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In pictures: the year of the Ultrabook

Feast your eyes on four fresh models that caught our eye at CES.

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Ultrabooks are one of the most talked-about gadgets at CES 2012. The sleek, stylish and powerful CULV platform was everywhere we looked, and the variety on display was surprising. Here are four divergent models that turned our heads on the showroom floor.

HP Envy Spectre

The HP Envy Spectre is a Windows 8 Ultrabook boasting a chassis covered in glass. Highlights include a 14.4in high definition screen, a choice between Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 4GB of DDR3 memory, 256GB of SSD storage and Beats Audio speakers.

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The backlit, full size keyboard has an appropriately premium feel.

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The lid sports a glowing HP logo.

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Spectre doesn't skimp on the lights; in addition to the HP logo and power button, there's also a pulsing Beats Audio LED logo. (We wonder how much battery life all this subliminal 'bling' takes up?)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The HP Envy Spectre's connectivity options include two USB ports, an SD card reader, MiniDisplay, HDMI and an Ethernet port. (Surprisingly, the latter is absent on some Ultrabook models, requiring the use of an adapter.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Spectre's ultra glossy lid didn't look quite as sexy after a morning on the CES showroom floor: you're going to need to keep a cloth handy to wipe off fingerprints.

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Envy is expected to hit local stores some time in March. Pricing starts at US$1,399.

Compal QAU20

Compal Electronics might not be a household name in Australia, but the Taiwanese manufacturer has a huge global presence. In addition to their own branded notebooks, the company produces notebooks for many major vendors, including Acer, Dell, Toshiba and HP. In other words, there's a good chance you own a "Compal" notebook and didn't even know it.

Pictures above is the Compal QAU20; a Windows 7 Ultrabook that converts into a tablet.

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The spacious keyboard and trackpad found on most Ultrabooks is a feature we've come to love.

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The Compal QAU20 lets you charge your smartphone battery simply by resting it next to the Ultrabook. (Naturally, a charging strip accessory is required for your phone.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

By Ultrabook standards, the lid is pretty pedestrian looking; though this will probably appeal to business users.

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The Compal QAU20 in tablet mode. The model we were shown was running Windows 7, which limited the tablet functionality somewhat. It will naturally support Windows 8 however.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u

If you're looking for a business Ultrabook, Lenovo's 14in ThinkPad T430u is the model to keep your eye on. Product highlights include a choice of the latest Intel Core processors and Intel integrated or NVIDIA graphics, choice of SSD storage or up to 1 TB of HDD storage and quick resume/fast boot up. It also comes with Lenovo Solution Center powered by Intel Small Business Advantage, a set of productivity and security tools that manage overnight energy savings and automatic patch updates.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The ThinkPad T430u fits inside the Ultrabook platform's width specifications comfortably: it measures 20mm at its thickest point.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Despite its 14in display, the T430u is compact enough for business users on-the-go courtesy of its thin design and lightweight aluminium cover. The matte black finish should also see it suit the conference room - unlike the hot pink Asus UX21, say.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The T430u's keyboard is one of the more impressive offerings we've seen at CES to date.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The Lenovo ThinkPad T430u will be available in Q2 2012. Pricing starts at $849.

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel has shown off some intriguing Ultrabook protoypes and reference designs at CES 2012. One of the more interesting offerings was this 'see-through' model with a transparent screen beneath the keyboard.

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

The notifications tiles are very similar in look to Windows 8, but a spokesperson for the firm said it had developed its own UI.

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

When the lid is open and the user is typing, the screen detects their hands and recognises that the user is trying to type, keeping the cursor in place.

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

As you can see from these examples, the Ultrabook is a lot more than a MacBook Air wannabe -- we can expect to see even more variety and a move towards touch-based UIs in the months to come.

We'll be scouting CES for the rest of the week, so keep an eye out for more Ultrabook news and hands-on reports.

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In pictures: the year of the Ultrabook

Feast your eyes on four fresh models that caught our eye at CES.

HP Envy Spectre

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

Compal QAU20

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

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