Ultrabooks: 7 Ways They're Revolutionizing Mobile Computing

PC World — At CES 2012, the ultrabook is the new tablet. Of course, there are plenty of new tablets being offered up as well, but 2012 is shaping up to be the year of the ultrabook.

So, are ultrabooks the second coming of the laptop, or just a desperate, futile attempt to fend off the tablet revolution and maintain some relevance in the mobile market for more traditional PCs? Or, are ultrabooks simply a me too clone of the MacBook Air because it seems to work for Apple?

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The ultrabook takes the portability of a netbook, and merges it with the capabilities of a full-sized notebook to enable mobile users to be more productive on the go. Here are seven ways that ultrabooks are revolutionizing mobile computing.

1. Thinner, Lighter

Ultrabooks are by their very nature thinner and lighter than other laptops of comparable power. Intel has defined the specifications for ultrabooks with a maximum thickness of 0.8 inches, and a maximum weight of 3.1 pounds. Even on the high end of acceptable ultrabook specs, it is about half the thickness and weight of an average notebook, making it easier to be mobile without requiring a back brace.

2. Endurance

Another aspect of the ultrabook specification from Intel requires that they have battery life of at least five hours -- preferably eight or more. When it comes to computing on the go, battery life is probably one of the biggest stumbling blocks for many laptops. An ultrabook that can run for eight hours means you can get through an entire work day on a single charge, and you dont need to carry the power adapter or a backup battery along for the ride.

As energy efficient as the current stable of ultrabooks are, when the Intel Ivy Bridge processors hit the street later this year, things will get even better. Ivy Bridge processors are lower voltage, and run more efficiently, which will allow ultrabooks to extend battery life well beyond eight hours.

3. Tablet / Laptop Convertibles

There are advantages to having a traditional desktop OS, and the full power of a laptop computer, but tablets also have many benefits. You could carry a tablet along with an ultrabook, but vendors are also introducing products that straddle the line and deliver both experiences in one device.

Acer unveiled a convertible tablet that blurs the line with ultrabooks. It looks like an ultrabook, but the display can be detached to become a standalone tablet. More intriguing options, though, are ultrabooks that can act as tablets without having to be physically separated, like the Acer model with the swivel screen, or the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga.

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