deciding on a laptop (ultrabook); need help/recommendations

[tryharder]

Hi,

(Thank you very much in advance for reading.)

I'm a college student looking to buy a new laptop. My budget is around $1,300, and I've been eyeing the new ivy bridge ultrabooks (such as the Asus Zenbook UX31, Samsung Series 9, Vizio Thin & Light, Dell XPS 14, HP Envy Spectre, etc) very closely. Since my last laptop (which is now dead) was an aluminum 13.3" MacBook, I am also considering the new MacBook Air (with ivy bridge).

I'm after a computer that's very portable (13"-14", 2-4 lbs) without compromising quality features. Ideally (but not necessarily), I'd like a good resolution (probably at least 1600x900), i5 or i7, SSD, and ivy bridge.

I'll primarily be using word/excel/ppt, doing homework, streaming videos and movies, creating/listening to/editing music, and occasionally gaming.

OK, the main question is whether or not I should wait for the newer models like the Acer Aspire S7 and Asus Taichi, stuff with touchscreens, Windows 8 specifics to come out. I definitely want this laptop to last for a good 4 years or so, but I feel that if I buy now--right before the advent of all the Windows 8 goodies, I'll feel extremely outdated like only 6 months later. I know, I know it's impossible to always stay updated--but it seems that touchscreen/tablet hybrid, Windows 8-specific stuff is going to be taking over soon.

Will I lose out on a lot if I purchase a laptop now instead of waiting? What if I waited until the end of July (school starts for me in mid-August); do you think there will be better options then? What's my best choice right now to avoid imminent obsolete-ness? Overall, I guess the most important thing to consider is that I'll need a computer soon. Given that, what are your recommendations as far as current models go?

Thanks again; all recommendations and suggestions are welcome.

 

[bupkus]

Laptops will always be more powerful than tablets because of the cooling allowed in the larger format. The question goes back to you with just how much power do you need. What software will you be using, etc.
If you like playing computer games in your free time then a laptop is probably a better choice.
As for Windows 8, many people say they won't upgrade from 7 so don't worry about 8.
Lastly, I suggest getting a laptop that fits your needs and maybe get a Nexus 7 by Google now accepting pre-orders for $200 and $250 for the memory upgrade option.
Good luck in the coming year. Give it all you got and don't waste time playing games.
Go the the exercise room and work out instead. Just a suggestion.

 

[IntelUser2000]

I'll feel extremely outdated like only 6 months later. I know, I know it's impossible to always stay updated--but it seems that touchscreen/tablet hybrid, Windows 8-specific stuff is going to be taking over soon.

You'll always feel that way. There's no way to avoid it. Of course sometimes you will feel like that more than others.

Touchscreen/Convertibles - Do you feel having a touchscreen/convertible and Windows 8 will be a big upgrade to you? Then you should wait. Go read up on Metro interface, play around with the Ultrabooks out there. Maybe the estimated release date will help in your decision. None of the Windows 8 convertibles/touch are coming until Q4, that is at least until October. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to wait well into November.

End of July - Pretty much nothing will change other than availability between now and release of Windows 8 devices. Right now, models like Vizio's line, Zenbook Prime are limited, while some are yet to arrive like the Aspire S5. Maybe by end of July they will be more choices.

Given that, what are your recommendations as far as current models go?

Hard to tell, given that most new models aren't even available. Pretty much only the Zenbook Prime is out there for reviews. I can tell you not much about the Vizio line, and pretty much nothing for the Aspire S5.

 

[tryharder]

You'll always feel that way. There's no way to avoid it. Of course sometimes you will feel like that more than others.

Touchscreen/Convertibles - Do you feel having a touchscreen/convertible and Windows 8 will be a big upgrade to you? Then you should wait. Go read up on Metro interface, play around with the Ultrabooks out there. Maybe the estimated release date will help in your decision. None of the Windows 8 convertibles/touch are coming until Q4, that is at least until October. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to wait well into November.

End of July - Pretty much nothing will change other than availability between now and release of Windows 8 devices. Right now, models like Vizio's line, Zenbook Prime are limited, while some are yet to arrive like the Aspire S5. Maybe by end of July they will be more choices.



Hard to tell, given that most new models aren't even available. Pretty much only the Zenbook Prime is out there for reviews. I can tell you not much about the Vizio line, and pretty much nothing for the Aspire S5.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will go ahead and shop now; Oct.-Nov. is a little too long of a wait for me. Have you by any chance had any experience with the Samsung Series 9?

 

[IntelUser2000]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will go ahead and shop now; Oct.-Nov. is a little too long of a wait for me. Have you by any chance had any experience with the Samsung Series 9?

Unfortunately no, but from the reviews, the previous Sandy Bridge generation Series 9 significantly underperformed other manufacturer models with same CPUs.

Looks like the graphics Turbo not working in Sandy Bridge version is fixed in Ivy Bridge version, but at least while running on battery, CPU Turbo doesn't work in both the Series 5 and 9. This is likely a deliberate decision by Samsung, but it would be good to take note.

 

[cl-jeffrey]

Stick with the ultrabook models if that's what you were looking for. Best time to buy is before school as they have many sales for back to school time. You never know they may have a rebate or discount when purchasing around that time.

Also check to see if there is a buy back program that they offer so you won't have that feeling of not having the most up to date specs. It's like leasing a laptop. Once you know which laptop you want you won't have to lease anymore.

You can always ask peoples opinion but it all comes down to you. There may be something on the samsung, ASUS, ACER, or Mac that you may like that others don't like.

 

[germinop]

Re: deciding on a laptop (ultrabook)

OK, the main question is whether or not I should wait for the newer models like the Acer Aspire S7 and Asus Taichi, stuff with touchscreens, Windows 8 specifics to come out. I definitely want this laptop to last for a good 4 years or so, but I feel that if I buy now--right before the advent of all the Windows 8 goodies, I'll feel extremely outdated like only 6 months later. I know, I know it's impossible to always stay updated--but it seems that touchscreen/tablet hybrid, Windows 8-specific stuff is going to be taking over soon.

Are there any touchscreen ultrabooks now available? If so then maybe you can just buy it now even if it's still in windows 7. I'm sure manufacturers will just release driver updates for windows 8 once it's out.

 

[usyed1]

Hi,

(Thank you very much in advance for reading.)

I'm a college student looking to buy a new laptop. My budget is around $1,300, and I've been eyeing the new ivy bridge ultrabooks (such as the Asus Zenbook UX31, Samsung Series 9, Vizio Thin & Light, Dell XPS 14, HP Envy Spectre, etc) very closely. Since my last laptop (which is now dead) was an aluminum 13.3" MacBook, I am also considering the new MacBook Air (with ivy bridge).

I'm after a computer that's very portable (13"-14", 2-4 lbs) without compromising quality features. Ideally (but not necessarily), I'd like a good resolution (probably at least 1600x900), i5 or i7, SSD, and ivy bridge.

I'll primarily be using word/excel/ppt, doing homework, streaming videos and movies, creating/listening to/editing music, and occasionally gaming.

OK, the main question is whether or not I should wait for the newer models like the Acer Aspire S7 and Asus Taichi, stuff with touchscreens, Windows 8 specifics to come out. I definitely want this laptop to last for a good 4 years or so, but I feel that if I buy now--right before the advent of all the Windows 8 goodies, I'll feel extremely outdated like only 6 months later. I know, I know it's impossible to always stay updated--but it seems that touchscreen/tablet hybrid, Windows 8-specific stuff is going to be taking over soon.

Will I lose out on a lot if I purchase a laptop now instead of waiting? What if I waited until the end of July (school starts for me in mid-August); do you think there will be better options then? What's my best choice right now to avoid imminent obsolete-ness? Overall, I guess the most important thing to consider is that I'll need a computer soon. Given that, what are your recommendations as far as current models go?

Thanks again; all recommendations and suggestions are welcome.

if u want to do gaming on an ultrabook... your ONLY option is the ACER Timeline ULTRA m3
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/acer-aspire-timeline-ultra-m3-review/

Intel HD 3000 or 4000 are TERRRRRIBLE for gaming... even at 1366 x 768 you wont be able to play anything recent games on LOWEST settings.

 

[fx_rage]

if u want to do gaming on an ultrabook... your ONLY option is the ACER Timeline ULTRA m3
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/acer-aspire-timeline-ultra-m3-review/

Intel HD 3000 or 4000 are TERRRRRIBLE for gaming... even at 1366 x 768 you wont be able to play anything recent games on LOWEST settings.

Not true. Asus ux32vd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...469&Tpk=ux32vd

 

[sm625]

If I was dropping $1300 on a notebook to get me thru the next 4 years, I'd want a good IPS touch screen. 2 or 3 years from now it should be a standard feature even on a $500 notebook.