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• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: While it's not going to dazzle anyone, the Toshiba Satellite U845T is a great example of exactly how much laptop $799 should buy in 2013. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5, i5-3337U / 1.8 GHz ( 2.7 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB, / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 8, 14 in, 1366 x 768, ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 3.8 lbs, 3 MB, Sky silver brushed aluminum, silver keyboard

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Samsung's midprice Series 5 UltraTouch looks and feels like a more expensive machine, but keeps it simple by skipping the complex hybrid mechanics of so many new Windows 8 systems. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, 3.7 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Titan silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Asus Zenbook UX51Vz-DH71 is a nice fit for anyone looking for premium looks and performance in a Windows 8 laptop who is willing to pay for it. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i7, Intel i7-3612QM / 2.1 GHz ( Quad-Core ), 8 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in, 1920 x 1080 ( Full HD ), NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, None, 2 GB, 4 lbs, Silver aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: One of the few standout products from the first wave of Windows 8 laptops, the Acer Aspire S7 proves that Apple does not have a monopoly on great design. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i7 3517UB, 1.9 GHz ( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, / 4 GB (max), 256 GB, Microsoft Windows 8, 13.3 in, 1920 x 1080 ( Full HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 2.9 lbs, L3 cache, 4 MB, White

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The VivoBook S500CA offers a big-screened touch-screen Windows 8 laptop for a bargain price -- and without many extras. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB / 6 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 4000, None, 4.6 lbs

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: You get a decent 14-inch laptop package in the Asus VivoBook, especially given that it has a touch screen, but it doesn't add up to anything particularly impressive that you can't get elsewhere either with better design or for a lower price. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 14 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 4.4 lbs, Black

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 13 reviews

The Bottom Line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz, 4 GB, 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 8, 12.5 in, 1920 x 1080, Intel HD 4000, 3.35 lbs

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: If you like the idea of having a touch screen on your Windows 8 laptop, the Sony Vaio T13 Touch isn't a bad way to go. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 1.7 GHz, ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB, / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - 5400 rpm, - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 8, 13.3 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 3.8 lbs, 3 MB, Silver mist

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is a good gateway to the Windows 8 experience with a responsive touch screen in a traditional laptop body. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5, 4 GB, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 8, 14 in, 1366 X 768

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The business-oriented Lenovo ThinkPad X1 adds must-have features for 2013, and remains a very impressive business-oriented ultrabook with strong crossover appeal. Read review

Specs: Intel Core i5, 4 GB, 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 8, 14 in, 1600 x 900, Intel HD 4000, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: With a Core i7 CPU, discrete graphics, and a full HD screen, the Asus Zenbook UX23VD is pretty close to being the ultrabook that has it all, but you'll pay for all those features. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i7 3517UM / 1.7 GHz, ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, / 4 GB (max), 500 GB - 7200 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 13.3 in, IPS, 1920 x 1080 ( Full HD ), NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M, None, 1 GB, 3.2 lbs, Silver aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: More of a clever proof-of-concept than a practical product, the Asus Taichi still delivers on its basic promise, combining two displays for a unique take on the laptop/tablet/hybrid genre. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 128 GB - Serial ATA-600, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 11.6 in IPS, 1920 x 1080 ( Full HD ), Intel HD Graphics 4000, None, 2.8 lbs, Silver aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.1 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Asus makes some of the most full-featured ultrabooks available, but this stripped-down Zenbook UX32A version is missing those extras and faces tough competition in its price range. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i3, Intel i3-2367M / 1.4 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 4 GB (max), 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 3000, 3.2 lbs, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: The HP Spectre TouchSmart XT is a rare superslim 15-inch laptop with a touch screen, but for the premium price, it should include more high-end extras. Read review

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Attractive and compact, the new Dell XPS 13 ultrabook isn't that much different from last year's model, aside from new processors and a higher-res non-touch screen. Read review

Specs: Intel Core i7 3rd Generation 3517U, 8 GB, 256 GB, Windows 8, 64-bit, English, 13.3, Intel HD 4000

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you ignore the ultrabook branding and instead think of this as a somewhat slim midsize, mainstream laptop, the 14-inch Samsung Series 5 is a fine example of the form. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 500 GB - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 4 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: A high-end laptop at a mainstream price, the HP Envy Spectre XT gets much of the look and feel right, with only a few missteps. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i3, 4 GB, 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 13.3 in, 3.07 lbs

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Windows 8 64-bit Edition, 15.6 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 4000, DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 5.7 lbs, Black

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The mechanical elements of the Toshiba Satellite U925t convertible laptop are complex, but well-made. It won't be your main machine, but it's one of the more usable Windows 8 launch experiments. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5, i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 8, 12.5 in, IPS, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 3.2 lbs, 3 MB, Midnight brown

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's first ultrabook, the Vaio T, doesn't fall far from the tree of other thin Sony laptops like the Vaio Z, but it's far more affordable: this is ultrabook-as-budget-laptop, not ultrabook as high-end computer. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, TFT active matrix, 13.3 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 4000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 3.5 lbs, 3 MB

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB / 8 GB (max), 750 GB - Serial ATA-300, Windows 8, 14 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), None, NVIDIA GeForce 610M / Intel HD Graphics 4000, 1 GB, 4.1 lbs, 3 MB, Sapphire blue

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: Yes, it's heavier than the average ultrabook, but if you're looking for an excellent value in a full-featured thin laptop, the Acer Timeline U M5 is hard to beat. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U, 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 6 GB (max), 500 GB - 5400 rpm, Green Instant On, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 14 in, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, Nvidia GeForce GT 640M LE, 1 GB, 4.3 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Toshiba Satellite U845 is a serviceable but generic-feeling 14-inch ultrabook that, in a quest to become more affordable, has fallen into a grey zone: not all that compact, not all that rich in features. Read review

Specs: 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz, Intel ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 6 GB, / 8 GB (max), 500 GB - 5400 rpm, - Serial ATA-300, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 4000, None, 4.1 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Sky silver brushed aluminum

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Taking a bold step into the PC market, the Vizio Thin+Light CT14 is a fresh take on the 14-inch ultrabook, held back by some first-gen jitters. Read review

Specs: Intel 3rd Gen Core i3 3217U / 1.8 GHz ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB, 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 14 in TFT active matrix, 1600 x 900 ( HD+ ), Intel HD Graphics 4000, 3.3 lbs, Silver

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 25 reviews

The Bottom Line: The $1,649 Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A certainly won't be for every wallet, but this light, well-featured, and striking 13-incher is the closest the Windows world will ever come to a MacBook Air. However, its higher-than-the-Air price will be hard to stomach. Read review

Specs: 2nd Gen Core i5, Intel i5-2537M / 1.4 GHz ( 2.3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core ), 4 GB / 8 GB (max), 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 13.3 in TFT active matrix, 1366 x 768 ( HD ), Intel HD Graphics 3000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology, None, 2.9 lbs, L3 cache, 3 MB, Black