New ultrabook for work

[MrDudeMan]

I'm looking for an ultrabook for work. The only work heavy function I need to perform is CAD, but it's not in a capacity that would require a real workstation. During inspections, it would be nice to be able to pull up drawings instead of trying to maneuver around a PDF. An ultrabook isn't absolutely necessary, but I was thinking the ability to remove the screen or at least fold it to feel like a tablet would be very helpful. Touchscreen is a strong want for similar reasons.

As far as requirements:
1) battery life is mildly important
2) screen size is important - 13" is the minimum
3) manufacturer is only important if there's a compelling reason to pick one over another
4) 8 GB of RAM minimum
5) SSD - at least 128 GB, but more is preferred

I'm willing to spend $1,500 or more if it's warranted. Whatever I buy needs to be fast and reliable.

I've been eyeing the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but I don't like the fact that it won't fold into a tablet or pull apart into two pieces. Like I said, that's not a dealbreaker, but it's close. It has really high resolution (2560x1440) and there are at least a few hard drive choices that satisfy my requirements. I don't understand what all of the choices mean:

128GB SSD M.2
Intel 180GB OPAL SSD[add $100.00]
256GB SSD M.2 eDrive Capable[add $150.00]
Intel 240GB OPAL SSD[add $200.00]
512GB Solid State Drive M.2[add $450.00]

Any advice would be great appreciated.

 

[cnos]

I considered getting a lenovo yoga 2 pro, but I decided that what I needed more than another tablet was a good all round laptop. I already have a nexus 7 so the thought of another tablet/convertible didn't appeal to me.

What I did was I recently bought a spectre 13t-3000 with an i7 4500u, 2560x1440 screen, 8gb of ram and a 256gb drive for under $1200 with a $250 off coupon at hp.

It's a hell of a little ultrabook, well built all aluminum chassis and super slim. I've been recommending it left and right. Here's a review if you want to see what I'm talking about: http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/hp-spectre-13t.aspx

 

[tfinch2]

I got a Thinkpad Yoga today, and it's pretty awesome.

 

[rituraj]

If screen size is important for you, you can look at fujitsu's lifebook T-series convertivles.
The latest ones are lifebook T904 and T734. While the former will be costlier than 1500, it's lightweight and 8gb is the max ram you can get. And it's near impossible to upgrade. The T734 is very versatile and upgradeable. But the screen resolution is only 1366x768.

I would suggest you to get the older T902. It has ivy bridge cpus but not the ultrabook versions, rather full voltage mobile versions. It is extremely upgradeable and versatile. But bear in mind it's not lightweight, near 2 kilograms.

Given your requirements of screen size and convertible criteria, this and the yoga are your choices for now as far as I know. You can look at thinkpad yoga too.