Intel’s New Specs For Ultrabooks

Ray Hendon

Intel has announced new specifications for computer designers to follow if they want to be designated as an Ultrabook.  The new specs grew out of the move to Intel’s 4th generation System on a Chip (SOC), the Haswell which will be debuting in the next few weeks.

1. Touchscreen operations must be enabled.
2. The thickness of the computer or hybrid must be no more than .9 inches.
3. Voice command and control must be enabled.
4. Battery life must be:
• 6 hours of HD video play
• 9 hours idle time
• 7 days standby time
5. Awake from sleep mode in less than three seconds.
6. WiFi and Wireless Display for streaming enabled.
7. Antivirus and Antimalware preinstalled.
8. Antitheft and identity protection preinstalled

Oddly missing are the requirements for USB 3.0 ports and a minimum screen resolution requirement.

At this time, only a few machines meet these requirements.  The first out of the gate is the HP Envy TouchSmart 14, pictured below.  No pricing information is available yet, but the older 3rd generation ultrabook was priced at about $750.  It isn’t known yet if the new processor will

increase that price.  The older version includes an internal 500MGb hard drive, but the newer model pictured above does not include an internal hard drive.  With the hard drive the older model was over four pounds. Without it, at least one or one and a half pounds should be shed. 

The second recent announcement was the Sony Vaio Pro 11, shown below..

The VAIO Pro will be available as a 1.92-pound model with an 11-inch display, or a 2.34-pound model with a 13-inch touchscreen. The VAIO Pro 13 will offer a high-speed PCIe SSD drive, which Sony claims is the first of its kind. Connect the optional sheet battery to double the battery life of either, endowing the VAIO Pro 11 with 14 usable hours and the VAIO Pro with .

The VAIO Pro models will be available in Carbon Black and Carbon Silver on June 9. The VAIO Pro 11 is expected to fetch $1149, while the VAIO Pro 13 will go for $1249.

 

Sony Vaio Duo 13:

The VAIO Duo 13 combines the best features of a notebook with the convenience of a tablet. The 2.93-pound computer expands its touch screen size from the original VAIO Duo 11 by minimizing the bezel. Sliding the screen up from tablet mode reveals a full-sized backlit keyboard and a trackpad.

The Duo 13 continues to work even when put into a sleep state. It updates applications and receives mail with minimal power consumption.

The VAIO Duo 13 will be available June 9 in Carbon Black and Carbon White and will cost $1399.