HP Folio 13

Pros: Super fast boot time. Decent CPU performance, even for intensive compilers. Fashionably, but NOT overtly, thin and light. Simple yet nice design. Inclussion of USB 3 and ethernet port. Contrary to many reviewers, not a Macbook Air clone!

Cons: Trackpad is stiff, just as most reviews say. No VGA output.

Summary: If you are one of the only few people who don't always have to compare everything to the Macbook Air, but are indeed in need of a solid, lightweight and nice-looking laptop, then this might just be the one for you.

For once, HP has produced a very solid design on a thin and light laptop. No, it's not anorexicly thin, but it is still thin enough to be a showcase item -- if that is even important to you. No, it is not so light it feels like a piece of paper, but it is still light enough to carry it everywhere with you for a long period of time.

The overall build quality is excellent -- it's got that high-end feel. The keyboard is quite comfortable and smooth for extended typing, although the trakpad is just.. meh (not horrible, but nothing to write home about.) The best thing about the keyboard is its backlighting: YES, you DO or WILL need it, and it's got it!

Processor speed seems fast to me, at least for a ULV version of the sandybridge i5 anyway. SOme reviewers mention middle-of-the-road performance with their non-real life tests, but to me, it seems fast enough to run my development applications, which can be extremely processor intensive. It is definitely WAY faster than most laptops in boot time, perhaps due to its use of SSD drive instead of the traditional spinning one.

Screen brightness is decent, although it could use a bit of improvement.

In summary, this is a great, full-featured laptop that can easily replace all the other "heavier" 13" ones and has its solid place to compete with the other ultrabooks.