Closing Thoughts

At three.3lbs (1.49kg), HP's offering isn't the lightest effectually, nor is it the thinnest at 0.7in. In fact, it's toward the upper limits of both attributes with most ultrabooks weighing 2.4-2.9lbs and measuring 0.51-0.67in thick. However, I wouldn't appreciate the system more if it were smaller, nor would I likely notice a 0.5lb/1mm difference. Information technology's also tough to bash on the Folio's size disadvantage considering its solid build quality.

I ran two battery tests: one while looping a 720p rip of Inception, the other using Powermark's default "Balanced" profile, which provides mixed workloads including Web browsing, word processing, gaming and playing videos.

The battery tests came in well under HP'south advertised 9-hour autonomy at just over four and half dozen hours. However, the brandish, processor and integrated graphics core ran at their maximum settings and both tests are probably more taxing than you'd put the machine through if you used it for light tasks with Windows' Power Saver profile. In such a scenario, I imagine it's possible to squeeze upwards to 8 or fifty-fifty the claimed 9 hours.

Every bit explained in an editorial terminal November, we expect ultrabooks to address many issues plaguing notebooks, including a crummy battery life, build quality, brandish and user experience. HP'south Folio 13 makes valiant strides toward improving the kickoff two categories, and while the latter ii could still use some work, they're far from bargain breakers. In fact, with a little speculation, yous could brand a case for the weak brandish.

It could be a coincidence, only the Folio 13 has a relatively dim screen while touting all-time-in-course battery life. It isn't too difficult to draw parallels there. If they're connected, I can't necessarily fault HP. Considering the purpose of an ultrabook, it seems a longer battery life would hold more value. It's undoubtedly easier to market place a 9-hour battery life over an IPS console -- especially considering the latter involves a cost premium.

As for the user experience, HP has committed the typical crime of shipping its automobile with bloatware. Along with a dozen of HP'due south own clunky applications, you'll detect a 60-solar day trial of Norton Internet Security 2022, Bing Bar vii for Internet Explorer ix, Snapfish Picture Mover and more than. This is especially annoying on an ultrabook, because the recovery sectionalization occupies 18GB of the SSD, leaving Windows with 96.9GB after formatting.

Assuming the display and bloatware don't scare you off (and they probably shouldn't, honestly), the Page thirteen ought to exist toward the top of your list if you're shopping for an ultrabook. The arrangement's well-nigh fingerprint-proof finish, professional person aesthetics, comfy backlit keyboard, lengthy battery life and snappy performance make it an like shooting fish in a barrel sell at $900. Hither's hoping the coming wave of Ivy Bridge ultrabooks are equally solid.

Pros: Sturdy construction, eats fingerprints, everlasting bombardment, comfy backlit keyboard.

Cons: Dull, glossy display, choosy touchpad, slightly thicker and heavier than other ultrabooks. Ivy Bridge is around the corner.