Ultramobiles
Ultra-mobile devices are a category of medium-sized lightweight computing devices, including tablets, thin and light PCs, and transformers. These devices typically range in screen size from 7 to 13.9 inches and typically weigh less than 1.6 kg. Gartner identifies three types of ultramobile devices: premium ultramobile, entry-level ultramobile, and general-purpose ultramobile:
- High-quality ultra-mobile devices have a user interface optimized for multimedia use while maintaining rich processing capabilities. Examples of high-end ultra-mobile devices include the Microsoft Surface Pro, the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, and the Apple MacBook Air.
- Basic UMs differ from high-end UMs in that they have a more limited set of features and do not have extensive content creation capabilities. Consumer activity is the main driver behind these devices. They rely on the use of certain software associated with the operating system and are primarily for content consumption, social interaction, and computer input. These can be expanded with wireless keyboards and other peripherals such as docking stations, but the standard and most popular tablet form factor is an open touch tablet. Clamshell form factors included in this main category are devices such as Chromebooks as their functionality is significantly reduced when not connected to the internet. Examples of devices in this category include smaller Windows devices with screens up to 10 inches, Apple iPad and iPad Mini, all Android tablets such as Google Nexus 9 (except white box devices), and Chromebooks.
- Utility UMs offer the lowest cost and lower processor speed, screen size/resolution and camera capabilities. Tablet utilities may be the first data-centric device for new users. Products from white box sellers usually fall into this category.
