LG unveils XNote Z330, the thinnest Ultrabook yet

LG has hopped on the Ultrabook bandwagon with its introduction of the super-thin XNote Z330 laptop. It looks strikingly similar to the Apple MacBook Air, and unfortunately also comes with a similar premium price tag.

Like other Ultrabooks, the XNote Z330 is a 13.3-inch laptop featuring a second-generation Intel Core processor and a solid state drive. Two models will be available: The Z330-GE55K will offer a Core i7 processor and 256GB of storage, while the Z330-GE30K will have the Core i5 processor and 120GB SSD.

LG has highlighted a few standout features of its Ultrabook: a boot up time under 10 seconds, thanks to "Rapid Start Technology," and a narrow bezel for maximum display size of 12 inches.

Thin and light are the name of the Ultrabook game, and the Z330 doesn’t disappoint there, with a thickness of just 14.7mm and weight of 1.82kg. This makes the Z330 the thinnest Ultrabook to date, but not by much: the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s is also razor-thin, measuring 1.49cm at its tapered edge.

Importantly, the Z330 is thinner and lighter than the ultraportable MacBook Air.

Announced in Korea, the Z330’s prices in Korean currency are even higher than what Apple is asking for the MacBook Air, according to Engadget: KRW700,000 (about £960) for the Core i5 model, and KRW600,000 (£1500) if you want the Core i7 processor and larger drive.