Any upcoming UltraBooks that can match MBA build quality?

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FireStormX86

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Jan 18, 2005
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This is the first time I've ever considered an apple PC. But after years of dealing with "cheaper" Windows laptops I've found the initial savings just don't hold up over time. Nearly every laptop I've owned (vaio/toshiba/multiple dells/asus) has died within a relatively short lifespan, ie the screen dying or a power connector fail, or just general things start to fall apart. My toshibas lcd just died....ugh.

This is what has lead me to the MBA. Everything on the MBA seems to scream high quality, from the design to the trackpad to the keyboard; even down to the power connector (<3 the magnetic no strain design).

However I don't think I'm ready to take the jump to the OSX land (I work with windows 7, I have to know it inside and out). So I'd probably be using bootcamp and Windows 7 almost exclusively. And I know this means the battery would take a hit; and the keyboard isn't meant for a windows configuration. And I may have to play around with drivers...

BUT these are things I think I could deal with if it meant having amazing build quality/design/longevity. Though they are still deterrents to dropping $1500-2000 on a new machine. A year or two ago and it seems like the MBA was pretty much my only choice, but now it seems like theres a million ultrabooks in the pipeline. So is there something worth waiting for that's designed for windows that can match the MBA quality?


PS. is it worth spending $250 for applecare for 3 years? My biggest concern is fandeath. I was really hoping the MBA didn't have any fans...but it does. Anyone ever had one die on them?
 
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Puddle Jumper

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Nov 4, 2009
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Dell XPS 13
Samsung Series 9 13"
Asus Zenbook Prime

The Samsung and Asus also have the advantage of vastly superior screens compared to the Air.
 
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FireStormX86

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Jan 18, 2005
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Puddle Jumper said:
Dell XPS 13
Samsung Series 9 13"
Asus Zenbook Prime

The Samsung and Asus also have the advantage of vastly superior screens compared to the Air.
Click to expand...

I had looked at each of them except the zenbook. And I was actually surprised, it looked really good until I read about the cheap/weak lcd hinges and mediocre touchpad. That's enough to make me reconsider...very nice screen though.

I've heard the samsung series 9 has serious wifi issues...don't know much about the xps.

Again...not looking purely at specs here; build quality is the goal.
 
M

michal1980

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2003
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FireStormX86 said:
I had looked at each of them except the zenbook. And I was actually surprised, it looked really good until I read about the cheap/weak lcd hinges and mediocre touchpad. That's enough to make me reconsider...very nice screen though.

I've heard the samsung series 9 has serious wifi issues...don't know much about the xps.

Again...not looking purely at specs here; build quality is the goal.
Click to expand...

From some of the reviews, the touch paid issues might be about the OLD zenbook. Anandtech's review said the touch pad was mostly fixed.
 
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Puddle Jumper

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Nov 4, 2009
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FireStormX86 said:
I had looked at each of them except the zenbook. And I was actually surprised, it looked really good until I read about the cheap/weak lcd hinges and mediocre touchpad. That's enough to make me reconsider...very nice screen though.

I've heard the samsung series 9 has serious wifi issues...don't know much about the xps.

Again...not looking purely at specs here; build quality is the goal.
Click to expand...

The previous Zenbook had those issues, they should have all been resolved on the Prime.

Keep in mind Samsung is on the 3rd generation of Series 9 laptops now so stuff that was an issue on the earlier models isn't particularly relevant when it comes to the new ones.
 
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pelov

Diamond Member
Dec 6, 2011
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The new Vizio is supposedly incredible. Built in the USA (I think?) and really top notch build quality.

The Sony Z series is the only Sony notebook built in Japan and has an incredible 1080p IPS screen that rivals the MBPR as far as color accuracy, gamut and all the rest.
 
O

obidamnkenobi

Golden Member
Sep 16, 2010
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FireStormX86 said:
This is what has lead me to the MBA. Everything on the MBA seems to scream high quality, from the design to the trackpad to the keyboard; even down to the power connector (<3 the magnetic no strain design).
Click to expand...

seems to?
Are there any tests that show that the MBA is more durable than similar ultrabooks? I don't doubt that I may be, but I'd like to have it show in a proper tests, not just based on how it "feels" when people touch it. (I also have this beef with everyone saying "phone A feels more durable than phone B"..)

Anyway, I had hopes for the Zenbook prime, but the the Verge review (is that how you write that?) said the trackpad was still pretty janky, and the hinge was also an issue, like you said.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/5/3135319/asus-zenbook-prime-ux31a-review

As far as I know that's the latest zenbook, not the previous one..:confused:

Is there a release data out for the Vizio laptops?

edit: nevermind, Vizo laptops are out! http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/14/3085468/vizio-notebook-thin-light-ultrabook-available-today
Only 14" and 15" thought. I'd prefered a 13" model. Plus they are all out of stock on amazon anyway
 
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IntelUser2000

IntelUser2000

Elite Member
Oct 14, 2003
8,686
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FireStormX86 said:
I had looked at each of them except the zenbook. And I was actually surprised, it looked really good until I read about the cheap/weak lcd hinges and mediocre touchpad. That's enough to make me reconsider...very nice screen though.

I've heard the samsung series 9 has serious wifi issues...don't know much about the xps.

Again...not looking purely at specs here; build quality is the goal.
Click to expand...

Add Turbo not working on Series 9 to the list. You should see how Vizio Thin and Light is doing.

Touchpad might be improved with Windows 8.
 
Magic Carpet

Magic Carpet

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2011
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FireStormX86 said:
Nearly every laptop I've owned (vaio/toshiba/multiple dells/asus) has died within a relatively short lifespan, ie the screen dying or a power connector fail, or just general things start to fall apart. My toshibas lcd just died....ugh.
Click to expand...
Bad luck?

I've had a SONY VGN-TX3XP for about 6 years now, only have changed the battery since. Superb quality. Worth every penny (I paid circa $2500 for it). I am sure, certain VAIO models are still quality.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Another two mid-range VAIOs have been working day-to-day for 5 years, no issues.
 
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yacoub

Golden Member
May 24, 2005
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The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 15 might be interesting, but until we see a review that covers heat/noise and display quality, I'd hold off. Also, when you go to Dell's site to configure them, it's the same stupid game of pre-set configurations filled with crapware and unable to actually select specific hardware configurations. Shame how much Dell has fallen into that model. Over-priced and can't option it the way you want. No thanks.
 
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Suspicious-Teach8788

Lifer
Feb 19, 2001
20,155
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Dell XPS14 has what.... single channel RAM? Are you serious?

Honestly make the jump. I was a PC user years ago and in 2008 I jumped to a MBP. I still run PCs at home and even use my 2004 PC laptop to surf on my bed, but my MacBook Pro is my main laptop. For the first 2 years I dual booted Windows using Boot Camp, but honestly, what do you need it for? I found that I used it for games at first, but you can accomplish practically most things on OSX.

It's not a work laptop. There's certain work software that won't work on OSX or I'm too lazy to find a suitable replacement, but I have no problem working with my excel spredsheets, ppt presentations, word docs, etc. I can surf, chat, email, and do some OFfice stuff on OSX no problem. I would prefer Office 2010 over 2011, but I've done a fair share of stuff on the MBP that it's fine.

If you're just worried about jumping into OSX, don't worry. Soon you will ditch boot camp as it's just unnecessary. While I still require a PC at the end of the day, I find it hard to recommend ANY PC notebooks. Ultrabooks are coming out left and right but I swear half of them belong in the trash. 16:9 pisses me off and while I'm ok with making that compromise, it's annoying to have to settle with glossy screens.
 
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cl-jeffrey

ASUS Support
Jun 22, 2012
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I say go spend the extra $250.00 on apple care. If anything happens to your laptop you are fully covered for the extra 3 years after the 1 year warranty.

It's always good to buy insurance and such a expensive investment.

You will get use to the trackpad. A lot of the new laptops come with those extra features so anyone using a Mac can continue using the track pad the same way when switching to a windows o/s.
 
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FireStormX86

Member
Jan 18, 2005
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DLeRium said:
Dell XPS14 has what.... single channel RAM? Are you serious?

Honestly make the jump. I was a PC user years ago and in 2008 I jumped to a MBP. I still run PCs at home and even use my 2004 PC laptop to surf on my bed, but my MacBook Pro is my main laptop. For the first 2 years I dual booted Windows using Boot Camp, but honestly, what do you need it for? I found that I used it for games at first, but you can accomplish practically most things on OSX.

It's not a work laptop. There's certain work software that won't work on OSX or I'm too lazy to find a suitable replacement, but I have no problem working with my excel spredsheets, ppt presentations, word docs, etc. I can surf, chat, email, and do some OFfice stuff on OSX no problem. I would prefer Office 2010 over 2011, but I've done a fair share of stuff on the MBP that it's fine.

If you're just worried about jumping into OSX, don't worry. Soon you will ditch boot camp as it's just unnecessary. While I still require a PC at the end of the day, I find it hard to recommend ANY PC notebooks. Ultrabooks are coming out left and right but I swear half of them belong in the trash. 16:9 pisses me off and while I'm ok with making that compromise, it's annoying to have to settle with glossy screens.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to. My biggest concern isn't OSX's usability (it seems pretty easy to learn) but it's my necessity in KNOWING windows 7 inside and out and not forgetting it(i'm a sys admin and we just upgraded...so I have to support every detail of it). So I'll probably use both....always good to learn new tricks right?

I know this is an impossible question to answer, but seeing as how Apple went for headline changes with their MBP lineup this year, do you think the MBA is going to get any "major" upgrades next to set itself further apart from the influx of ultrabooks?

I guess it doesn't really matter though, Mac's retain their resale value so much longer...they're like toyotas lol

edit: Is applecare transferable from one owner to the next if I did sell? Seems like it would add value...
 
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cl-jeffrey

ASUS Support
Jun 22, 2012
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Not sure but the best thing to do is call an apple store and ask them that question. I believe they should answer quickly and with confidence as that's all they usually deal with at the store.

Maybe that's why there store is always so packed everyday especially on weekends.
 
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cl-scott

ASUS Support
Jul 5, 2012
457
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I spent about 2 years working as an Apple repair tech, so when it comes to their computer lines, just about every model released between about 2005-2011 I disassembled every which way and could probably have you show me a screw and I could tell you where it went, what type of screw it was (i.e. PH000, T8, T6, Torx Plus 6, etc) and where it came from; I am that familiar with the internals.

For obvious reasons I will be a little coy with my answer, but let's just say that in large part the computer and car manufacturer's are very similar. The idea that there is some huge gulf in quality between Brand A and Brand B is no longer founded in fact as much as it once might have been. By and large, the quality between any given set of car makers, or computer makers, is the same. For the most part, everyone buys the raw materials from the same companies because there are only a few players in any given area. For CPUs you basically have AMD and Intel, and HDDs is now Toshiba (only 2.5"), WD, and Hitachi (maybe I'm forgetting one). If you want a SSD, there's only a couple of companies making those flash cells. There's only maybe 3-4 RAM producing companies out there. LG and Samsung produce the lion's share of LCD panels used in laptops, and most of them are assembled at some Foxconn plant over in China. When you get down to it, the differences between a MacBook Air and a lot of other computers, is largely down to the cosmetics.

So, just remember that appearances are often deceiving. Apple made quite a few tradeoffs themselves, such as the RAM, CPU, and GPU being soldered directly to the logic board, no upgrades possible. You can upgrade the SSD, but it's a custom form factor that will be harder to find and more expensive. That also requires that you track down a specialty screwdriver to get the bottom cover off. Incidentally, all the more reason to get the AppleCare plan if you go with an Air. The odds are significantly higher that if something goes wrong, it will require a logic board replacement compared to virtually any other laptop. You can expect an out of warranty logic board replacement to cost you 40-60% of the retail price of an Air, if not more, when you factor in labor costs. Oddly enough though, I think I only ever replaced a single failed fan on a new model Air; probably 2-3 on the older models.

Also, yes, APP (AppleCare Plan) is transferable. The warranty is tied to the unit serial number, so that's all any Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) is going to care about. You can buy APP any time before the IW (Initial Warranty) expires, so basically any time within the first year. IW does not cover in-home service, APP does. Not as big a deal for laptops, but on desktops like the Mac Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini, there is no mail-in service only carry-in: you have to take them to an Apple store or AASP, unless you have APP, then if you live within about 50 miles of a dispatch based AASP, they'll send someone to you. So if you live in the middle of the boonies, they aren't going to send someone out to you.
 
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gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
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cl-scott said:
I spent about 2 years working as an Apple repair tech, so when it comes to their computer lines, just about every model released between about 2005-2011 I disassembled every which way and could probably have you show me a screw and I could tell you where it went, what type of screw it was (i.e. PH000, T8, T6, Torx Plus 6, etc) and where it came from; I am that familiar with the internals.

For obvious reasons I will be a little coy with my answer, but let's just say that in large part the computer and car manufacturer's are very similar. The idea that there is some huge gulf in quality between Brand A and Brand B is no longer founded in fact as much as it once might have been. By and large, the quality between any given set of car makers, or computer makers, is the same. For the most part, everyone buys the raw materials from the same companies because there are only a few players in any given area. For CPUs you basically have AMD and Intel, and HDDs is now Toshiba (only 2.5"), WD, and Hitachi (maybe I'm forgetting one). If you want a SSD, there's only a couple of companies making those flash cells. There's only maybe 3-4 RAM producing companies out there. LG and Samsung produce the lion's share of LCD panels used in laptops, and most of them are assembled at some Foxconn plant over in China. When you get down to it, the differences between a MacBook Air and a lot of other computers, is largely down to the cosmetics.

So, just remember that appearances are often deceiving. Apple made quite a few tradeoffs themselves, such as the RAM, CPU, and GPU being soldered directly to the logic board, no upgrades possible. You can upgrade the SSD, but it's a custom form factor that will be harder to find and more expensive. That also requires that you track down a specialty screwdriver to get the bottom cover off. Incidentally, all the more reason to get the AppleCare plan if you go with an Air. The odds are significantly higher that if something goes wrong, it will require a logic board replacement compared to virtually any other laptop. You can expect an out of warranty logic board replacement to cost you 40-60% of the retail price of an Air, if not more, when you factor in labor costs. Oddly enough though, I think I only ever replaced a single failed fan on a new model Air; probably 2-3 on the older models.

Also, yes, APP (AppleCare Plan) is transferable. The warranty is tied to the unit serial number, so that's all any Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) is going to care about. You can buy APP any time before the IW (Initial Warranty) expires, so basically any time within the first year. IW does not cover in-home service, APP does. Not as big a deal for laptops, but on desktops like the Mac Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini, there is no mail-in service only carry-in: you have to take them to an Apple store or AASP, unless you have APP, then if you live within about 50 miles of a dispatch based AASP, they'll send someone to you. So if you live in the middle of the boonies, they aren't going to send someone out to you.
Click to expand...

Eh, the parallel to automakers is a little iffy but I'm biased. I work for a major steel producer that supplies most major automakers. Yes they all get their steel from us, but they don't all order the BEST steel. Generally costs trickle down to the consumer so you get what you pay for, but not always. There are some awesome buys out there due to some internal improvements and the cost not rising on the customer end (yet).

Anyway, I imagine it'd be the same for PCs. They may not all be paying for the best even though it's the same supplier. Not saying you're wrong as I believe you, just saying that same supplier = same quality isn't always a proper conclusion.
 
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rsutoratosu

Platinum Member
Feb 18, 2011
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