A new Star Trek: Into Darkness trailer taunts Trek fans with well-chosen collection of action scenes and Acer partnered with the film’s producers to tease a brand new notebook hoping to tap into the excitement for the coming action film.

Acer’s ad intersperses scenes from the Star Trek: Into Darkness film with video of their “unique notebook” which they say will arrive on May 3rd, two full weeks before the movie hits theaters. The video shows the Acer free falling, cut just after the heros Captain Kirk and Dr. McKoy jump off a cliff. We see the aluminum case sliding down a rock wall sparks flying to indicate the metal body. As it falls through the air in the next scene the notebook opens revealing a previously unseen design with a unique hinge labeled with the Acer logo. The release date flashes on screen and then the computer closes again.

The laptop seems to have a unique hinge previously unseen in Acer’s line of portable PCs. As the laptop rolls down the steep incline, the laptop’s screen starts to catch wind, revealing the laptop to have a screen that’s capable being repositioned in a fashion similar to many Ultrabook convertibles.

Here’s Acer’s version of the trailer below:

The new computer will run Microsoft Windows 8, which received a cool reception from critics. World-wide computer shipments fell by anywhere from 11.2% to 14% in Q1 2013 depending on which research firm we trust. The plummeting figures came most likely  due to the world’s economic situation, popular Apple and Android tablets and possibly due in part to a lackluster attitude about Windows 8 among PC users.

In addition, laptop prices rose slightly now that OEMs put touch screens in Windows 8 machines. Windows 8 without a touch screen doesn’t make much sense unless Microsoft chooses to bring back the Start button to help users find their software. Rumors suggest Microsoft might make the move in the interim 8.1 release of Windows, code-named Windows Blue.

We’re not surprised that Acer chose to attach their release to the popular action flick in hopes of turning things around or at least stemming the decline. The interesting design shown in the clips above will likely appeal to buyers, if Acer can also hit the right blend of quality hardware and affordable pricing that Acer buyers expect.

Acer Ties New Laptop to Start Trek Into Darkness Release is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

HP announced their new HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook, joining other manufacturers with low-cost notebooks running Google’s cloud-centric operating system. They call it the first full-sized Chromebook.

In case you’ve not heard, Chrome OS notebooks feel like a netbook, with meager hardware specs and minimal local storage. That is since most of the content resides on Google’s servers.

Other manufacturers offering Chromebooks include Acer and Samsung. HP’s model costs a little more at $330, $80 more than the Samsung model and $130 more than Acer’s. But it offers a slightly beefier processor. It’s hard to describe an Intel Celeron processor as “beefier” but we’d expect it to offer slightly better performance than the cheaper alternatives.

The HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook Features

Here’s what HP offers with their Chromebook:

• Intel Celeron 847 running at 1.1GHz
• Chrome OS with access to Google Drive, Picasa Web for photos and Gmail for email
• 100GB of Google Drive for 2 years included
• 14″ display with 1366×768 resolution on an Intel HD graphics chip
• 16GB SSD storage but no optical drive
• 2GB of RAM upgradable to 4GB
• Island style keyboard
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet
• Intel 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
• 4-cell battery promising up to 4:15 of battery life
• 3 USB 2.0; 1 HDMI; 1 RJ45; 1 headphone-out/microphone-in combo
• Webcam
• Altec Lansing speakers
• Flash card reader
• Weighs 3.96lbs
• 13.66×9.37x.83 inches in dimension

HP tells potential customers on their store site that the benefits of a Chromebook come with storing “your digital life” online to back it up safely. This also means a user will need constant access to the web. The Chrome OS makes it possible to work offline, but it’s not as good an experience.

The company also brags that a web-based OS updates automatically. A user opens the computer and it actually boots into a full-screen version of Chrome web browser with a backend that keeps it running, while caching files that are needed offline.

Take a look a the Chromebook over at HP.

Who Should Opt for the HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook

We recommend Chromebooks only to people who find themselves opening their notebook and launching their browser, who are then staying in it 100% of the time. That’s not a huge number of people, but it’s growing. Even if that describes how some people use their PCs, we still recommend a full-featured device. Computers that let the user install apps and run other software offer more versatility. A user can grow into a more advanced user with a traditional notebook.

For people who still think a Chromebook gives them all the computer they need, should they choose the HP over the cheaper models? We think this HP will work better for people who find the smaller keyboard or screens from Acer and Samsung too small. If a netbook has ever felt cramped to someone, they should pay the extra money for the HP.

HP Joins the Chromebook Party with HP Pavilion 14-c010us Chromebook is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is now available with a 1080P Full HD display, new processors and more storage, wrapped up in the same sleek package we saw last year, and at competitive prices.

Dell took everything we loved about the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook and improved on it for 2013, which means it remains one of the best Ultrabooks on the market, even as it competes with Ultrabook convertibles and a new generation of MacBook Air notebooks.

Because the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is one of the best Windows 8 ultrabooks available, we gave it a Notebooks.com Editor’s Choice Award.

The updated Dell XPS 13 isn’t a perfect Ultrabook, but thanks to the high-resolution display, an improved trackpad and great looking design, it should be at the top of the list for any Windows 8 notebook shopper with a budget over $1,000.

There is no touch screen option and Dell still doesn’t offer an SD card reader, but if we held out our search for the perfect notebook we’d never find one.

The Dell XPS 13 is a Notebooks.com Editor’s Choice winner.

Dell XPS 13 Video Review

Watch our Dell XPS 13 review video to see how the XPS 13 compares to the MacBook Air in size and how much of a difference the XPS 13′s new 1080P HD display makes.

Who is the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook for?

The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is designed for Windows 8 users looking for a compact, thin and light notebook with long battery life and style that can compete with the MacBook Air. The new 1080P HD option makes it attractive for users who want to work on multiple documents or Windows at the same time. The design makes the XPS 13 as attractive as the MacBook Air, which is important to many notebook users, looking for a Windows alternative to the popular Macbook Air series.

Professional users will enjoy the 1080P HD upgrade as well as the option to configure the notebook with an Intel Core i7 processor. Some users may find the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD maximum options too low.

Design

The Dell XPS 13 is a thin-and-light Ultrabook that looks good.

The Dell XPS 13 is made from anodized aluminum and carbon fiber, which makes for a well-built notebook that feels like a premium product. The soft touch of the carbon fiber carries over to the soft touch palm rest and to the keys which both deliver a nice touch. Dell flanks the palm rest with a band of silver anodized aluminum that sets off the black interior of the XPS 13.

Dell is able to keep the XPS 13 Ultrabook small enough that it is slightly bigger than the 11-inch MacBook Air, and noticeably smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air. The XPS 13 is slightly thicker than the MacBook Air, but remains thin, light and portable.

The Dell XPS (middle) 13 vs. Macbook Air 11 and MacBook Air 13.

Even though the XPS 13 is compact, Dell uses thin bezels around the display to pack in a 13-inch display, which is a go-to size for many users. New in this model is the higher resolution panel.

The build quality of the XPS 13 is top-notch with a sturdy hinge and no flex in the notebook when carried, even when carried open by the front corner.

The Dell XPS 13 is a compact 13-inch notebook.

Dell packs two USB 3.0 ports, a Mini Display Port and a combo mic/headphone jack into the XPS 13. There is also a battery monitor on the right side that lets users quickly see how much of a charge is left without turning the notebook on. Users can connect to most monitors or HDTVs with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, which runs $20 to $30. The power adapter is small, but not one users will likely find on other Dell products.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Dell XPS 13 keyboard is backlit with good key placement.

Dell nails the keyboard on the XPS 13. The keys are large with a slight concave center that guides fingers for more accurate typing. They keys also offer good travel, the distance a key moves when pressed, something that usually suffers on thin-and-light notebooks. The keyboard is backlit with even backlighting.

The good build quality ensures that the keyboard is not mushy while typing, even on the center keys. Key placement and spacing is very good, making it easy to start touch typing on the XPS 13. Users will appreciate the empty areas around the arrow keys and good size of the backspace and shift keys.

The Dell XPS 13 touchpad performs well, but not perfectly.

The glass touchpad on the Dell XPS 13 performs better than it did when we looked at the XPS 13 a year ago, likely thanks to better software. The touchpad supports Windows 8 gestures, but occasionally struggles with recognizing a swipe in from the right while in Desktop mode. This may be something Dell can fix as the gesture performs quickly and reliably in the new Modern User tile based view.

Dell fixed the click zones, so it is easier to left click by tapping or clicking almost anywhere on the touchpad. There are still errant right clicks, but the frequency dropped as we used the XPS 13 more.

Display

The Dell XPS 13 now features a 1080P 13-inch display.

The star of the XPS 13 update is the option for a 1080P HD display. The 13-inch 1080P display is available on the XPS 13 starting at $1,299, and is worth the price premium for mobile users who count on a high-resolution display to work in multiple apps while mobile.

Also included is an ambient light sensor that automatically dims and brightens the display to maximize visibility and battery life based on the user’s environment.

The Dell XPS display looks good at an angle too.

We found the 1080P HD display made it easier to be productive on the 13-inch display, and found noticeably more workspace than is available on the 13-inch MacBook Air. The font size is small for some users with such a high-resolution, but it is possible to zoom in for larger fonts.

Viewing angles and brightness are good, making it possible to share the XPS 13′s screen with a friend and to use the notebook in bright light.  The notebook’s display is rated at 350 nit.

Features

The Dell XPS 13 includes a number of features to improve the user experience. The following XPS 13 features range from consumer friendly to corporate user required.

Voice Control – Dell includes the option for Nuance Voice control to allow users to control the notebook with their voice. Voice recognition is in beta at this time, but users can opt to download it from Nuance.

1.3MP Webcam & Dual Array Microphones – The 1.3 MP webcam isn’t top of the line, but will suffice for video calls with friends and family. Dual array digital microphones help drown out background noise.

Enterprise Options – Dell includes options for TPM, BitLocker Data Encryption, ProSupport and other enterprise options.

Linux Option – Dell’s Project Sputnik offers a Linux option of the Dell XPS 13, should soon include the 1080P HD display.

Performance and Graphics

The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook we have in for review includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, the final production model will feature a 256GB SSD and a slightly newer Intel Core i5 processor for $1,399. The notebook uses integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics. There is no optical drive.

The XPS 13 as configured delivers enough power to meet the needs of most computer users, running multiple web browser tabs and windows, Office apps, playing music and running chat programs without slowing down.

Intel integrated graphics limit the gaming appeal of this notebook, but it can handle casual games and some more resource intense games, such as Portal 2. The notebook is also capable of editing photos and short video clips, but power users who plan to edit long videos every day should look for a notebook with dedicated graphics.

The Dell XPS 13 is capable of streaming movies in HD without stuttering and it does not get overly warm while streaming video.

Battery Life

The Dell XPS 13 is capable of lasting all day under real world use, something we haven’t found in many Windows 8 notebooks. The Dell XPS 13 lasted 8 hours and 25 minutes with simulated web browsing in FireFox with the screen at 40% brightness.

The Dell XPS 13 includes a battery indicator light.

This is long enough for most users to leave the charger at home or work for a more mobile experience. Users cannot replace the battery, so battery life cannot be increased with a spare.

The Bottom Line

The Dell XPS 13 is a great Ultrabook.

The Dell XPS 13 is a great Ultrabook that delivers a lot of features in a small package. With a starting price below $1,000, the XPS 13 delivers serious value to shoppers looking for a good looking, powerful Ultrabook.

Power users should consider the $400 price bump to get a 1080P HD display, double the RAM and double the storage, which still leaves the XPS 13 priced competitively with a similarly configured MacBook Air 13-inch. At the entry-level, the XPS 13 is comparable to the 11-inch MacBook Air on price, but offers a larger screen.

Gallery

Specs

Dell XPS 13 Review: Editor’s Choice Windows 8 Ultrabook is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

We can think of a lot of reasons to use a MacBook as a desktop system while at home or in the office. First, one computer makes it easier to keep our work environment consistent. Who wants to sync files and settings between two or more computers? And who wants to pay for a second Mac plus display if you already own a great computer and just need the display and a few accessories? Plus, using a great big desktop display makes work more satisfying.

So grab some, or all, of the accessories below to turn your MacBook into one of the best Mac desktops money can buy.

27″ Apple Thunderbolt Display

At $999, or $829 for a refurbished model, the Apple Thunderbolt Display seems like overkill since many companies sell a 27″ display for under $500. Few inexpensive displays offer the functions that Apple’s 22650×1440 resolution display offers. It connects with just two cables and offers a 3-port powered USB 2.0 hub.

You can also plug a FireWire 800 drive or Thunderbolt drive into the display. Using the Gigabit ethernet for networking gets you a faster and more reliable connection.

On the front a FaceTime camera allows video chat even with the MacBook closed.

The bright and accurate picture looks beautiful. The high-resolution means opening two apps at once without feeling cramped. The included speakers sound muted and muddy, but that’s easy to fix with a pair of nice USB speakers.

TwelveSouth BookArc Stand

Save desktop space by putting the MacBook Air or Pro in a stand. We recommend one of two options. The TwelveSouth’s BookArc Stands come in durable aluminum and costs $49.99 from TwelveSouth. Rubber inserts won’t scratch the soft aluminum on the MacBook and the rubber feet keep it in place.

The mStand from Rain offers a second option for people who want to keep their MacBook open. It holds the computer up off the desk and gives the user room to slide a keyboard under it when not in use. It costs $49, or $59 with a rotating base. The user can forgo the second display with this option, saving cash for higher quality peripherals.

Apple Aluminum Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

If we pick the space-saving BookArc stand, we’ll need an external keyboard. The Apple Aluminum Keyboard connects via USB to the display and takes up very little space. The island style keys make typing comfortable, it feels like the MacBook keyboard. A dedicated number pad and a pair of USB 2.0 ports are on either side. The keyboard sits at a comfortable angle. The keyboard retails for $49.99 at Apple.

One could also get the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac on Amazon for about $60, for those who prefer a good wireless Mac-specific keyboard.

Apple Magic Mouse

Some people hate Apple’s Magic Mouse, but we like it. The mouse gives users an OSX experience unlike any other mouse, thanks to the gestures it supports by swiping the top of the mouse.

Be sure to go into the mouse settings and turn on the feature that gives the user a right-click by pressing on the outside right of the mouse.

Two other pointing options include the Razer Or0chi for those who don’t like Apple’s mice, or an Apple Magic TrackPad for those who want the same pointing device away from the desk. Razer made their mouse for gamers, but it functions nicely for everyone else. Amazon sells it for $62.99. The Apple Magic Mouse or the Magic TrackPad are $69 from Apple.

Belkin Hub-To-Go

The Belkin Hub-To-Go gives users a mobile hub and a desktop hub in one device. The mobile four port hub plugs into a base that adds three ports for a total of seven USB 2.0 ports. Plug the base into the computer and a wall outlet using the AC plug to turn it into a powered hub. A little cup on the front holds things like flash drives or SD cards.

External Storage

We recommend getting an external USB, FireWire or Thundebolt hard drive for backups and an external Blu-ray drive for installing software, or watching and ripping videos. Here’s our list of picks going from cheapest but slower, to more expensive but faster:

• USB – Seagate BackUp Plus costs less than $75 on Amazon for a 500 GB USB 3.0 mobile drive. They also ship in 750GB or 1000GB versions with black, red, silver or blue.
• FireWire 800 – The Western Digital MyBook Studio 1TB drive is $129.99 on Amazon. They also sell a 2TB, 3TB and 4TB model. Desktop only!
• ThunderBolt – Seagate Backup Plus Desk for Mac costs $400 on Amazon. It’s desktop only!

When looking for a backup DVD or Blu-ray, don’t overpay. We do like Apple’s $79 SuperDrive, but users can find cheaper options. Look for a Blu-ray drive that costs no more than $100, unless it also writes Blu-ray.

Speakers

Don’t buy cheap speakers, since the MacBook and the Apple Thunderbolt Display already come with speakers. But for people who want great sound, consider the following set from Klipsch.

The Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 series connects via USB so the user doesn’t need to attach another cable to their MacBook when docking it. This set costs $199.99 direct. They sound great and offer a decent subwoofer.

Best Accessories for Using MacBook Pro as Desktop is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

As usual Notebook manufacturers announced new computers at CES. We went hands on with a number of the more interesting Windows 8 convertible tablet/notebooks.

Some of these convert from notebook to tablet while others go from tablet to notebook. A few of the machines emphasize notebook features over tablet use. Others prioritize tablet features. An example of the former includes the Samsung Series 5 while we see the latter in the Sony VAIO Duo.

Samsung Series 5 Ultra Touch

Samsung updated their Series 5 line with the new Windows 8 Samsung Series 5 Ultra Touch model. It comes with a touch screen to take advantage of the Windows 8 touch-screen-centric interface.

While it still offers a multi-gesture touchpad, the touch screen makes it more convenient to control the user interface by reaching up and tapping or gesturing on the screen itself. This will likely become the norm for mid to high-end notebooks running Windows 8 in the future.

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix Ultrabook Convertible

Lenovo makes great business notebooks, and they put the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix in that line with a convertible ultrabook that doesn’t just swivel the 1080p display around like most of the other machines. This one detaches from the keyboard using what they call a “rip and flip display” similar to what we saw with the ASUS Transformer Android tablets. The Helix runs Windows 8, however.

A full Intel Core i7 processor powers the machine even when using it as the detached tablet. It also offers a 256GB SSD for fast spacious storage. A 1080p display in an 11.6″ screen gives it incredible resolution for such a small machine.

After users finish using the Helix in tablet mode they can re-attach the screen to the keyboard in traditional notebook mode, or with the screen facing backwards for stand mode. It also folds back over the keyboard in what they call “tablet plus mode.” The plus includes more connections than most tablets and 5 hours of extra battery life for a total of 10 promised hours.

It will ship during Q1 2013 for $1,499 base price.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S Ultrabook Convertible

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S Ultrabook Convertible takes the convertible part of the equation to a new level with a notebook mode and a tablet mode. However, the user can also put this Windows 8 computer into a stand mode by folding the screen back past 180 degrees with the keyboard facing down. This allows the user to show off a slide show on a table or watch a movie with only the touch screen accessible but standing up at a nice viewing angle.

In the above video we see a Lenovo rep showing off the Lenovo Transition feature that detects tablet mode, stand mode and notebook mode. The feature switches between the various modes. The example shown above uses Windows Media Player running in a window while in notebook mode. It switches to full screen when the convertible transitions to stand mode or tablet mode.

Toshiba U925t Ultrabook Convertible

The Toshiba U925t Ultrabook Convertible Windows 8 machine goes from notebook to tablet mode by easily pushing the screen away from the user until it lays flat and then slides over the keyboard. The U925t offers a good weight with a nice balance making it nice to use while holding in tablet mode.

It offers a front and rear facing camera. Just slide up the screen section to show the camera on the back.

The Satellite U925t retails for $1,149 with an Intel Core i5  processor, Intel HD graphics, 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. The slim Ultrabook includes a HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports and a 12.5-inch 1366 x 768 resolution display.

Sony VAIO Duo Ultrabook Convertible

The Sony VAIO Duo Ultrabook Convertible offers a tablet that can convert to a notebook by sliding the screen up and lifting the top to set it at a comfortable angle for typing and viewing.

The full Core i7 processor brings some power to this otherwise small 11.6″ machine running Windows 8. The keyboard is smaller than most and the machine doesn’t offer a touchpad; it assumes users will interact via the touchscreen.

Many convertibles feel too heavy or out of balance. Not so with the Sony VAIO Duo Ultrabook Convertible.

CES 2013 Notebook & Ultrabook Hands On Round Up is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

At CES 2013 Dell took the opportunity to unveil a new set of Dell Inspiron Laptops which they made available immediately in the US and Canada. Some will also ship internationally. Dell improved performance on the line and bumped up the battery life while scaling down the thickness of the machines.

The new Inspiron machines run on ultra-low voltage Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, giving them better battery life than the earlier versions thanks to using only 17 watts of electricity. The 4-cell battery will make the machines thinner than an inch. They also offer a slightly thicker model with a 6-cell battery for an extra charge on most of these machines, except the Inspiron 17R, which ships with the larger battery. The smaller size means a lighter laptop as well.

Dell put a number of other features in these machines including…

• 3×3 dual-band wireless using Wi-Fi N standards
• Bluetooth 4.0 for longer more dependable connections
• HDMI 1.4a support
• Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio 4 that comes from the high-end XPS line
• Built-in DVD drives

An Intel Wireless Display connection lets users connect their computer to a display without a cable so long as the monitor includes the same Intel Wi-Di standard via an included receiver or an add-on.

Inspiron 15 and 17

Dell built these systems with the price conscious consumer in mind. They come with either a 15″ or 17″ display. International buyers will also get a 14″ option.

All of the systems come with the above features as well as a minimum of 8GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. They also ship with the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics chips. Buyers can opt for an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics card with 1 or 2GB of video memory.

Dell ships these budget notebooks with a matte black finish and chiclet or island style keys on the keyboard.

The 14″ international model and the 15″ model that ships worldwide comes with a 720p WLED display. The resolution is 1366×768. The 17″ model gets a 1600×900 resolution display, better than 720p but not quite 1080p.

The Dell Inspiron 15 weighs 4.96lbs with the 4-cell battery and 5.19 with the 6-cell. It starts at $429.99 in the US. The Dell Inspiron 17 costs $499.99 and weights 5.82lbs or 6.03lbs with either the 4 or 6-cell battery.

Inspiron 14R, 15R and 17R

The Dell Inspiron 14R, 15R and 17R offer a little more color than the above systems. The chassis comes with brushed aluminum in Moon Silver, Peacock Blue, Fire Red, and Lotus Pink.

Buyers can order these systems with a full 1080p display all over and an anti-glare finish outside the US. The machines otherwise come with the same specs as the first group of systems.

The Inspiron R computers start at $549.99 for the Dell Inspiron 15R, with the 4-cell battery weighing 4.89lbs. The 6-cell battery adds a little weight and cost. The Dell Inspiron 17R starts at $699.99 and weighs 6.02lbs with the standard 6-cell battery and basic display.

Updated Dell Inspiron Laptops Announced at CES 2013 is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Notebooks.com team presents our best of CES 2013 awards.

While CES 2103 didn’t feature as many Notebooks as years past, our team scoured the show floor and met with the top computer companies to see nearly every notebook announced at CES 2013. After looking through all the notebooks and notebook technology we picked the best.

Our editors focused on key devices and technology that will change the way you work, the way you use notebooks and the type of notebooks and notebook-like devices you will be able to buy in 2013.

It’s fitting that the Best Notebook and Best Ultrabook of CES 2013 both do more than a standard notebook. The definition of what a notebook can do is changing as manufacturers combine touch screens, swivels that turn notebooks into tablets and also use cameras for motion control. The Best of CES 2013 Innovation award goes to an Intel chip that will allow manufacturers to deliver more advanced products by the time we arrive at CES 2014 next January.

The Notebooks.com team recognizes the Best of CES 2013 recipients. Congratulations to the teams behind these products for delivering a better notebook experience for consumers and business users.

HP EliteBook Revolve – Best Notebook

The HP Elitebook Revolve is HP’s first all-new Elitebook tablet.

The HP EliteBook Revolve is HP’s First all-new EliteBook tablet, offering a modern take on the EliteBook 2760p that’s 38% thinner than the 2760p without cutting the features business users love. HP plans to offer a slice battery so users don’t need to worry about battery life on long trips.

HP builds the EliteBook Revolve with a magnesium alloy frame and Gorilla Glass on the 11.6-inch screen to deliver a durable, portable, business-ready notebook that doubles as a tablet, plus it includes HP’s business warranty options.

The HP EliteBook Revolve is too thin to carry a stylus, but it includes an active digitizer and HP offers an optional stylus that feels like a real pen, so it should deliver a better inking and pen input than tablets like the iPad.

We chose the HP EliteBook Revolve as the Best Notebook of CES 2013 because it is a fully capable business machine capable of giving corporate users the tools they need to get work done in a very mobile form factor.

Read More about the HP Elitebook Revolve.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S – Best Ultrabook

The IdeaPad Yoga 11S is a small, Ultrabook Convertible.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S is a new Ultrabook convertible that cuts the category down to size, hitting the sweet spot in tablet and notebook hybrid lineup with an 11.6-inch display and a screen that swivels from notebook to tablet.

Like the IdeaPad Yoga 13, the smaller Yoga 11S includes a unique swivel hinge that includes a stand mode and a tent mode to make watching movies and using the touch screen easier.

Lenovo includes a new Motion Control mode that uses the webcam to let users wave their hand to wave through photos and control video and music playback.

We gave the Best Ultrabook of CES 2013 to the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S because it’s large enough to deliver a notebook experience but small enough to make sense while used as a tablet, and at $800 it’s priced low enough to fit the budget of mainstream consumers looking for an Ultrabook Convertible.

Read more about the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S.

Intel 4th Generation Core i Processor – Best Innovation

At CES 2013 Intel unveiled new Intel 3rd generation ULV chips for the Ultrabooks coming early this year and showed off the Intel 4th Generation Core i processors which will arrive in late 2013.

The new Intel 4th Generation Core i processors are exciting because of the potential they offer consumers. Intel claims these new 4th Generation Core i processors will pave the way for thinner, lighter, longer lasting Ultrabooks and Notebooks. This means by the end of 2013, we should see exciting new Ultrabook and Ultrabook convertible designs.

Intel showed off one reference design, an Ultrabook Convertible they share with manufacturers to help spur innovation and growth at CES. Thanks to 4th Generation Core i processors and good design ideas, Intel was able to deliver an impressive looking Ultrabook Convertible.

We gave the Intel 4th Generation Core i family of processors our Best Innovation of CES 2013 award for the new features, new designs and longer battery life it will deliver when it launches later this year.

Read more about the future of Ultrabooks with Intel.

Best of CES 2013 is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

HP announced the HP TouchSmart Sleekbook and HP Sleekbook at CES 2013, adding a touch screen to the Sleekbook for the first time, and bringing the TouchSmart brand to notebooks.

The TouchSmart Sleekbook and Sleekbook notebooks are similar to Ultrabooks, but use AMD processors instead of Intel Core i processors.

The notebooks are similar, though the TouchSmart Sleekbook is a more attractive option for users looking forward to using Windows 8, which features a new touch-friendly modern user interface.

HP TouchSmart arrives at CES 2013.

The HP TouchSmart Sleekbook features a 15.6-inch display that supports 10-finger multitouch, but this doesn’t fold flat or convert to a tablet like the Yoga 11S, but it delivers a more affordable price by cutting out special hinges.

The HP Sleekbook sports the same 15.6-inch display, but lacks support for touch, and shaves $200 off the price.

HP opted for AMD A series processors to keep the price down, without significantly sacrificing performance. The HP TouchSmart Sleekbook features an AMD A8 APU with 6GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The HP Sleekbook runs on the AMD A6 APU with a 4GB RAM and a 500GB hard drive.

Both notebooks feature USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports as well as HDMI out, Ethernet and WiFi. The touchpad is optimized for Windows 8 gestures on both Sleekbooks. Both notebooks feature a full size keyboard complete with a number pad, but HP doesn’t include backlit keys.

The TouchSmart Sleekbook features a 15.6-inch touch display.

The HP TouchSmart Sleekbook is 0.9-inch thick and the Sleekbook is thinner at 0.82-inch thick.

THe HP Sleekbook is available on January 13th starting at $499 and the HP TouchSmart Sleekbook is coming in early February, starting at $649 with an A6 processor.

HP also announced a collection of new monitors including the HP u160, a 15.6-inch mobile monitor that will arrive later this month for $139 and the HP Playlist, a WiFi hard drive that can store Hulu Plus and Netflix videos for offline playback.

HP TouchSmart SleekBook Takes Touch Mobile is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The Lenovo IdeaPad U series and IdeaPad Z series gained small updates at CES 2013 where Lenovo unveiled touch-screens models of their popular IdeaPad notebooks.

These new touch screen models arrive with Windows 8, Microsoft’s latest version of Windows with a standard desktop mode and a touch-friendly modern user interface with Live Tiles.

The IdeaPad U series notebooks are Lenovo’s first touch enabled ultrabooks, available in 13-inch and 14-inch sizes and optional NVIDIA dedicated graphics. The IdeaPad Z series is available in 14-inch and 15.6-inch models with up to a Core i7 processor and NVIDIA graphics.

On the outside Lenovo didn’t change much from the earlier IdeaPad U310 and U410 Ultrabook models or the IdeaPad Z400 and Z500, but the new touch screen makes the mainstream Ultrabooks and notebooks more attractive with Windows 8.

By including NVIDIA dedicated graphics these notebooks should be better suited for users looking for a notebook capable of handling video and photo editing and playing more advanced games.

Lenovo claims the IdeaPad U310 and U410 are capable of delivering all day computing on a single charge, claiming 8 hours of use on the U410 and 6 hours on the U310.

The IdeaPad Z series notebooks offer more power with full voltage Intel Core i third generation processors, which pair up with the latest NVIDIA graphics. The Z series is better suited for multimedia creation or gaming than the U Series. The Z series includes a backlit keyboard.

The IdeaPad U and Z Series notebooks support 10-finger multi-touch so users can use apps and play games that require multiple precies touch points like a piano or a multi-player game.

The IdeaPad U310 Touch arrives in March for around $779. The IdeaPad U410 Touch arrives in April for around $850. The IdeaPad Z500 Touch should arrive in April for around $699 and the  Z400 Touch is on track for March with a starting price at 699.

IdeaPad U & IdeaPad Z Series Updated with Touch for Windows 8 is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The OKGEAR SATA to USB adapter makes copying data off an old 2.5-inch internal notebook SATA hard drive to a new drive via USB simple and inexpensive.

Who Needs the OKGEAR SATA to USB Adapter

Sometimes a user needs to upgrade a notebook hard drive on their computer. Maybe it’s showing signs of dying soon or it’s just too slow. Maybe the drive got full and a larger one is in order. For whatever reason, users can use one of the following three options for copying their data off the old drive onto the new one.

• An external drive enclosure which turns an internal into an external drive
• Get a hard drive dock that connects via USB or e-SATA like one from Thermaltake
• A simple cable adapter for  cheaper one-time use

Of the above options, the first one works best for people who plan to continuously use the old drive for a backup solution. That’s fine if the old internal drive still works. However, these usually cost more than a cable.

The second option works better for people who do this a lot. Since it’s not a mobile option and costs more, most users will prefer the first option or a third.

If the old drive shows sings of dying (loud noises or lots of read/write errors), then who wants to spend $30-$100 for a one time, or seldom used, tool that’s overkill. That’s where the OKGEAR SATA to USB Adapter fits.

Value and Features

Only two things separate this adapter from any of the scores of others available. First, it’s inexpensive. Amazon sells it for $10. Second, it comes with a silicon drive sheath to keep the old drive protected while in use. The sheath isn’t a permanent protector, but will keep it safe for a short time. For long-term use get an enclosure which will keep the drive safe. The sheath’s only purpose is to keep users from shorting the internal electronics of their drive due to static shock.

After putting the sheath on the drive, plug the SATA end into the drive. It snaps into place perfectly. The other end of the drive comes with two USB plugs. One carries the data and the other offers backup power in case the drive needs more juice than a computer’s USB port offers. I plugged both into my Mac to ensure it got enough power, but it didn’t really need it.

The adapter won’t win any speed competitions, but it worked great. After putting a new solid state drive in the computer, I plugged this drive into the machine and copied over my files and settings using the built-in feature in OS X. Windows offers a similar tool upon installation.

At just $9.95, this adapter provides a cheap way to easily connect an internal hard drive or solid state drive to a computer’s USB port for temporary file transfers.

OKGEAR SATA to USB Adapter is Cheap and Simple [Review] is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.