Is there a better pick than the Asus UL80-VT?

[explrsport]

I'm looking for something pretty light, with an optical drive, for work/internet/word processing, etc. Not a gamer.

Seems like the Asus UL80-VT is a good pick, although many people dislike the touchpad. I'm willing to spend a bit more than the $820 the Asus goes for, up to $1100 or so.

Any other models I should look at? Any significant (I know new stuff is always on the horizon) model change coming I should wait for? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[CurseTheSky]

The UL80VT is probably overkill for someone just doing work/internet/word processing. Intel integrated graphics should be plenty for that, unless you're playing HD movies.

While I love the ASUS UL series, there are tons of good choices out there with simple X4500MHD graphics, or better. If thin, light, and good battery life is your top priority, though, the UL series is for you.

 

[Zap]

I'm looking for something pretty light, with an optical drive, for work/internet/word processing, etc. Not a gamer.
...
Any significant (I know new stuff is always on the horizon) model change coming I should wait for? Thoughts?

Integrated video is sufficient, and even desired due to lighter weight, less heat output, more battery life at the expense of not being able to game... but you aren't a gamer.

What to look forward to are the ULV mobile Core i7. They promise BETTER battery life due to integrating with the Northbridge, BETTER integrated video (Intel IGP can only go up because it can't get much worse :twisted: ), BETTER performance due to high Turbo modes.

 

[explrsport]

Hi Zap,

What's the ETA on something like that?

thanks

 

[taltamir]

the CULV i7 is here already, but its horribly overpriced.
The i5 CULV was supposed to be released last month, but it has been delayed due to unspecified issues. It should arrive any day now.

 

[explrsport]

is that what the new Dell Studio 14's have? Just built one online, and it came with:

PROCESSOR NEW 2010 Intel® Core™ i5-430M 2.26GHz (2.53GHz Turbo Mode, 3M cache)