New low-spec HP Folio 13 ultrabook on sale for $798 at Walmart

With the world waiting for ultrabooks powered by Intel’s next-generation Ivy Bridge processors to hit the shelves, now may not seem like the best time to buy a new laptop. Perhaps with this in mind, Walmart is introducing a new version of the HP Folio 13 ultrabook, the Folio 13-1029wm, which cuts the entry-level price from $899 to an enticing $798. The main difference between Walmart and HP’s models is the downgrade of the CPU from a 1.6GHz Core i5-2467M to a 1.4GHz Core i3-2367M. It does retain the original’s 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, and LED backlit 13.3-inch display though, making it a solid option in the relatively uncrowded sub-$800 category.

We reviewed the Folio 13 back in January, and concluded that while it wasn’t the thinnest, lightest, or most powerful, it was “the most well-rounded ultrabook on shelves right now.” To date, it remains the top-rated ultrabook in our reviews section — a sign of how highly we regard this now-budget model. The Folio 13-1029wm is available online now, with in-store availability described as “limited” although you can order online for in-store pickup at your local branch.