Ultrabooks - Discussion & Advice

[cam_wmh]

Help me pick out an Ultrabook. Sadly, this one isn't for me, but perhaps the next...

Rules:
~$2000
NO MACS!
512gb SSD.
Aesthetically pleasing
~14" screen

So far, the early favourite is the Dell XPS 14.
http://www.dell.com/ca/p/xps-14-l421...=ca&l=en&s=dhs

Strong consideration to the he Zenbook Prime UX31A. Unfortunately it only comes with a 256gb SSD. Anyone know if it's a crazy thin SSD? Or more laptop form factor SSD, that can be upgraded?

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX40107

Notables:
The Samsung Series 9 are gorgeous & incredibly thin, but sadly only a 128GB SSD as of yet - oh and pricey.

HP Spectre 14. Has 256gb, but pricey as well.

Thanks
Cam

[Eleanor]

Your options are pretty limited for those specs, I'd recommend a sony vaio Z though:

http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stor...er=S_Laptops_Z

[Mitsu3000gt]

Pretty sure the 13" Asus Zenbook takes the cake right now.

1080p super IPS LCD as well....and IMO screen is the #1 criteria, assuming it has all the rest of the basics (USB 3.0, 128GB+ SSD & Ivy bridge).

I think the highest is 256GB however you can hook up a pocketable USB 3.0 hard drive for extremely cheap for when you need it...

Oh, and it'll save you a lot over something like the Samsung series 9.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by Eleanor
Your options are pretty limited for those specs, I'd recommend a sony vaio Z though:

http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stor...er=S_Laptops_Z

Beautiful machine. Optioned the way we'd want would be $3000 though.

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Pretty sure the 13" Asus Zenbook takes the cake right now.

1080p super IPS LCD as well....and IMO screen is the #1 criteria, assuming it has all the rest of the basics (USB 3.0, 128GB+ SSD & Ivy bridge).

I think the highest is 256GB however you can hook up a pocketable USB 3.0 hard drive for extremely cheap for when you need it...

Oh, and it'll save you a lot over something like the Samsung series 9.

Interesting. I don't know the screen differences between the DELL & the Asus.

The DELL is ahead because it's on par plus has 512gb SSD... 2xUSB3.0 & i7... Unless the screen is significantly worse than the ASUS?

It's also not as sexy as the Samsung & ASUS.

[Eleanor]

My only issue with the ASUS is that I've read that the trackpad is almost completely unuseable.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/...ling-trackpad/

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/lapt...ime_ux31a.aspx

Dare I inquire as to why you've written an MBA off the list? No other ultrabook even comes close to the MBA in reviews

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by cam_wmh


Interesting. I don't know the screen differences between the DELL & the Asus.

The DELL is ahead because it's on par plus has 512gb SSD... 2xUSB3.0 & i7... Unless the screen is significantly worse than the ASUS?

It's also not as sexy as the Samsung & ASUS.

The Dell does not use an IPS panel, so the Asus screen will be quite a bit better unless you're not picky at all. The Dell is also pretty chunky for an "ultrabook".


The 2012 touchpad is way better than the 2011 touchpad on the Asus, so be careful to check dates & model numbers when checking reviews. I have read some that like it quite a bit, so personal preference will likely come into play as well. It may not be the best ever trackpad, but "completely unusable" is a pretty big exaggeration IMO.

MBA also uses low-res TN panel monitors (deal breaker IMO), Zenbook's are using full 1080P IPS panels. The screen, at least for me, would be my main consideration as all the top few ultrabooks are close in spec otherwise.

[parapara_vince]

Here are my personal experience with the Zenbook UX31

- the resolution of the screen is a big plus compared to other ultrabooks with lots of space to work with. Too bad it does not have 1080p option at the time I purchased.

- the trackpad isn't so much of an issue for me but I found that each time I install a new BIOS or trackpad driver update it changes some functions of the pad. For example in one update, I lost the ability to do 2 finger gestures and in another I lost the ability to do 2 finger scrolling. I believe eventually all these issue can be fixed with software updates, but it’s still far from perfect.

- the i7 processor is very fast and I can pretty much replace my desktop with just this for everyday use. I do not do photo or video editing so I cannot comment on if this is fast enough for those tasks.

- I had the 256 SSD which is a slower speed version than the 128 SSD. It drops the Windows Experience Index from 7.9 to a 5.9 and a lot of people complain about it. I have no problem with the drive speed but some people might notice the difference.

- I got an average of around 5 hrs of battery life on this thing running about 80% brightness and in 50% CPU mode.

- the micro HIDM socket is very loose and will often disconnect you from the TV with just a slight movement

- I had issue with the build quality from my zenbook where unplugging the power plug would sometime turn off the system. I had to get the motherboard replaced…. Twice… due to this issue.

Right now I am eyeing on the new NEC LaVie Z Ultrabook

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/03/n...trabook-japan/

[Mitsu3000gt]

I played with a 2011 Zenbook yesterday and thought the trackpad was 100% fine. Haven't tried a 2012 yet but it's supposed to be much better yet.

That NEC Lavie looks awesome too, I'll have to check that one out as well. 1080p IPS screen too . Expensive though!

[cam_wmh]

Fellas thanks for your insight.

I have a busy weekend, but next week will make a decision.

[sputnik]

I would go with the Dell.

It is nice and light and the Gorilla glass is a nice feature.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by sputnik
I would go with the Dell.

It is nice and light and the Gorilla glass is a nice feature.

Exactly what we did.

Got the 512GB SSD DELL ordered last night. ~$2500. Oddly enough, I can't find the same configuration - can't even find the 512GB SSD XPS ultrabooks on their website any more.

[jaylo]

So how's the laptop so far? I am also eyeing a Dell XPS. Did you get warranty for it?

[BMW Power]

edit. wrong thread

[bart]

lenovo x1 carbonbook is what you want

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by jaylo
So how's the laptop so far? I am also eyeing a Dell XPS. Did you get warranty for it?

ETA is early next week.

[cam_wmh]

Machine is as expected. Not the sexiest out there, but looks great nonetheless. Got the 512ssd, & 2 yr warranty.

[believe]

cam_wmg, just wondering how the ultrabook is working out for you so far?

Looking to pick one up, but it looks like you are paying a premium for form factor, and rather limited specs.

If any people in the engineering field could chirp in, I would probably like to be able to do a bit of matlab and autocad with it. Any idea if it will be good enough without a dedicated graphics card?