Can anyone provide some good ultrabook suggestions?

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Can anyone provide some good ultrabook suggestions?

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spearsniper

133 posts

Master Geek

#981030 5-Feb-2014 22:22

+1 for the Lenovo X1 Carbon.

I have an i7 version which retails at over $3k, which I managed to pick it up through a Grays auction for under $1k. There are bargains out there if you look long enough.
Amazing laptop. Same frame size as my Samsung series 9, but lighter and a larger higher res screen.

Only a 256GB SSD tho, so could be a bit light on the storage.

timmmay

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#981086 6-Feb-2014 07:06

Lenovo X131e, around $1100 with 128GB SSD. Alternately get the HDD version and put in any 7mm SSD, like the Samsung 840 evo/pro. Very well built, very solid. Try the "all laptops" on their website, enter your price/size specs, they have a good range.

While there's a good thread going... I'm after a compact W8.1 laptop for my fiance to use on the sofa at home. Specs <=12", semi decent processor (ideally i3 but maybe AMD A6/A8), touch screen, and ideally with either SSD, hybrid drive, or can have one added. I have a few options, but my partner has called the Lenovo too ugly, the cheap Dell doesn't have great built quality. That Asus Aspire S3 looks awesome, screen's a bit large, on the high side of what i'd pay too. Asus Vivobook S200 looks like an option, the i3 version for $800 and I can put an SSD in.

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#981109 6-Feb-2014 09:49

nathan:
the RAM is not user replaceable

I had an vague idea it wasn't, which means you have to order you MaBook Air with as much RAM as you can when you buy it. Same with the 21" iMac.

I doubt there is a 12" MBA coming when they have a 11" and a 13", maybe you mean a 12" iPad ("Pro")

Nope, there were rumours about a 12" MacBook Air (probably to replace the 11") as well as a larger iPad ... more recently some rumours are also mixing the two into a laptop-tablet hybrid device.

NZtechfreak

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#981110 6-Feb-2014 10:01

surfisup1000:
smokeandarrows:

I initially intended on buying the Macbook Air, but I think its maximum storage capacity (256gb) is too small for me and just too expensive for what I'll be getting.

Hence, I thought an ultrabook would be a better option--though which one, I have no clue.

As already implied, a lightweight build and higher storage capacity (I currently use about 250gb on my 500gb laptop) is sought after. A decent amount of ram (4gb min.) and a good processor (i3/i5) is obviously important as I'd like to have a pretty good user experience with it. My maximum budget lies somewhere around $1100-$1200. I'm not particularly picky about design or brand.

I know my budget isn't huge in light of what I'm asking for, but any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

I'm going through the same process, but this is for my child who needs one for intermediate.

Macbook air -- for the specs quailty & size, i just don't see any windows ultrabook comes even close. The 11" mac air is quite well priced for something that can famously fit inside an a4 envelope.

The closest win machine I could find, was maybe

If you want a Windows ultrabook alternative to the Airs then ASUS is the way to go. Same kind of build quality, more attractive IMO if you're all that fussed about aesthetics, better screen. My 18mo Zenbook Prime is still serving me extremely well.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

nathan

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#981119 6-Feb-2014 10:54

if you import one yourself from overseas, a quality Windows ultrabook will come in cheaper than a MBA.

The reason why there is so much price disparity between PCs available here and overseas is an interesting dynamic

NZtechfreak

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#981126 6-Feb-2014 11:10

nathan: if you import one yourself from overseas, a quality Windows ultrabook will come in cheaper than a MBA.

The reason why there is so much price disparity between PCs available here and overseas is an interesting dynamic

True, my Zenbook - a year after I got it from Excaliber PC overseas - was only just falling to the price I purchased it for with local sellers. For most of that year was selling locally, at the few places selling it at all, for ~$500NZD more than I paid.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#981347 6-Feb-2014 16:47

nathan:
The reason why there is so much price disparity between PCs available here and overseas is an interesting dynamic

It's not just PCs. Unfortunately it's many things that cost more here than overseas, and the shipping cost and whether or not GST, duty, etc. is added does not usually make up the difference in price either.

You can get Apple equipment cheaper (or more expensive in some countries) overseas as well.

The currency exchange rate being quite good with US$ and UK£ at the moment also helps with buying stuff from overseas.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#982231 8-Feb-2014 11:45

In today's Weekend Herald, PBTech are advertising this Waitangi Day Special (valid 6 - 9 February, 2014) ...

MacBook Air 13.3" (MD760, late 2013 model)
Intel Core i5 1.3GHz
4GB RAM. 13.3" Display
128GB storage
$1438 (inc. GST). One per customer.

It doesn't say if that's their "cash price" or if you can get it slightly cheaper if paying in cash.

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