subject: Hp Folio Gets Cheaper To Create More Trouble For Apple Macbook Air [print this page] In an attempt to capture the ultrabook segment, Hewlett Packard has kicked its Folio 13 to an incredible low price of $ 798. This means the Apples Macbook Air now has a new rival in its segment. Although much cheaper in price, the Folio can still not be referred to as the killer of Macbook Air. Considering Windows to be the most widely used operating system, the Folio could be more practical for many users. But when it comes to sleek design and portability, nothing beats the Macbook Air till date.
So what creates such hype about the Folio? Lets find out through a comparative study.
Design
Apple is renowned for its stylish yet sophisticated all-metal design of its laptops. In contrast, the HP Folio uses a good-looking plastic body with a high definition 13-inch display with a resolution of 1366 X 768. The Apple too uses a 13-inch HD display but of a much higher resolution of 1440X900. It is also lighter than the Folio weighing 1.35 kg instead of the Folios 1.5 Kg.
Taking into account the portability and appearance, Macbook Air beats the Folio in terms of the style quotient.
Operating System
Apples Macbook Air comes loaded with Mac OS X Lion which scores over the Windows 7 Home Premium of Folio by a number of points. Unlike Windows, the App store on Mac OS has plenty of software to offer to its users. Apart from that, it is much easier to share files between two laptops with Mac OS than Windows, where networking is a complex procedure.
Apples Mac OS also offers features like remote wipe and iCloud which enhances data security. For internet browsing, the Mac OS has the built-in Safari browser which is much better than IE of Microsoft. On Safari, you can resume your work from where you had left it after restarting your system.
No doubt, Microsofts Windows 7 is much better than its predecessors like Windows XP and Windows Vista. But Mac OS is way better for its security, refinement and ease of access.
CPU, RAM and Storage
The HP Folio comes with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB DDR3 RAM whereas MacBook Air has got a faster second-generation 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 processor with same RAM. Evidently, theres minor difference in the processors and memories on both the machines.
For storage, both the machines use Solid State Drives (SSD) in place of Hard Disk Drives (HDD). HP Folio has a 128 GB SSD against 256 GB of Macbook Air. You need not worry about storage whether you own the Folio or Macbook Air, because a nominal charge can give you an upgraded SSD anytime.
Its a tie in this segment since both the machines are very close in terms of processor, memory and storage specifications.
Connectivity
The Folio comes with one USB 2.0 and 3.0 each, mini HDMI, headphone jack, Ethernet jack and fingerprint scanner. On the other hand, Macbook Air has two USB 2.0, thunderbolt, microphone, and headphone jacks.
While data transfer through thunderbolt is faster than USB 3.0, the cable comes at an exorbitant $ 49. Thus, majority of the users prefer having a USB 3.0, which puts Folio ahead of the Air.
Battery Life
Hewlett Packard claims that Folio can last up to 9 hours on battery with single charge which will make the Macbook Air lag behind with its 7 hours battery life. The Folio is going to beat the Macbook Air , if the laboratory tests prove this to be true.
Price
The HP Folio comes at $ 798 against the $ 1299 priced Macbook Air. This wide gap in prices is due to Folios lower storage capacity in addition to some other features.
The Final Verdict
From the features compared above, you may find it difficult to choose between the two laptops. Advanced users looking for a sophisticated and sleek design with no financial constraints will undoubtedly like to own the Macbook Air. On the other hand, if you are looking for good value for money with fewer refinements, HP Folio could be your next purchase.
