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IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for the best ultrabooks

By Koh Wanzi - 11 Mar 2016

IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for the best ultrabooks

IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for the best ultrabooks

The first mega tech show of the year has begun, which means that a lot of you are probably keeping an eagle-eyed lookout for the best deals and devices. And given that the majority of brands have since updated their ultrabook line-up with the latest sixth-generation Intel Skylake processors, this is as good a time as any to shell out for a slim and portable 13.3-inch notebook or convertible.

Intel’s new Skylake processors boast a combination of improved performance, power efficiency, and battery life, so this means ultrabooks that can do more than before and still last longer. Here are some of our top picks that you should consider before heading down to the IT Show.

 

Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13

As the winner of our Best Ultrabook category at this year’s HWM+HardwareZone.com Tech Awards, it was almost a no-brainer that the Dell XPS 13 would be at the top of any list of recommendations. The XPS 13 is visually stunning, cramming a 13.3-inch edge-to-edge IPS display onto the body of an 11-inch notebook. You can even opt to equip it with a 4K touch-capable display that is a joy to work with.

It is exceedingly compact and light, and its CNC-machined aluminium body and carbon fiber composite palm rest combine for an undeniably premium feel. On top of that, you get great performance (Intel Core i7-6500U (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD) and decent battery life – pretty much everything you could want in an ultrabook.

Further reading: Tech Awards 2016 Best Ultrabook

Price: Prices beginning at S$1,599 (U.P. S$1,799). Link to IT Show brochure.

 

HP Envy 13

HP Envy 13

The HP Envy 13 is a great choice if you’re in the market for an ultrabook that will give you the best bang for your buck. It’s considerably cheaper than its rivals from other brands like Dell, while still offering most of the key features that you could possibly need.

For instance, it boasts a 3,200 x 1,800-pixel IPS display, an Intel Core i7-6500U (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD – the same as on the Dell XPS 13. Its minimalistic aluminum and magnesium body isn’t too shabby either, although it isn’t quite as eye-catching as the Dell model. Still, if you’re looking for a value-for-money purchase, you can’t go wrong with the HP Envy 13.

Price: Prices beginning at S$1,099 with free gifts including anti-virus software, carry case, wireless mouse and additional warranty. Link to IT Show brochure.

 

ASUS ZenBook UX305

ASUS ZenBook UX305

As far as design goes, the ASUS ZenBook UX305 is a real looker. The all-aluminum body features the Zen series’ signature pattern of concentric circles, and certain configurations are even available in gold. At 1.3kg and just 16mm thick, you should also have no trouble slipping it into your backpack and simply forgetting that it’s even there.

The top model is equipped much in the same way as all the other competing ultrabooks, even down to the 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display and Intel Core i7-6500U (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) processor.

Price: Prices beginning at S$999 with free gifts including anti-virus software, notebook sleeve, USB LAN dongle and movie passes. Link to brochure.

 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

For the more business-minded among you, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a good choice. At just 1.2kg, this is the world’s lightest 14-inch business notebook. It is also just 16.5mm thick, effectively putting to rest assumptions that business devices are usually heavy and clunky.

It is powered by the latest hardware as well, to the tune of an Intel Core i7-6500U (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The notebook is constructed of magnesium and carbon alloy that is intended to be both strong and light, while still protecting the system from everyday bumps and knocks. Finally, it even boasts a spill-resistant keyboard, which should give you some peace of mind in the lunchroom.

Further reading: Lenovo announces new additions to its business-oriented X1 family, Hands-on with Lenovo's new business-oriented ThinkPad X1 family

Price: Prices beginning from S$2,799. Link to IT Show brochure.


For all other deals and steals, check out our Tech Show Portal for all buying guides, brochures, event coverage and much more!

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