Similarities and Differences between Ultrabooks and Laptops – Ultimate Lowdown

If you are in the market for a new device for your work, school, or gaming, considering a 4k laptop or an ultrabook is an important topic worth knowing. Many would choose a laptop because of its wide range of functions, but taking a look at the benefits of using an ultrabook is also worth your time so you pick the best option.

When comparing laptops and ultrabooks, there are several differences that separate a plain ‘notebook’ personal computer from its ‘ultra’ version. Here’s a guide that will help you find out what’s best for you before you make a purchase.

Laptop versus Ultrabook: Which Is Which?

Before you can understand the differences between a laptop and an ultrabook, you have to know what these devices are in terms of their functions and physical characteristics.

What Is a Laptop?

As one of the most prominent portable devices for decades, laptops have an integrated crystal screen display, trackpad, keyboard, and accessories that you can connect to the machine. A laptop has a rectangular-shaped structure when it is closed, making it easy to carry.

Its total size depends on the size of the screen, which can range from 13 to 20 inches, with most models usually coming in at about 15.6 inches. This machine can be configured and modified depending on the preferences of its user with a weight ranging from one to eight kilograms.

What Is an Ultrabook?

Technically tagged as an ‘ultraportable personal computer device’, ultrabooks are considered by many as the contemporary or new breed of laptops. An ultrabook’s specifications were created by Intel Corporation. It is considered as a subnotebook high-end machine with a lighter weight that does not compromise boosted performance, high definition screen display, and battery life.

With regards to its portability, style, and design aspects, there are no larger terms for its function and behavior than its predecessors. The device falls under this category once they are 18 mm or less thick for at least a 14-inch version while the measurement goes up to 23mm for larger display screens.

Similarities Between Laptops and Ultrabooks

These are the similarities shared between most laptops and ultrabooks:

  • Same factor and form of integrated hardware in both portable machines
  • Ultrabooks and laptops are fit for traveling as they can be carried easily inside their respective secured case, covering, or bag
  • Both are powered by plugged-in usage and stored battery power anytime, anywhere
  • Both devices come with the available software and operating systems in the market such as Microsoft Windows
  • You can access various connectivity functions in both devices such as Ethernet ports, USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and many more

Laptop versus Ultrabook: Key Differences

Here are the key differences between a laptop and an ultrabook based on each category below.

Courtesy of https://dictionarypedia.com/

Design, Weight, and Thickness

Laptops: Your Traditional PC Specs

The screen size and weight of laptops depend on the user’s intended purpose.

  • You can choose the screen size of your laptop. Sizes can range from 13 to 20 inches depending on your preference and usage.
  • There is no set of standards for the weight of a laptop but it usually weights from two to four kilograms.
  • Gaming laptops can go from six to nine kilograms as they are built with larger hardware inside the device.
  • Its thickness can range from 20 mm to 45 mm depending on the configuration of the device.

Ultrabooks: Chic and Sleek

The thinness of ultrabooks is exceptional compared to your traditional laptop PC as it is set by Intel.

  • Each ultrabook must be at least 13.3 inches with regards to its screen size with no less than 20 mm of thickness
  • Touchscreen-enabled ultrabooks can have a thickness from 23 to 25mm
  • The screen size of a regular ultrabook ranges from 11 to 15.6 inches
  • Ordinary ultrabooks can weigh less than 1.5 kilograms
  • Its external structure is made from carbon fiber, glass, or magnesium

Battery Endurance

Ultrabook: Enhanced Battery Life

Intel has created various regulations when it comes to the battery life of an ultrabook.

  • Each ultrabook is equipped with a Haswell chipset that makes it last for at least nine hours of idle time and six hours of video playback time.
  • Moderate usage of an ultrabook means that you can maintain excellent battery life.
  • Its batteries are non-removable and tightly enclosed to save on space.

Laptops: Optimized Battery Depending on Usage

The battery life of each laptop serves to emphasize its availability and performance.

  • You can get a maximum of five hours for your battery life on average use once it is fully charged.
  • Its battery parts and accessories are made for easy removal so you can replace it anytime when it is damaged or depleted.
  • Chargers are made for a specific laptop brand so you cannot use another charger with the normal voltage requirements.

Storage Capability

Ultrabook

Each ultrabook uses an SSD or a hybrid of HDD plus SSD for its storage purposes.

  • It has a better performance on its boot-up so you can switch your device on and off in just a few seconds.
  • Since SSDs are durable, an ultrabook’s storage capacity can range from 128 to 256 GB. However, you can choose to use a portable pen drive or HDD if you need more storage space.

Laptop

  • Laptops use HDD storage since they are manufactured to contain an impressive amount of space for storage.
  • If your device is shipped with SSD storage, it will help with enhanced performance.

Hardware and Performance

Ultrabook

  • A mandatory feature set by Intel is the ultrabook’s Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processors that are underclocked to reduce the consumption of power and stability.
  • You will be getting an integrated graphics feature for each ultrabook.
  • Ultrabooks are made for small-scale use such as social media browsing, researching, schoolwork, etc.

Laptop

  • You will have a wide range of configuration options that are readily available in the market from low-power setups to quad-core processors where you can find the latest graphics solutions.
  • Laptops are made for a larger scale of usage depending on the preference of the user, without compromising battery life and performance.

Ultrabook versus Laptop: Pricing Difference

There is no doubt that ultrabooks are expensive compared to the regular laptops that you can find in the market. Laptops range from $300 to $500 depending on your preferred features and configuration, while an ultrabook goes for at least $1000 from a trusted manufacturer.


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