The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/163881
R. Kyle Meister is a Wireless Analyst at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. He has seven years of experience in information technology and specializes in mobile device/broadband management, security and troubleshooting, as well as wireless account management. Kyle is a member of ILTA's Communications Technologies Peer Group Steering Committee. He can be contacted at rkmeister@vorys.com. It is time to replace your aging, defunct laptops; but what should you replace them with — tablets, ultrabooks or both? In preparation for the big decision, a comparison is necessary. Our test subjects: the most recent ultrabook laptops (traditional, yet modernized), the favored Apple iPad and the unproven Microsoft Surface. How do they rate when placed next to each other? ULTRABOOK In the technology world, much can change in five years. Instead of comparing new tablet options to old laptops, the comparison benchmark should be new ultrabooks. Optional features such as touchscreens, double-hinged or rotating screens, ultra-high-definition displays, digital pens/styluses, cameras and Near Field Communication (NFC) bring newage technology to life with this otherwise traditional upgrade choice. Because there are so many options, a specific model was not chosen for the comparison. Usability: The somewhat obvious benefits of ultrabooks are the familiar laptop design, physical keyboard and proven performance. Few still offer a traditional docking station option for easy desktop connectivity. Many tested ultrabooks were less than half the thickness of current laptops, weighed at least 30 percent less, had a quality look and feel, and were quick to boot. With the latest processors, like the Intel Haswell series, there is improved battery performance in the range of six to nine hours — or more, with extended battery options. To power on and login, it took about 12 seconds, while the total time to access email was 20 seconds due to the VPN connection process, which is still better than previous generation laptops. Although not necessary and heavily debated, a touchscreen model combined with the new Windows 8 operating system can offer additional tablet-like usability, though Windows 8 has a bit of a learning curve. Peer to Peer 71