Taiwanese company Inhon has introduced the Blade 13 Carbon Ultrabook with dimensions that make it the thinnest and lightest Ultrabook available, taking the throne from the NEC LaVie Z.

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The MSI S30 is a forthcoming Ultrabook alternative (falling into the more general ‘ultrathin’ category). Though we’ve been eyeing up the 11.6-inch S20 Ultrabook convertible for some time, it looks like the S-series from MSI will consist of both Ultrabook and non-Ultrabook devices. The S30 is a 13.3-inch ultrathin that uses hardware similar to what you’ll find in an Ultrabook, but doesn’t quite fit Intel’s Ultrabook definition — the trade-off being that the S30 will likely be less expensive.

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We keep an updated list of Ultrabook alternatives here.

Apart from the Apple MacBook Air which is built like an Ultrabook but sold like an Apple product, there are other interesting options that hover just outside the weight and features list of a true Ultrabook. You’ve got options with Core i3 or AMD E450 at way below the Ultrabook price level, options without SSD and even high-end options. If you can handle just 500 gm / 1lb more weight and are flexible on specs you can save hundreds. In this report I list your options for Sept-Oct 2011.

Before you take a look at the Ultrabook alternatives, have a look at these two reference articles to find out exactly what an Ultrabook is.

Backgrounder: What’s an Ultrabook?

Backgrounder: Ultrabook features Guide.

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