OK, maybe this post is a bit late as tech journalists count down the last few hours to press day at CES 2013 but it was something I put together last night as I thought about what Ultrabook i’d like to have if I had been there this year. I wonder how many bloggers and journos are already using Ultrabooks at CES. It would be very interesting to walk through the press rooms and take a straw poll. If you’re reporting from CES 2013 and have 30 seconds, let us know what laptop you’re using and plug your website.
The Trade-Show Journalists Ultrabook…also suitable for conferences, seminars and field work
Check-list:
- Core i5 Ivy Bridge (or Sandy Bridge if you’re not doing video encoding work.)
- 4GB ram (6-8GB if you’re doing crazy video editing but I never have problems with 4GB and PowerDirector 10 for basic trimming, sequencing, fading and titling.)
- 128GB fast SSD. (plus external storage if you want to archive source videos and photos)
- USB 3.0 x3 with ‘sleep and charge.’
- Full size Gigabit Ethernet port
- Full size SD card slot
- 1600×900 screen (14″ probably ideal size)
- Weight no more than 4lb
- Full size HDMI port
- Windows 8 for fast boot and resume, sharing from Win 8 apps
- Strong dual-channel, dual band WiFi (Intel Centrino 6230 Plus good antenna design)
- High quality keyboard with backlight
- 5hr working battery + lightweight charger
Again – get the best WiFi setup possible as you’ll be relying on it in crowded hotspot situations. In addition to a strong WiFi setup, you’ll need a strong 3G/4G setup. Some built-in 3G/4G cards can be very strong.
Best Tech-Journalist Ultrabooks
- Samsung Series 9 13 & 15″ models (15″-er would be my choice due to big 60Wh battery and weight lower than some 13.3″ Ultrabooks) [Details here]
- Lenovo X1 Carbon (best wifi, not best battery capacity – 45Wh)
- Fujitsu U772 with extra battery slice. Over 100Wh of battery should mean it’s possible to leave the charger in the hotel. High quality WiFi too but it’s only got a 1366×768 screen. Even without extra battery it has the biggest capacity of any Ultrabook at 72Wh.
- Updated HP Elitebook Folio 9470M is also one to consider after March 2013.
Other Ultrabooks to Consider
- ASUS Zenbook UX31A / UX31A touch
- ASUS Transformer Book (also has head-turning and instant discussion features!) Not currently available but will have a total of over 60Wh of battery capacity. Relatively heavy.
- A high-end Sony Vaio T13 with SSD and HD Display
Got other recommendations or thoughts for the CES 2013 tech journaists? Add them below.
