Which ultra-portable / notebook to choose? | Buying guide, best ultraportable PCs: which ultrabook to choose in 2023?

Best Ultraportable PCs: which ultrabook model choose in 2023

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Which ultra-portable model to choose ?

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The laptop continues to lighten in general. However, there is an even lighter category than the others: ultra-portable (or ultrabook), which is aimed at nomadic people. In fact, ultra-portable is often Professional or mixed use (staff/professional).

THE weight is an essential choice criterion. The limit below which a laptop becomes an ultra-portable is quite arbitrary and can be defined around 1.5 kg and 2 cm thick, closed screen. The screen size is between 10 and 15 inches. You can hope More than 8 hours of autonomy, another essential parameter, and silence Operating. The equipment and connectors are reduced to a minimum: no DVD engraver, 2 to 3 USB ports.

This category is however disparate and includes several subcategories which meet different needs.

The small price model (less than 400 €), ultra-portable version of the economic laptop PC is provided for simple office automation. It is a descendant of the netbook of yesteryear.

Asus Rog Flow X13 GV302XI-MU007W

Gamer, 13.4 “, IPS, WQHD+, 165 Hz, 16:10, Tactile, Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4070, RAM 32 GB, SSD 1 TO, Windows 11, 1.30 kg

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED UM5302LA-LV040W

Office automation, 13.3 “, OLED, 2.8K, 16:10, Tactile, Ryzen 7 7840U, RAM 16 GB, SSD 1 TO, Windows 11, 1 kg

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED UX3402ZA-KM378W

Professional, 14 “, OLED, 2.8K, 90 Hz, Core i7-1260p, RAM 16 GB, SSD 512 GB, Windows 11, 1.39 kg

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED UX5304VA-NQ079X

Professional, 13.3 “, OLED, 2.8K, 16:10, Core i7-1355U, RAM 16 GB, SSD 1 TO, Windows 11, 1.00 kg

Asus Rog Flow X13 GV302XV-MU009W

Gamer, 13.4 “, IPS, WQHD+, 165 Hz, 16:10, Tactile, Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4060, RAM 16 GB, SSD 1 TO, Windows 11, 1.30 kg

Asus Zenbook 13 UX325EA-KG907W

Professional, 13.3 “, OLED, FULL HD, Core i5-1135g7, RAM 16 GB, SSD 512 GB, Windows 11 Home, 1.14 kg

Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 GA402XV-N51W

Gamer, 14 “, IPS, WQHD+, 165 Hz, 16:10, Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4060, RAM 32 GB, SSD 1 TB, Windows 11, 1.65 kg

HP ProBook 440 G10 (816T1EA)

Professional, 14 “, Core i7-1355u, RAM 16 GB, SSD 512 GB, Windows 11 Pro, 1.38 kg

HP ProBook 440 G10 (816T3EA)

Professional, 14 “, Core i5-1335u, RAM 8 GB, SSD 256 GB, Windows 11 Pro, 1.38 kg

Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 GA402XU-010W

Gamer, 14 “, IPS, QHD+, 165 Hz, 16:10, Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4050, RAM 16 GB, SSD 1 TO, Windows 11, 1.72 kg

Typical configuration for an economical ultraportable PC:

  • Processor: Intel Celeron
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Circuit or graphics card: integrated
  • Storage: 32 GB flash
  • Screen: 11 to 14 inches

The pro model has higher -end components that improve power and versatility. The price goes from 500 to more than 1500 € Depending on the configuration, the equipment (very high definition screen. ) and the finish (magnesium hull, aluminum).

Typical configuration for an ultraportable professional PC:

  • Processor: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and AMD Ryzen 3/5/7
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Circuit or graphics card: integrated
  • Storage: SSD from 128 to 512 GB
  • Screen: 13 to 15 inches

What is a hybrid or convertible laptop ?

THE Hybrid laptop benefits from a touch screen, detachable or not, which behaves like a real autonomous windows tablet. It most often embeds between 4 and 8 GB of RAM. Use is limited to office automation, Internet and a little multimedia. Count 550 € at least.

The convertible is equipped with a swivel touch screen (13 or 14 inch) which can be oriented at will, or even folded under the screen (tablet mode). It is generally accompanied by a stylus to facilitate the entry of information and target of professional applications. Its price is also very variable, from 500 to 1500 €, Depending on the performance of on -board components.

Typical configuration for a convertible laptop PC:

  • Processor: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and AMD Ryzen 3/5/7
  • RAM: 8 to 16 GB
  • Circuit or graphics card: integrated
  • Storage: SSD from 128 to 512 GB
  • Screen: 11 to 14 inches touch and adjustable

Asus Zenbook

– Opt, if possible, for a Mate slab, which reduces the reflections accentuated by daylight outdoors outdoors.

– An ultra-portable is by nature exposed to shocks, to the scratches. Protect it with a bag or transport cover. Some models are more resistant than others (carbon fibers).

– In the event of theft, the fingerprint and technology TPM (Trusted Platform Module) are a plus to protect your confidential documents.

– Acquire a confidentiality To protect your display of prying eyes.

Best Ultraportable PCs: which ultrabook model choose in 2023 ?

You need a light, compact and enduring laptop ? So you are looking for an ultraportable, also called Ultrabook. Discover our selection of the best ultraportable PCs tested at Frandroid.

The top 3 of the best ultraportable PCs in 2023

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302)

ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302)

  • Very nice OLED screen
  • Light and elegant
  • Good autonomy
  • 60 Hz screen

Apple MacBook Air 13 m2 2022

MacBook Air 13 m2 2022

  • Exemplary finishes
  • Excellent performance
  • Silence and no heating
  • The LCD screen

Honor Magicbook 14 AMD (2022)

Magicbook 14 AMD (2022)

  • Sober design, aluminum chassis
  • Good autonomy
  • Excellent value
  • A little average screen

A voucher Pc ultra -portable Must have several qualities: it must be light (less than 1.5 kg), and fine (less than 2 cm). Its screen size will not exceed 14 inches. Another crucial point: good autonomy, offering a day of use. This type of machine is in fact mainly designed for professional or mixed leisure/professional use. An ultraportable will have to be moved regularly, whether from one room to another, or slipped into a backpack, used in a cafe or train. He will notably be the best student companion.

About all brands have been placed in this niche, choosing a more or less high -end axis. Apple, Asus and Lenovo embody the trio that holds the top of the pavement.

You want to know what is the Best ultraportable of the moment ? What model would suit you best ? Our selection will help you choose the model of your dreams.

To have a wider view, go to our guide for the best laptops. If the budget is important for you, see the PC guide for less than 1,000 euros. Finally, we also have laptop selections by marks: Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, Huawei and Apple.

Apple MacBook Air 13 m2 2022 Iconic ultraportable PC

Apple MacBook Air 13 m2 2022

  • Exemplary finishes
  • Excellent performance
  • Silence and no heating
  • The LCD screen

When it was released, the MacBook Air M2 was placed in a delicate position, especially because of its price. After the WWDC 2023, the Cupertino firm announced a price drop in the model. This goes from 1499 to 1,299 euros, making it easier to recommend. Faced with an M1 air starting at 1,199 euros, without promotions, the difference is much less than before.

In terms of design, the new MacBook has a redesigned chassis with always excellent finishes. The keyboard and the touchpad are impeccable. In terms of the touch interface, Apple again makes the choice to bet on an LCD slab at 60 Hz of 13.6 inch. The measured brightness is 508 cd/m2 which is low. Above all, we regret that competition from ultraportables offers much more efficient OLED.

The contribution of the Apple M2 is a simple revision of the chip. If the latter does not break benchmarks records, it allows you to perform tasks without difficulty while remaining perfectly fluid. It is above all the graphic part that is entitled to great improvements. For cloud gaming followers, the machine is interesting. In the software part, MacOS remains a very complete system for everyday life.

The big strength of the ultraportable Apple is its autonomy. The MacBook Air M2 incorporates a 52.6 Wh battery which is capable of covering two days of autonomy provided you do not push the machine in its entrenchments. For its part, the recharge can be done in an hour with a 100 W charger. Any USB-C charger with the Power Delivery standard. Our Apple MacBook Air 2022 M2 Apple test is to be read to find out more.

Where to buy the
Apple MacBook Air 13 m2 2022 at the best price ?
€ 1,299 discover the offer
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The first version of the MacBook Air M1 is always highly recommendable. Especially since the machine regularly benefits from attractive promotions bringing it to 999 euros on the various e-commerce sites. We advise you to read the MacBook Air M1 test to learn more.

Where to buy the
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 at the best price ?
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Apple MacBook Air 15 m2 2023 Ultraportable with a large screen

Apple MacBook Air 15 m2 2023

  • Large screen in a compact chassis
  • Performances and silence
  • Very good speakers
  • A slightly light connection

Another variant of MacBook Air, and yes. This time, we offer you a 15 -inch ultrabook: it exists ! The MacBook Air 15, also provided with the last M2 chip, manages to bring all this into a particularly compact aluminum chassis. With only 1.15 cm thick and 1.5 kg on the scale, it is a really compact and practical laptop to transport. We find the same construction quality as on all MacBook, difficult to criticize.

As on the 13 -inch model, the performance of the M2 ARM chip is still there. She will overcome all the tasks, all in silence. The 15.3 inch screen is really appreciable if you spend a lot of time on your PC, whether it is to work or to watch movies and series. As a main computer, which you can nevertheless take everywhere with you, it will be perfect. Of course, the bill will be more salty than for the 13 -inch MacBook Air. Hoping that prices drop a little over time ..

We also salute the autonomy of the machine, always impressive, with a full day of use far from a socket. You can also recharge it with any Power Delivery charger. The keyboard is always in the hair, and the trackpad is even larger, for flawless comfort.

We will still regret a slightly light connection for a 15-inch PC, with only two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a notch still present at the webcam level.

Where to buy the
Apple MacBook Air 15 m2 2023 at the best price ?
€ 1,599 discover the offer
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Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon (13IAP7) The most compact ultraportable PC

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon (13IAP7)

  • Particularly light and fine
  • Good performance
  • A good screen for the web
  • Can heat a little

THE Yoga Slim 7i is perhaps the most compact model of this selection. With its magnesium alloy shell, it weighs less than 1 kg, 995 grams precisely. Its dimensions are particularly compact: 30 x 20 x 1.5 cm. With its rounded edges and its pleasant touch, it makes you want to be transported under the arm or slipped into a handbag.

Screen side, The Lenovo Yoga out of it. It is equipped with a beautiful IPS LCD 8 -bit slab of 13.3 inch in definition 2560 × 1600 pixels, at the 16:10 ratio, with a refreshment up to 90 Hz. We have measured a color temperature very faithful to 6400K, and deep contrasts. The screen is tactile and is ideal for the SRGB. No complaints on the keyboard, worthy of Lenovo with very wide touches, or the touchpad, very responsive. Connective level, we are at a macbook air, that is to say that we will have to be satisfied with two USB-C ports. To you the Dongle !

Our test configuration contained the Intel Core chip i7-1260p With 16 GB of RAM in LPDDR5, which of course offers excellent performance. Note that there are different versions with various Intel processors, but this version is 1,400 euros on the Lenovo site. The chassis being particularly fine, you can however feel a certain heating if you use the PC on your knees ..

Its small battery of 50 Wh is compatible with all chargers using the Power Delivery standard, practical if you forget yours. Count on 9 to 10 hours of autonomy, which is good when you consider the reduced size of the machine. To find out all about this model, read our Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon test.

Where to buy the
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon (13IAP7) at the best price ?

There are no offers at the moment

This precise model is less and less available, but different very close models are also interesting, like the Yoga slim 7 carbon, which exists in 13 inches, as well as in 14 inches.

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302) Asus elegance and quality

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302)

  • Very nice OLED screen
  • Light and elegant
  • Good autonomy
  • 60 Hz screen

Asus manages to stand out on ultraportable with Zenbook, excellent products, real challengers of MacBook Air and Lenovo Yoga. Their strong point ? Their splendid OLED screen, which clearly surpasses the slabs of other manufacturers, at similar prices. If the screen is a decisive point for you, you know which brand you turn to ..

The screen of ZenBook S 13 thus offers deep contrasts, good colorimetry and is even tactile; However, it caps at 60 Hz. Its 13.3 -inch slab displays a pleasant definition of 2880 per 1800 pixels.

THE ZenBook S 13 OLED is a Very balanced PC, who does not suffer from real defect. Its mat aluminum chassis is clearly in the top of the range, and we find the Ergo Lift system developed by Asus, which slightly raises the computer when the screen is opened, allowing it to. THE ZenBook S 13 OLED has everything an excellent ultraportable: very fine, it measures only 1.49 cm at the thickest point, and its lightness, and weighs 1.096 kg, a featherweight. Suffice to say that it will accompany you without worry in all your trips.

On our test model, the Zenbook is equipped with a Ryzen 7 6800U. You will now find it more easily with a slightly less powerful chip, the Ryzen 7 6600U, still assisted by 16 GB of RAM. The raw power is there, and the computer manages to cool properly. On autonomy, the Zenbook S13 does not disappoint, with around 13 hours on the clock, an excellent score.

As often on ultrabooks, we just appreciated the presence of a USB port A as well as an SD card reader. You must almost have a USB-C Dongle. In the end, the ZenBook S 13 OLED remains an excellent challenger on the pan of ultraportables, especially MacBook Air, not to mention that a new 2023 version of this PC, which we were able to test, is expected soon.

What are the best ultrabooks and 2-in-1 (computer and tablet) ? September 2023

At the time of teleworking and offender offices, many need an ultraportable daily PC on a daily basis. The offer is now bloated and the quality is there. Here is our selection.

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The best

Galaxy Book2 Pro 15: an ultrabook that signs Samsung’s winning return

Launch price 1599 €

Writing note: 5 out of 5

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Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

  • Performance.
  • Well calibrated slab.
  • Perceived quality.
  • Autonomy.
  • Good connectivity.
  • Lightweight.
  • Just honest SSD performance.
  • Screen definition only full hd.

The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 15 Check almost all boxes: its impressive chassis makes no compromise, whether on performance or autonomy, and the screen is very good, with loyal colors and an effective anti -reflective treatment. We simply regret the definition of the lower slab that of the best laptops on this point.

Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED: the ultrabook excellent student, but who thinks too

Launch price 1499 €

Writing note: 5 out of 5

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Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

  • Comfortable autonomy.
  • Well calibrated oled screen.
  • Ryzen 7 performance.
  • Can even play (a little).
  • Slab reflectance.
  • Unarmed connectors.
  • Poorly designed cooling.

The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is the ultraportable par excellence thanks to an autonomy which borders on half-day, its efficient processor even offering the luxury of being able to play. This ASUS offspring could have been absolutely perfect if the anti -reflective filter of its screen was effective and its connection a little more varied. Finally – and a little nicknamed – the heat felt at the level of the keyboard could have been better controlled.

Ultrabook Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED: The almost perfect traveler

Launch price € 1349

Writing note: 4 out of 5

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Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

  • Finesse.
  • Lightweight.
  • Most beautiful effect coating.
  • Impeccable finish.
  • Well calibrated oled slab.
  • Very shiny screen.
  • No fingerprint reader.
  • No card reader.

The ZenBook S 13 OLED from Asus offers a new chassis to say the least, both end and very well finished. However, its performance and autonomy are slightly regression compared to the 2022 version. He also loses his imprint reader and the Numpad. Despite these absences, there remains in absolute terms a good nomad laptop on which we can rely calmly during trips.

LG Gram 16 (16z90r): the perfect harmony between lightness, silence and exceptional autonomy

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Note: 1 in 5

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Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

  • Very silent.
  • Ultra -light.
  • Excellent autonomy.
  • Extensible storage.
  • Perfectible slab.
  • Rangeed Core i7 performance.

LG does not revolutionize the formula of its Gram series with the 16Z90R, but small improvements that make it a successful and interesting PC in more than one way. It presents an ultralight design accompanied by its new mini charger, as well as excellent autonomy, making a perfect choice for nomadic users who need a large screen. However, the quality of the latter is not perfect and the performance is slightly lower than those of other models equipped with an equivalent Core i7 processor. A compromise chosen by LG to maintain the very silent PC.

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Honor Magicbook 15 laptop: old bottle, new content

Launch price 749 €

Writing note: 3 out of 5

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Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

  • Well calibrated screen.
  • Heated little.
  • Limited connectors.
  • Welded memory.
  • Unlined backpad.
  • Webcam position and quality.

Honor achieves a shy update of his Magicbook 15 in 2022. The brand is struggling to renew itself despite a screen with good qualities. The Ryzen 5000 processor of AMD gives an interesting little boost, but does not mask the gaps of the chassis which begins to date.

Asus ZenBook 13 OLED UX325EA, the versatile ultrabook

Writing note: 3 out of 5

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Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 4 out of 5

Writing note: 2 out of 5

Writing note: 5 out of 5

Writing note: 3 out of 5

  • Autonomy.
  • Contrast on the OLED slab.
  • Reload flexibility.
  • Windows Hello webcam.
  • Thunderbolt 4.
  • Welded memory.
  • No jack.
  • Screen calibration.
  • Brilliant slab.

Asus Zenbook 13 OLED UX325EA is a very good ultraportable. It has an OLED slab which displays a perfect contrast, but also an imprecise colorimetry. We will especially remember its autonomy of almost 11 a.m. and the good performances of its Intel processor, and this is what is most important for an ultraportable.

Let yourself be guided by our experts

What does ultrabook mean ?

How to choose ultrabook ?

  • Processor: Make sure the processor is powerful enough to meet your performance needs.
  • RAM (RAM): The more RAM you have, the more you can open programs simultaneously and the more they will work quickly.
  • Storage: check the storage capacity of the ultrabook and if you need more space opt for a model with a larger capacity.
  • Graphics card: if you need power of graphics calculations for office automation, games or content creation, make sure that the Ultrabook has a dedicated graphics card.
  • Screen: Check the resolution and size of the screen to make sure it meets your needs.
  • Connectivity: Make sure the Ultrabook has the ports and connectors necessary to connect to other devices and to the Internet.
  • Autonomy: check how long the Ultrabook can work on battery to make sure it meets your mobile use needs.
  • Weight and dimensions: if you need an ultraportable laptop, make sure the ultrabook is light and easy to transport.
  • Design: Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose an ultrabook with a design that you like.
  • Brand and warranty: Check the ultrabook brand and guarantee options to make sure you have adequate protection for your investment.

How many GOs (SSD or hard drive) can be expected on an ultrabook ?

How to increase the storage capacity of an ultrabook PC ?

  • Add an external hard drive: you can connect an external hard drive to your ultrabook via a USB port to add more storage space.
  • Replace the internal SSD with a larger one: if your ultrabook has a location for an internal hard drive, you can replace the existing hard drive with a larger.
  • Add an SSD: if the Portbale computer has two SSD locations, it is possible to add a second to extend the ED storage capacity.
  • Add a memory card: some ultrabooks can support SD or micro SD memory cards, you can use these locations to add more storage space.
  • Using a cloud storage service (cloud): Cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive allow you to store online files and access them from any device connected to the Internet.
  • Use a USB key: you can use a USB key to store files and transfer them to the Ultrabook.

It is important to note that if you opt to replace the internal disk (SSD or hard drive), you may have to open the ultrabook case, it is therefore recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or to call on a qualified technician to carry out this operation.

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