Intel to conceive the core concept of Ultrabooks: a very thin laptop that would not sacrifice its performance, but would still remain within relative budget limits. So, while ardent aficionados still basked in the opulent glory of svelte MacBooks, it was left to companies like Asus, Samsung, Toshiba and Lenovo to carve their way into the previously unexplored realm of fervently portable Ultrabooks.

Ultrabooks vs MacBook Air

In relation to this trend, Ultrabooks do score higher in some areas than the gracefully built MacBook. And as practical consumers, we should all check out some of the comparative features, before we go out to make our new year's big purchase.

1. New Intel processor

Without any doubt, the MacBook Air is ruling the laptop market with a whopping 28 percent share. Of course, it has much to do with Apple's unobtrusive supply mechanism along with usage of higher quality components. But to counter this revenue oriented threat, Intel has already initiated their newest and advanced CULV mobile processors. Christened as Ivy Bridge processors, these boisterous 'power trains' would allow Ultrabooks to give 30 percent better graphic performance and a 20 percent greater CPU performance (as compared to their predecessors: the Sandy Bridge line). Moreover, they will also push the latest Ultrabooks to USB 3.0 and new PCI Express 3.0 standard support.

2. Windows 8 OS

Microsoft has already started heralding its next generation operating system of Windows (aka Windows 8). Catering to smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops, this truly 'collective' OS will feature stylized Metro interface with 'live' vivacious tiles. On the other hand, we do not yet know if Apple would follow up to its celebrated Mac OS X Lion platform (found in MacBook Air) in 2012 itself. And going by the trend of Apple's planned improvements, the (hypothetical) successor of Mac OS X Lion is most likely to feature better iCloud integration, rather than some conspicuously heavy upgrade.

3. Affordability

As we mentioned before, theoretically, Ultrabooks should follow a credible pricing structure, catering to the newer breed of uninitiated laptop customers. Though, in practice, very few models (like Acer Aspire S3 and Toshiba Portege Z835-P330) actually come under the magical figure of $1,000. On the other hand, Apple has made no pretensions about its high-end pricing of MacBook Air (at $1,299). In relation to this, the only silver lining for Ultrabooks is that, with advanced processors, their future iterations do have the potentiality to come at a much lower cost.

4. Storage capacity

Now, this is one area where Ultrabooks have significantly exceeded the levels set by MacBook Air. Most of the models have at least matched the MacBook Air's Core i5 processor and 128GB solid-state drive (SSD). As a matter of fact, Acer Aspire S3 has improved upon its user friendly credentials by incorporating a 320GB spinning hard drive with 20GB of flash memory.

5. Long lasting battery life

According to the 'guidelines' contrived by Intel, every Ultrabook should at least have a back up of 5 hours of battery life. Paradoxically, this standard in itself was set by the performance oriented MacBook Air. Now, in the present scenario, the majority of the Ultrabook models have fortunately bypassed this convenient level by having more efficient and extended charge period.

6. Portability

It is another one of those user oriented facets, where the MacBook Air truly excelled with its deft craftsmanship and ultra-slim attributes. But with the growing force of a slew of Ultrabooks, the 'thinnest' aura has been snatched away from Apple. As a matter of fact, it is the 13.3-inch Acer's Aspire S5 that is ready to take the crown, at only 15mm thickness and 1.35kg (2.97 pounds) weight. Moreover, to accentuate upon user convenience, the machine will also feature Acer's Instant On technology that brings the computer back from sleep in just 1.5 seconds. This certainly enhances the laptop's intrinsic mobile nature with quick accessibility (on the part of the user) in any circumstance.

7. Overall demeanor

As far as our thriving electronic sector is concerned, we are surely witnessing a technological shift to more compactness. In this regard, the general notion of Ultrabooks does abide by the dictum of good performance and battery life, but also sticks to that MacBook-esque 'slim' trend. So, most of the models religiously follow the set protocol of having less than 18mm of thickness, while the display is limited to a comfortable 13.3-inch mark.