Best Ultrabooks

The latest hot buzzword, "ultrabook" is actually a trademarked Intel marketing term applied to thin laptops that meet certain size and component requirements. Think of it as a a Windows version of a MacBook Air. This is more of a marketing categorization than a real category, but there are enough interesting new systems that fit it for us to break out our favorites.

HP Folio 13 

When it comes to Windows ultrabooks, the HP Folio 13 is the best of the bunch in terms of performance, price, and ergonomics, provided you can live with a less-than-razor-thin design. This laptop is targeted at small businesses but it's really for anyone who wants a reliable ultrabook that isn't a MacBook Air.

HP Envy 14 Spectre

The first big high-design laptop of 2012, the HP Envy 14 Spectre is a bold experiment that largely succeeds, if you're willing to pay a premium for it.

Dell XPS 13

Dell packs a 13-inch display into a very small footprint in the XPS 13 ultrabook, making it one of the few slim laptops that actually top the MacBook Air in some areas.

Toshiba Portege Z835-P330

Another entry in the MacBook Air clone wars, the Toshiba Portege Z835 offers great bang for the buck in some areas, but also looks and feels a bit cheap.