HP Folio 13 ultrabook review

Over the past few weeks, I've had the chance to review the HP Folio 13 ultrabook. I've also been using the ASUS ZENBOOK which is a really nice ultrabook, but it lacks a backlit keyboard and its battery life is mediocre. HP has done a really nice job coming out with a business-class ultrabook that is an excellent choice for health care professionals who need a slim and light Windows-based PC.

Thin, Light, but Sturdy

1. Like most ultrabooks, the HP Folio 13 is very thin and light. It's not the thinnest or the lightest, but it feels very solid and sturdy. If you're tired of carrying your heavy, clunky laptop around, this ultrabook will be a refreshing change.

Backlit Keyboard

2. The backlit keyboard is an essential feature for those who work in dark places, e.g.: a radiology suite, a call room, an airplane, etc. The keyboard is well built and is very comfortable to use, even in the dark. The keyboard has little flex, even though the overall device is very thin.

Long Battery Life

3. The HP Folio 13 has very long battery life compared to other ultrabooks. PC Mag tested it to have roughly 7.5 hrs and PC World tested it to have 6 hrs 45 min. Engadget estimates you'll get roughly 8 hrs of battery life if you use the power saver setting.

PC Mag gave the HP Folio 13 the "Editor's Choice" rating in Jan. CNET rates it "Excellent." The HP Folio 13 is certainly an enterprise-level product and it

Here is the only drawback that I would mention to the medical community: this laptop (like just about every other ultrabook or Mac out there) lacks a built-in VGA port. It has a full-size HDMI port, so you'll need to carry an HDMI-to-VGA adapter if your hospital or institution still relies on the old VGA port for monitors and projectors.