I've been continuing my research and deliberations over a new laptop, and am still leaning towards the ultrabook form factor. As to be expected there is no perfect, no-brainer solution, at least for me. What I have been able to do is prioritize the features I need.
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Since my primary need is for a presentation machine I can use in conjunction with my Brix Hyper-V server, 8GB or RAM is sufficient. I still plan on running a VM or two on the laptop so I know I want the most horsepower I can get which for me means an SSD drive and most likely a 4th generation i7. That's the easy part.
Since I only purchase equipment like this every 3-4 years I try to future proof as much as I can. Looking forward I would say USB3 and 802.11AC should be important considerations.
Here is a table I've been using to organize my research. At this point I'd say these are the front runners.
| Model: | ASUS Zenbook UX301LA-XH72T |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 2x256 RAID 0 |
| Display: | 13.3? Quad HD IPS Display (2560 x 1440) |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | yes |
| HDMI: | yes |
| WiFi: | 802.11AC |
| Weight: | 2.60 |
| Comments: | great accessories |
| Price: | $2,200.00 |
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| Model: | HP Spectre 13t-3000 |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 256 |
| Display: | 13.3-inch diagonal Vivid QHD Infinity LED-backlit Display (2560x1440) Touchscreen |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | yes |
| HDMI: | yes |
| WiFi: | 802.11AC |
| Weight: | 3.30 |
| Comments: | inlcudes adapters. Beats Audio. Box 50GB lifetime |
| Price: | $1,500.00 |
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| Model: | X1 Carbon |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 256 |
| Display: | 14.0" QHD (2560x1440) IPS |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | yes |
| HDMI: | yes |
| WiFi: | Intel Dual Band Wireless 7260AC with Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Weight: | 2.83 |
| Comments: | 512GB SSD is an option. Fast recharge. Battery could be an issue |
| Price: | $2,029.00 |
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| Model: | Yoga 2 Pro |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 512 |
| Display: | 13.3" QHD+ LED Glossy Multi-touch with integrated camera (3200x1800) |
| USB 3 Ports: | 1 |
| Mini Display: | no |
| HDMI: | micro |
| WiFi: | Intel Wireless-N 7260 (802.11bgn) single band |
| Weight: | 3.10 |
| Comments: | 1 USB 2 powered. Orange. Wifi could be replaced. |
| Price: | $1,600.00 |
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| Model: | Thinkpad Yoga |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 256 |
| Display: | Touch & Pen, FHD (1920 x 1080)12.5" display |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | no |
| HDMI: | mini |
| WiFi: | Intel Dual Band Wireless 7260A |
| Weight: | 3.50 |
| Comments: | one USB3 powered |
| Price: | $1,900.00 |
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| Model: | Macbook Air 13" |
| RAM: | 8 |
| HDD: | 256 |
| Display: | 13" 1440x900 |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | yes |
| HDMI: | no |
| WiFi: | 802.11AC |
| Weight: | 3.00 |
| Comments: | 512GB add $300. Adapters extra. |
| Price: | $1,549.00 |
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| Model: | Macbook Pro with Retina 13" |
| RAM: | 16 |
| HDD: | 512 |
| Display: | 13" 2560x1600 |
| USB 3 Ports: | 2 |
| Mini Display: | yes |
| HDMI: | yes |
| WiFi: | 802.11AC |
| Weight: | 3.50 |
| Comments: | adapters extra |
| Price: | $2,200.00 |
I love the SSD RAID0 option on the Zenbook. If the Yoga 2 had 2 USB3 ports that would have been a game changer for me. But it is still in the running. I've even considered going the MacBook route and running Windows 8 either in BootCamp or natively, although I suspect the process is more complicated than I want to get into. Still, you can't deny the appeal of the hardware. Overall, it would seem the HP Spectre has a slight edge for my money.
Is there anything missing you think I should seriously consider? Anything here you think I should run away from?
The MacBook route, which I’ve taken to this point is pretty complicated. I was working on it for 3 days before I got it to work correctly. Also the battery life in Windows 8 native mode is greatly reduced. That being said if you run VMWare Workstation it isn’t too bad.
Just IMHO I’d skip the MacBook route. It’s amazing hardware and design but really poor windows support.
That is about what I expected and assumed.
Go to latest ThinkPad x1 carbon. Baterry power as greatest feature as keyboard also.
The X1 Carbon was always a front runner. Although there seems to be mixed messages about battery life. From what I’ve read some people have issues and others don’t. But the fast recharge, even partial, is compelling.
No go with a Dell XPS15? Or Precision if you prefer. I’d definitely include it in an ultrabook category. It’s thin and light. But not cheap. But for the price of the Zenbook you could get 16GB ram and 512 SSD. http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9530/pd?~ck=mn
I’ve had hit and miss experience with Dell products.
What about the Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus: will boot up from being completely off in less than 6 seconds and a 7.5 hours of battery life. http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs/NP940X3G-K04US This would be my choice or the Asus Zenbook. 😉