What to choose: laptop or ultrabook. What is the difference between an ultrabook and a laptop: which is better to choose? Advantages of laptop computers
Nowadays, when every person has a laptop at home, this phenomenon is very common. Even at the moment when we go to the store to update our laptop, it is not some kind of holiday. Rather, it’s the other way around; here we already feel a certain need, so we understand that buying such a device is an ordinary part of life.
A new and improved laptop technology has appeared in stores - “Ultrabook”. When a person sees something like this for the first time, he immediately wants to test it and buy it for his homework or entertainment.
Ultrabook - what is it?
Naturally, in order to purchase an ultrabook, you need to find out some information about it in order to understand “what kind of vegetable it is and what it is eaten with.” What is an ultrabook, and when did it appear?
Naturally, based on the above, we can conclude that it was Apple that became the “pioneer.” To some extent this is true, but it is not entirely accurate. Ultrabooks are Full credit goes to Intel, since it was she who came up with the name for such laptops. The result is a beautifully thin body, a light feel and a beautiful Full HD screen with excellent resolution for working both at work and at home.
An inexperienced person will not be able to immediately determine the difference between a laptop and an ultrabook. The only thing he can notice is that the design is significantly different, because the ultrabook is more laconic and thin. But is this all the difference? Of course not.
Here several significant differences two representatives of innovation:
What to choose: ultrabook or laptop?
If it is not important for you to buy an ultrabook, then don't chase innovation, because someday it too will “grow old” and become useless to anyone. Choose what you really like, and not what most people like just because it’s something new. You need to deviate from what exactly you need the product for. For example, if you take the device for study, then it is better to opt for a laptop, as it will be more useful and convenient to use. If you want a device with which it will be easy to constantly move around the city or travel, then take an ultrabook, because it is more compact and lightweight.
However, do not forget that there are no significant differences between them, so it would be better to purchase a laptop, because even its price is much lower than that of an ultrabook. Even those same national statistics showed that a laptop is the most requested product, because it more economical to use. As for the design, you shouldn’t pay attention to it if the question is about benefits.
Naturally, we cannot impose one model or another on you, because the choice is always yours. The consumer himself chooses what will be more interesting and used for him. We will only help in choosing by indicating the difference between the two devices.
Ultrabook 2012
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on innovation, then a device from previous years would be an excellent option for you. It has not lost its relevance, as it still has functions that are pleasant for humans. Ultrabook tests 2012 showed that these models differ in their high performance and excellent quality. They even can be used for many games. Which ultrabook to choose in 2012? Which ones are better and why? Let's figure it out.
A laptop, ultrabook and netbook differ mainly in size and power, so the criteria for their selection largely coincide and we will consider all these devices in one article.
The best laptop manufacturers are HP and DELL, but they also cost more on average than everyone else. Good value Acer, Asus and Lenovo laptops differ in price/quality. Not bad gaming laptops Produced by MSI at a reasonable price.
For simple office tasks (documents, the Internet), in principle, a laptop with any processor and 2 GB of memory is sufficient. You can choose any model you like with a 15.6″ screen. But I still recommend limiting your choice to models with an Intel Pentium processor and 4 GB of memory. Such a laptop will work much faster.
If you need an inexpensive multimedia laptop (movies, simple games), pay attention to models with an Intel Core i3 processor with a memory capacity of 4 GB or more.
Laptop Lenovo V110-15ISK (80TL0146RK)
For more comfortable work and watching videos at home, a laptop with a 17.3″ screen diagonal is suitable for you.
Laptop Lenovo V320-17ISK (81B60006RK)
For gaming, the minimum option is a laptop with a 4-thread Core i3 processor, at least 6 GB of memory and a discrete nVidia graphics card GeForce GTX 940M, 940MX (the higher the model number, the better). Screen diagonal is at least 15.6″, preferably 17.3″.
The optimal gaming laptop should have a 4-core Core i5, i7 processor, at least 8 GB of memory and a discrete graphics card nVidia GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti, 1060 (the higher the model number, the better). Recommended screen diagonal is 17.3″.
Laptop Lenovo Legion Y520-15IKBN (80WK00JBRK)
If you need a compact netbook with long battery life (8-10 hours) that you can carry with you all the time, then, in principle, any model you like with a 10.1″ screen diagonal will do. But I still recommend netbooks with an Intel processor (Pentium, Celeron, Atom), 2 GB of memory and a screen diagonal of 11.6″. Preferably 13.3-14″, they are not much larger, but much more powerful and more convenient.
Laptop Lenovo E31-80 (80MX00WGRK)
The so-called ultrabooks have an ideal ratio of power/autonomy/compactness. These are light, thin, elegant devices with a screen diagonal of 12.5-14″, a powerful processor and long battery life (6-8 hours). This is an ideal option for a wealthy student or business person, since the pleasure is not cheap, but it is worth it.
Tablet Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 310-10ICR (80SG00AARK)
2. Purpose of laptop computers
It makes sense to purchase any of these devices if you need a portable computer that you can carry with you, since this solution is less convenient, less powerful and more expensive than a desktop computer of similar power.
Laptop computers are used mainly for working with documents and the Internet. Due to the small screen and small viewing angles, it is comfortable to watch movies on a laptop alone, or at most two people from a short distance. But this will help pass the time at the resort or on a business trip.
It is unlikely that you will be able to comfortably play modern games due to a weak video card and an uncomfortable keyboard. Although undemanding users may well use a laptop for these purposes. The exception is very expensive gaming laptops with a larger screen, a powerful graphics card and a more comfortable keyboard.
First, I will describe the main purpose and differences between a laptop, an ultrabook and a netbook, and then we will look at other parameters common to them.
The laptop has the most powerful processor and video card, largest screen(15.6, 17.3″) and a more comfortable keyboard, which makes it the most complete replacement for a desktop computer. But due to its large dimensions and weight, it is less suitable for frequent carrying in a hand bag. The laptop runs on battery power for only 2-3 hours, which means it operates primarily on mains power.
A laptop is suitable for you if you plan to constantly carry it in your car to work and back, take it to the country and on vacation, or if your space is too limited.
An ultrabook has the same powerful processor as a laptop, but usually a weaker graphics card. It is thinner, lighter, and has a smaller screen (11.6, 12.5, 13.3″). An ultrabook usually has longer battery life (5-6 hours), which allows you to use it frequently on the go and not have to carry a charger with you.
An ultrabook is perfect for active business and study; it is easy to carry in your hands, but it costs several times more than a laptop. But instead, you can choose a thin and light laptop with a screen size of 13.3, 14″, which will cost less.
The netbook has a very small size, but a very weak processor and video card. The netbook screen size is 10.1, 11.6″. A netbook can last 6-8 hours on battery power and is inexpensive.
I do not recommend a netbook as your main and only computer, since its power and size are not enough for comfortable work. The netbook can be used on the go as notebook, for access to the Internet and for study.
6. What to choose
For simple office tasks, such as typing and the Internet, the most inexpensive laptop with a 15.6″ screen diagonal is sufficient.
If you plan to use the laptop as your main home computer, then take a closer look at models with a screen size of 17.3″. It will be convenient to work and watch movies on it.
If you need a powerful and compact laptop for business or study, then choose an ultrabook with a 13.3″ screen size or a thin and light laptop with a 13.3 or 14″ screen.
If you are an avid gamer, but constantly on the go, then only an expensive gaming laptop (from $1,500) with a powerful graphics card and a large screen (17.3, 18.4″) is suitable for you, since ordinary laptops are not able to provide sufficient performance and comfort in games. But such a laptop will be large and heavy.
For professional activities such as design, video editing, 3D modeling, a laptop with a 15.6, 17.3″ screen with a powerful processor, a professional video card and a high-quality matrix will suit you. But such pleasure will cost from $2000.
8. Laptop design
A typical laptop has a non-separable design in which the display can only tilt in one plane and has a limited tilt angle. This is usually enough for comfortable work.
Some compact models have a touch screen that can be tilted 180°, which turns the laptop into a tablet, which is convenient for reading and surfing the Internet while sitting on the couch or in the car.
There are also models with a touch screen that can be rotated in two planes, which allows you to hide the keyboard inside in tablet mode, as well as use the laptop for presentations.
There are other options for a rotating screen designed to solve similar problems.
Models with a removable keyboard also allow you to turn a laptop into a tablet and back, but they are even more compact in size and are suitable for you if you rarely need a keyboard and don’t want to carry it with you all the time.
Laptops with a rotating screen and a detachable keyboard are much more expensive and make sense to purchase them if you plan to use this functionality.
9. Laptop manufacturers
Long gone are the days when the difference in quality and price between such famous brands as HP, DELL and new ones such as Acer, Lenovo was like heaven and earth. The market has leveled everything out. New manufacturers have improved in quality, and old brands, in order to compete with them, were forced to reduce prices. Therefore, now quality depends more on the price of the laptop than on the brand.
You can also consider laptops manufactured by Samsung, the lineup which, for some reason, have recently been greatly reduced by Sony laptops, which are more expensive, but have an excellent combination of quality and style, as well as good service support.
As for brands whose model range is not so wide, for example Fujitsu, Packard Bell, Toshiba, first ask if the service center closest to you serves them.
Apple laptops are an uncompromising option in terms of quality and style for a wealthy person.
10. Laptop size
The larger the laptop, the more convenient it is to use, but less convenient to transport. Check the sizes of laptops on the seller’s or manufacturer’s website and compare them with each other.
A laptop with a screen size of 17.3″ or larger is less suitable for constant transportation, but it can still be easily carried in a car or moved from one room to another.
A laptop with a 15.6″ screen size is the optimal size for carrying it in a car to work and back. Sometimes it can be carried in a hand bag, but due to its short battery life, you will most likely have to carry a large charger with thick cables along with it.
A laptop with a 14.1″ screen size is a compromise between usability and ease of portability.
An ultrabook with a screen size of 13.3″ will have an optimal balance between convenience and ease of portability due to longer battery life and small size charger.
A netbook with a screen size of 10.1, 11.6″ can easily fit into a handbag, and the size of the charger is comparable to a mobile phone charger.
Pay attention to the thickness of the frame around the laptop screen. At same size screen size, it is better to purchase a laptop with a thinner frame, as it will be more compact and the screen will look larger.
As for thickness, the thinner the laptop, the more convenient it is to use and carry. A typical laptop is about 3 cm thick, which is quite large. Thin and light laptops can be about 2 cm thick, which is much more convenient. Ultrabooks are about 1.5 cm thick, while netbooks are only about 1 cm thick.
11. Laptop weight
A laptop with a screen size of 17.3″ will weigh about 2.6-3 kg, which is quite a lot and carrying it in a hand bag is a bit heavy and uncomfortable. Add to this the weight of the charger (about 400 grams).
A laptop with a screen size of 15.6″ weighs 2.3-2.5 kg + 400 grams of charge. A man can easily carry this weight for several hours. It will be difficult for a girl or child.
A light and thin laptop with a 14.1, 15.6″ screen weighs 2-2.2 kg + 200 grams of charge. Which is already more comfortable, but still a little heavy for a girl or child.
An ultrabook with a screen size of 13.3″ weighs about 1.5 kg and does not require carrying a charger with you, as it runs on battery power for a long time. This is a toy for a man, and a girl or child can easily carry it for several hours.
A netbook with a screen size of 10.1, 11.6″ weighs only 1-1.2 kg and is easy to carry. The laptop charger also weighs mere grams.
12. Screen options
The laptop screen is characterized by many various parameters and they are all quite important.
12.1. Screen size
The 17.3″ screen is better suited for watching videos in a small company at a distance of up to 2 meters and playing games.
The 15.6″ screen is optimal for working with text and the Internet and is also acceptable for watching movies and games.
The 13.3, 14.1″ screen does not yet cause much discomfort when working with text and the Internet, but watching movies and playing games on it is no longer entirely comfortable.
The 11.6, 12.5″ screen is, in principle, not intended for long-term use, especially for watching movies and games. But this is an acceptable option for working with by email and the Internet on the go.
12.2. Screen resolution
Screen resolution is the number of dots (pixels) in width and height. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image and the more information can fit on the screen.
Netbooks with a screen size of 10.1″ have a resolution of 1024×600, which is not enough, since even the website window in the browser does not fit the width of the screen and you have to scroll it not only up and down, but also left and right, which is terribly inconvenient. Some programs will refuse to run at all at this screen resolution.
Netbooks with a screen size of 11.6, 12.5″ have a resolution of 1280×800 or 1280×720, which already fits a browser window and this resolution is the minimum acceptable.
Most laptops with screen sizes between 13.3 and 17.3″ have a resolution of 1366×768, which is normal for them.
Some laptop models with screen sizes from 14.1 to 17.3″ have a resolution of 1440×900 or 1600×900, making the image appear clearer and more information can be displayed on the screen, which is good.
More expensive laptop models with screen sizes from 15.6 to 18.4″ can have a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD), which is very popular and gives much more high quality images in films and games.
Modern ultrabooks can have even more a high resolution screen, but given their screen size it is absolutely invisible and unnecessary.
12.3. Matrix type
The matrix is the name given to the LCD screen of a laptop. Modern laptops have the following types of matrices.
TN is a cheap matrix with average color quality, clarity and poor viewing angles. Laptops with such a matrix make up the absolute majority.
IPS is a matrix with high quality color rendering, clarity and good viewing angles. Laptops with such a matrix are expensive and are better suited for design tasks, but they will also perform well in films and games.
VA (SVA, UWVA) is a compromise option between TN and IPS type matrices, it has high quality color rendering, clarity and good viewing angles. There are few laptops with this type of matrix and they are very expensive.
If you have the opportunity, then buy a laptop with an IPS matrix; the image quality will be incomparably higher.
12.4. Screen coating
Matrices can have a matte or glossy finish.
Matte screens are more versatile, suitable for all tasks and any external lighting. They look duller but have more natural color rendition.
Glossy screens look brighter and tend to have clearer, darker tones, but are only suitable for watching videos and gaming in a dark room. On a glossy matrix you will see reflections of light sources (sun, lamps) and your own, which is quite uncomfortable.
12.5. Screen backlight
In older laptops, they used to backlight the screen. fluorescent lamps(LCD). All modern laptops use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to backlight the screen. LED lighting is of higher quality, economical and durable.
12.6. Touch screen
The touch screen allows you to control your laptop with the touch of your fingers. Availability touch screen This is only relevant for devices with a rotating design and a removable keyboard, which can be used as a tablet and for presentations, since in this case the keyboard becomes inaccessible.
13. Processor
Most modern laptops use Intel and AMD processors.
The best solution would be to purchase a laptop with an Intel processor, as they are more productive, consume less energy and heat less, which is critical for laptops.
Processors differ in the number computing cores and frequency. It is desirable that the laptop processor have at least 2 cores with a frequency of 2-3 GHz. Next, I will talk about what processors are used in modern laptops.
13.1. Intel processors
- Intel Atom– the weakest processor (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and some tablets
- Intel Celeron - old series weak processors (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and cheap laptops
- Intel Pentium - an old series of medium-performance processors (2-4 cores), used in inexpensive laptops for office tasks
- Intel Core i3 is a new series of mid-performance processors (2 cores) used in modern laptops that are well suited for both work and entertainment.
- Intel Core i5 is a new series of powerful processors (2-4 cores) used in modern laptops that are suitable for gaming and professional tasks
- Intel Core i7 – a new series of the most powerful processors (2-4 cores), used in expensive gaming and professional laptops
- Intel Core M is a new series of powerful processors (2 cores), comparable in performance to 2-core Core i5, but with lower power consumption and heat dissipation
13.2. AMD processors
- AMD E - an outdated series of weak processors (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and cheap laptops
- AMD A4, A6 – new series of weak processors (2-4 cores), used in inexpensive laptops for office tasks
- AMD A8, A10 – new series of mid-performance processors (4 cores), used in modern laptops that are suitable for both work and entertainment
- AMD FX is a series of mid-performance processors (4 cores), comparable to a 2-core Core i3 and nothing special
13.3. Which processor to choose
If you are choosing a compact device, then a 4-core Atom processor would be an acceptable option. For simple office tasks, a laptop with a Pentium processor is enough. If you want to have a good and inexpensive laptop that will be comfortable to work on and you can also play on, then pay attention to models with a Core i3 processor. If you plan to use the laptop for resource-intensive applications and games, then take a model with a Core i5 processor. A laptop with a Core i7 processor will be an uncompromising option in terms of performance, but it will cost accordingly.
It makes sense to consider laptops with AMD processors when it comes to austerity. A laptop with an A4, A6 processor is only suitable for office tasks. The older A8-A10 series are close in performance to Intel Core i3 processors and can cope with undemanding games. As for the FX series, it is unclear why we need laptops with such weak processors, but comparable in price to Core i7.
14. Video card
If the laptop is not planned to be used for games, then a processor with a video core will be enough for it and it does not need a separate (discrete) video card. At the same time, it will be quite possible to play undemanding games on the laptop.
Video cards integrated into Intel processors are called Intel HD (4000, 4200, 4400, 4600, 5000, etc.) depending on the processor (Core i3, i5, i7) and differ in power. The video core of the Core i5 and i7 processor can handle even modern games at low graphics settings.
nVidia GeForce video cards, which can be found in modern laptops, are discrete. Video cards AMD Radeon It is quite difficult to distinguish whether it is integrated or discrete by marking, since the model numbers are mixed.
In any case, if you are interested in laptops with discrete graphics, you can easily select them in the online store catalog by checking the appropriate box in the filters.
If you plan to use a laptop for modern games, then it must have a discrete graphics card. Personally I prefer nVidia video cards, since most games are optimized for them.
14.1. nVidia video cards for laptops
- GeForce GT 910M, 920M – non-gaming video cards
- GeForce GT 940M, 940MX – entry level
- GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti – below average
- GeForce GTX 1060 – average level
- GeForce GTX 1070, 1080 – high level
Gaming laptops can have two powerful video cards, then after the model number there will be a type prefix: x2 or SLI. For gaming, I recommend purchasing laptops with as many graphics cards as possible high level, depending on capabilities.
There are also laptops with professional nVidia Quadro and AMD FirePro graphics cards, but they are not used for games, but are intended primarily for developers.
14.2. AMD Graphics Cards for Laptops
As for AMD video cards, to determine the level of a video card, I simply compare them with nVidia video cards based on test results.
14.3. Comparison of video cards
You can view test results and easily compare video cards for laptops on the following website:
Be guided by the test results in the 3DMark program; the greater the difference in these numbers, the greater the difference in the performance of video cards. You can even simply navigate by the position of the video card in the rating; the higher it is, the more powerful the video card. It's very simple! It’s also not difficult to find test results for mobile video cards in specific games on the Internet.
14.4. How much memory does a video card need?
As for the amount of video memory, today games require about 3 GB or more. The weakest video cards can be equipped with 2 GB of memory. The more powerful ones have 3-6 GB, which is naturally better.
15. Type and amount of RAM
Modern laptops use SO-DIMM DDR-3 memory, which differs from computer memory only in the smaller size of the module (strip).
In laptops with 2.4 GB of memory, one stick is usually installed and there is one more free slot in which you can install another one in the future. In laptops with 3.6 GB of memory, two sticks of different sizes are installed, since it is impossible to gain such a volume otherwise.
It is better to immediately purchase a laptop with the required amount of memory, but if the price difference between models exceeds the cost of a memory stick several times, then it is more advisable to buy a cheaper model and another memory stick.
An inexpensive office laptop needs 2 GB of memory. A mid-class laptop for work and entertainment must have at least 4 GB of memory. A gaming laptop needs at least 8 GB of memory, since modern games require this amount. A memory capacity of 16 GB or more is needed only for very powerful, expensive laptops with a long-term outlook.
16. Type and capacity of hard drive
In modern laptops they are used like classic ones hard disks on magnetic platters (HDD), and faster solid-state drives (SSD), which differ from computer disks in their smaller physical dimensions (2.5″).
HDD has a large capacity, but low speed and is cheaper. An SSD drive has a small capacity but high speed and is used in more expensive laptops.
For an inexpensive office laptop, a regular 320 GB HDD is sufficient. A middle-class laptop for work and entertainment should have a HDD drive with a capacity of 500-750 GB. More expensive models can install an HDD with a capacity of 1 TB or more, but this is necessary if the laptop is used as the main computer. It is advisable for a gaming laptop to have more fast SSD disk with a capacity of 240 GB or more. Expensive gaming laptops can have two HDD and SSD, which is quite important for them.
17. Optical drive
DVD discs are no longer as popular as they used to be and files are mostly transferred on flash drives. But it's still a convenient way to share large amounts of data because the disks are cheap and you can burn files onto them and give them to someone. In addition, it is much more convenient and reliable to install from disks operating system and restore the laptop’s operation, whereas with flash drives you have to look for workarounds.
There are three types of optical drives:
- DVD-RW – a regular DVD drive, reads and writes all formats DVD discs
- BD-ROM – Blu-Ray drive, which is installed in more expensive laptops and allows you to watch movies and copy files from discs in Blu-Ray format
- BD-RE is a Blu-Ray writer, which costs even more and, in addition to everything, allows you to burn Blu-Ray discs, which is only needed to transfer a huge amount of data (25-50 GB) if the laptop is used for professional activities
The main disadvantage is that optical drive makes the laptop thicker and heavier, which is why ultrabooks and netbooks don't have it. If you need a compact device, then you can do without a drive. But if sharing files with clients, family and friends using DVDs is important to you, then you can find a thin and light laptop with an optical drive.
18. Keyboard
The ease of working with a laptop greatly depends on the keyboard. The larger the laptop, the larger the keyboard. Netbooks have the smallest keyboards and are not very comfortable to use. But the comfort of a keyboard depends not only on its size, but also on the shape and location of the keys.
You can still find laptops with the classic key shape.
But an island-type keyboard is considered more modern and convenient, the keys of which are located at some distance from each other. It is also very convenient if the laptop keyboard has a separate numeric keypad.
Some laptops have backlit keys, which is useful if you plan to work or play in a dark room. But you can do without this, since there are special led light bulbs for laptop keyboard backlight.
19. Touchpad
A touchpad is a touch panel with buttons that replaces a mouse. In principle, you can ignore this, since usually a small wired or wireless mouse is connected to the laptop for ease of use. But if you often use the laptop on your lap, in cafes or offices, then this solution may not always be acceptable. In this case, pay attention to the size of the touchpad and the comfort of its keys.
The larger the touchpad, the more convenient it is. As for the keys, they can be explicit or hidden. Hidden keys are located under the touchpad itself and are activated when you press its corners. Hidden keys are less convenient, but make the laptop more elegant.
20. Built-in audio system
All laptops have a built-in sound card and speakers. The sound in cheap laptops is quite quiet and of low quality. More expensive models may be equipped with higher quality audio codecs and speakers, which is what manufacturers usually focus on. These can be various technologies, such as: HD Audio, Crystal Sound, Dolby Digital, etc. Some laptops have a 5.1 multi-channel system with a fairly large subwoofer at the bottom. This sound will not leave a picky music lover indifferent, and if it does, you can always connect external speakers or headphones... I recommend purchasing a laptop with a better audio system, as the difference in sound will be significant.
21. Webcam and microphone
All modern laptops should have a webcam with a microphone, used primarily for Skype calls. Webcams also come in different quality. Cheap laptops have poor webcams with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels (VGA). More expensive models can install webcams with a resolution of 1 megapixel or more (HD). This can also be emphasized by the manufacturer. I recommend purchasing a laptop with an HD camera, the image quality will be much higher.
22. Battery and battery life
The battery life of a laptop depends on the battery capacity and power of the laptop. Regular laptops with a 15.6″ screen have a battery capacity of about 4400 mAh, from which they can work for 2-3 hours. Ultrabooks and compact laptops can last 4-6 hours on battery power, and netbooks can last 8-10 hours.
There are also laptops with more powerful batteries 5000-9000 mAh. In addition, the battery can have from 3 to 12 cells. The larger the capacity and cells the battery has, the longer it holds a charge.
The battery life of a particular laptop model can be found on the manufacturer’s website or in its review on the Internet. Pay attention to this point if you are interested in long-term battery life of your laptop. If there are several similar laptop models, then it is better to give preference to models with long battery life.
Please note that the battery wears out over time and after 2-3 years the battery life may be halved.
23. Network technologies
Ethernet – network card with RJ45 connector for connecting to cable Internet or local network. Found in most modern laptops, but may not be found in some ultrabooks and netbooks. But this is not critical, since now laptops connect to the Internet when Wi-Fi assistance. If you still plan to connect your laptop to the Internet with a cable, then a network card with a speed of 100 Mbit/s will be sufficient. But if you plan to exchange huge amounts of data between computers on a local network (10 GB at a time), then it is better that the laptop has network card with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbit/s.
Wi-Fi wireless adapter to connect to the Internet or local network. Available in all laptops and has several standards. A modern laptop must support the 802.11ac or 802.11n standard, which provide the required data transfer speed.
Bluetooth – wireless adapter for exchanging files with mobile phones and connections wireless headsets. Available in most, but not all laptop models. In principle, its presence is not mandatory, since this technology is outdated and rarely used.
3G – wireless adapter for connecting to mobile data networks. Available only in some, mostly compact, laptop models. 3G Internet is much slower than cable and Wi-Fi connections, but much faster than 2G (GPRS and EDGE) offered by operators mobile communications. 3G today is the only option that can provide acceptable Internet speed in the absence of other connection options. Therefore, if you need to always have access to the Internet, then this is the option for you. But keep in mind that the 3G adapter must support the required communication standard. Therefore, first decide which operator you will connect to, what coverage and tariffs it has, and what data transfer standard it supports. In addition, laptops with a 3G modem are much more expensive. Therefore, it is often more advisable to purchase a 3G modem or mobile wifi the router from the operator to which you will connect. It will be more reliable and functional, since you can connect this device not only to one laptop, but also to another computer, tablet or smartphone.
There are other network technologies, such as 4G (LTE), that are already working in Russian-speaking countries and may be in demand.
24. TV tuner
Some laptop models have a built-in TV tuner, allowing you to watch TV channels wherever you are. Moreover, there are quite affordable models that are also suitable for games. If you can't live without a TV, then this is the option for you.
- Power – connector for connecting a charger, can be round or rectangular.
- USB is a connector for connecting a wide range of different devices: mouse, flash drive, modem, printer, etc. A modern laptop should have 3-4 such connectors. But they happen different versions– USB2 and USB3. USB3 connectors are faster and it is desirable that the laptop have such connectors. This will allow you to copy large amounts of data much faster to a flash drive or external drive with a similar connector.
- VGA – connector for connecting monitors and projectors. Already rare on laptops and, in principle, there is no need for it, since modern devices connected via HDMI.
- HDMI – connector for connecting to modern TV or monitor. It should be on any modern laptop, but sometimes it is missing on the cheapest models.
- DisplayPort is an analogue of HDMI for connecting a monitor, but is optional.
- To connect headphones and a microphone, modern laptops may have one combined connector into which you can connect a suitable telephone headset with a microphone or regular headphones with a microphone through a special adapter.
- eSATA is a connector for connecting some models of external drives. There is no particular need for it, since it has been replaced by USB3.
- RJ45 – connector for connecting to cable Internet or local network.
- ExpressCard – slot for installing expansion cards. Happens on business class laptops. You can install a TV tuner in it, sound card, Wi-Fi or 3G adapter. But this is rarely used and such boards are not cheap. And to connect various additional devices Mostly USB connectors are used.
- Kensington lock - designed to connect a special steel cable that protects the laptop from theft. Mainly used in store windows.
Sometimes you can find other connectors, such as Thunderbolt (for Apple devices), FireWire (for video cameras). But in most cases they are not necessary.
In modern laptops, connectors are located mainly on the side edges of the laptop, which is quite convenient. But some models may have connectors on the back, which makes them less convenient to use.
25.1. Dock connector
Some business-oriented laptop models have a connector for connecting a special docking station. It is usually located at the bottom of the laptop.
A docking station is a device with an expanded set of connectors for connection peripheral devices such as: monitor, projector, printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse, etc.
It's incredibly convenient! You can have such a docking station at work or at home. Arriving with a laptop workplace you just put it on the docking station and instantly receive full-fledged computer with a large screen, comfortable keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer and everything else your heart desires. In addition, the docking station can be plugged into a power outlet, thanks to which the laptop will also be charged!
You won't need a desktop computer and won't have to connect a bunch of wires to your laptop, or rather not a single wire, even from a charger! Of course, a good docking station is not cheap, but it is still several times less than the cheapest system unit.
26. Housing material
Most laptop cases are made of plastic, sometimes with metal inserts, which gives the laptop a more solid look and a bit of durability.
Expensive laptops and ultrabooks may have a solid metal case, which looks solid, feels nice to the touch and makes the laptop more durable.
27. Body color
As for color, black laptops look more formal, but at the same time they look cheap. A black-and-silver or black-and-white laptop will look more stylish, and a silver or white one will look more aristocratic.
But if you're tired of boring colors and want something more fun, there are many other colors available. For a guy, a good option would be a laptop in brown, gray, dark blue, for a girl in other colors of the rainbow - red, orange, yellow, green... As they say, all markers have different tastes and colors
28. Laptop models and markings
It is quite difficult to understand what a laptop model number is, so rely on its characteristics specified by the seller. But I will give an approximate principle by which laptops are labeled.
- First comes the name of the manufacturer: HP, DELL, ASUS, etc.
- Then comes the name of the series, which indicates what class the laptop belongs to. For example, HP brand Compaq is a budget series, Pavilion is for home users, Mini is netbooks, ProBook is for the corporate sector, EliteBook is expensive powerful laptops for professionals, Envy is thin and stylish laptops for wealthy people, ZBook is a more modern a series of powerful laptops that replaced the ProBook and EliteBook. Other manufacturers also have many of their own series. But it makes no sense to list them, since this division is quite arbitrary and all series have more and less powerful devices, so be guided only by the characteristics.
- Next comes the alphanumeric marking of the series, which is common to various configurations and determines the model of the case, screen and motherboard. This is something like a base for future laptops.
- Then comes the marking of the specific model, the numbers in which indicate the screen size, memory capacity, hard drive etc., and the letters indicate the manufacturer of the processor (Intel or AMD), video card (nVidia or AMD), availability of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Each manufacturer has its own labeling, so it is difficult to navigate according to it.
- And at the end, the batch number is indicated in parentheses, by which you can find exactly the same model in other stores to compare prices. Only matching batch numbers guarantee that the laptops are exactly the same.
Labeling of laptops different manufacturers varies and is quite complex, so I don't focus on it. You can download examples of decoding of popular laptop models at the end of the article in the “” section.
29. Equipment
Sometimes, in the package with a laptop, the manufacturer or seller reports something useful. This could be a bag or a wireless mouse. Thanks to this, you can save $25-50. Of course, you shouldn’t focus on this first. But still, if there are several similar models with and without a gift, then why not take advantage of it?
30. Operating system
A laptop may have a pre-installed Windows 7, 8, Linux operating system or be sold without an operating system (DOS).
The most popular and in demand, of course, are operating rooms Windows systems and the higher the version, the better. But this also affects the cost of the laptop. The advantage is that the system will be licensed and correctly installed, with all the necessary drivers. But, if you are not afraid of difficulties, then you can buy a laptop without Windows and set everything up yourself.
As for the Linux operating system, this often means free system without a graphical interface (like DOS), which you are unlikely to use and will still have to install Windows. But there are also exceptions. For example, some HP laptops had paid version Linux SUSE, which is a fast and reliable operating system with all the necessary drivers and programs with a beautiful graphical interface. This system is convenient to use, it is not buggy and is not afraid of viruses, but it excludes the installation of games for Windows. However, Linux has plenty of simple toys for creative people. By the way, you can install a fairly good free Linux-based operating system on your laptop - Ubuntu, which will differ in the specified features.
There are also so-called Chromebooks - laptops with an operating system Chrome system OS (from Google). These are rather weak devices, very different in operating principle from a classic laptop. The Chromebook requires the Internet to operate, since all programs and calculations are performed on the server side. The advantages of a Chromebook include high reliability, not susceptible to failures and viruses, automatic update software, securely storing files on the Internet and accessing them from any other computer, not high price. Disadvantages – you need the Internet to work, you cannot install programs and games for Windows.
On transformers with a removable keyboard, an operating system can be installed Android system. It's not great for work or school, but it's much more fun than Windows in terms of entertainment features. There are many interesting and creative games available on Android. Playing on a transformer with Windows is still sado-maso, and the toys will only work for ten years ago.
Apple laptops (MacBooks) have an operating system Mac system OS X, which is ideal in terms of reliability, functionality and convenience. Mac OS X has everything necessary programs, even professional ones, but you won’t be able to play games for Windows.
31. Setting up filters in an online store
- Go to the "Laptops" section on the seller's website.
- Select recommended manufacturers.
- Screen diagonal, matrix type and coating.
- Processor manufacturer (Intel or AMD).
- Series of suitable processors (Core i3, i5, i7...).
- Volume random access memory(recommended from 4 GB).
- Type of drive (HDD or SSD) and its capacity.
- Type of video card (discrete or integrated).
- Video card manufacturer (nVidia or AMD).
- Availability of an optical drive.
- Support for network technologies.
- What connectors are needed?
- Webcam quality.
- Other parameters that are important to you.
- View items starting with the cheapest ones.
- Buy the design you like.
Do not overdo it with filters, as you can weed out successful models. Set only the most important parameters. Thus, you will receive the best price/quality ratio laptop that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
32. Links
Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL00GWRK)
Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 320-17IKB (80XM000MRK)
Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15IKB (80XL01GVRK)
A little more than 40 years have passed since the appearance of the first portable computer. During this time, this technology has become a very integral part of our lives, and a potential buyer’s eyes are simply dazzled by the numerous modifications and brands of various mobile devices. Laptop, netbook, ultrabook - what to choose? Let's try to answer this question by comparing two types of modern portable computers - a laptop and an ultrabook.
Throughout the entire existence of portable computers, there has been a struggle between two trends among the developers of this technology. On the one hand, there is a desire to bring a laptop computer as close as possible to a desktop PC in terms of hardware and capabilities. It is opposed by the desire to achieve the greatest possible mobility of a portable device, even if its capabilities are not so wide. This confrontation led to the appearance on the market, along with classic laptops, of portable devices such as ultrabooks. Let's take a closer look at the differences between them.
Difference 1: Form Factor
When comparing the form factor of a laptop and an ultrabook, you first need to focus on parameters such as size, thickness and weight. The desire to maximize the power and capabilities of laptops has led to the fact that they began to acquire increasingly impressive sizes. Models have appeared with a screen diagonal of 17 inches and larger. Accordingly, placement of the hard drive, optical drive, battery, and interfaces for connecting other devices requires a lot of space and also affects the size and weight of the laptop. On average, the thickness of the most popular laptop models is 4 cm, and the weight of some of them can exceed 5 kg.
When considering the ultrabook form factor, it is necessary to pay a little attention to the background of its origin. It all started with the fact that in 2008, Apple released its ultra-thin portable computer MacBook Air, which created a lot of noise among specialists and the general public. Their main competitor in the market, Intel, tasked its developers with creating a worthy alternative to this model. At the same time, standards for such equipment were defined:
- Weight - less than 3 kg;
- Screen diagonal – no more than 13.5 inches;
- Thickness: Less than 1 inch.
Intel has also registered a trademark for such products - ultrabook.
Thus, an ultrabook is an ultra-thin laptop from Intel. In its form factor, everything is aimed at achieving maximum compactness, but at the same time remaining a fairly powerful and user-friendly device. Accordingly, its weight and size compared to a laptop are significantly lower. Visually it looks like this: 
For currently produced models, the screen diagonal can range from 11 to 14 inches, and the thickness on average does not exceed 2 centimeters. The weight of ultrabooks usually fluctuates around one and a half kilograms.
Difference 2: Hardware
Differences in the concept of devices determine the difference in hardware between a laptop and an ultrabook. To achieve the device parameters specified by the company, the developers had to solve the following problems:
The list of hardware differences doesn't end there. Ultrabooks lack a CD drive, an Ethernet controller, and some other interfaces. The number of USB ports has been reduced. There may be only one or two.
For a laptop this set is much richer.
When buying an ultrabook, you must also keep in mind that in addition to the battery, very often there is no provision for replacing the processor and RAM. So in many ways this is a one-time device.
Difference 3: Price
Due to the differences listed above, laptops and ultrabooks belong to different price categories. Comparing Hardware devices, we can conclude that the Ultrabook should be more accessible to the general user. However, in reality everything is completely different. Laptops cost on average half as much. This is due to the following factors:
- The use of SSD drives in ultrabooks, which are much more expensive than a regular hard drive;
- The ultrabook case is made of high-strength aluminum, which also affects the price;
- Using more expensive cooling technologies.
An important component of the price is the image factor. A more stylish and elegant ultrabook can harmoniously complement the image of a modern business person.
To summarize, we can conclude that modern laptops are increasingly replacing desktop PCs. There are even products called desktops, which are practically not used as portable devices. Ultrabooks are increasingly occupying this niche. These differences do not mean that one type of device is preferable to another. Which one is more suitable for the consumer must be decided by each buyer individually, based on their needs.
Every major manufacturing company wants to release some new product to the market. And if this doesn’t work out, then they try to at least offer customers a modified version of an existing item.
This happens with many products: cars, mobile phones, cosmetics, drinks and others. Laptops are not left out. It’s difficult to understand all these names if you’re not used to them. In this material we will talk about the three most popular classes of these devices. We will also answer the question: netbooks, ultrabooks and laptops - what is the difference between them?
The differences between these three classes are numerous, but not very significant. The oldest term of the three is laptop. Its diagonal is usually in the range of 15-17 inches. Some also include 14-inch models in this category, but this is a moot point - most devices of this size are more likely to be ultrabooks. But let's return to laptops for now. Almost all of them can serve as a replacement for a desktop computer: good characteristics, sufficient screen diagonal, disk drive, full-size keyboard, and so on. An example is Toshiba laptops - the company has released many models that fit the above definition. Despite their portability, not all laptops are designed to be carried from place to place on a regular basis. Devices with a 17-inch diagonal are most often used in the same place - in the office or at home.
The netbook is an example of how performance has been sidelined in favor of portability. This category includes devices with a diagonal of 10-12 inches, low power, light weight and long battery life. Initially, netbooks were characterized by a low price, but nowadays there are also models with a very high price tag. This is due to the fact that manufacturers have begun to produce productive netbooks that can compete with good desktop computers in terms of characteristics.
It’s easy to identify an ultrabook on store shelves. Choose the thinnest and lightest of all - this will be it. The term “ultrabook” is young - it came into widespread use only in 2011. It was introduced into distribution by Intel, which presented the first models of such computers. As already mentioned, the ultrabook is distinguished by its small thickness and light weight. In addition, they boast high performance and a representative appearance. Unfortunately, the price of ultrabooks is currently very high - you have to pay for compactness and style.
So, let's summarize. All ultrabooks and netbooks are laptops, but not vice versa. You see in front of you a thin and powerful executive-class device - this is an ultrabook. A small and inexpensive computer made of beautiful plastic? So this is a netbook. In other cases, this is a classic laptop. Which of these classes to choose depends on your needs and desires.
There is one feature that unites manufacturers of absolutely all goods: the desire to constantly release something new to the market. Such goals are pursued by car manufacturing companies, household appliances, clothes and even manicure accessories. It is not surprising that computer equipment manufacturers also desire diversity. Until recently, laptops held the palm among portable computer devices. But today the market is filled with other, more portable devices. Ultrabooks and netbooks fall into this category of products. Are these types of technology really different or do all the differences concern only the name? This review will explain in as much detail as possible how a netbook differs from an ultrabook. So let's get started.
General differences between the three members of the laptop family
By and large, a netbook and ultrabook are a type of well-known laptop. These portable computers were created so that a person would not be tied to one place and could work almost anywhere. Over time, manufacturers realized that laptop mobility was far from ideal, so they decided to release new devices. The first of these devices was the netbook. This gadget gained widespread popularity around 2008. Three years later, ultrabooks entered the wider market. Let's try to analyze the differences between a laptop and a netbook and ultrabook based on specific parameters.
- Size- the main distinguishing feature of laptops from their younger brothers. At first, these devices were created relatively compact. In particular, their average width was 360–385 mm, depth - 240–270 mm, and thickness - 20–30 mm. The emphasis on compactness is understandable, since laptops were designed to replace desktop computers. But over time, in order to compete, they began to be equipped with more powerful hardware, larger monitors, a more efficient cooling system, and larger batteries. Naturally, all this was reflected in the dimensions and weight of the products. And when the class of gaming laptops appeared, these devices completely turned into stationary PCs, which only look like portable devices. In a word, laptops have moved away from the standards in terms of dimensions. However, ultrabooks and netbooks always have a certain size and weight. Deviations from standards will mean a transition to another device class, so developers carefully monitor what they release.
- Display. The monitor of laptops is definitely larger than that of newer gadgets. Initially, its dimensions were 15 inches, but today the dimensions of this element have exceeded the 17-inch mark. This step is also driven by the desire to turn portable devices into stationary ones (in terms of capabilities). Laptops are no longer purely work devices. Users began to often install games on them, and to get full gaming pleasure, they need not only a clear, but also a dimensional picture. Netbooks are focused only on work and Internet entertainment (surfing web pages, watching online videos, etc.). Therefore, their displays are always compact. Ultrabook screens are a kind of golden mean between the two devices. In terms of picture quality, they are not inferior to the monitors of their older brothers, but the latest computer devices are still less suitable for games.
- Technical stuffing. Considering the constant competition with desktop PCs, it is not difficult to guess that in terms of hardware, laptops are the clear leaders. Ultrabooks are considered less powerful, and netbooks are equipped with the least productive components.
- Autonomy. At the dawn of their development, laptops had solid battery life. But the same pursuit of expanded functionality has noticeably reduced the duration of work offline. Today, the very first portable devices are discharged in 3-5 hours with minimal load. Running games completely drains the battery within an hour and a half. Since ultra- and netbooks have a slightly different focus, their battery life is much higher. This is due to the presence of a capacitive battery and less power-hungry hardware.
- Ports and connectors. Here, ultrabooks and laptops are almost equal rivals. Netbooks are noticeably behind their counterparts in terms of the number of ports and connectors, but this lag is due to their compactness.
- Wired and wireless networks. Here there is equality among all three “brothers”. The described devices always support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The latest models even support modern communication standards (for example, 3G).
Dimensional differences between netbooks and ultrabooks
Compactness is the main advantage of netbooks. The exact dimensions of such devices may vary, but the average values are as follows:
- width - 245–260 mm;
- depth - 170–185 mm;
- thickness - 24–30 mm.
Ultrabooks have large dimensions:
- their width varies around 300 mm;
- depth can reach 230 mm;
- but the thickness is always minimal - up to 20 mm.
The thinness of such devices has a good effect on their weight. As a rule, the weight of ultrabooks fluctuates around 2 kg.
Netbook and Ultrabook Displays
Screen size is another significant difference between a netbook and an ultrabook. Gadgets with the prefix “no” are usually equipped with 10-12-inch screens. It is not difficult to guess that the resolution on such displays is low. Modern models provide quality equal to 1024x600 pixels. Such a small resolution quite often causes inconvenience (for example, the user cannot expand certain applications to full screen). Although some problems are corrected by additional utilities.
As for ultrabooks, the average dimensions of their monitors are 13–17 inches (almost full-fledged laptops). Modern expensive models are often equipped with protective and anti-reflective coatings. The resolution of such screens can reach 1920x1080 pixels. The only drawback of ultrabook monitors is their high susceptibility to deformation (explained by their small thickness). Therefore, extreme caution should be used during operation.
Interface of netbooks and ultrabooks
It was already mentioned above that due to their miniature size, the number of connectors on netbooks is limited. As a rule, such devices are equipped with:
- USB 2.0 output;
- USB 3.0 port;
- micro HDMI output;
- socket for wired internet.
- USB Type-A;
- USB Type-C;
- full HDMI output.
Technical content of netbooks and ultrabooks
Productivity is not the best strong point netbooks. As a rule, they are equipped with weak processors (for example, Intel Atom or AMD Brazos). The amount of RAM is usually 2–4 GB. Of course, there are more powerful configurations, but such models are not cheap. The graphics are handled by mediocre integrated boards (often from Intel). Both full-fledged hard drives and solid-state drives are used to store data. However, the volume of both components is also far from ideal (maximum 500 GB).
As for ultrabooks, in terms of performance they are considered full-fledged competitors of some classic laptops. Modern models may have such equipment.
- CPU can be either dual or quad core. Often, when creating such devices, Intel Core chips (5th or 6th generation) are used.
- Video card. As a rule, video cards of many models are inferior in power to discrete types of cards installed on laptops. However, there are also devices equipped with powerful boards (for example, Intel iris Graphics 550). To make it clearer, the specified video card is almost identical to the NVIDIA GeForce 940M.
- RAM. There may also be solid indicators here. Most often, high-quality models have 8 GB of RAM on board.
- Memory for storing data. As a rule, engineers prefer solid-state drives. The most common memory size is 500 GB. Expensive models can even have a capacity of 1 TB.
Autonomy of netbooks and ultrabooks
In terms of autonomy, both gadgets can be considered equivalent. With optimal screen brightness, netbooks and ultrabooks will provide up to 13 hours of web surfing and work in office applications. Particularly useful stand-alone device it is considered a netbook. By and large, such gadgets were created so that a person could easily perform work tasks while being away from a network source.
Price of netbook and ultrabook
The cost of the described devices, of course, may vary. However, ultrabooks have greater functionality, which means they cost much more. In particular, the price of netbooks in Russia can range from 6,000 to 40,000 rubles. But for a good ultrabook you will need to pay 100–150 thousand rubles ( best models and even cost more than the indicated amount).
So we have looked at the main differences between an ultrabook and a netbook. As you can see, both of these gadgets are good in their own way. What is better to buy: a netbook or an ultrabook? The answer to this question directly depends on the future purpose of use. If you only need a work device, give preference to a netbook. If you want a compact and lightweight laptop computer, Ultrabooks are what you need. In any case, they will perform the tasks that these devices are designed for properly.
For more information about the main differences between a laptop, netbook and ultrabook, see the video below:
