Ultrabooks keep getting skinnier

One of the main draws of the Ultrabook™ computer is its thin frame. But even as the first generation of the ultra-portable laptops took thinness to a new level, the Globe and Mail reports that upcoming devices are showing what it means to really be skinny.

According to the news provider, a second-generation Ultrabook with a 14-inch display may be up to 18 mm thick, while a device with a 21-inch display can go as high as 21 mm thick.

However, manufacturers aren't necessarily hitting these dimensions and moving on. As the Globe and Mail reports, many OEMs are "one-upping" each other, releasing devices as thin as 6 mm in some cases.

Of course, an Ultrabook is more than just a skinny laptop. In addition to being powered by some of Intel's latest hardware, the Ultrabook is also introducing new form factors to the PC space, including hybrid devices with detachable and/or sliding screens.

Some Ultrabooks are also bringing new capabilities to the computer industry. Near-field communication is expected to be featured in many upcoming models, and reports indicate that voice and gesture recognition will be integrated as well.