The new Dell XPS 13 is the third ultrabook to be tested in the 3DNews test laboratory this year. I previously tested a 13.3-inch model and a 14-inch laptop. All three mobile PCs use the same processor - a 4-core Core i7-8550U Kaby Lake Refresh generation. However, as practice shows, the use of the same low-voltage chip does not guarantee that ultrabooks will have the same performance. Let's see this using the example of the Dell XPS 13 model.

Technical characteristics, equipment and software

You will find many versions of the Dell XPS 13 on sale. The characteristics of all possible modifications are shown in the table below. I note that there are both silver and rose gold versions of the ultrabook. The first option is probably more suitable for men, and the second for women. As the inimitable Anatoly Papanov would say, “with Be careful not to get confused, Kutuzov!»

Display	13.3"", 1920 × 1080, IPS, touch 13.3"", 3840 × 2160, IPS, touch
CPU	Intel Core i5-8250U, 4/8 cores/threads, 1.6 (3.4) GHz, 15 W
	Intel Core i7-8650U, 4/8 cores/threads, 1.9 (4.2) GHz, 15 W
	Intel Core i5-8350U, 4/8 cores/threads, 1.7 (3.6) GHz, 15 W
	Intel Core i7-8550U, 4/8 cores/threads, 1.8 (4.0) GHz, 15 W
Graphic arts	Intel HD Graphics 620
RAM	8 or 16 GB DDR3-2133, 2 channels, not expandable
SSD	128/256/512 GB, 1 TB SATA 6 Gb/s or PCI Express x4 3.0
Wireless module	Killer Wireless-AC 1435, IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4 and 5 GHz, up to 867 Mbps, Bluetooth 4.1
Interfaces	2 × Thunderbolt 3 1 × USB 3.1 Type-C 1 × 3.5mm mini-combo jack
Built-in battery	52 Wh
External power supply	45 W
Dimensions	302 × 199 × 11.6 mm
Weight	1.2 kg
operating system	Windows 10 x64 Home
Guarantee	1 year
Price in Russia (according to Yandex.Market)	From 80,000 rub. (RUB 115,000 for test model)

The editors visited the most advanced of those models that can be found on sale in Moscow - XPS 13 9360-0025. It is equipped with a 4K screen, central Core processor i7-8500U, 16 GB random access memory DDR3 and 512 GB SSD. This version costs an average of 115,000 rubles - this is a lot, but I suggest discussing prices at the end of the article. At the same time, for 80,000 rubles you can get the 9360-5549 model, which uses a Full HD display, Core i5-8250U, 8 GB of RAM and solid state drive capacity 256 GB.

The laptop comes with a tiny power supply with a power of 45 W and weighs only 100 g. It turns out that you can always take the power supply with you - it will practically not weigh down your bag or backpack. Also included with the XPS 13 is a useful adapter from Type-C to a more conventional connector USB Type-A. You can’t do without this accessory in 2018.

Appearance and input devices

The silver version looks sharp and I personally like it better than the pink model. But all XPS 13 are assembled from the same materials in any case. The lid and bottom are made of polished aluminum. The manufacturer emphasizes that these body elements “ produced on a CNC milling machine“- apparently, potential buyers with little knowledge of hardware should admire this feature of the device. The area around the keyboard is made of carbon fiber, commonly referred to as carbon fiber. It is additionally covered with a layer of Soft-touch plastic.

The combination of these materials made it possible to make the device very light - the ultrabook weighs only 1.2 kg and this parameter slightly inferior to the previously tested HP Specter 13 (1.1 kg) and Acer Swift 5 (1 kg).

The thickness of the ultrabook varies from 7.8 to 11.6 mm. The parameter is far from a record - the XPS 13 is “as much as” 1.2 mm thicker than the HP Specter 13, but we understand that all this pursuit of tenths of millimeters now has no practical meaning. The XPS 13 is a thin, light and highly portable ultrabook. By the way, the thickness of its predecessor was 15 mm.

The other dimensions of the laptop are also impressive - with a width of 302 mm and a length of 199 mm, this model is closer to 11-inch laptops than 13.3-inch ones. Compare: the HP Specter 13 measures 325 x 229 x 10.4 mm, and the Acer Swift 5 measures 329 x 228 x 14.9 mm. This is all due to the so-called frameless screen design. There are actually frames around the perimeter of the display (the thickness on the top and sides is 4 mm), but they are really very small.

The laptop lid opens up to about 135 degrees. There are no complaints about the hinges - they position the screen quite accurately and do not allow it to dangle while typing. At the same time, you will not be able to open the lid with one hand.

The laptop is thin, so among the interfaces there are only two Thunderbolt3 ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C connector of the second generation, a 3.5 mm mini-jack for connecting a headset and a microSD memory card reader. All interfaces are located on the left and right sides of the laptop. One of the Thunderbolt 3 ports is designed to connect a power supply. At the same time, both connectors operate with a throughput of 40 Gbps and support PowerShare technology, which allows you to charge external devices connected to this connector, even when the laptop is in sleep mode, until the battery is discharged to a certain percentage of its full capacity. The user can independently set in BIOS settings USB PowerShare value: 0, 3, 10, 25, 50 or 75%. Of course, Thunderbolt 3 is compatible with USB-C devices. The USB 3.1 Type-C port can work as a DisplayPort video output and also supports PowerShare technology.

There's also a battery indicator on the left side of the XPS 13.

There are no connectors on the front or back - there is only a fairly large and noticeable indicator of the ultrabook's activity. There is a small grille on the bottom through which the cooling fan takes in air and then throws it out through the perforations on the rear wall.

In my review of the HP Specter 13, I noted that this ultrabook has a very comfortable keyboard, but the main input device for the hero of today’s review took quite some time to get used to—mainly because the Enter button on the XPS 13 turned out to be very small. How tired I am of missing this key! The arrow buttons are also inconvenient on the ultrabook. Nevertheless, after a couple of days, the fingers began to find all the most frequently used buttons on their own. So after some time of getting used to, the Dell Ultrabook is quite suitable for typing large texts.

The XPS 13 keyboard features dual-level white backlighting. A fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button. Among the features, I also note that the F1-F12 row by default works in combination with the Fn button, while priority is given to their multimedia functions.

I didn't have any complaints about the touch panel. It is not as large as in 15-inch models, but it is at least naive to expect anything different (unless, of course, we are talking about Apple). The touchpad surface is pleasant to the touch - it also has a Soft-touch coating. In general, the touchpad recognizes gestures normally; pressing it is accompanied by a distinct and rather loud click. The touchpad behaves quite adequately in operation - tested in the computer card game Gwent.

As for the webcam, the XPS 13, like other ultrabooks, uses a standard matrix with a resolution of 720p and a frequency of 30 Hz - with all the ensuing consequences. Good quality images can only be obtained in bright sunny weather. In all other cases, the picture turns out to be nondescript and very noisy.

⇡ Internal structure and upgrade options

The laptop is quite easy to disassemble, however, the design of the device uses Torx-type screws (popularly called an asterisk). After removing the 8 screws, you must carefully remove the bottom.

The XPS 13 cooling system consists of two copper heat pipes and two tangential fans. At least externally, such a cooler looks much cooler than, for example, a system. Therefore, we can expect effective cooling of the Core i7-8550U from the Dell laptop.

RAM in the XPS 13 cannot be upgraded - all DDR3-2133 chips are soldered directly to motherboard. Consider this point when choosing a model. I think that 8 GB of RAM in 2018 looks untenable. Especially if you plan to use the device not only as a typewriter. The memory operates at an effective frequency of 2133 MHz with latencies of 16-20-20-45.

Still, it makes sense to disassemble the XPS 13 for further upgrades. The test laptop has a TOSHIBA KXG50ZNV512G solid state drive with a capacity of 512 GB. And if 512 GB is ever no longer enough for your needs, then you can independently install another 2280 form factor drive in the XPS 13. For example, the top configuration of the HP Specter 13 includes a 1 TB SSD.

Determining which compact laptop can be called the best ultrabook of 2018, you should pay attention to the top models - with processors last generations, 8–16 GB memory and 256 GB storage.

Such mobile computers allow you to run any work program and even some games, do not freeze at 15–20 simultaneously open tabs and will not require modernization over the next 2–3 years.

Although the “best” can be called not the most productive laptop, but the device that best meets the requirements of certain users.

Contents:

Features of a good ultrabook

Ultrabooks are thin and relatively small laptop models, the screen sizes of which are smaller compared to full-fledged laptops and larger than those of netbooks.

The features of such models include:

• Relatively weak gaming capabilities. Because of them, ultrabooks are used mainly for work, Internet surfing and launching multimedia files.
• Optimal dimensions and weight, providing both a high resolution screen and mobility. Unlike most laptops, which weigh more than 2–2.5 kg, you can carry an ultrabook with you without even using a shoulder strap.
• Absence - although the need for them, with widespread use, is practically absent.
• Minimum energy consumption, which increases the autonomy of the equipment. The average operating time for an ultrabook starts at 5-6 hours, as opposed to 2-3 hours for a laptop with a 15.6-inch screen.

Most of the ultrabooks that are classified as the best models, will cost the buyer no less than $1000, and their hardware is comparable to high-performance desktop systems (sometimes even to gaming ones).

At the same time, the high cost of such laptops allows us to include in the TOP-15 rating several less productive mobile computers, the advantage of which is not impressive parameters, but best ratio prices and quality.

Unlike the “flagships” of the segment, he will be able to buy and evaluate them large quantity users.

Comparative parameters

Table 1. Characteristics of the best ultrabooks of 2018.

Name	Screen	RAM/ disks, GB	Battery, Wh	Price, thousand rubles
Huawei MateBook X Pro	13.3", 3000x2000 (sensor)	8–16/256–512	57,4	95–120
Dell XPS 13	13.3", 1920x1080, 13.3", 3200x1800 (sensor)	4–16/128–1024	52	80–115
Lenovo Yoga 920	13.9", 1920x1080 (sensor), 13.9", 3840x2160 (sensor)	8–16/256–1024	70	90–150
HP Specter 13	13.3", 1920x1080 (sensor)	8/256–1024	38	80–145
Razer Blade Stealth	13.3", 3200x1800 (sensor)	16/256–1024	45	87–105
HP Specter x360	13.3", 1920x1080 (sensor), 13.3", 3840x2160 (sensor)	8–16/256–1024	84	93–137
Asus ZenBook 3	12.5", 1920x1080	16/256–1024	46	82–130
Apple MacBook Pro 13	13.3", 2560x1600	8/128–512	63,5	95–145
Mi Notebook Air	13.3", 1920x1080	8/256	40	60
Huawei Matebook X	13.0", 2160×1440	4–8/256–512	41,4	75–120
Asus ZenBook UX310	13.3", 1920x1080, 13.3", 3200x1800	4–16/512–1024	48	38–105
Microsoft Surface Laptop	13.5", 2256×1504 (sensor)	4–16/128–512	45	48–100
Acer Swift 7	13.3", 1920x1080	8/256	43	150
Acer Swift 1		4/128	54	27
Prestigio SmartBook 141C	14.1", 1920x1080	2/32	32	14

MateBook X Pro

Best on this moment The ultrabook received from the manufacturer a 13.9" screen with a resolution of 3000x2000 pixels, a processor and from 8 to 16 GB of RAM.

This hardware and discrete graphics card allow you to run even resource-intensive games using a mobile computer.

• high price. Even in the minimum configuration it costs more than $1,500; for the maximum you will have to pay almost $2,000.
• Not all users are satisfied with the location of the webcam, which is integrated into the keyboard and extends when necessary.

Sergey M.: I liked the laptop for its lightness, long operating time and the full set of ports I needed. The speed of operation is also impressive, especially considering the discrete video, thanks to which you can even play on the laptop. I also like the minimal heating - and you often have to work on it while holding it on your lap - and the matte screen, which provides a normal picture even in the sun. Another plus is increased resistance to mechanical stress. All together, this more than compensates for the only drawback - the huge price for which one could buy a powerful desktop for gaming and working with graphics.

Dell XPS 13

Compact Dell laptop The XPS 13 does not overheat during operation, so its processor frequency does not drop due to throttling, but. This means that performance remains unchanged even after several hours of continuous use.

The mobile computer is distinguished by a high-quality build and good availability - it’s not quite enough for games, but videos in FullHD format will start without any problems.

• stylish appearance of the device;
• durable body;
• high resolution touch screen.

• an inconveniently located webcam at the bottom of the front panel and strong noise that occurs when the ultrabook is heavily loaded.
• The downside is the lack of a port, which makes it impossible to connect a mobile computer to a TV or monitor. However, the ability to display images in a format that almost reaches the 4K level partially compensates for this shortcoming.

Nikolay V.: The model leaves a good impression upon first meeting. I liked it right away good screen with large viewing angles and a high-quality keyboard, on which typing text is as easy as on a regular one. I didn’t find any shortcomings - even the price suited me, I didn’t expect anything less. Even the graphics work well (although that’s not what I bought the laptop for) - old games like “ ” run, “Tanks” work at minimum settings.

Lenovo Yoga 920

The Yoga 920 model owes its performance to the processor and a significant number of .

A good feature is the ability to transform the case, thanks to which the ultrabook can be used as a tablet.

The characteristics of this technology are enough for watching videos and working with graphic and video editors.

• good performance provided Intel processor Core i7.
• impressive and thin frames around the screen, giving the ultrabook a stylish appearance.
• Comfortable use of the gadget is ensured by a convenient keyboard and the presence of a fingerprint scanner, powerful battery And high speed operation of solid state drives.

• high cost, sharply limiting target audience ultrabook - not everyone can afford a gadget, for which you will have to pay up to $2500;
• lack of a card reader - although any device with memory cards (from an action camera and phone to a digital camera) can be connected to the laptop directly using a cable;
• inconvenient stylus mount, which closes the only full-size USB port.

Anna S.: I bought it about a month ago for regular business trips. I was looking for such a powerful and long-lasting gadget, capable of opening more than 10 browser tabs at the same time without freezing, supporting Photoshop and . I also liked the included stylus, although I was surprised by the manufacturer’s strange decision to keep this “pen” in USB. I also like the special Paper Display screen mode, which is comfortable for the eyes. In general, the model is good, comfortable and, in my opinion, worth the money.

HP Specter 13

The Specter 13 model has virtually no weak points.

All parameters fully meet the requirements of any user - except, perhaps, gamers.

10 mm thick, a powerful processor with 4 cores, a storage capacity of up to 1 TB and a weight of about 1 kg - such characteristics are not easy to find even in other ultrabooks.

• light weight, allowing you to take it with you to work and on trips;
• a powerful processor, thanks to which the ultrabook will not freeze even when running several applications simultaneously;
• integrated graphics Intel HD 520, which has capabilities at the level of discrete video cards of the late 2000s and allows you to run even some modern games;
• stylish design.

• low autonomy - under average load, the HP Specter 13 holds a charge for no longer than 3-4 hours. In addition, when running games and resource-demanding programs, the ultrabook makes a lot of noise.
• The opening angle of the lid does not exceed 135 degrees – enough for an inexpensive laptop, but not enough for a “flagship” one.

Alexander P.: More than a month has passed since purchasing the HP Specter 13 - and so far I’m pleased with almost everything. Build quality, speed and minimal noise, comfortable keyboard, which turned out to be even better than that of my old Yoga 13. Wi-Fi also works stably. I noticed only two disadvantages - high cost and work for only 6 hours. Not enough for a working day - although, theoretically, ultrabooks work up to 10 hours.

Razer Blade Stealth

This is not the first time that Razer is trying to release a laptop that allows you to not only work, but also play.

True, ultrabooks do not allow the installation of sufficiently powerful video cards inside - and game lovers will have to separately purchase a docking station with an external graphics adapter.

For other users, the characteristics of the basic version should be enough.

When deciding to buy an ultrabook, you should pay attention to the following features of the Razer Blade Stealth model, which is considered almost gaming-grade.

• minimal dimensions and weight, thanks to which it is convenient to carry the computer over long distances and work while holding it on your lap;
• high-quality and loud sound from the speakers;
• the presence of good built-in graphics and support for connecting an external discrete video card;
• high (for such a small gadget) performance;
• minimum noise level during operation.

Oleg V.: A good option to take to work or connect to your TV at home. Autonomy is low - for a gaming ultrabook this is a serious disadvantage; you have to periodically charge it, or work in regular desktop mode, with the power cord plugged into the outlet. But the lack of a card reader, which, as they say, is considered a minus, is not at all annoying. Well, what kind of memory cards are these days? Everyone uses flash drives and cords.

HP Specter x360

The ultrabook is one of the most productive convertible laptops with a 13.3-inch screen.

Availability touch screen and large rotation angles allows you to work with it like a tablet. Moreover, the characteristics of the gadget are noticeably higher compared to most tablet PCs.

• light weight - only 1.3 kg;
• backlit keyboard, allowing you to work in the dark;
• high-quality screen providing clear and bright image under almost any lighting conditions;
• long operating time - at an average load level you can use the ultrabook for up to 16 hours (despite the fact that it charges in just 2 hours);
• loud speakers and a good camera providing high-quality video communication.

• lack of support for external video cards, which is why you won’t be able to run modern games using an ultrabook - except those released before 2016, and at minimum settings. disadvantages, although not as serious,
• can be called the lack of connectors and - therefore, to connect wired Internet, a modern monitor or TV, you will have to use an adapter.

Maxim V.: The advantages of the model include a bright and clear display, a relatively low price for such characteristics, and a large amount of memory. The gadget easily transforms into a tablet and holds a charge for a long time. The touch screen operates without lag and provides a good picture. The only downside I can name is the inability to use the ultrabook for games - however, that is not what it is intended for.

Asus ZenBook 3

The model turned out to be thin, light, stylish – and quite productive.

The flagship ultrabook of the ASUS brand is great for work, study, and Internet surfing - but it is not gaming.

• small thickness and weight (910 g in the minimum configuration);
• the presence of a fingerprint scanner, which increases the safety of using an ultrabook;
• good packaging - the model comes with various covers and adapters;
• good, although not top-end, operating time - from 4 to 9 hours, depending on the load.

• high cost and relatively high noise level under load.
• When charging a mobile PC, which is carried out only through the USB port, the amount of possible connections(mice, keyboards, drives).
• A small drawback is the lack of a sensor for setting auto screen brightness.

Victor K.: Powerful and stylish – but also very expensive when it comes to the maximum configuration. Such a top-end processor is hardly really needed in the absence of a good video card. It is for this reason that I bought the version with the minimum set and Core i5, which is enough to solve any office tasks. Enough power for editing photos and even videos.

Apple MacBook Pro 13

Apple brand products, as usual, are distinguished by their high cost.

However, unlike most smartphones of the same brand, in this case the price is determined not by the costs of an advertising campaign, but by real parameters.

The characteristics are really impressive (especially the level of autonomy), and justify the price.

• good hardware that allows you to perform almost any action except launching modern games - from working with office applications and Internet surfing to video editing and running films in 2K format;
• decent autonomy - the ultrabook works in normal mode at least 10 hours without recharging;
• high-quality keyboard and touchpad that easily replaces a regular mouse;
• bright and clear display;
• low noise level during operation.

• unstable operation when connecting an external screen (TV or monitor), lack of magnetic charging, which some previous generations of the series had, and a loud keyboard.
• Another drawback is the relatively weak hardware - similar models in the same price category can have more and more RAM.
• In addition, the Apple ultrabook does not have a regular USB port, and to connect a flash drive you will have to buy an adapter.

Alina V.: We bought a compact version of a MacBook for the whole family - some need it for work, some surf the Internet, others watch movies. True, an ultrabook is not intended for games - but gaming models are usually taken with the Windows OS. I liked everything – even taking into account such a high price. However, when the screen was accidentally damaged, replacing it was also quite expensive; the cost of the laptop itself and repairs are its main disadvantages.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air

The manufacturer Xiaomi produces various equipment, including ultrabooks that have a good price-to-quality ratio.

The mobile computer is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM, and costs customers less than $1,000.

Its screen is not touchscreen, but is bright enough, FullHD resolution, and is used as a video adapter NVIDIA card GeForce 940MX, 1 GB GDDR5, supporting some resource-intensive games.

• It is worth paying attention to the not very high efficiency of the cooling system, which is why during prolonged operation there may be a slowdown in operation due to throttling.
• When the cooler is turned on (which only works under high load), the ultrabook makes a lot of noise.

Konstantin V.: I’ve been using the ultrabook for the second week and haven’t noticed any problems. 2-3 hours a day - and you can charge it in a day. The touchpad is comfortable, the speakers are loud, the keyboard lights up - and the backlight is adjusted automatically, and if you don’t press the buttons, it goes out. The case material is aluminum, which suggests good durability of the laptop.

Huawei Matebook X

The Matebook X ultrabook is considered one of the most serious competitors to 13.3-inch MacBooks.

Its presence of a good screen and 4–8 GB of memory ensures comfortable work with most applications, and a 256–512 GB disk allows you to store a huge number of files.

• original design that immediately attracts attention;
• high-quality sound;
• security of information provided by a fingerprint sensor;
• good hardware - including an Intel HD 620 video card, the capabilities of which are enough even to run some games from 2016–2017. (albeit at minimum settings).

Georgy V.: A powerful processor and 8 GB of memory are more than enough to run productive applications. You can even play some games. The 512 GB SSD drive is also an excellent feature that even a desktop could envy. True, because of such characteristics, the ultrabook cost me like a real gaming PC - but for work it is simply ideal. It also requires entering a password when unlocking - just touch your finger.

Asus ZenBook UX310

The model looks good and quickly launches most programs (except games).

A special feature of the model is a large assortment of configurations, thanks to which you can choose a gadget both in terms of power and wallet.

• durable aluminum case, increasing the reliability of the ultrabook;
• presence of keyboard backlight;
• high quality and bright screen.

• not the most comfortable keyboard and weak hardware of the minimum configuration.
• The downside is the relatively low battery life (up to 5–6 hours), due to which mobile computer You may need to charge even more than once a day.

Andrey L.: I’m happy with the purchase, I’m not bothered by even the slightly sagging keyboard and not the longest operating time - there are models that work longer. There is no touch screen here either, but the picture resolution is very high. And a 512 GB disk is enough, and 16 GB of memory - I specifically bought the top-end configuration so as not to have to upgrade later. Although the price could be lower.

: the same one - without frames for 101 thousand rubles.

Top ultrabooks are distinguished not only by their record compactness. For example, the Dell XPS 13 has very thin screen bezels. What we are offered from technical characteristics:

• Touch display size 13.3 inches and resolution 3200x1800.
• Processor Intel Core i7-6500U.
• 8 GB. random access memory.
• Battery capacity 57 Wh.
• Weight - 1.2 kg.

The model looks respectable, one might even say, masculine. Comfortable keyboard for comfortable typing. The keys are backlit with a brightness control. There is a USB 3.1 input that is just gaining popularity. Small, but useful feature- charging indicator.

An original and not entirely clear solution is the location of the webcam. No, not above the display, but below it! Now your interlocutors will be able to easily count all your chins.

The display is of high quality, but at the same time it is also touch-sensitive. This is not for everyone - it may not appeal to those who are not very impressed by fingerprints on the screen. The screen has been tested with a colorimeter and proved that he is committed to conscience. However, the gamma is lower than standard, so adjacent tones may merge.

The color rendering deviation is negligible, it is simply impossible to distinguish it. And the rest of the display is pleasing: good setup color temperature, contrast is high.

One of 3 can be found under the cover modern processors: Intel Core i5-6200U, Intel Core i7-6500U or Intel i7-6560U. The RAM is standard, DDR3, but has a frequency of 1866 MHz, which is very good for such devices.

For example, World of Tanks can be played perfectly on minimum settings.

So, to summarize:

• very productive for its class;
• the narrow frame looks great;
• keyboard backlight;

Disadvantages:

• webcam location;
• insufficient brightness;
• The processor overheats.

9. for 75 thousand rubles. - cheaper and better than MacBook

The Hero 9 position is lighter and thinner, and most importantly - cheaper than the Apple MacBook Air. In addition, it does not have fans, so it is silent in operation. The best ultrabooks differ in default minimum sizes, so this is no longer an advantage, but a standard feature.

Let us pay attention to the features of the model, of which there are plenty. The “full stuffing” model has an Intel Core i5/i7 processor, the lower-cost version is equipped with Core M.

Standard, the model looks as usual, but there is one “but” - a record low price, while the quality really remains at the top. According to experts, this is the best budget ultrabook.

Main characteristics:

• 13.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 and IPS matrix.
• Processor Intel Core M-5Y71.
• 8 GB of RAM with a frequency of 1600 MHz.
• Battery capacity 45 Wh.
• Weight - 1.2 kg.

Carrying such a model with you always is not burdensome and you don’t even need a special backpack for this. The case is not made of foil: it does not bend even after serious pressure.

If you find fault, you can also highlight a drawback - the opening angle is very modest, as for such models. But there is also a plus: the lid can serve as a stand, as it is equipped with legs.

Peculiarities:

• the display is not intended for photo processing;
• silent operation;
• a solid set of connectors;
• There will be no problems with autonomy and control.

Flaws:

• modifications with Core M-5Y70 overheat greatly;
• the display matrix has its own gaps in the settings;
• weak fixation of the display.

8. - an excellent gaming ultrabook for 86 thousand rubles.

According to the ESA, the average age of gamers is 35 years old. As you can see, these are quite adults. We follow the logic: they can go to work in the morning and relax playing in the evening. Therefore, they are looking for something lightweight and at the same time productive.

Perhaps due to such demand, the Razer Blade Stealth ultrabook received rapid demand from buyers. The manufacturer used a far from new, but very useful feature: connecting to external video cards using a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3.

The backlit keyboard immediately catches your eye - it’s very convenient for working with the lights off. Inside this “baby” there is a productive filling hidden. More details:

• Display size 12.5 inches, touch, with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. There is also a version with a 4K screen, which, according to the manufacturer, provides 100% coverage of the color space. But even in the basic version the screen is more than normal.
• For high performance graphics, there are external video cards. But the ultrabook itself offers us a dual-core Intel Core i7-6500U processor with a frequency of 2.5 GHz and 8 GB of RAM. And here there is a slight disappointment - the performance is significantly less than in gaming laptops. You can play on medium settings, but running the latest games at maximum settings is very, very unlikely.
• The Razer Blade Stealth comes with an LED-backlit keyboard. Each key has its own color. You can create many options for highlighting: using only one shade or several.
• Operating time at 50% brightness and reading mode is 6 hours. In normal mode, the ultrabook will work for no more than 4 hours.

So, compared to other models, this one has good performance for its compact size. But what is missing is a slot for SD cards and a longer battery life. battery life.

7. - premium formula Chromebook for 70 thousand rubles.

The idea of ​​​​creating a premium Chromebook has been around for a long time, but they high price did not give them as much popularity as we would like. Asus offered almost the same characteristics, but at the same time put a reasonable price tag. In addition, the model can work with Android applications that support Chrome OS.

So now on to performance. The ultrabook is equipped with a Rockchip RK3288 processor with an eight-core Mali-T764MP8 graphics adapter. Two configurations are available: IPS display with a resolution of 12800*800 pixels and a diagonal of 10.1 inches.

Main characteristics:

• 16 GB. memory and an additional 100 GB. on Google Drive.
• 2 ports for USB.
• HD webcam.
• Bluetooth 4.1.

Despite the fact that the resolution here is lower than the patented standard, the viewing angles are much better than analogues.

By the way, this is the best transformable ultrabook:

• tablet mode with keyboard on touch display;
• stand for watching a movie;
• standard mode.

The on/off and volume buttons are located so that they are convenient to use in any position. We immediately warn you that watching a video at the same time, keeping 10 tabs open and using several programs at the same time will not work.

Overall, the Asus Chromebook Flip has mixed results. On the one hand, this is a budget model with excellent quality, but at the same time it does not live up to the capabilities of Android. Suitable for those who prioritize versatility.

6. - 2-in-1 form factor, exceeding expectations for 109 thousand rubles.

Obviously, the laptop form factor is very popular with consumers. HP Specter x360 is a new transformer that pleases with its impressive performance with an economical processor and a capacious battery.

Specifications:

• 13.3 inch screen with IPS matrix and resolution 1920x1080 pixels.
• Intel Core i7–7500U processor with a frequency of 1.7-3.5 GHz and Intel HD 520 graphics.
• Battery capacity 56 Wh.
• Weight - 1.4 kg.

It’s good that laptops are still different from each other, unlike smartphones, which have turned into identical rectangles.

There is a keyboard backlight, but it is not finalized and seems to be there for show. There is no brightness setting, only two modes: on and off. In the dark it’s even more or less, but even in average light it’s so-so.

When you want to turn on your ultrabook in bright sunlight, you are unlikely to see the picture clearly. But in normal lighting you can enjoy an excellent level of brightness in complete comfort.

For work this perfect option: silent, solid and productive. By the way, about the last one. The video core performs well in Diablo 3 or Overwatch at minimum settings.

“The queen gave birth in the night, either a son or a daughter” - an ideal description of the model. It's too bulky and heavy for a tablet. It would be possible to improve the filling and focus on one class of devices. This is the one and only drawback of the model.

5. - thin, powerful, long-lasting for 125 thousand rubles.

Despite the fact that the company's products are much more expensive than competitors, they outshine their budget counterparts with their impressive settings. Latest models from the Blade series were distinguished by increased battery life. There are a lot more changes here.

Pros:

• gaming performance;
• working hours;
• functional 4K.

Minuses

• high price;
• trackpad buttons.

The model is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and a new 4K display with sensor. There is nothing new in the design: all the same similarities with Apple. The Razer Blade is perfect for gaming anywhere and in any environment.

The ultrabook reflects vibrant colors even at minimum brightness. Plus, the matte finish helps eliminate glare. There are problems with loud fans, especially when the game is running. The speakers are quite powerful for such devices.

Operating time at 50% brightness is 4 hours. If you watch a movie with the same brightness and do nothing else, then it will be enough for the whole 7 hours. As you can see, the battery life is significantly higher than that of analogues.

4. - premium assembly, affordable price: 58 thousand rubles.

Just a year ago, we could see how Samsung pleased us with its excellent design, but the hardware did not correspond to the stated price at all. But here we got both good performance and an affordable price.

Pros:

• responsive keyboard;
• versatility;
• HDR support.

Flaws:

• as for such devices, a lot of weight;
• The graphics still need improvement.

To reduce the price tag, the company immediately saved on materials for the case, but the design remained the same. And by the way, in the latest series they began to use plastic, which is even better resistant to slipping.

Here we are offered a full set of keys and even have a numeric keypad. It can be transformed into a tablet, but it will be quite heavy for this format.

Main characteristics:

• Intel Core i7-6500U processor with a frequency of 2.5 GHz. and graphics Nvidia GeForce 940MX.
• 16 GB RAM.
• 15.6-inch screen, touch.
• Weight 2.26 kg.

With the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin ultrabook, you can easily surf the web even with 10 tabs open, applications and video turned on. Performance-wise, everything is great here.

3. for 69 thousand rubles. - proof that the MacBook Air is getting old

According to all its characteristics Acer Aspire S 13 aims to be very popular among mid-size buyers price segment. Inexpensive, but not very cheap either, with a good design and long battery life.

Specifications:

• 13.3-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels;
• Intel Core i5-6200U processor with a frequency of 2.3-2.8 GHz;
• 8 GB RAM;
• battery with a capacity of 54 Wh;
• weight - 1.3 kg.

The model is sold only with a Full HD display, in principle, this is enough. In practice, the screen is not ideal, but at least, keeps its mark: good brightness and contrast. The wide viewing angles are worthy of praise, but you can complain about uneven backlighting.

In the stress test, the ultrabook performed well: even with 100% load, the CPU temperature barely reached 70 degrees. The laptop cannot be called completely silent, but during light load it does not make any noise at all.

One of the main advantages is the long battery life due to the capacious battery. Overall, this is a successful model. It has an attractive design, quite a reasonable price, and good technical equipment.

2. - greatness for affordable money: 60 thousand rubles.

Samsung Notebook 9 is even lighter than some tablets. But at the same time it offers a good memory reserve and decent filling. Of course, everyone has their own concept of “affordability,” but you can’t argue that this is an ideal price-quality ratio.

Main advantages:

• stylish body;
• improved screen;
• affordable price.

Among the shortcomings, we can highlight only a short battery life.

The model is available only in one assembly with a Core i5 processor from Intel and a frequency of 2.3 GHz. 8 GB RAM, 13.3 inch screen and weight only 0.84 kg.

This machine handles multitasking with ease. And it even performs well in the popular game Hearthstone. However, it falls short for a gaming device.

The best ultrabook today in all respects is the Surface Book. In terms of its capabilities, the model is very different from its analogues. For example, the display easily detaches from the keyboard and turns into a tablet.

Another feature is the use clean Windows 10 Pro without third party programs. So, in tablet mode, you can do everything you can with any Windows device.

The model is equipped with a 13.5-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 3000x2000 pixels. If we take analogues into account, these are the best settings. You can safely work with graphic editors.

As for performance, here we got an Intel Core i7-6600U with a frequency of 2.6 GHz and Intel HD 520 graphics. These capabilities are more than enough for fast and comfortable work with any programs. But it’s worth slowing down with games - essentially, we have average-level graphics.

In the end, we can criticize the Surface Book for its opening angle, but overall it is an engineering splendor. For other manufacturers, this model should become an example of an excellent solution.

but with a meager set of ports and a glass glare screen

Today we will look at another ultrabook - the Dell XPS 13. This model was first presented to the public at CES 2012, where it could be seen live. Perhaps this is one of the last ultrabooks of the “first wave”. The XPS 13 is now hitting the market, so it's time to take a closer look at it.

For readers who have not yet read the introductory material about what ultrabooks are and how Intel and manufacturers position them, as well as reviews of those ultrabooks that have already entered the market, we recommend that you do so.

In the meantime, we will return to the Dell XPS 13 and see how interesting this model is in itself, as well as what is interesting about it compared to its competitors.

Line configuration

On the manufacturer’s website about the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook it says: “That’s it. And even more". Well, in more detail: “Impeccable attention to detail, a combination of high-quality materials and maximum performance.”

The main advantages of the model (as indicated by Dell):

• thoughtful design;
• incredibly thin, with an even greater viewing angle (yes, in the singular);
• sophisticated components;
• instant on;
• always up to date (this is Smart Connect advertising);
• highest performance.

Let's look at the official specification of the line. The first line is always the official data from the specifications on the manufacturer's website, the second is the data from our test utility obtained for the ultrabook we tested.

Dell XPS 13
CPU		Not indicated Intel Core i5-2467M, 2 GHz
Chipset		Intel QS67
RAM		Not indicated 4 GB (DDR3 SDRAM)
Video subsystem		Not indicated Integrated, Intel HD3000
Screen		Not indicated 13.3 inches, 1366×768 pixels
Sound subsystem		HD Audio + Waves MaxxAudio 4, 2 x 1.5 W speakers = 3 W total Codec Realtek ALC275
HDD		SSD 128 GB
Optical drive		Absent
Network interfaces	Wired network	Absent
	Wireless network	Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11a/g/n with Intel Smart Connect Technology
	Bluetooth	Version 3.0
	Additionally	American models support 4G networks
Card reader		No
Interfaces and ports	USB (2.0/3.0)	1 / 1 Port 2.0 can be used to charge external devices
	VGA Out	No
	HDMI	No
	DisplayPort	Yes (mini)
	eSATA	No
	RJ45	No
	ExpressCard	No
	Headphone output	Eat
	Microphone input	Yes (combined)
	Line output	No
	Additionally	No
Input Devices	Keyboard	Without number pad, with backlight
	Touchpad	Yes, buttonless
	Additionally	No
Battery		6-cell lithium polymer battery 47 Wh capacity (not user replaceable)
power unit		45 W
IP telephony	Webcam	Yes, 1.3 MP
	Microphone	2 pcs, next to the camera
Additionally		WiDi support Battery charge level indicator on the case
operating system		Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Dimensions		316×205×6–18 mm
Weight		From 1.37 kg
Guarantee period		1 year

It’s worth saying right away that the specification on the Russian website is very unclear; there is not even half of the necessary information. For example, it is not indicated which processors can be installed in this ultrabook. However, the platform used is the same as in other modern ultrabooks, there are no surprises. The Dell XPS 13 comes with either a 128GB or 256GB SSD. There is simply not enough space in the case for a hybrid drive. In addition, in the list of characteristics, one immediately notices (and confuses) a rather poor set of ports.

Even in the specifications, the manufacturer emphasizes that three types of materials were used to build the case: machined aluminum, carbon fiber for the bottom surface and magnesium alloy with soft-touch coating in the keyboard panel. In general, the case should be the main highlight of this model.

Appearance and body

One of the main advantages of the Dell XPS 13, which the manufacturer especially emphasizes, is the very small size of the case. The ad even uses the slogan “13-inch screen in an 11-inch laptop.”

At first glance, the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook really looks much smaller than its competitors. However, if you look closely at the numbers, then on the long side it is smaller than other ultrabooks, but only slightly, by a couple of millimeters. But the depth of the case (relatively the height of the screen) is really impressive: here it is about two centimeters smaller. Considering the small dimensions of ultrabooks, this is a very significant advantage.

Due to the reduced body height, the aspect ratio has also changed, so the Dell XPS 13 looks a little unusual (and, by the way, it really looks more like the 11-inch models). The sides of the body are straight, but the corners and edges are licked. The sides of the Dell XPS 13 are strictly vertical, and towards the front the body becomes thinner. Although these design elements resemble Macbook Air, but overall the Dell XPS 13 gives a completely different impression.

The lid is a metallic gray color with the DELL logo etched on it. The entire lower part of the body is covered with black soft plastic with a texture that feels pleasant to the hand. In the center there is a beautiful metal insert with an engraved logo. On the test laptop it was already very scratched and worn out, so it looked sloppy.

This laptop does not have four traditional supports, but two long elongated strips with a rubber coating. This greatly improves the stability of the Dell XPS 13 on any surface, especially on your lap. Theoretically, because of this, there should be space under the bottom, even if the ultrabook is standing on an uneven surface.

Already at this stage of consideration, some suspicions arise about how efficiently the cooling system will work. The air intake is organized from below (which, by the way, contradicts Intel's recommendations), while hot air is blown into a very narrow gap between the case and the matrix. This greatly slows down the airflow and reduces the efficiency of the cooling system. However, below we will check the temperature conditions of this ultrabook.

There is a gap between the cover and the body, so it is easy to pick it up with your finger. The case lifts slightly off the desk, but overall the Dell XPS 13 can be opened with one hand.

The opening angle of the lid is unacceptably small - about 110 degrees. In other words, if an ultrabook is on your knees, working with it is not only inconvenient, but also difficult. If you plan to work outside of your desk, pay attention to this.

In this model, the screen and the entire front part of the lid are covered with tempered Gorilla Glass. This significantly increases the strength of the cover (the glass does not bend) and protects the screen from damage, but this is almost a finished mirror: the screen glares very much.

When open, the XPS 13 also looks smaller than other ultrabooks. By the way, it’s more noticeable that he simply has different body proportions: he seems more elongated.

The inner surface of the keyboard panel is also covered with soft-touch plastic. At the same time, there is a silver metal frame around the perimeter, which should increase the strength of the case, and visually it looks very good. The front of this edging is a little harsh on the wrists when typing for long periods of time. However, the sensations largely depend on how high the laptop is - the higher, the worse.

In terms of durability, the Dell XPS 13 left a very pleasant impression; it does not feel flimsy at all.

Case ergonomics

The front edge is very beveled, so it is impossible to place connectors on it. It is worth noting that the only indicator is located on the metal part. The indicator is very long and narrow and, when turned off, is practically invisible on the gray metal frame of the case (also somewhat reminiscent of Apple solutions, but where the indicators are turned off they are not visible at all). In general, the indicator is clearly visible only when you look at the Dell XPS 13 from the front, but not when you are working with it (or standing next to it). It glows white when the laptop is running and blinks when in sleep mode. When the battery is low, this indicator flashes red.

On the left side there is a power connector, a USB port and a single audio headset port.

On the right side there is a Mini Displayport and another USB port. Next to it there is a button and 5 LEDs. If you click on it, the number of lit diodes will show how much charge is left in the battery.

The open cover covers the back edge of the case, so there cannot be any connectors on it.

There are very few expansion ports for a work laptop.

Keyboard

We had a sample for testing, so the keyboard in laptops that are actually sold may be slightly different - at a minimum, it must also include Russian letters.

For now, it’s worth noting that Dell uses a rather strange square font in Latin. The design of the keys is also unusual - the buttons have rounded corners and convex side edges, so they look a little pot-bellied. The top surface has a smooth depression in the center. This is convenient when typing, because your fingers rest more confidently on the surface of the key. But externally, the keyboard looks as if the keys have worn out from frequent use, like steps in public places. The keyboard has LED backlighting, which is activated manually.

There are no noticeable disadvantages in the keyboard layout, except that the cursor is not always convenient to work with due to the fact that the keys are very small. But this is a small drawback. It can also be noted that all the keys of the over-cursor block are assigned to combinations with Fn, but this is standard practice for small laptops. There is only one indicator here, for Caps Lock, and it is located right in the key.

The Dell XPS 13's keyboard, like other Ultrabooks, has a very shallow pressure point, which makes it feel weird when typing. It seemed to me that it lacked a little clarity. However, after some getting used to it, you can print on it; there are no obvious problems with printing.

Let's take a closer look at keyboard shortcuts with Fn. Here you can transfer the image to an external monitor, turn it on or off wireless network, check the battery status, adjust the display brightness, turn the keyboard backlight on or off, control the media player and sound.

Touchpad

Like all Ultrabooks, the XPS 13 has a large, buttonless touchpad. The surface of the touchpad is very smooth and slippery, subjectively not everyone will like it.

During operation, the touchpad sometimes responds with a delay. I haven't done enough typing on this ultrabook to know for sure how often you hit the touchpad with your palm.

Screen and sound

The screen parameters of the Dell XPS 13 are quite standard: 13.3-inch diagonal, 1366x768 pixels. Here it is no different from other ultrabooks. But the protective coating is inconvenient to use: it turns the screen into a good mirror (especially if the picture is dark), glare and reflections interfere with working with the ultrabook. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the screen does not have very high brightness and poor contrast. These two factors combine to make the Dell XPS 13 a frustrating experience.

The sound is at an average level, and in general corresponds to the level of ultrabooks without branded acoustics. You shouldn't count on adequate reproduction of music and movies.

Configuration and Testing

Let's take a quick look at the configuration of the Dell XPS 13 that we tested. In principle, we have already encountered the Intel Core i5-2467M processor. Therefore, I refer those who want to get acquainted with the platform in more detail, for example, to the review of Acer Aspire S3. We'll just make sure that the processor is operating normally. In idle mode its frequency is 800 MHz:

And under load - 2 GHz.

The numbers are quite consistent with the standard parameters and operating modes of other ultrabooks on an identical platform.

Let's look at the performance of RAM.

The Dell XPS 13's memory operates in dual-channel mode, and the numbers are generally consistent with other laptops with the same memory.

The SSD in our model provides a read speed of 220 MB/sec, which is a good result for modern solid-state drives.

During testing, to some surprise, the temperature conditions were practically no different from the figures we obtained on the Acer Aspire S3. The processor operated at a frequency of 2 GHz all the time, the core heating level quickly stabilized at 73–75 °C and remained stable. So the Dell XPS 13 cannot have problems with overheating on this processor.

Under load, the case heats up mainly in the back center, and the loop also heats up where hot air exits onto it. The heating level of the case is low, up to 35–36 °C.

I found the noise level of the Dell XPS 13 to be excessive. At partial load, the fan starts with a lot of noise, i.e. each time it accelerates to maximum speed and then drops to medium speed. These outbursts are very annoying. At medium speed the fan is clearly audible, but it is no longer as annoying. Under load, the fan operates loudly, with an unpleasant high-frequency hum.

I'm almost sure that some problems with the fan operation will be fixed in new versions of the BIOS (for example, it should not start so sharply and noisily), but overall the noise level seemed a bit high.

Battery life

Testing for battery life is carried out in two modes: minimal load mode (reading text from the screen) and when watching a movie. Tests are carried out without the use of test programs. Energy saving parameters: the power scheme is set to “balanced”; if the laptop manufacturer offers its own power scheme with similar characteristics, it is set. The monitor shutdown time is set to “never”. There are no other interventions in power management (switching graphics, turning off components, etc.), they remain at default values. The screen brightness is set to maximum, wireless interfaces are disabled. During testing, the laptop reboots, all utilities installed by the manufacturer are launched (except antivirus program, it is uninstalled before tests).

When testing for battery life in reading mode, no programs are launched, except for a utility that measures battery life.

When testing for movie playback with hard drive The laptop is playing a movie in avi format. Used for playback portable version Media Player Classic, which contains built-in codecs.

Passport container with big battery- 45525 mWh.

This ultrabook did not turn off correctly when the battery was low, so exact numbers were not obtained, but in reality they are unlikely to differ from those indicated in the article by more than 10 minutes.

Indeed, this Ultrabook runs on slightly less battery than the best of its competitors. However, the difference in battery life does not seem critical to me. Although it should be noted that when switching to battery operation, the Dell XPS 13 independently lowered the screen brightness, although the backlight level adjustment was set to maximum. This could add some time to the laptop.

Impressions from use, additional information

The Dell XPS 13 is a pleasure to work with, it's small and fits easily into your bag. However, when you take it in your hands, given its body dimensions, it seems a bit heavy.

Our sample did not always exit sleep mode correctly if quite a lot of time passed after the shutdown. Since this was a sample from a stale system, we did not focus on this.

Positioning and output

Who and what is this ultrabook suitable for?

In my opinion, it doesn't have a clear positioning like some of the competing products. At the same time, it has a good combination of characteristics so that it can be used in a wide variety of situations.

I think, first of all, it is good for taking it with you on small trips during the day or for a couple of days. The case dimensions are smaller than other ultrabooks, but the case is very durable and should not let you down when working in difficult conditions. By the way, the power supply of the Dell XPS 13 is small and light, about the same as that of a Macbook Air. The only thing is that this ultrabook is heavy, you will have to carry almost one and a half kilograms with you.

As for home or work use cases, then, perhaps, its element is office applications and infrequent use of peripherals. In general, this is an ultrabook for “office and mail while traveling.”

In the US, the Dell XPS 13 costs from $1,000 to $1,400 depending on the configuration. Judging by the recommended prices, it is slightly more expensive than its competitors, but, most likely, prices will begin to drop soon. It’s still difficult to predict the Russian price (especially since it will be overpriced at first); it seems to me that we should expect a price in the region of 42–45 thousand rubles for the younger model with Core i5 (which will be sold here).

Let’s summarize the main advantages of the model that set it apart from its competitors:

• Small housing dimensions
• Very durable body, neat appearance

The main disadvantages should also be noted:

• Very few connectors
• Glass in front of the screen