Vizio challenges MacBooks with ultrabooks

Both the Vizio ultrabooks and display take design cues from Apple.

(Credit: Vizio)

Vizio is the latest to make a run at Apple's MacBook. So far, I like what I see.

The Irvine, Calif.-based company's ultrabooks are front and center at the Los Angeles Microsoft store these days.

I counted six Vizio ultrabooks. That's more -- a lot more in most cases -- than any other single vendor in the store.

And the Vizio ultrabook display setup screams Apple. Walk into any Apple store and you'll see display tables full of the newest MacBooks. For instance, the MacBook Pro Retina is currently displayed six to a table.

Ditto Vizio. In another nod to Apple, Vizio has only two basic ultrabook models -- 14-inch and 15.6-inch -- and the Los Angeles Microsoft Store had six of the same 15.6-inch models side-by-side.

Throw in the fact that Vizio has a minimalist metal (anodized aluminum) design similar to the MacBook and you have the makings of an Apple experience.

But enough about the store logistics. I've spent enough time in the LA store lately using Vizio's ultrabooks to appreciate what the company is trying to do: Deliver a laptop that competes head on with the Air and Pro but with better bang-for-the-buck.

Vizio 15.6-inch ultrabook offers a 1,920-by-1,080 display and 256GB solid-state drive for $1,249. Not bad for a metal unibody ... [Read more]