HP Envy 14 Spectre

Pros: Breathtaking design; gorgeous display; phenomenal sound quality; fast boot up from sleep; did I mention the breathtaking design?

Cons: Pricey; no ram upgrade option; no discrete graphics; buttons on touchpad take getting used to

Summary: So, let me just be totally open and honest here: I bought this because it's beautiful. Reading other reviews, people seem keen to point out that's it's a bit expensive, that it doesn't really "do" anything extraordinary, and that, for a little less money, you could compromise with something else. All true.

However, what Windows PCs have been sorely lacking is soul. In a sea of commonality and mediocrity, Apple's products have soared because of their beautiful, original designs (among other plusses). Windows PCs have been the ugly, cheap, plasticy brethren of lesser quality; the "poor-man's computer." Sure, the price tag is a little hefty, but if you have it, you won't regret it.

When you break this thing out in public, you turn heads. Compared to all the titanium/aluminum/metal-a-whats-its, this thing stands out. The glass is smooth to the touch, the sound from the internal speakers is shockingly good, and the display explodes in vibrant, vivid (albeit innacurate) color. Everywhere you can put your fingers, this machine exudes top-notch quality rarely seen on a Windows machine.

Though mine is an i5, it works well enough that I've never stopped to wish for a faster CPU or more RAM. That's important, because at the end of the day, you need enough power and speed to feel uninhibited, and this computer delivers. Other than gaming, which gets the kibosh because of a lack of integrated graphics, this computer runs "right," with no slowdown or choppiness, even on more processor-intensive software. This is the first time with a Windows laptop that I've really felt like I bought a premium, high-quality product.

Now, this isn't to say it's perfect. The touchpad is the major sour point, being oddly firm and resistant, so that if you don't focus on pushing it, you probably won't get it down. If you're used to multitouch gestures on a trackpad, though, then I wouldn't worry about it. The trackpad isn't Apple precise, but it's better than most other ultrabooks I've gotten my hands on.

I guess the big question is, "should you buy this?" I guess that depends on what you want. If you just need a functional, solid ultrabook, I'd probably recommend the Folio 13 or Macbook Air. Both are great machines that can clock in under the price point of the Spectre. If you want something original, have a little extra money to spend, and not looking like all the other metal-clones out there, this is the one for you, definitely.