One thing that will set 2013 apart in tech is the devices that blur the line between tablets and laptops. Ultrabooks or hybrids, as they are more popularly known, have changed portable computing. Offering longer battery life and more functions, ultrabooks have become the new standard today. Samsung and Apple are not the only big players around. The following list count downs some of the best hybrids today.

Some hybrids stand on their own, while others include a wireless keyboard. There are models which offer added keyboard accessories. The orientation of hybrids is extremely varied. Users will find some that sport a detachable design, whereas some have screens that pop or slide to a hatch to provide another viewing or working setup.

Others, on the other hand, keep their displays in a fixed position. People can either just flip or fold the device for a different angle. Whereas it is excellent to find a device that flips, folds and changes into various types, Windows 8 has not done as greatly on a touch or tablet OS. This is especially true when the device switches to portrait mode unlike Android and iOS. Android and iOS platforms have been designed to cater to this type of orientation.

This emphasises the importance of knowing which hybrid to go for. Not because it is an ultrabook or a combination of two means it is already the right choice. At present, it is best to stick to hybrids that function as full-time laptops and offer a part-time tablet orientation instead of the other way around. These types have the least damage on the traditional clamshell design. They are also very comfortable to work with supporting personal productivity.

The tablet feature is a more of a bonus. People can switch to the tablet mode for entertainment. They can watch movies, play games, listen to music or read an ebook.

Dell XPS 12

The standard design offers a screen complete with a center horizontal hinge. Users can flip the display 180 degrees or fold it down to create a tablet. Dell first introduced this type of orientation back in 2010 through the Dell Inspiration Duo. Similar to the Yoga 13, the latest XPS 12 provides tablet-like functions without affecting the shape and function of a traditional laptop.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S

The 11- and 13-inch Yoga versions stand out from most hybrids for their flexibility. Nonetheless, out of all the many ways a hybrid can be changed to different orientations, Lenovo's Yoga is considered the best yet. This is even truer if users want a no-compromise laptop experience. People will not be able to tell the difference if it is a convertible or not. Both the 11- and 13-inch models provide the same excellent experience.

Asus Transformer Book TX300

This is similar to the Zenbook line of Asus. The 13-inch laptop is ultra-thin and easy to carry. Apart from other hybrids, the Transformer Book packs a high-end Core i7 CPU plus a 1080 full resolution. Other specs include a 128 GB solid-state drive and a complete 500 GB hard drive found in the base of the keyboard.

HP EliteBook Revolve 810

The Revolve is one of the best ultrabooks demonstrating how hybrids can double as a tablet. All around, it offers a nice feeling though it has a more complicated system than Lenovo's IdeaPad. However, it does compensate in terms of screen adjustment. Users can spin the display around if they do not want to use the keyboard.

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix

Lenovo refers to the ThinkPad Helix as the hybrid device with a "flip-and-rip" system. Users encounter the flip and rip mechanism once they activate the hinge or latch for detaching the display from the rest of the device. If in laptop orientation, ThinkPad Helix lets users feel the matte-black chassis as if it is a bullet-proof protection cover. The island-style ThinkPad keyboard, on the other hand, offers an orientation difficult to find anywhere else. The slightly curved keys at the bottom are one of the best users can find.