HP FOLIO 13: Slick machine

Innovation in Intel processor architecture has created a new category of computing devices which offer long battery life with sleek design without compromising too much on performance. Hewlett-Packard's Folio 13 is from this very generation which is also known as an ultrabook.

To start with looks and ergonomics, the American computer company has done a great job on both these fronts. Folio 13 looks and feels sturdy with aluminum brushed top that gives it a very professional look. It has a great keyboard with full-sized chiclet keys that are both fun and comfortable to work on. This means if your work involves a lot of typing, then this machine could be a good choice though the touchpad is bit of a downer with stiff right and left click buttons.

Weighing around 1.5 kg and just 18 mm thick, the Folio 13 may not be the best in class but these specifications make this computing device great for those on move, especially if you add battery backup of around four hours (on maximum load).

Start up time is one of the key selling points of an ultrabook. In fact, low start-up time is a pre-requisite for ultrabooks. Typically notebooks take 2-3 minutes to start up before one can start using them. The Folio 13 took just around 30 seconds to start up (in our tests). Also, while notebooks take 10-12 seconds to wake up from sleep mode, the Folio merely took 1-2 seconds to perform this operation.

Performance benchmark results of this ultrabook were impressive when compared to others we reviewed in recent months. The Folio 13 scored 8,771 in PC Mark Vantage, which checks the overall machine performance and 3,372 in 3D Mark 2006, which checks graphics capability.

All in all, great specifications and performance make this ultrabook a great choice, especially for those who do a lot of travelling and typing.

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