by Pragati Jain, Fiberlink

First smartphones, then tablets…now ultrabooks. The mobile computing space has never been as dynamic and exciting as it is now. Over the course of recent years, mobile computing has improved in such a way that it has almost become a lifestyle.

Ultrabooks are nothing new, and by no means an innovation in mobile computing. They have always been around. Thanks to Apple‘s MacBook Air, the trend has gained considerable momentum. PC manufacturers have always wanted to give slim and high performance devices to the consumer, but Apple laid the foundation.

So what are these ultrabooks?

Ultrabooks can be defined in a few simple words: portable, slim stylish, and fast, with responsive computing interfaces. Like the MacBook Air, the ultrabooks are also powered by Intel low core voltage processors for efficient power consumption and long battery life. However, the two factors that distinguish the MacBook Air from ultrabooks are:

1. Displays. Ultrabooks have a resolution of 1366 x 768 whereas the MacBook Air 13 has a resolution of 1440 x 900.
2. The Ultrabook Intel Core Processors are embedded with security and anti-theft protection technology. Mid-2012, Intel has plans to introduce the Ivy Bridge processors for powering ultrabooks. Not only will the Ivy Bridge processors ramp up performance, responsiveness, and visual display of the ultrabook, but it will upgrade the mobile computing security component. Intel plans to embed McAfee in its core processors for increased malware protection.

Different ultrabook vendors have their own unique selling propositions to market their products. For example, Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga can be twisted to behave like a tablet; Dell’s XPS13 is 128GB solid-state drive and has a backlit keyboard; and Acer claims to have built the world’s thinnest ultrabook. In spite of different flavors of ultrabooks available to suit one’s needs, some of the factors that may hinder ultrabook adoption are:

1. High prices. Ultrabooks are priced between 800 dollars and 1300 dollars. If the ultrabook manufacturers can keep a benchmark of 600-700 dollars, it will influence the number of consumers adopting ultrabooks.
2. Support for Windows 8 in workplaces: The 2012 ultrabooks are powered by the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system. Has your IT started or is considering supporting Windows 8?
3. If you like a heavy dose of CDs, DVDs and flash drives, ultrabooks aren’t for you. Ultrabooks, by definition, do not have any built-in hard drives; are powered with solid state drives (SSDs) for better speed and responsiveness; and have low power consumption.
4. The ultrabooks have no outlet or port for LAN support but the mini display port allows you to connect to any type of PC display.

Many industry experts have deemed ultrabooks tablet contenders. But I believe the ultrabooks will eat away at desktops and notebooks. Reason being, tablets and ultrabooks serve different purpose for different user groups. For example, tablets are great reading and entertainment devices for travelers, while the ultrabooks are an ideal pick for students or professors who are always on the move and are looking for high performance boxes. However, I believe, ‘device price’ and technology innovation will play a pivotal role in defining the future of each of these devices.

As the ultrabook revolution picks up the pace, I am already watching the market for new additions to pick one for myself. Are you too ready to dump your netbook or desktop for an ultrabook? Or maybe you own one–if so, please share with us your experiences and any ultrabook vendor recommendations.