light laptop, quality screens -- does such combination exist?

[frumply]

Seems that laptop screen quality is still an afterthought compared to everything else. I'd like to replace my aging m700, but there really doesn't seem to be very many choices, if at all, for smaller laptops with good screens. The Studio XPS13 models seemed like a good choice, except that they seem to be out of production, and after reading of heat problems I'm reluctant to purchase a refurb.

Is there any better choices out there, or should I just try my luck with some of the XPS systems? This is for day to day use w/o gaming, speed isn't that much of a concern.

 

[CurseTheSky]

The Envy 14 is the only one I can personally suggest, though it's still ~5 lbs. The Sony Vaio Z might be an option (I'd imagine for the price the screen is at least decent, but I don't know for sure), but it's super expensive.

 

[frumply]

Thanks, those do look pretty nice. Seems they've had 13inch versions before, so I may wait and see if either they do a refresh of that model.

 

[CurseTheSky]

A refresh of the Envy 13 would be nice. From what I heard, it was a great computer, though overpriced considering how powerful it was. They also opted for a 4 cell battery, which just sucked.

IMO, it would be the perfect computer if they could fit it with an i3 or i5 CULV processor and some mid-range discrete graphics (switchable with integrated). Combine that with a ~60 WHr battery for $1100 or so and you have a killer laptop.

 

[GilbertSullivan]

You might check out dynamism.com.

I've purchased a few subnotebooks from them over the years and had really incredible luck. Of course, they are pretty danged expensive. The only items they're selling right now that I have personal experience with are the Panasonic R and S series subnotebooks. Before that I bought a Toshiba Dynabook and Toshiba Libretto. All of these systems have had remarkable screens. But if what you have in mind isn't something quite that small, then I only know about Dell Lats.

 

[vbuggy]

I have several of the current Sony Z's and in terms of the screen, I find them generally excellent - glare is relatively manageable since it's not glass-fronted, blacks are very black, colours are vivid, resolution is high for a 13-inch - 1600 x 900 default, higher-end models feature full HD - if apparently not particularly accurate, but I'm not looking for that in a machine like this.

I think it's a good balance of performance, portability and runtime (some reviews peg it very low, and I honestly wonder if these reviewers actually have any clue about looking for the power management features) - certainly one of the better compromises on the market, perhaps the best.

My maximum weight for an everyday-portable notebook is 2Kgs/4.4lbs, and as such I don't consider the Envy 14, which I bought to use as a streaming music client at home, everyday-portable - and I can't comment on the radiance screen as we apparently don't get it here despite it being listed on the brochure as an option.

By my own yardstick the Lenovo X201T (the Tablet) isn't light at just a hair under 2Kgs with the sticky-out battery, but it does have what appears to have a PVA or MVA panel - one of the very few on any notebook - which affords high-quality-desktop-display viewing angles, with the matte finish allowing use in all types of light. Image quality is also good. I'm using these over the Z at the moment since I'm trying to see how tablets can fit into my daily life and I certainly can't fault the screen, provided the standard-for-a-13-inch resolution doesn't limit you. I can, however, fault the design - which is kinda hideous.

 

[CurseTheSky]

My maximum weight for an everyday-portable notebook is 2Kgs/4.4lbs, and as such I don't consider the Envy 14, which I bought to use as a streaming music client at home, everyday-portable - and I can't comment on the radiance screen as we apparently don't get it here despite it being listed on the brochure as an option.

That sucks. IMO, that's the second best feature of the laptop, behind the solid chassis. The 1366x768 BrightView display is still better than many of the crappy panels I've seen on ASUS, Acer, Dell, etc. laptops (many of which were otherwise excellent machines), but it doesn't hold a candle to the Radiance display.

 

[frumply]

thanks for all the suggestions.

i've heard a lot about how good sony screens are, I've seen some and they do look nice but damn if they don't try to charge an arm and a leg over the competition. Starting to look a lot like these specialty notebooks are the only way I'll get what I'm looking for, though... just a matter of timing now, I suppose. I actually just got a Latitude from the Dell outlet at a good price, and everything about it is nice... except for the screen. Heavily debating whether I return this and go for something better, or just keep it.

 

[frumply]

And I just put in an order for the lower-end Z12 from Newegg. Pricing makes me wish I thought of this when BCB was still effective... Ended up spending way more than I was planning on, but this should be more than fast enough to last me several years down the road. Again, thanks for the helpful suggestions -- wouldn't have crossed my mind to check out Sony laptops otherwise.

Now it's time to go through Dell's CS reps again for a return...

 

[CurseTheSky]

Not a problem. Glad you found something you're happy with.

As much as it sucks to spend more than you had planned on, it can be a blessing as well. I bought $800ish notebooks for years, and finally splurged $1250 on my Envy 14. It was over 50% more expensive than my previous UL30A or N80Vn before that, but it's far better than 50% more useful.