Ultrabook vs. Laptop — What's the Difference?

A highly portable, slim laptop designed under Intel's specifications.

Often includes a variety of ports and drives.

A laptop emphasizing battery life and SSD storage.

Can range from budget to high-performance models.

Generally lacks an optical drive to save space.

Battery life can vary depending on the model and usage.

Known for premium materials and build quality.

A portable computer designed for mobile use with a clamshell design.

Features integrated graphics for efficient power use.

Available with either SSD or HDD storage options.

Ultrabook is a marketing term, originated and trademarked by Intel, for a category of high-end laptop computers. They were originally marketed as featuring ultra thin form factor and light weight design without compromising battery life or performance, and when the term was originated they generally were enough smaller than average laptop models to qualify as subnotebooks.

A laptop, laptop computer, or notebook computer is a small, portable personal computer (PC) with a screen and alphanumeric keyboard. These typically have a "clamshell" form factor, typically having the screen mounted on the inside of the upper lid and the keyboard on the inside of the lower lid, although 2-in-1 PCs with a detachable keyboard are often marketed as laptops or as having a "laptop mode." Laptops are folded shut for transportation, and thus are suitable for mobile use.

(computing) A very lightweight and thin portable computer the areal size of a notebook computer or subnotebook.

A portable computer with a display screen hinged to a keyboard, small enough to use on one's lap.

(computing) A laptop computer.

A portable computer small enough to use in your lap

Ultrabooks are designed to be ultra-portable with less weight, thinner profiles, and longer battery life compared to typical laptops.

An Ultrabook is a category of thin, lightweight laptops that must meet specific Intel standards for battery life, weight, and performance, typically featuring SSDs and long battery life.

The main differences are that Ultrabooks are thinner, lighter, and have longer battery life due to Intel's specifications, while laptops vary more in size, performance, and features.

Ultrabooks can handle light gaming due to their integrated graphics, but they are not suitable for high-end gaming that requires dedicated graphics cards.

Ultrabooks generally cost more than standard laptops due to their premium build, advanced technology, and portability features.

Ultrabooks generally have longer battery life, often exceeding 8 hours, due to stringent Intel standards and efficient processing, while laptop battery life can vary greatly based on their configuration and usage.

Consider what's most important for your needs: portability and battery life for frequent travel, or perhaps more robust performance and connectivity for varied tasks and entertainment.

Ultrabooks support major operating systems, primarily Windows, due to their partnership with Intel, which heavily promotes Windows for use in these devices.

Ultrabooks are typically designed to weigh under 3 pounds, making them ideal for portability and travel.

Anyone who values portability, long battery life, and a machine suitable for general business, browsing, and media consumption might find Ultrabooks to be an ideal choice.