Notebook or ultrabook? Which device is worth buying

The Ultrabooks lately are stealing the space of the Notebooks and they conquer more and more users. With the promise of portability, these devices promise to be ideal for those who need to carry the basics as a team for every location, but don't like tablets. If you are in doubt about whether it is worth investing in an Ultrabook or buying a simple Notebook, in the ProfessionalReview we bring you a comparison with the pros and cons of the devices.

What is an Ultrabook?

The concept of Ultrabook is still confusing for many users and it is important to define before starting the analysis. Created by Intel in 2011, the term is used to name Windows laptops with a portable design compared to conventional.

In comparison, ultrabooks are competitors of the Macbook Air, Apple, while Notebooks compete with Macbooks Pro.

Portability and design

Because they are thinner and lighter, ultrabooks are a more suitable option for professionals who need to take their computers anywhere. These devices fit easily in a backpack and should not cause discomfort when transported for several hours.

Those who use computers only in the office or at home, without great commuting, can opt for a Notebook. With a weight that varies between two and three kilos, these devices offer greater freedom when it comes to desktop computers and should not be bothered on short and sporadic trips.

There are two categories of hybrid ultrabooks that need to be considered. 2-in-1 consists of models with the possibility of displaying their screens and the keyboard function in the form of tablets. Already the convertible can be turned and folded thus converting into a tablet or it can be used as a tent or cabin.

performance

Although it comes with next-generation chips, like the Core i7 and Core M, ultrabooks tend to disappoint when it comes to power. Because they are so much thinner, manufacturers choose not to include some important hardware, such as video cards. This can cause disappointment for users.

In general, ultrabooks, such as Office document editing, Web browsing, and Adobe Photoshop, for example, do well in everyday tasks. Already machine-intensive activities such as graphics games and HD video editing promise to be less than expected.

Therefore, go for an ultrabook only if you don't have big claims for games and very advanced editing programs. Otherwise, it gives preference to a more powerful laptop geared towards the gamer public, which bring all the necessary hardware for heavy tasks.

Information storage

Another point where ultrabooks "slip" is storage. For the use of SSDs, these devices bring from 64 GB to 512 GB of storage. This shouldn't be a problem if you don't usually get a lot of stuff installed on your computer and you don't have a lot of files either. An external hard drive or SSD card should help but they represent additional costs.

The ultrabook SSD still has the advantage of being faster than a common HD. With that, Windows tends to start quickly on these devices, reaching three seconds in some cases.

Already a Notebook is the best alternative for those who want to store movies, games, photos and music on their computer. Currently, it is possible to find affordable devices with hard drives ranging from 500 to 700 GB. In addition, the most advanced models have SSHD hybrid disks, which mix the speed of the SSD with the capacity of traditional hard drives.

Battery

If you need to work for hours, Ultrabooks tend to be the best option. These devices are designed to reduce power consumption and can reach 10 continuous hours without asking to be charged. However, we must be aware of the processors present in it.

Ultrabooks with 4th or 5th generation Core i5 or i7 processors promise to offer a better balance between power and battery life. Gadgets like the new Core M chips, like Lenovo Yoga Pro 3, are best in portability and power consumption, from fan-free, but they lose in performance.

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If you opt for a Notebook, give preference to models with fourth or fifth generation Intel Core i-line chips, as well as updated components. Thus, you can ensure that they will have autonomy.

CD / DVD driver

CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays that even fell into disuse in recent years after the popularization of services like Netflix and online stores programs and games. However, if these components are still important to you, if you opt for a Notebook.

To stay slim and portable, the disc players that come with Ultrabooks, like Apple's Macbook Air. An alternative for the owners of these devices, however, is to buy an external hard drive, which can be connected to the computer through the USB port. Again, another additional expense.

Price

Every innovation like the Ultrabooks comes at a price, in fact very heavy. Currently, it is possible to find simpler $ 800 ultrabook models in online stores. However, these devices have more weight and thickness almost identical to those of conventional laptops, which eliminates their main advantage.

On the other hand, Notebooks are much more accessible. A simple model and with very modest adjustments can be found from $ 600. More complete devices can be found with the starting price of $ 850, which is not bad compared to Ultrabooks.

conclusion

If you are a user looking for portability and long battery life, go for an Ultrabook. The new category of products is ideal to carry everywhere, but we have to prepare the pocket. After all, a good model will easily go over $ 800.