Ultrabooks worth waiting for

Windows 8, the next edition of the Windows operating system, will debut very soon. Recently, Intel in an event dubbed as the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) held in San Francisco, California showcased future Ultrabooks powered by next generation Intel processors with Windows 8 operating system.

The essence of Windows 8 is touch that requires low power but faster processors and Intel believes that it’s architecture will give the best experience and performance in Windows 8 Ultrabooks and other platforms.

Acer Aspire S7

Designed for Windows 8, this touchscreen ultrabook is one of the best looking ultrabooks that would soon be available in October. Features Gorilla 2 glass, 1.3Kg, Core i5 or i7 processor, 4GB of memory, 256GB SSD, 2 USB 3.0 ports, Micro HDMI and Dolby Home Theater enhanced sound. Battery life is up to 12 hours.

Asus Vivo Tab

The ASUS Vivo Tab features the Next Generation Intel Atom processor, 2GB RAM with 64GB eMMC (embedded multimedia card) user storage. With support for 1024-level Wacom digitizer for precise work and navigation. Comes with a  mobile dock that transforms the tablet into a compact clamshell ultraportable, complete with full QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, two USB ports and second battery.

HP Spectre XT

Encased in an aluminum-and-magnesium design and features a 1080p IPS touchscreen, 17.9mm thick and 4.77 pounds. Other features include Ethernet jack, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, memory card reader, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Lenovo Yoga

First introduced in CES in January, the 17mm thick ultrabook features a a 360 degree hinge that twists and turns the device in variety of ways aside from the conventional laptop style. The Yoga weighs 3.1 pounds and has a 13.3 inch screen,  battery life is of up to 8 hours and will come with  256 GB of SSD and 8GB of RAM.

NEC Lavie

coming in October the NEC Lavie ultrabooks is for the Japan market only.  It features a 13.3 inches display, backlit LCD and weighs 2.2 pounds, the lightest ultrabook in IDF.

Sony VAIO Duo II aka the Slider

VAIO Duo II, features an 11-inch display and a convertible keyboard form factor, user could just slide over the tablet and convert it to clamshell laptop.

Toshiba Satellite U925T

The U95T is the first NFC-enabled ultrabook. Features a sliding hinge that could convert the unit from tablet to ultrabook mode. Other features include 12.5-inch display, Corning Gorilla Glass, 128GB SSD, front and rear cameras, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, 2 USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, HDMI port and an optional adapter to mirror the display to an HDTV.

The availability of these ultrabooks would coincide with the launch of Windows 8 sometime in October -- that’s a few weeks from now.  So instead of buying the recently launched ultrabooks locally, I suggest you wait for these Intel powered units to fully enjoy Windows 8.

By ART SAMANIEGO, JR.

mb.com.ph

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