2-in-1 Laptops

What constitutes an Ultrabook by definition?

The capital-U Ultrabooks are a subgenre of ultra-portable laptops, for which Intel designates specific hardware requirements. As far as what constitutes an Ultrabook, and how it’s different from a standard laptop or a 2-in-1, note the following Ultrabook specifications put forth by Intel.

• Ultrabooks have a thin build that’s less than one-inch thick.
• They start up in five seconds or less—a stipulation defined by Intel’s Rapid Start feature.
• They must have Intel’s Smart Response Technology, a mechanism that saves frequently used files on a small solid state drive inside the laptop.
• Ultrabooks may (or not) have Smart Connect Technology, a sleep state normally found in tablets, designed to save battery but keep networking and social media notifications.

As long as the build is under the requisite thickness, the screen size follows the conventional display sizes for portable 2-in-1s. You will find 13.3 inch Ultrabooks and 15.6-inch Ultrabooks, and larger just as you would laptops that aren’t technically in the Ultrabook class. Some feature convertible touch screens, which allow them to be transformed into a tablet-like computer, while others do not.

I/O Specifications

Shark Bay requires the inclusion of Intel’s Wireless Display (WiDi), a touchscreen and support for voice commands. Ultrabooks with those features can be versatile solutions to your organization’s laptop and tablet needs. Previous to Shark Bay, the only input requirement was the inclusion of either USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connections.

Laptop security and management features

All Ultrabook processors are equipped with vPro™, which is a collection of features related to security and remote access. With vPro, a laptop is protected from security threats that circumvent software protection and attacks at the hardware level. Intel vPro also allows you or your IT staff to remotely maintain and repair an Ultrabook to a certain extent by giving them remote boot/shutdown and system backup/restore abilities. In addition to features at the processor level, Shark Bay Ultrabooks are required to have antivirus and antimalware software pre-installed by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

If Intel’s hardware requirements mentioned above cater to your organization’s needs, an Ultrabook may be a better investment than a traditional laptop. In addition, some Ultrabooks have tablet-like functionality, which allow them to fill your organization's tablet and laptop roles. Consider purchasing an Ultrabook for your organization if it needs an ultra-portable, powerful, and secure laptop.