Ultimate Productivity/Portability Laptop

[Aristotelian]

Essentially,

My work requires me to be in certain scenarios, e.g., in a meeting from 9-12hrs, rush out a report, afternoon session from (potentially) 1300-2100hrs, rush out a report before midnight, and so on.

I am looking for a laptop that is:

a) blisteringly fast,
b) has great battery life,
c) is as light/slim as possible,
d) has a quality screen (I'm sensitive to glare)

A->D combined and some Googling had me stumble across Sony's Z series (the 2012 model), but there are some issues that the non uniform chassis can warp and the keys will brush the screen when it is closed, or that the keyboard is not of the best quality (to get the laptop to be so thin, they had to stick with a keyboard that isn't as responsible as some of the keyboards found in other laptops).

Do any of you have some suggestions on this front? I'm not really limited by budget. The Sony Z series appeals to me, but I'm not sure what else is out there as I have never really purchased a laptop like this before.

 

[corkyg]

Look at the new Lenovo X1 Carbon.

 

[crab0]

Lenovo x230 has an IPS display, is very portable, and you can pile on battery power with 6/9 cell options and a 6 cell slice battery option. Its not an ultrabook though so its not exactly razor thin and the extended batteries obviously don't help plus theres no quad core, dGPU and while IPS its 12.5 and 1366 x 768 so that may be too small.

Retina Macbook Pro maybe...? Battery life isn't so great under Windows though...

 

[pelov]

You're going to have a hard to finding anything close to the Sony Vaio Z.

The slimmer the notebook the less room there is to put in a large battery. And since the 35W TDP chips consume just as much power in idle states and most workloads won't require lengthy load times, the thicker and full 35W/45W TDP chips have better battery times than ultrabooks of the same screen size and brightness (generally speaking). A T430 with an i7 will get you more time out of a fully charged battery than a u300s. The ULV chips are there mainly for the low TDP and thin design rather than the lower power consumption. Most of the power consumption is directly related to the screen rather than the processor.

If you want lengthy battery times than you should look for a bigger battery with a smaller screen size. The HP Folio 13 has fantastic battery life but sports a TN panel. The x230 or T430 with 6-cell + optional battery bays also have great battery life and matte finish screens. Samsung full-bodied laptops also offer 8-cell batteries and matte screens but tip the scales at 5lbs. The envy 15t has an IPS panel with an 8-cell battery but it's also over 5lbs.

I'm actually looking for the same thing you're after and I've yet to see a single laptop that can do it all. You're ultimately going to have make a sacrifice somewhere in order to find what you're after. I've come to the conclusion that battery life is most important to me and the extra 2lbs in weight isn't an issue (you'd save a pound of weight leaving the adapter at home), so a bigger laptop with room for a bigger battery is what I'm going to get. Ultrabooks have the slim factor, but they sacrifice on both performance and battery and that's just a no-go for me.

The Samsung Series 9 15" is another one
http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptop/samsung-series-9-15-inch.aspx

 

[kevinsbane]

Essentially,

My work requires me to be in certain scenarios, e.g., in a meeting from 9-12hrs, rush out a report, afternoon session from (potentially) 1300-2100hrs, rush out a report before midnight, and so on.

I am looking for a laptop that is:

a) blisteringly fast,
b) has great battery life,
c) is as light/slim as possible,
d) has a quality screen (I'm sensitive to glare)

A->D combined and some Googling had me stumble across Sony's Z series (the 2012 model), but there are some issues that the non uniform chassis can warp and the keys will brush the screen when it is closed, or that the keyboard is not of the best quality (to get the laptop to be so thin, they had to stick with a keyboard that isn't as responsible as some of the keyboards found in other laptops).

Do any of you have some suggestions on this front? I'm not really limited by budget. The Sony Z series appeals to me, but I'm not sure what else is out there as I have never really purchased a laptop like this before.

X230? It's blisteringly fast if you get the SSD options (full voltage cpu; no quad core, but I don't think that'll matter for what you seem to be using it for), it has great battery life (~7 hours of office work, ~10 on extended battery, +7 with slice battery) it's reasonably light (3.5 lbs) although not that thin; and it has the best quality 1366x768 screen on the market.

It's also got a trackpoint (ridiculously awesome for lots of typing), it's got the best notebook keyboard in the industry, it's a tough machine, you can fit two drives into it, it's a business machine with business support available (NBD onsite support).

It does have a crappy touchpad and it is not that stylish.

The X1 Carbon hits all your points except that it's only got ~5 hours of battery life, alas. It does have a much better touchpad than the x230, and is much more stylish (and thin) and is lighter. And has more screen real estate.

 

[weovpac]

The X1 Carbon or X230 from Lenovo. My preference is the X230 or X220, if you can still get one new. X220 for the old keyboard layout.

 

[corkyg]

... The X1 Carbon hits all your points except that it's only got ~5 hours of battery life, alas. It does have a much better touchpad than the x230, and is much more stylish (and thin) and is lighter. And has more screen real estate.

5 hours but it also has a 30 minute quick charge capability to 80%. And, the 3 lb weight is nice as well as a 14-in ISP screen

 

[Rio Rebel]

Do need blistering fast boot-up speeds, or processing? It's a big difference, and I would assume you want the former. If that's the case, you need a good processor and an SSD, not necessarily a blazing processor. Why not a Macbook Air or Ultrabook?

I started out thinking I wanted portability, but ended up deciding on a Lenovo y580 because having great processing, more storage, and a blu-ray player outweighed ultra-portability for me. You may go the other direction.

 

[kevinsbane]

5 hours but it also has a 30 minute quick charge capability to 80%. And, the 3 lb weight is nice as well as a 14-in ISP screen

It does not have an IPS screen, it is just a high quality TN screen similar to MBA 13" (except it's 14").

 

[pelov]

It does not have an IPS screen, it is just a high quality TN screen similar to MBA 13" (except it's 14").

I just don't understand the appeal of the X1. The x230 is more powerful, just about as light (~3lbs with a 6-cell) and has the same footprint minus the thickness. In addition to the better battery life, processing power and upgradeable components you're also getting an IPS panel screen.

This is why I just can't yet see myself buying an ultrabook unless the price was way lower. Instead it's higher and offers me less for more. I don't know about the OP, but I'm buying a laptop as a tool rather than a fashion accessory.

 

[kevinsbane]

I just don't understand the appeal of the X1. The x230 is more powerful, just about as light (~3lbs with a 6-cell) and has the same footprint minus the thickness. In addition to the better battery life, processing power and upgradeable components you're also getting an IPS panel screen.

This is why I just can't yet see myself buying an ultrabook unless the price was way lower. Instead it's higher and offers me less for more. I don't know about the OP, but I'm buying a laptop as a tool rather than a fashion accessory.

The X230 with a 6 cell is 3.5 lbs, not 3. 3.3 with the 4 cell, 3.7 with the 9 cell. Half a pound doesn't sound like much, but then you realise that it means that the X230 is ~17% heavier; not insignificant. Not that the X230 is heavy by any means (I use an X220 myself) but facts are facts.

The X1 has a better screen overall, much better trackpad, comes with 3G connectivity built-in, is lighter and more stylish (it looks better).

The X230 is faster (with an SSD upgrade), uses an IPS screen, is upgradable, has mSATA, better battery life and docking station options.

Hence, you make a decision for what you want to get. Upgradeability, although important for enthusiasts, means littleon a business laptop being used for business. Especially if you're not paying for it.

Why would I consider X1 over X230?
1. Much better touchpad. I don't use the one on the x230 cause it sucks (sorry, I should say... it SUCKS), but i might on the X1. I don't think I could let go of my trackpoint even then. The trackpoint is too good!
2. Lighter.
3. Better screen - if it's a good quality TN (which the X1 has) then the 1600x900 resolution trumps the superior IPS viewing angles (the only point at which the X230 IPS screen > X1 Carbon TN screen). And for general business... resolution > image quality.
4. As much of a tool a business laptop is, it leaves an impression on clients. The X1 is one of those laptops that is beautiful, yet nondescript, and still has the Thinkpad business attitude. I don't buy laptops as a fashion statement either, but either way... the X1 Carbon looks better. Way better.

Now, if you didn't care about reasons 1-4, then definitely, there'd be no reason to consider the X1 Carbon. Given that the OP seems to be doing basic office work (no need for computing power), is in meetings a lot and probably won't be paying for his laptop to begin with, the X1 does make sense... if he can deal with the more limited battery life of the X1 vs something like the Sony Vaio Z or X230.

 

[zon2020]

I've been using a Z Series for about about 2 1/2 years (a C2D model). It's traveled with me all over the country and internationally, and has been terrific. You are right, the screen can touch the keys (they give you a little microfiber cloth to use when closed to prevent any marking). But mine has taken quite a beating and hasn't warped and has held up very well. Still looks and works the way it did the day I got it. It's actually more rugged than it appears at first glance.

When I bought this I was replacing my Panasonic Toughbook W4 that was also a great ultralight laptop but had simply become too slow over time. When I bought those, in order to get a full power laptop in a ultralight chasis required a $2000-2500 investment. But today, for what you describe, I'd be shopping for an Ultrabook. You can get a 3 pound, 13-14", full powered, long battery life, less than an inch thick, portable for $700-1200. Indeed, if you need speed, you can get some i7 powered Ultrabooks.

While I really like my Z Series, when I look at your four criteria I ask isn't that exactly what an Ultrabook is intended to be? If I were you I'd look for the Ultrabook with the best screen. Can't tell you which that is.

 

[corkyg]

It does not have an IPS screen, it is just a high quality TN screen similar to MBA 13" (except it's 14").

That is correct. Actually, for air travel, the good TN screen may be better in that it has less to show prying eyes from across the aisle.

 

[pelov]

The X230 with a 6 cell is 3.5 lbs, not 3. 3.3 with the 4 cell, 3.7 with the 9 cell. Half a pound doesn't sound like much, but then you realise that it means that the X230 is ~17% heavier; not insignificant. Not that the X230 is heavy by any means (I use an X220 myself) but facts are facts.

Half a pound isn't much. Using percentages is stupid when it's not much. It's like saying that my pocket with a nickel is 30% (whatever) lighter than yours with a quarter. In the end they're both extremely light and portable.

The X1 has a better screen overall

Higher resolution does not equal better screen. Consider that 1600x900 might be too dense for many people and DPI scaling in win7 is still finnicky.

much better trackpad, comes with 3G connectivity built-in, is lighter and more stylish (it looks better)

The trackpad is probably better, but the keyboard on the x230 is better. The 3G connectivity is a non-issue and looks are something relative. Are you looking for a laptop to match your shoes and handbag?

3. Better screen - if it's a good quality TN (which the X1 has) then the 1600x900 resolution trumps the superior IPS viewing angles (the only point at which the X230 IPS screen > X1 Carbon TN screen). And for general business... resolution > image quality.

The IPS has better viewing angles, better color accuracy, higher brightness and better whites (the blacks on both suck due to matte finish on the display).

I get that you think it looks pretty, but it fails on many accounts where it actually matters (along with pretty much every ultrabook):

Performance isn't as fluid.
The battery life is worse.
The size (including weight) is nearly the same.
The display quality is worse.
The keyboard is worse.

The X1 looks better and has a better touchpad. That's it. That's my gripe with all Ultrabooks. If looks are at the top of your list then go ahead and buy one, but if you're not that concerned with looks than wait for Haswell and a more mature and sensible Ultrabook platform (and prices) or buy an ultraportable that does portable and more without sacrificing on pivotal battery life and performance.

 

[Zap]

I am looking for a laptop that is:

a) blisteringly fast,
b) has great battery life,
c) is as light/slim as possible,
d) has a quality screen (I'm sensitive to glare)

B and C are almost mutually exclusive. Batteries are a big part of the weight of a notebook. It also affects CPU speed, since the slim/light notebooks try to retain battery life by going with a slower ULV CPU.

If you just need it fast for "writing reports" then you will probably gain more from an SSD than from a faster CPU.

Look into the Asus Ultrabooks. AnandTech reviews Asus UX31A, calling it the best Ultrabook to date and better than the latest Macbook Air. Here are rough specs:

dual core Ivy Bridge turbos up to 3GHz
4GB RAM (NOT upgradable)
256GB SSD (proprietary connector)
13.3" 1920x1080 IPS screen
under 3 pounds
under $1500
battery lasts 8 hours idle, 6.6 hours web browsing

So, not perfect, but close. I would like 8GB RAM for that price, especially since it is not upgradable.

 

[kevinsbane]

Half a pound isn't much. Using percentages is stupid when it's not much. It's like saying that my pocket with a nickel is 30% (whatever) lighter than yours with a quarter. In the end they're both extremely light and portable.

Yes. It's still half a pound lighter. It still weighs 15% lighter, and that's still a benefit that the X1 Carbon provides over the X230.

Higher resolution does not equal better screen. Consider that 1600x900 might be too dense for many people and DPI scaling in win7 is still finnicky.

The DPI of the X1 Carbon is 131; marginally higher than the 125 DPI of the X230. There is no functional difference in DPI. Higher resolutions aren't necessarily better, but in this case, it is.

The trackpad is probably better, but the keyboard on the x230 is better. The 3G connectivity is a non-issue and looks are something relative. Are you looking for a laptop to match your shoes and handbag?

They use the same keyboard. 3G is not a non issue. It may be for you personally however. The trackpad is not "probably" better. It is miles better. The trackpads on X230s are bad. The trackpad on the X1 Carbon compares favourably to Mac trackpads... the best in the business.

The IPS has better viewing angles, better color accuracy, higher brightness and better whites (the blacks on both suck due to matte finish on the display).

The IPS has better viewing angles, but it has worse colour accuracy, the X1's screen has higher brightness and better whites. Check the reviews. The X1 is brighter, has higher gamut, higher resolution, is larger and has similar contrast. I love my X220, and I love its IPS screen, but I am still being realistic about its capabilities. Yes, it's IPS, but that doesn't mean it's automatically better.

I get that you think it looks pretty, but it fails on many accounts where it actually matters (along with pretty much every ultrabook):

Performance isn't as fluid. [if your X230 has an SSD]
The battery life is worse. [so true]
The size (including weight) is nearly the same. [X1 is larger, but lighter, an interesting combo]
The display quality is worse. [this is false]
The keyboard is worse. [this is false]

The X1 looks better and has a better touchpad. That's it. That's my gripe with all Ultrabooks. If looks are at the top of your list then go ahead and buy one, but if you're not that concerned with looks than wait for Haswell and a more mature and sensible Ultrabook platform (and prices) or buy an ultraportable that does portable and more without sacrificing on pivotal battery life and performance.

If you do not value what the X1 Carbon provides... then yes, the X230 is better. But be realistic about what it provides. It is not just a pretty laptop. It provides tangible benefits over the X230 (which in turn provides tangible benefits over the X1 Carbon).

Why would you want an X1 Carbon? It is lighter, provides more screen real estate, has a better touchpad and it looks better. Is the X1 Carbon better than the X230? Now that's a different question that depends on what you want out of your laptop.

 

[Aristotelian]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

I understated my desired usage in the first post. While for work I will be doing a lot of Office work (reports, skype, notes, presentations (some image work/style stuff with InDesign), I probably should have mentioned that I would like to be able to enjoy a solid multimedia experience. So, speed wise - a fast boot time and processing power for productivity, and even more processing power for multimedia fun, a bit of gaming on the train between locations and so on, all while maximizing portability, battery life, and general quality. So I mentioned the Z-Series in the OP because it seems to be the cutting edge laptop that is:

a) Very thin, b) very light, c) has ~6 hours battery life even with a non-neutered CPU, d) fast - hitting above its size/weight, e) reasonably quiet, and f) it looks okay too.

Zap, regarding the Asus Ultrabook - I read that review and was considering it also, but a max of 4GB of RAM (I can configure a Z-Series with 8GB) makes me hesitant, and also the Z-Series is faster.

I guess, I want the fastest, most portable, best battery life, quality laptop that money can buy - in a small/thin/light category for ease of transportation.

zon2020 - and it's descriptions like yours that make me consider the Z at all (it is pricey). I'm glad to hear that you have enjoyed yours.

 

[kevinsbane]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

I understated my desired usage in the first post. While for work I will be doing a lot of Office work (reports, skype, notes, presentations (some image work/style stuff with InDesign), I probably should have mentioned that I would like to be able to enjoy a solid multimedia experience. So, speed wise - a fast boot time and processing power for productivity, and even more processing power for multimedia fun, a bit of gaming on the train between locations and so on, all while maximizing portability, battery life, and general quality. So I mentioned the Z-Series in the OP because it seems to be the cutting edge laptop that is:

Does the Sony Z have an sRGB mode? I know it's a high gamut screen, but I don't know if it has sRGB which is essential for your work.

 

[Capt Caveman]

If I was going to spend this kind of money, I discount the X220/230 due to the 768p. I just find the lack of vertical workspace to be unacceptable. 900p would be a minimum for me. JMHO.

 

[Rio Rebel]

in the immortal words of Queen: I want it all!