How to choose an ultrabook: a complete guide. What is it - an ultrabook, a review of the best and modern ones How does an ultrabook differ from a laptop

The ultrabooks collected in the catalog are productive laptops that have an attractive design and compact body. As a rule, ultrabooks are purchased by users who need equipment for work or study. The main characteristics of the equipment: compact dimensions - the case thickness does not exceed 20 mm, and the screen diagonal is 15 inches; powerful processor, capacious battery and large volume RAM; high resolution screen. Such a device is convenient to use and transport, because the ultrabook is small in size and minimal in weight.

Product range

The series of these laptops is classified according to the type of operating system used into Windows and Mac OS models. The second category includes exclusively the line of MacBook ultrabooks popular in Russia from Apple.

In addition, the devices are equipped with an integrated or discrete video system. This parameter is a determining factor in the cost of an ultrabook; the price of equipment with discrete solutions is higher. There are few such devices on the market; the compact dimensions of the case complicate the placement of a full-fledged video card. But these models work with complex graphics, allow you to edit high-quality videos and play modern games. computer games. Laptop models are equipped with a wide range of additional options such as a built-in 3G modem, NFC chip, moisture-resistant keyboard, fingerprint scanner, shock-resistant case.

How to choose the optimal ultrabook

First of all, pay attention to the screen size and resolution. The screen diagonal of such laptops ranges from 10 to 14 inches. Large screens are important for multimedia-oriented laptops. But it is worth remembering that the size of the display determines the dimensions of the entire laptop. Models with Full HD resolution have gained popularity. Less popular are more expensive models with higher resolutions. If you plan to work with graphic editors, then it is better to buy an ultrabook with a diagonal of 14 inches and a higher resolution. But for everyday tasks Full HD is enough.

Pay attention to the processor. Models with processors are popular Intel series Core i7. Such chips are characterized by high performance and an acceptable degree of heating. At peak loads, Intel chips usually heat up no higher than +35 °C.

In today's world of universal computer literacy, almost every user computer equipment tries to purchase a device that is as mobile as possible in order to be able to use it anywhere. This could be a cafe, a train carriage, a car interior or a hotel room. If you travel often or work a lot not in the office, but in various public places, then which gadget is best suited for such situations? Many users have come to the conclusion that such a device could be an ultrabook.

What is an ultrabook?

Now let's figure out what an ultrabook is. Despite such an interesting name, it is still a gadget that has certain technical characteristics. What parameters distinguish an ultrabook from an ordinary laptop? The prefix “ultra” at the beginning of the word means that this gadget is the thinnest and lightest in the entire collection modern computers. If you pay attention to the history of the appearance of this type of device, it will be interesting to note that the first ultrabook was created by Apple in 2008. Other manufacturers liked this concept of laptops, and over the next few years, computers of this class began to appear from other companies. Speaking about pricing policy, the expression “inexpensive ultrabook” is not entirely appropriate, since the cost of such models is quite high. Another feature of this class of computers is that it uses only processors Intel. Since it was this brand that patented this name. What does an ultrabook look like? You can get a first idea about it from the photo below.

What types of ultrabooks are there?

Ultrabooks, like all computers, can be divided into several categories. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Let's look at each of these categories as they appear on the computer market.

The first ultrabooks, except for their weight and size, were practically no different from laptops.
Touch ultrabooks appeared a little later and were a logical continuation of the development of computer technology.
Transformable ultrabooks are the latest modernization of this class of computers.

Each of these categories has its own subcategories, especially for transformable ultrabooks. However, lately, buyers on the market have been trying to find a high-quality, inexpensive ultrabook. Therefore, gadget manufacturers are trying to pay attention to these types of computers.

The simplest ultrabook models

If we talk about such a category of gadgets as an inexpensive ultrabook, then it is worth noting that it usually includes computers whose technical characteristics are reminiscent of the first Apple gadgets. Of course, some of their parameters have changed in almost ten years, but functionally they are a copy of their ancestor. An example of such a gadget is the Asus S46CM ultrabook.

If we consider the technical characteristics of this computer, it is worth noting the following:

Matrix with a diagonal of 14 inches.
3517U.
Winchester 750 GB + 24 GB SSD.
RAM 4 GB.
GeForce® GT 635M discrete graphics card.

Of course, judging by consumer reviews, this fairly powerful gaming ultrabook can be used for both work and entertainment.

Touch ultrabooks

The next stage in the development of gadgets of this class was the touchscreen ultrabook. What is the main difference between these computers? Main feature, judging by the name, became touch screen, which allows the user to control this device using the monitor screen. A bright representative This class of gadgets is the ASUS VivoBook S550CA ultrabook. Let's compare it with the previous model from the same manufacturer and see if there are any differences in technical specifications.

Matrix with a diagonal of 15.6 inches.
Intel Core i7 3517U processor.
operating room Windows system 8 (64 bit).
Winchester 750 GB + 24 GB SSD.
RAM 4 GB.
Intel HD Graphics 4000.

Below is a photo of this ultrabook.

Judging by its technical characteristics, we can determine that this is an inexpensive ultrabook for work. Consumers note that it is very suitable for both the office and business trips. But such a computer is unlikely to be suitable for fans of modern games, since it has a built-in video card, which will clearly not be enough power for heavy gaming applications. But for browsing the Internet its speed will be quite enough.

Of course, as users note, the main advantage of this gadget is the presence of a touch screen, since in modern times most users are accustomed to this kind of screen on their smartphones and tablets, so using the same method of working on a computer will give them more confidence and comfort.

Transformable ultrabook

Now let's pay attention to the last category for today's evolutionary development of gadgets of this type - an ultrabook-transformer, inexpensive for its price, but nevertheless corresponding to the technical characteristics of this class of computers. The main feature of this gadget is the ability to rotate the screen in almost all directions. And some models even have the ability to detach it from the ultrabook case. And thus the computer can easily turn into a tablet. Let's choose one of the representatives of this category of ultrabooks, for example. The appearance of this gadget is presented to your attention in the photo below.

Let's look at the parameters of this ultrabook and see in what areas it can then be used.

Matrix with a diagonal of 13.3 inches.
Operating system Windows 8 (64 bit).
Winchester 128 (SSD).
RAM 4 GB.
Integrated graphics card 4000.

What conclusion can be drawn by considering the parameters of this computer? Users note that, on the one hand, this is an inexpensive ultrabook with fairly high technical characteristics, but on the other, the lack of a discrete video card makes it unsuitable for modern powerful gaming programs. But most often this is not expected from this class of computer. For the most part, it should be a reliable workhorse that will allow its owner to work on an ultrabook anywhere, especially without being constrained by its weight and size.

Where to start choosing an ultrabook?

So, having considered various types ultrabooks, we begin to choose the gadget that we need. Where should you start choosing? Every buyer faces two questions to which he needs to give an honest answer.

The purpose for which an ultrabook is purchased.
Maximum budget for this purchase.

By answering these questions, the buyer can significantly narrow the range of computers from which he will have to choose. Let's look at several possible answers.

So, you decide that you need an ultrabook for business trips and office work. You will need to spend a lot of time on the Internet, but you do not plan to play computer games. At the same time, you allocate a fairly modest budget for this purchase. Now let's look at an ultrabook whose characteristics will suit you. To perform such functions, a computer with a fairly modest processor such as an Intel Core i5 or even an Intel Core i3 is suitable; we will make do with an on-board video card and a small RAM of about 4 GB. An ultrabook with such parameters will easily cope with the assigned tasks and will not cost the buyer very much.

But if you plan to work with heavy computer programs or play modern games, then you will have to use a more powerful processor such as Intel Core i7 and always a discrete video card, while it would be advisable to increase the RAM to 8 or even 16 GB.

And of course, when choosing between models, it is advisable to choose an inexpensive ultrabook (2016) so that it meets the latest software requirements.

Inexpensive ultrabook

Having decided on technical characteristics computer, let's figure out what will help the buyer minimize the budget for the purchase of this device. First of all, you should pay attention to the brand that produces ultrabooks. A review of the models presented on the modern market will help you make the right choice. The most expensive gadgets are Apple computers. Therefore, if you need an inexpensive ultrabook (2016), then you should choose another brand. Among cheaper gadgets, you should pay attention to computers from Lenovo or Acer.

In addition, the presence and quality of the touch screen significantly affects the price. Computers with a regular, non-touch matrix are much cheaper than touch gadgets. Next, you should pay attention to the screen resolution and its viewing angles. The better the matrix, the more expensive the ultrabook will be.

The next factor that can affect the cost of a computer is the material from which it is made. Ultrabooks with aluminum body will cost more than gadgets whose body is made of high-quality plastic.

Where is the best place to buy an ultrabook in Moscow?

Of course, most often they try to make such a purchase in the city of residence. But some buyers have noticed that it is best to buy inexpensive ultrabooks in Moscow. On what basis do they make such conclusions? On the one hand, product manufacturers are trying to send better quality goods to the capital’s retail chain. And besides this, it is easier for metropolitan stores to negotiate the supply of goods with quality wholesalers. Also, Moscow retail outlets usually have a fairly large turnover, which makes them profitable clients, and therefore they can receive larger discounts. This means that you can buy an inexpensive but good ultrabook in Moscow in such stores.

Therefore, if you do not live in the capital, but sometimes you still come here to visit friends or go on a business trip for work, then believe me, purchasing a gadget here will be much easier and more profitable.

When choosing a store where you are going to make a purchase, pay attention to its profile. Try to buy similar equipment in places that specialize in selling computer equipment and try to take care of their reputation and maintain it.

Reading reviews about ultrabooks

How is this information useful? By reading such revelations, you can usually find out a lot of more detailed information about a particular model. Often, users provide such reviews, drawing attention to the positive or negative aspects of the model you have chosen, which manufacturers do not advertise for one reason or another. In addition, such revelations are usually located on forums, so each visitor can ask a question that interests him and receive an answer from several users at once, which will ensure the veracity of the information.

Thus, reading such reviews can influence the decision to purchase a particular ultrabook.

Let's go buy an ultrabook

So, having weighed all the pros and cons, evaluating the reviews of the owners of the computer equipment you liked, you have decided to purchase one or another model. And the most pleasant moment comes - it’s time to buy. A little earlier we already talked about choosing a retail outlet where you should buy a gadget. But in modern world It has become quite fashionable to make purchases in online stores without leaving home.

But such purchases have their advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing a product in a real store, the buyer, before transferring money to the seller, can check his ultrabook for performance and compliance with the stated parameters. And in an online store, consumers are often required to pay 100% in advance. And the client may receive something completely different from what he ordered. Therefore, many buyers agree to purchase only from those online stores that provide the opportunity to pay for the product after receiving it.

It is also worth considering that many retail outlets provide various discounts and promotions, which allows the buyer to save money when purchasing goods. You can also reduce the cost of the gadget on delivery, if it is free, or if the online store is located in close proximity, you can use pickup.

10 - DELL XPS 13 Ultrabook
9 - Acer SWIFT 7
8 - HP Envy 13
7 - Microsoft Surface Laptop
6 - Razer Blade Stealth 13.3
5 - Asus ZenBook Flip S
4 - Lenovo Yoga 920
3 - Apple MacBook Pro 13 Mid 2018
2 - Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3" 2018
1 - Huawei MateBook X Pro

Just a few years ago, when heavy models with large screens ruled the laptop market, no one could have imagined that thin, light, compact laptops would soon be in trend. At the same time, owners of such babies do not have to sacrifice power and performance. This rating contains just such devices that, in terms of performance, will leave even the most famous flagships behind. Find the best ultrabook of 2019 for yourself!

8.2 Evaluation

Slim body
Full set of connectors and slots
Ultra high resolution
Possibility of upgrading and replacing some parts

Long charging time
Lack of discrete graphics card
Small stock of ROM

The top ten opens with a model from the most famous manufacturer of equipment for offices and small businesses. True, this gadget is not at all a faceless laptop for work! It is based on a whole galaxy of processors, ranging from the modest Intel Core i5-2467M to the Core i7-3667U. Everyone can choose the power according to their needs!

The keyboard seems to be created for intensive use: there is a quiet scissor mechanism that does not irritate with extraneous clicking, several levels of backlighting with easy setup. And the touchpad responds instantly - everything you need for creating reports or corporate correspondence.

The maximum configuration successfully copes not only with work tasks: here you can watch movies, edit photos, and play games. And the reason for this is the built-in Intel Graphics 620 video card and IPS screen with high resolution and high-quality color rendition. True, the amount of memory for multimedia is not the largest, only 256 GB. But with the current expansion capabilities, this will not be a problem.

What about autonomy? Although such an office-home device is not designed for use outside the home, the battery is still sufficient for this. 42 Wh provides up to 6 hours of web browsing when away from a power outlet.

8.1 Evaluation

Stylish appearance
Screen with touch
Possibility of replacing the SSD drive
Long operating time without recharging
Large touchpad

Only two USB connectors
Lack of memory expansion slot
No keyboard backlight

When an ultrabook is only expected to perform work and simple everyday tasks, you should pay attention to the Acer SWIFT 7. It has everything you need for comfortable use. The screen with FullHD resolution allows you to comfortably surf the Internet or watch videos on YouTube. The speakers provide surround, almost three-dimensional sound according to the Dolby standard.

Do you want to take a break from your favorite series and start a game? Although the built-in Intel HD Graphics 615 graphics card and Intel Core i5 processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz will not allow you to run the most modern games at ultra-high settings, you can complete a couple of levels in the most popular toys.

Despite such modest capabilities, the gadget has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

This volume is quite enough to store photos and favorite music tracks. Well, if not, you can always remove the bottom cover and replace the hard drive with a more capacious one.

SWIFT 7 can be an ideal way to surprise friends and acquaintances, because the appearance of the device makes the gadget stand out among its faceless analogues. The black-gold or black-silver case is striking not only in color, but also in thickness: this model rightly receives the title of the thinnest, because the height of the ultrabook is less than 1 cm.

8.4 Evaluation

Housing made of reliable materials
Availability of a fingerprint scanner
Modern processor
Speaker placement
High screen resolution
Long autonomy

Excessive body heating
Sparing selection of interfaces and connectors

A gadget from HP couldn’t help but be included in the ranking of the best ultrabooks of 2019. The Envy 13 model, which combines high performance and reasonable cost, was in the TOP. The most minimal configuration costs just over 50 thousand rubles and this is the lowest price among the heroes of this comparison.

However, is it worth choosing the modest version? At maximum, the device will delight you with two video cards that can handle medium and even high game settings. In addition, there is an eighth generation Intel Core i7 on board. Two Kaby Lake cores allow you to optimize power consumption, because in a quiet state they operate at a frequency of no more than 2.7 GHz.

This power will last for several years.

In an ultrabook with similar capabilities, autonomy may be a concern. But here all worries are in vain - lithium ion battery 42 Wh will allow you to work away from the mains for at least 7 hours. And this is at high screen brightness!

The new HP has been improved not only inside, but also outside. The case boasts a somewhat futuristic design, and an updated logo is found on the metal lid. With such a device you can demonstrate to the whole world that you follow trends.

8.3 Evaluation

Use of quality materials in the case
Suede work surface
Four body colors to choose from
Rich color rendering
Auto face recognition function
Solid State Drive SSD
Excellent battery life

Few interfaces on the side ends
High price of some configurations

Every laptop manufacturer strives to stand out from the crowd. Some introduce the latest sound technologies, others use a premium processor. Well, Microsoft decided to combine all the developments to the maximum and create an almost perfect ultrabook.

It all started with the design, when engineers used a combination of durable metal and soft suede - Alcantara. There are no complaints about build quality or durability, and the coating of the working surface ensures the comfort of your hands when typing and always a comfortable temperature (even if the laptop heats up under load).

The thoughtfulness is also noticeable in multimedia - the resolution of the IPS screen is high, the color rendering quality is at 95% sRGB, and the two speakers sound extremely balanced.

A large number of configurations allows you to choose the power you like. With the maximum version, you can even think about installing the heaviest software. Moreover, the amount of RAM allows this - almost 16 GB are allocated for programs.

8.4 Evaluation

Compact dimensions
High screen resolution
Large brightness reserve
High-quality color rendition
Good placement of speakers
Modern processor
75% increased productivity

Weak video card
Little autonomy

When compiling a rating of ultrabooks 2019 with prices, you cannot ignore the gaming device - Razer Blade Stealth 13.3. However, it cannot be called a gaming device in the traditional sense: there is neither an aggressive design nor a special keyboard with multi-backlighting and several key zones. But in games and performance it is in no way inferior.

The latest Intel is designed for economical power consumption, so it supports gradual core acceleration technology.

The four existing cores can only be overclocked to 4.0 GHz when necessary to prevent excessive heating of the case.

The built-in Intel HD Graphics 620 card is responsible for graphics processing, but if desired, it can be easily replaced with a more powerful one. A game or just an image is displayed on a high-quality IGZO screen with QHD+ resolution and 100% sRGB color reproduction.

The sound did not disappoint either - the built-in speakers on the sides of the keyboard provide volume and clarity of sound. and balanced frequencies do not even require adjustment through an equalizer.

8.0 Rating

Stylish metal body
Excellent performance
Instant transformation into a tablet
Clear, spacious sound
Rich set with case
Affordable price

Low PPI value
Built-in stock video camera
Poor autonomy under load

The top five is opened by a device from Asus. The fact that this is not an ordinary device, but a powerful laptop, a real assistant in work and creativity, is felt already at the moment of unpacking.

There is also a nice envelope case - apparently, Asus is designed for travel and use not only at home.

And again the manufacturer amazes with the number and configuration options! The ultrabook is based on Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 with two or four cores. The minimum performance will only be enough for office applications, web surfing or communication on social networks, but the cost of such a modification will be relatively low. But with the maximum version, the possibilities open up almost limitless.

Nominal clock frequency can increase up to 3.1 GHz, allowing the cores to process data from four threads at once. There is a built-in video card with a frequency of 300 to 1000 MHz, which is capable of running games at medium settings. And especially for storing all photos, videos, games there is a modern solid state drive for 256, 512 or 1024 GB.

8.4 Evaluation

Stylish metal body
Comfortable large keyboard
Powerful battery for the whole day
Fast SSD storage
Wide range of models
Fingerprint scanner

Low screen brightness outdoors
Inflated processor TT indicators
Unfinished sound
Fixed RAM cards

An ideal laptop, a true work assistant and travel and entertainment companion, should be multifunctional. Lenovo developers managed to put all the top technologies into the flexible body of the Yoga 920 model, so that you don’t want to part with this top-end ultrabook even for a minute.

The new product has a touch screen: owners of minimal configurations will have to buy a stylus separately or work without it, and those who choose a more expensive version will receive the accessory included.

The display does not show the best color reproduction (only 72% sRGB) and not the best pixel density (about 158 ppi), so this device only gets fourth place in the ranking.

But the performance does not cause any complaints - in quad core processor The Core i7-8550U only has a clock speed of 1.8 GHz, and in Turbo Boost mode it goes up to 4.0 GHz. It is the Yoga 920 that holds the record for the highest scores in the Benchmark Geekbench 4 testing.

True, the manufacturer skimped on a powerful video card and equipped this gadget with an Intel UHD 620, which will only run old games at medium settings. But even in game mode it will last for four hours.

9.3 Evaluation

Possibility to order a more powerful processor or memory capacity
Long autonomy
Adjusting the white balance on the screen
Improved touchbar

Wide frames around the screen
Lack of ROM expansion slot

Not a single rating of top devices is complete without Apple products. This TOP includes an ultrabook from the Pro line, which is equipped, among other things, with a modern Retina display and an improved touchbar. Now each user will be able to access emoticons, saved numbers or other information at any time using touchpad above the keyboard.

The most successful engineering solutions have not undergone significant changes.

The quality of the picture on the screen is still beyond praise: a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and color rendering at 119% sRGB allows you to use the device as a photo editor or simply for watching videos in high quality. And True Tone technology will adjust the brightness to a specific environment and lighting.

Two speakers are located well - on the sides of the keyboard. The three-dimensional sound effect combined with ample volume reserve turns the new Apple into an indispensable gaming console. The power of the video card also contributes to gaming use: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 can easily cope with high settings.

Why did this model only take third place in the ranking? The user will have to put up with a meager supply of connectors and the lack of options for expanding the ROM.

8.4 Evaluation

Laconic body design
Availability of HDMI connector
Keyboard backlight available
High color quality

Lack of memory card slot

The updated line of Xiaomi ultrabooks is regularly called a direct competitor to Apple, because Chinese brand offers everything the same, but cheaper. And on the familiar Windows instead of the capricious and closed iOS.

This device is capable of working without recharging for as long as 8 hours, and the user will not have to put up with low screen brightness to save battery power. In general, the gadget has:

Great screen, perfect for work and play;
Good sound according to the Dolby standard;
Comfortable keyboard.

And hidden inside is an eighth-generation processor and two video cards - built-in Intel UHD Graphics 620 and discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX150. So you don’t have to refuse to install games.

Mi Notebook Air 13.3 becomes the record holder in this ranking for the speed of writing data to a solid-state SSD: with the update, it was increased from the standard 2133 MHz to a quite decent 2400 MHz, although the disk capacity was only 256 GB. But this is the only drawback that prevented the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 from becoming the best ultrabook.

It is difficult to imagine life without a smartphone or a computer, but neither one nor the other can fully provide the opportunity to be as mobile as possible and work fully in any conditions. Ultrabooks are the golden mean; they are compact and lightweight, provide access to a desktop OS, and are simply a stylish accessory that makes its owner stand out from the crowd. Therefore, we have compiled a small selection of models from different price categories that will help you choose the best ultrabook based on your needs and budget.

Inexpensive ultrabooks

In the segment of inexpensive ultrabooks, we have selected the 3 most successful models that will be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to save money. But don’t even think about looking at junk for 10-15 thousand rubles with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB permanent memory, like the cheapest ultrabooks from Irbis. This technique cannot be called anything other than a “laptop mockup”; it is not intended for comfortable use, unlike the beauties below.

No. 3 - Acer SWIFT 1 (SF113-31)

CPU: Intel Pentium N4200;
Video card: Intel HD Graphics 505;
Battery capacity: 3770 mAh;
Memory: 128 GB permanent (SSD), 4 GB RAM;
Price: from 35 thousand rubles.

Acer Swift 1 can be considered the simplest model that opens the door to the world of decent laptops. It has a thin and light (only 1.3 kg) body made of metal and plastic, good build quality, a comfortable keyboard and touchpad. Swift also boasts a variety of different ports, including standard USB, USB Type-C, HDMI and card reader with mini-jack for headphones.

Almost all reviews about this model are positive, which, among other things, indicates a low quality manufacturing defect. Users note the presence of a fingerprint scanner, good sound quality from the built-in speakers, minimal noise levels during operation (the Swift 1 has completely passive cooling), as well as a pleasant screen for a TN matrix. The performance of this model is very modest, but as a typewriter or a means of consuming multimedia content, it is a normal option.

No. 2 - ASUS X407UA

Screen: 14", TN, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i3 7100U;
Battery capacity: 33 Wh;
Price: from 35 thousand rubles.

One of the best inexpensive ultrabooks in 2018 is the ASUS X407UA. The screen here is also TN, but the matrix is of quite good quality and has an anti-reflective coating, which allows you to work comfortably outdoors. Of course, for working with graphics or photo processing it is better to choose something else, but for working with text and program code this model fits perfectly thanks to its relatively powerful processor and fast SSD drive. In the 256/8 GB configuration, it will be very difficult to find anything else within 35 thousand.

The X407UA's keyboard is comfortable, but the touchpad is mediocre; after using it, you'll most likely quickly switch to a mouse. With ports, things are modest, only 1 USB 2.0 and 3.0. Under load, the laptop does not heat up or make noise; it is also good for its decent battery life and availability fast charging, from 0 to 60% the battery is charged in just 50 minutes. We would also like to note the sound of the built-in speakers, as it is excellent for its price.

#1 - Lenovo Ideapad 330S 14

Processor: Intel Core i3 8130U;
Video card: Intel HD Graphics 620;
Battery capacity: 4510 mAh;
Memory: 128 GB permanent (SSD), 6 GB RAM;
Price: from 35 thousand rubles.

But still, the models above are inferior to the new product from Lenovo called Ideapad 330S 14, which costs the same money. This is a beautiful and comfortable ultrabook weighing 1.67 kg with a nice design, high quality assembly and the ability to tilt the screen 180 degrees. The lid is made of metal, and all other elements of the body are made of plastic, which, however, is difficult to distinguish at first glance. There are many ports: USB 3.0 - 2; USB Type-C is also 2, there is HDMI, but there is no Ethernet port.

The main advantage of the Ideapad 330S 14 over its budget counterparts is the combination IPS display And SSD drive, which is not found anywhere else in this price category. And even though Lenovo has less memory than Asus, the IPS screen is much more important, since you will be looking at the display 100% of the time you use the laptop, while the SD card can be replaced if necessary, and RAM can be added (fortunately, this option is provided). And the processor here is not bad - the latest generation Intel Core i3, capable of satisfying the needs of most users. Owners note the minimum noise level during operation and the absence of overheating, which indicates the high-quality operation of the cooling system as a whole. This is a good, inexpensive laptop that is worth every penny you ask for.

Middle class

This segment includes ultrabooks priced at 40-60 thousand, capable of satisfying almost any need.

No. 3 – Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3″

Screen: 13.3", IPS, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i5 7200U;
Video card: GeForce MX150;
Battery capacity: 8000 mAh;
Memory: 256 GB permanent (SSD), 8 GB RAM;
Price: from 55 thousand rubles.

Even before its release, this model was dubbed a direct competitor to the MacBook, since its appearance opaquely hinted at this, and expectations were largely justified. A comfortable touchpad, excellent build quality and materials, minimalistic design, low weight (1.3 kg) and a high-quality screen - all this can be said about the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 2017. In addition, it boasts a fingerprint scanner, chic speakers and good battery life (up to 7 hours of operation on a single charge). Also, pay attention, Mi Notebook Air can be opened with one hand!

But it is not without its drawbacks: the device makes a lot of noise and gets noticeably hot under heavy load, and you won’t be able to add RAM to it since the RAM modules are soldered to the motherboard. It is also worth noting that there are no official deliveries of Mi Notebook Air to Russia, and most likely you will buy a laptop with Chinese version Windows, which will have to be reinstalled (there are plenty of instructions on how to do this on the Internet), and without Cyrillic on the keyboard.

No. 2 - ASUS Zenbook UX410UF

Screen: 14", IPS, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i5 8250U;
Video card: GeForce MX 130;
Battery capacity: 48 Wh;
Memory: 256 GB permanent (SSD), 8 GB RAM;
Price: from 61 thousand rubles.

The UX410UF, like many ASUS ultrabooks, boasts a lightweight and thin aluminum body. 1.4 kg is a very good indicator for a device made in metal. In addition, the presence of a discrete graphics card allows you to work in graphic editors, edit videos and play most modern games at low graphics settings. There are 4 USB ports, good speakers from Harman&Kardon and a comfortable glass touchpad. Separately, we note the IPS screen with excellent color reproduction and minimal frame thickness.

Among the unobvious advantages, we note the easily disassembled case and the possibility of an upgrade (add RAM or replace the SSD). The actual autonomy of the device, judging by information from the owners, is about 5 hours, which is also a good result for such a compact laptop. Disadvantages - the keyboard, which, although it is backlit, generally does not leave the best impression, and the lack of a fingerprint scanner.

#1 - Acer SWIFT 3

Screen: 14", IPS, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i7 7500U;
Video card: Intel HD Graphics 620;
Battery capacity: 3220 mAh;
Memory: 256 GB permanent (SSD), 8 GB RAM;
Price: from 53 thousand rubles.

The Acer SWIFT 3 ultrabook is made in an all-metal case with a 14-inch screen. He is one of the best options in terms of price/quality ratio, among everything that can now be bought on the domestic market. The thin, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing body is visually captivating, but this baby weighs as much as 1.8 kg. This is due to the presence of a powerful Intel processor Core i7, which requires adequate cooling. There are 5 USB ports, including Type-C for fast charging of the phone, there is a fingerprint scanner and a large touchpad that copes well with gesture controls.

The cooling system, judging by the reviews, makes itself felt with annoying noise extremely rarely; a sufficient amount of RAM allows you to work with several resource-intensive applications at once, however, programs that actively use the resources of the video card are better used on other models. The Acer SWIFT 3 has no serious shortcomings, and the lack of a discrete video adapter, taking into account the price and Core processor i7 does not raise any questions.

Top models

Premium ultrabooks are solutions that suit three types of people:

For those who do not want any compromises and want everything to work perfectly.
For those who have money, but do not have time to understand the features of laptops. It is much easier for such a person to buy one of the most expensive solutions and not bother his head with unnecessary information.
For those who just want a MacBook.

No. 3 - Acer SWIFT 5

Screen: 14", IPS, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i7 8550;
Video card: Intel UHD Graphics 620;
Battery capacity: 4670 mAh;
Memory: 512 GB permanent (SSD), 16 GB RAM;
Price: from 93 thousand rubles.

Despite the impressive characteristics, this model boasts a truly low weight - 0.97 kg, which is achieved due to the body made of magnesium-lithium alloy. Swift 5 is perfect for working with photos and videos; it has a convenient touchpad and a high-quality IPS screen, which is also touch-sensitive. The laptop looks amazing, especially in blue. There is a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint scanner.

Under load, the device operates quietly and practically does not heat up, but this is achieved due to slightly reduced processor frequencies. However, even in this configuration, the Core I7 in conjunction with a fast SSD copes with all tasks, the system and applications work very quickly.

No. 2 - Lenovo THINKPAD X1 Carbon Ultrabook (6th Gen)

Screen: 14", IPS, 2560×1440 px;
Video card: Intel HD Graphics 620;
Battery capacity: 57 Wh;
Memory: 1024 GB permanent (SSD), 16 GB RAM;
Price: from 139 thousand rubles.

The flagship Thinkpad X1 is an ultrabook with 2K resolution and a 1TB SSD, which is impressive in itself. It’s hard to imagine that a device with similar characteristics weighs 1 kg, but in the case of this beauty this is indeed the case; carbon fiber is not mentioned in the name of the model by chance. A top-end processor and SSD ensure maximum performance and instant execution of any operation, and the display with HDR support turns viewing any multimedia content into a real pleasure.

Since the Thinkpad X1 is aimed primarily at businessmen and the corporate segment, it has a very comfortable keyboard that allows you to work with large amounts of text, and a wide range of connection interfaces. Note that there is a curtain on the webcam, which allows you to close it and not worry about privacy. Autonomy is also top level- up to 10 hours on one charge. The X1 has no disadvantages, except for the impressive price.

#1 - Apple MacBook Air 13

Screen: 13.3", TFT IPS, 2560×1600 px;
Processor: Intel Core i5;
Video card: Intel UHD Graphics 617;
Battery capacity: 3 Wh;
Memory: 256 GB permanent (SSD), 8 GB RAM;
Price: from 107 thousand rubles.

MacBook Air- the best ultrabook for work and attracting the gaze of onlookers sitting next to you in a cafe. An ideal touchpad, a comfortable keyboard and a Retina display with 2K resolution make the work process with this device as comfortable as possible. You can do almost everything on a MacBook without even thinking about its performance: video editing, photo editing and much more, excellent software optimization for MacOS does its job. The operating time on one battery charge reaches up to 11 honest hours!

You can argue a lot about operating systems and manufacturers, but it is simply impossible to deny the fact that the MacBook is an iconic laptop. That is why user reviews are divided into positive ones and indignation from haters who have never seen this device in real life. The new Airs also have some disadvantages: a more modest choice of configurations than in the previous generation - you won’t be able to buy a device with a Core i7, and the price has increased by almost 40 thousand rubles.

Top price/quality – Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3″ 2018

Screen: 13.3", IPS, 1920×1080 px;
Processor: Intel Core i7 8550U;
Video card: GeForce MX 150;
Battery capacity: 37 Wh;
Memory: 256 GB permanent (SSD), 8 GB RAM;
Price: from 67 thousand rubles.

And in conclusion, separately from the entire rating, the best ultrabook of 2018 in terms of price/quality ratio. Despite the fact that with its entire appearance, the Mi Notebook Air 2018 declares that it belongs to the business class, it costs about half as much as analogues with similar characteristics. And there is no catch here, it is simply cheaper than its competitors, not inferior to them in almost anything. It has a powerful processor, a discrete graphics card, light weight of 1.29 kg, and a very high-quality screen.