Feature Articles


All You Need to Know about Ultrabooks

The Ultimate Guide to Ultrabooks

Intel probably heard the death knell of the netbook early in 2011, when Apple worked closely with them to get the right kind of low-voltage processor that is both powerful, and energy efficient for their latest line of MacBook Air notebooks. Having said that, the demise of the netbook is inevitable as it was only a stop-gap measure to satisfy simple computing usage with a light and small profile. Ultimately, the goal is to have notebooks that are slim, sexy, powerful and affordable - this is exactly what Intel wanted to carve out with the "Ultrabook" segment.

So what parameters define an Ultrabook , how do they compare against other notebooks, what can you expect from an Ultrabook and how can you be sure you’re buying into the right one? We capture all the info you need to know on this new product group in our Ultrabook Tech Guide - complete with a video overview!

Jump Links to All About Ultrabooks

Reviews and Feature Articles
MSI Slidebook S20 (11.6-inch) review

MSI Slidebook S20 (11.6-inch) - Slide-out Ultrabook

REVIEW / 22 Apr 2013 / By Leo Boon Yeow

The 11.6-inch MSI Slidebook S20 is a Core i5 convertible Ultrabook that has a sliding form factor. It transitions from a tablet into a full-fledged notebook with ease. Priced at $1599, it's one of the most affordable notebooks in this form and function. We find out how it stacks up to the competition.

ASUS Taichi 21 review

ASUS Taichi 21 (11-inch) - Dual Displays

REVIEW / 06 Apr 2013 / By Leo Boon Yeow

The ASUS Taichi 21 is the latest convertible Ultrabook that wields two full HD displays that are placed back-to-back. It's the first time we've seen this form factor on a Windows 8 Ultrabook, so how will it stack up against some of the other Ultrabooks already out in the market? We'll find out.

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 review

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 - If You've Got it, Flex it

REVIEW / 26 Dec 2012 / By Leo Boon Yeow

The Lenovo Yoga is part of a new breed of convertible touchscreen Ultrabooks that offer dual usage modes. It works as a Windows 8 tablet, and as a Windows 8 notebook. But thanks to its special patented hinges, it also offers two extra modes - "tent" and "stand" modes. Is this the ideal convertible Ultrabook? Read on for the verdict.

ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A review

ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A - Same Design, Better Build

REVIEW / 18 Dec 2012 / By Leo Boon Yeow & Martin James David

At first glance, you probably can't tell the difference between a first generation 13-inch Zenbook and the second generation Zenbook Prime. But we assure you that the updated Zenbook Prime has what it takes to be at the top of the Ultrabook competition.

Toshiba Satellite U920t Convertible Ultrabook review

Toshiba Satellite U920t Premier Series Convertible Ultrabook Review (Updated!)

REVIEW / 13 Dec 2012 / By Leo Boon Yeow

A new breed of Ultrabooks are coming in fast with the rise of Windows 8 - the convertible kind. We managed to get our hands on one of the them with the Toshiba Satellite U920t. Read on to find out what we thought about it.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 (Core i7-3517U) review

Sony Vaio Duo 11 - Blurring the Line Between Tablet and Notebook

REVIEW / 12 Dec 2012 / By James Lu

The Sony Vaio Duo 11 is an 11-inch, Windows 8, full HD, convertible touchscreen Ultrabook that uses Sony's 'Surf-Slider' mechanism to transform between tablet and notebook form factors. How does it compare to other Windows 8 converting Ultrabooks? We find out.

A HardwareZone PlayTest Event with Microsoft's Windows 8 - Demystifying the New OS

A HardwareZone PlayTest Event with Microsoft's Windows 8 - Demystifying the New OS

FEATURE / 14 Nov 2012 / By Leo Boon Yeow, Ng Chong Seng & Vijay Anand

The new Windows 8 OS is sort of an enigma to some users, with its colorful smart tiles and dual environments. With plenty of new features and even a Windows 8 Store full of apps, we collaborated with Microsoft to bring forth a PlayTest event in an effort to provide usage guidance, tips and tricks to first timers, hands-on with the latest Windows 8 devices and have their queries of the new OS answered.

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 review

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 - A Hands-on Preview

REVIEW / 01 Nov 2012 / By Leo Boon Yeow

The Lenovo Ideapad Yoga is the latest convertible Ultrabook to reach the market. It looks like the U300s Ultrabook that debuted last year, but it comes with a slight twist (that's also patented). Read on to find out more!