[too_slow]

I will be returning to school early next year for my graduate studies. As such, I will be buying my first replacement laptop in a very VERY long time. I've used my Acer Timeline 13.3" (that I bought at Bestbuy for $399) 3 years ago, and I think it's time to get something better. It's been supremely reliable, and my battery still holds 6-8 hours with Wi-Fi on, with my Crucial M4 256gb installed. I'll keep this guy as a backup computer.

Anyways, I am leaning towards the X230 because it is upgradable, and the fact that it offers an IPS + low-glare screen. I love the Zenbook Prime design, but the 4gb memory restriction and 'worst' battery life out of all ultrabooks puts it to the 'not sure if want' category. The MBA is probably the benchmark for ultrabooks design but it gets stupid pricey if you just want to upgrade the HDD to 256gb SSD and 8gb RAM.

Anyone have experiences with the Lenovo X230s or it's predecessor in general?

FYI, I also own a W510 with a 1080p touchscreen + color sensor, but it weighs about the same as two business law textbooks. It also runs hot enough to heat up my entire desk, so it rarely leaves the house.

[asian_XL]

going to law school?

[!MiKrofT]

The X230 is ugly and thick. The battery hump kills it for me and it also explains why it has a long battery life. Technically it's not considered an ultrabook as the thickness it out of spec.

For me I'd got with the Zenbook myself.

[too_slow]

Doing my CA (career change) in another part of the world.. LOL

I was originally debating between the 12" HP Elitebook as well, but it's not using the latest Ivy Bridge/ Intel 4000 video, and it costs more than the Lenovo. I'm not TOO concerned about the aesthetics, much more concerned about durability and keyboard quality. I actually don't like the keyboard on the original Zenbook, so I'm hoping to try a Zenbook Prime when it comes out.

[trd2343]

What about Samsung series 9?

[PornMaster]

what about the Dell ultrabook

[dasani604]

What about Samsung series 9?

This. The 2012 models of the Samsung Series 9 seem amazing.

[!MiKrofT]

what about the Dell ultrabook
Dell Ultrabook. While physically awesome it has the crappy battery life as well its based on the older sandy bridge.

[Speed2K]

I'm in a similar boat as you. I have an older thinkpad X60 (5 years), the quality is awesome so I'm seriously considering the X230! To me the X230 looks timeless, the Zenbook looks nice, but I'm afraid I would end up with a scratched up cover. :P The major disadvantage of the X230 vs the Prime is the screen resolution. 1366x768 vs 1920 x 1080. In case you didn't know, the Zenbook also has an IPS Screen, also an SSD is an expensive option (I'd probably install my own). That being said, there's a nice sale going on at Lenovo right now & a nicely optioned X230 can be purchased for $750 + tax! or $950 for an i7! I may wait until the end of summer to see what other new Ultrabooks are introduced before purchasing though.

Why an 11" and not a 13" Ultrabook?

[JeffK]

i expect to get my X230T (mmm windows 8 tabletly goodness) in a few days and will report back on findings.

(Tablet option is more of a, hey work is coughing up the dough so why not try it)

But thinkpads are rock solid machines with years and years of support/improvements.

hard to go wrong with a thinkpad

[too_slow]

I ruled out the Dell/Samsung because the models available in Canada is still using the old Intel 3000 video/ dual core CPU, not to mention their ram+HD combinations simply 'suck.'

I know this applies to the Zenbook too. I'm only intrigued by it and the MBA because of the form/coolness factor. I might have to cross the Zenbook Prime off as well because the memory is restricted to only 4gb.

Yeah I realized the new Zenbook has a 1080p IPS screen, but I think I'll be blind reading text at such a high-res.

I saw the RFD posting on the Lenovo books as well. I think the deal expires tonight. I kind of want to get the X230t with Windows 8 when it comes out.. Argh, decisions!

(Posting from my 'welfare' Acer laptop with a CPU windows experience score of 3.6 and a hdd score of 7.9.. LOL)

[too_slow]

Oh and I really dislike the keyboard on the Dell, Samsung, and the 1G Prime Book.
The Toshiba has a nice keyboard, but omfg the screen is so flimsy!!!

[!MiKrofT]

I ruled out the Dell/Samsung because the models available in Canada is still using the old Intel 3000 video/ dual core CPU, not to mention their ram+HD combinations simply 'suck.'

I know this applies to the Zenbook too. I'm only intrigued by it and the MBA because of the form/coolness factor. I might have to cross the Zenbook Prime off as well because the memory is restricted to only 4gb.

Yeah I realized the new Zenbook has a 1080p IPS screen, but I think I'll be blind reading text at such a high-res.

I saw the RFD posting on the Lenovo books as well. I think the deal expires tonight. I kind of want to get the X230t with Windows 8 when it comes out.. Argh, decisions!

(Posting from my 'welfare' Acer laptop with a CPU windows experience score of 3.6 and a hdd score of 7.9.. LOL)
The new Samsung 9 series is Ivy Bridge with the new higher res 1600x900 screen and much improved battery life of 7hours. It's a 13.3" but the thin bezel makes it smaller. Weighs even less than the equivalent zenbook prime or macbook air. I'm seriously considering this option as well but it's pretty pricey.

[Speed2K]

I ruled out the Dell/Samsung because the models available in Canada is still using the old Intel 3000 video/ dual core CPU, not to mention their ram+HD combinations simply 'suck.'

I know this applies to the Zenbook too. I'm only intrigued by it and the MBA because of the form/coolness factor. I might have to cross the Zenbook Prime off as well because the memory is restricted to only 4gb.

Yeah I realized the new Zenbook has a 1080p IPS screen, but I think I'll be blind reading text at such a high-res.

I saw the RFD posting on the Lenovo books as well. I think the deal expires tonight. I kind of want to get the X230t with Windows 8 when it comes out.. Argh, decisions!

(Posting from my 'welfare' Acer laptop with a CPU windows experience score of 3.6 and a hdd score of 7.9.. LOL)

I think the deal expires Aug 1st, so a couple more days. :P

[Gh0stRider]

This. The 2012 models of the Samsung Series 9 seem amazing.

saw it at bestbuy today. HOLY shit!!!! i want

[too_slow]

^I'll be honest, I have some negative bias towards Samsung, but I did see their 15" Series 9 @ Staples and it was drop dead gorgeous. A rMBP looks like a brick in comparison.
It's been awhile since I've gone hunting for coupons @ Staples on RFD, can you still stack the coupons like crazy nowadays? It would be sweet if you can grab one with a $150 discount

[!MiKrofT]

Does staples have the 13"? I think I still have a coupon.

[dryjesus]

Out of those 3, I'd get the Asus. However, I also think you should check out the Samsung ultrabooks. The new Samsung store at Metrotown has about every model on display there so I would check it out. I personally thought they were pretty nice when I checked them out yesterday.

[hongy]

Sorry for the thread jack but didn't think it was necessary to start a new thread. I'm going into finance, potentially switching into CISA and I'm having a hard time deciding between the zenbook prime, samsung series 9, and the mba.

The zenbook is currently 1099, MBA is 1179, and the samsung is 1199. Aesthetics wise the samsung is the nicest looking one out of the three, however I'm not sold on samsung quality.

I will be using this notebook for the next 3/4 years so any input would be greatly appreciated.

[c3m]

^I'll be honest, I have some negative bias towards Samsung, but I did see their 15" Series 9 @ Staples and it was drop dead gorgeous. A rMBP looks like a brick in comparison.
It's been awhile since I've gone hunting for coupons @ Staples on RFD, can you still stack the coupons like crazy nowadays? It would be sweet if you can grab one with a $150 discount

The Samsung competes with the Macbook Air. Not the MBP

[too_slow]

^Fair enough. I only mentioned the MBP because the only 9-series I have seen in person is the 15" model found @ Staples. I didn't realize they offer a 13" model as well. I tried to check one out @ Metrotown but they didn't have one on demo at that time.

[too_slow]

Sorry for the thread jack but didn't think it was necessary to start a new thread. I'm going into finance, potentially switching into CISA and I'm having a hard time deciding between the zenbook prime, samsung series 9, and the mba.

The zenbook is currently 1099, MBA is 1179, and the samsung is 1199. Aesthetics wise the samsung is the nicest looking one out of the three, however I'm not sold on samsung quality.

I will be using this notebook for the next 3/4 years so any input would be greatly appreciated.

I crossed off the Zenbook Prime because of its 4gb ram limitation.

I'm still debating between the X230 and the MBA. :(

[hongy]

^Fair enough. I only mentioned the MBP because the only 9-series I have seen in person is the 15" model found @ Staples. I didn't realize they offer a 13" model as well. I tried to check one out @ Metrotown but they didn't have one on demo at that time.

The future shop at metro has a demo of the i5 abs i7 13" model when I went. And I'm cutting our the zenvook as well. 1080p on 013" screen seems too much, and the fact that it's not a full matte screen.

[c3m]

I crossed off the Zenbook Prime because of its 4gb ram limitation.

I'm still debating between the X230 and the MBA. :(

The MBA can also run Windows when needed so you are technically getting the best of both world. Also, the flash drive storage in the MBA is quick. I'm assuming you looking at the 13" and not the 11"?

PS: BB is having an online promotion on the Samsung Series 9 15" right now at 1299

[Ronin]

Build quality is top notch on MacBooks.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Anyone want to choose what they think is the best deal? All are about the same price.

1. Toshiba Portege Z930 from LD (http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Detail/Computers.htm?BreadCrumbs=Computers;Computers;Comp uter%20Systems;Notebooks&ProductID=5992284&ProductTab=3)
2. 13.3" Macbook Air (mid-2011) (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/sys/3171338382.html)
3. 13.3" 2nd Generation Samsung Series 9 (http://nanaimo.en.craigslist.ca/sys/3165915368.html)

Ideally, I would get the Samsung Series 9. The design is amazing with great specifications. The only thing is.. I would have to go to Nanaimo. It's worth the hassle to save a couple hundred dollars, but it's fucking far.

Next would be the Toshiba Z930. The design is equally great IMO aside from the glossy touchpad (makes it look cheap). But it's the slower i3.

Lastly, the mid-2011 model of the Macbook Air. It's a nice and solid laptop, but it's running the older Sandy Bridge architecture with the Intel HD 3000. I want Ivy Bridge for the Intel HD 4000 so I could at least run DOTA2 occasionally. The Macbook Air does offer me the best resell value though if I wish to upgrade laptops in the future.

EDIT: Or should I just fuck the sexy Ultrabook craze, and get the Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/sys/3176358923.html) + throw in a 128GB SSD for $600?

[Manic!]

The timelinex is way over priced I picked up the i5 version from memx for $569 boxing week sale.

[hongy]

So I ended up getting the MBA to try out OSX, most likely going to switch to a MBP or a something along those lines. So far the keyboard on the samsung series 9 was the best keyboard out of the three for me. I'm typing this out on the MBA and I'm constantly having to go back and correct spelling mistakes.

[!MiKrofT]

Anyone want to choose what they think is the best deal? All are about the same price.

1. Toshiba Portege Z930 from LD (http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Detail/Computers.htm?BreadCrumbs=Computers;Computers;Comp uter%20Systems;Notebooks&ProductID=5992284&ProductTab=3)
2. 13.3" Macbook Air (mid-2011) (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/sys/3171338382.html)
3. 13.3" 2nd Generation Samsung Series 9 (http://nanaimo.en.craigslist.ca/sys/3165915368.html)

Ideally, I would get the Samsung Series 9. The design is amazing with great specifications. The only thing is.. I would have to go to Nanaimo. It's worth the hassle to save a couple hundred dollars, but it's fucking far.

Next would be the Toshiba Z930. The design is equally great IMO aside from the glossy touchpad (makes it look cheap). But it's the slower i3.

Lastly, the mid-2011 model of the Macbook Air. It's a nice and solid laptop, but it's running the older Sandy Bridge architecture with the Intel HD 3000. I want Ivy Bridge for the Intel HD 4000 so I could at least run DOTA2 occasionally. The Macbook Air does offer me the best resell value though if I wish to upgrade laptops in the future.

EDIT: Or should I just fuck the sexy Ultrabook craze, and get the Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/sys/3176358923.html) + throw in a 128GB SSD for $600?
I wouldn't pick the Toshiba. It's so light it's flimsy. Screen's not so nice either.

[Razor Ramon HG]

I wouldn't pick the Toshiba. It's so light it's flimsy. Screen's not so nice either.

Yeah, I went into LD today and looked at the model in person. I think I might just get the Zenbook UX31A-DB51 (http://ncix.com/products/?sku=72592&vpn=UX31A-DB51&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1145)

Good price? Or should I just get a MBA?

EDIT: I know that the IPS panel on the Zenbook is native 1080p, but can I also run it at 1600x900 without any distortion?

[too_slow]

^Bestbuy in Coquitlam has a demo model for $799 (13", 4gb 128ssd. intel 3000) .. There's only one though (saw it today)

[Razor Ramon HG]

^Bestbuy in Coquitlam has a demo model for $799 (13", 4gb 128ssd. intel 3000) .. There's only one though (saw it today)

Which BB?

[too_slow]

I think theres only one in Coquitlam.. LOL

[Razor Ramon HG]

Oh, LOL.. Do you think it's worth paying an extra $300 for the Ivy Bridge + IPS + HD4000?

I'm kind of debating since it's pretty important that I can run DOTA2.. LOL

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=72593&vpn=UX32VD-DB71&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1145

WHY U SO EXPENSIVE

Hmm...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSqc9yFvpo0&feature=player_embedded#

Seems that the UX31A with the HD 4000 should be able to run DOTA2 fine from the looks of it. But the test model in the video is running an i7. Hope it's not a big difference!

[Razor Ramon HG]

1c2c.com (http://www.1c2c.com/ecuisp/~1c2c/lec/plugin/index/framePage.jsp?location=../product/Computers+Notebook+Notebook-ASUS-UX31A-DB51-UX31A-DB51--Silver-Aluminum--13.3-IPS-FHD-(1920-1080)--Intel-i5-3317-(1.7Ghz)--4/productDetail.jsp?productId=1179211&vendorname=ASUS&vendorpartno=UX31A-DB51&productname=UX31A-DB51--Silver-Aluminum--13.3-IPS-FHD-(1920-1080)--Intel-i5-3317-(1.7Ghz)--4) has the UX31A-DB51 for $1062.60. You can get NCIX to PM it for a total of $1190.11.

Alternatively, if you wanted to wait for local stock at Memory Express, you can get them to price beat it by a difference of $9.35 -- bringing the price before taxes to $1053.25 / $1179.64 total.

[!MiKrofT]

Yeah, I went into LD today and looked at the model in person. I think I might just get the Zenbook UX31A-DB51 (http://ncix.com/products/?sku=72592&vpn=UX31A-DB51&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1145)

Good price? Or should I just get a MBA?

EDIT: I know that the IPS panel on the Zenbook is native 1080p, but can I also run it at 1600x900 without any distortion?
The Asus has the ivy bridge advantage as well. Lcds are designed to look best at their native resolution so running it lower might make it look a bit off.

I'm also contemplating an upgrade. I have the exact acer time line you mentioned earlier and have also upgraded the ram and ssd. Deciding if I should sell and move into ultrabook territory since I no longer do any gaming.

[too_slow]

WTF, I thought there's only two types of Zenbooks. The original first gen, and the upcoming Zenbook Prime (in 11.6" and 13" respectively). Is there a '5th' model in their lineup?

LOL @ Mikroft. I bought the Acer based on how many RFD guys jumped on the wagon. I picked up one just for kicks and to be honest, it has exceeded all of my expectations as a beater laptop. The keys have not faded, has a very good keyboard (much better than the new Dells IMHO), batt still holds 7+ hrs with my M4 SSD, and the display is OK for a little Lightroom 4 action (I had it collaborated with my funky monkey, or spidermunky thing).

The new Samsung Series 5 is quite tempting too (i5 + intel 4000 + 500gb + 24gb SSD cache; ram + hd can be easily replaced). It goes on sale for $799 in the US soon. It's considered an Ultrabook (only slightly thicker than the series 9) and has a full aluminum chassis.

Samsung - 13.3" Series 5 Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive + 24GB Solid State Drive - Light Titan - NP530U3C-A01US (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+13.3%22+Series+5+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+%2B+24GB+Solid+State+Drive+-+Light+Titan/5852663.p?id=1218696492310&skuId=5852663&st=samsung%20series%205&cp=1&lp=3)

[Razor Ramon HG]

The Zenbook Prime is already out. The one I linked above is a Prime.

I bought it today and it's amazing. I love the screen!

Having some troubles typing though because of the huge touchpad that I keep touching by accident.

[Razor Ramon HG]

BTW, for those buying the SSD Zenbook, it is formatted with a GPT partition table. You have to convert it to the standard MBR table first if you wish to do a clean install of Windows 7.

[hongy]

The Zenbook Prime is already out. The one I linked above is a Prime.

I bought it today and it's amazing. I love the screen!

Having some troubles typing though because of the huge touchpad that I keep touching by accident.

Can you give a mini review after you've used it for a few days? I have 14 days to return my mba to get the zenbook prime or the series 9.

[!MiKrofT]

WTF, I thought there's only two types of Zenbooks. The original first gen, and the upcoming Zenbook Prime (in 11.6" and 13" respectively). Is there a '5th' model in their lineup?

LOL @ Mikroft. I bought the Acer based on how many RFD guys jumped on the wagon. I picked up one just for kicks and to be honest, it has exceeded all of my expectations as a beater laptop. The keys have not faded, has a very good keyboard (much better than the new Dells IMHO), batt still holds 7+ hrs with my M4 SSD, and the display is OK for a little Lightroom 4 action (I had it collaborated with my funky monkey, or spidermunky thing).

The new Samsung Series 5 is quite tempting too (i5 + intel 4000 + 500gb + 24gb SSD cache; ram + hd can be easily replaced). It goes on sale for $799 in the US soon. It's considered an Ultrabook (only slightly thicker than the series 9) and has a full aluminum chassis.

Samsung - 13.3" Series 5 Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive + 24GB Solid State Drive - Light Titan - NP530U3C-A01US (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+13.3%22+Series+5+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+%2B+24GB+Solid+State+Drive+-+Light+Titan/5852663.p?id=1218696492310&skuId=5852663&st=samsung%20series%205&cp=1&lp=3)
Yeah I bought it during rfd days and used a $100 off coupon at staples.

The series 5 feels plasticy. I looked at one at best buy. However it's the 14" one so I'm not sure if they're the same.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Can you give a mini review after you've used it for a few days? I have 14 days to return my mba to get the zenbook prime or the series 9.

I was just writing it, but then the touchpad caused me to fuck up and cancel it. I wrote a lot too, fuck!

I'll write it again in a few days :lol

[!MiKrofT]

I was just writing it, but then the touchpad caused me to fuck up and cancel it. I wrote a lot too, fuck!

I'll write it again in a few days :lol
Some touchpads have a palm detection setting where you can adjust it so your palm doesn't mis click or move the mouse.

[RabidRat]

FYI, Lenovo gives a 10% discount coupon that stacks ontop of another discount code (iirc there's a 30% Friends and Family discount codes thread on redflagdeals forums) when you sign up for their newsletter.

[too_slow]

The Lenovo X1 Carbon looks promising. Here's hoping that they would release a 11.6"/12" model. My program doesn't start till March so I guess I will wait. LOL

[Razor Ramon HG]

The Lenovo X1 starts at $1,399 don't they?

[Speed2K]

The Zenbook Prime is already out. The one I linked above is a Prime.

I bought it today and it's amazing. I love the screen!

Having some troubles typing though because of the huge touchpad that I keep touching by accident.

You linked to both the UX31A and the UX32VD, which one did you end up getting?

[Razor Ramon HG]

I got the UX31A.

[Razor Ramon HG]

So after using the laptop for a few days, here's my take on the Zenbook Prime.

Design-wise, it's a very beautiful laptop. Thin and light, it's a perfect notebook for school (which I am primarily using it for). There are two USB 3.0 ports (one on each side), a headphone jack, a SD card reader, and two miniUSB ports for the HDMI/VGA adapters.

The 13.3" inch screen is the best size IMO for a notebook. It's not too big, not too small. The UX31A-DB51 model that I have comes with the IPS panel with a display resolution of 1920x1080. Because the pixel density is hig (I would've preferred a native resolution of 1600x900), it's hard to read text sometimes. Of course, I can run the laptop at a smaller resolution, but it looks off. You can increase the Windows DPI setting, but that doesn't help too much as some applications don't support it.

The keyboard is nice. Resembles the ones in current-gen Macbooks, but with a matte finish instead. It's even backlit! But because the laptop is so thin, the keyboard depth is very shallow. I often find the laptop not registering presses.

Speakers and touchpad are standard, no real complaints. The touchpad supposedly has palm detection technology, but I haven't really paid close attention to it.

Specwise, it's pretty snippy, but mostly due to the ADATA XM11 mSATA SDD on it. It's Sandforce based, so it registers very high read/writes. From the moment I press the power button, it takes about 18-20s to reach the desktop. Very fucking fast.

WEI index for reference:
Processor - 6.9
Memory - 5.9
Graphics - 5.9
Gaming Graphics - 6.4
Primary Hard Disk - 7.9

So overall, great laptop. I would recommend it if you don't mind shelling out extra dough for it.. quite pricey at $1200 after taxes.

[!MiKrofT]

I just saw the Acer S5 at Costco. $999. So much better than the first gen S3. It has a freakin motorized door for the IO ports on the back. I wonder how reliable that is.

[Razor Ramon HG]

I read the reviews for it, and I'm not really impressed.

[!MiKrofT]

I read the reviews for it, and I'm not really impressed.
Yeah. I just read a couple reviews. Will be avoiding that one. Too bad. It looked interesting in display.

[!MiKrofT]

So after using the laptop for a few days, here's my take on the Zenbook Prime.

Design-wise, it's a very beautiful laptop. Thin and light, it's a perfect notebook for school (which I am primarily using it for). There are two USB 3.0 ports (one on each side), a headphone jack, a SD card reader, and two miniUSB ports for the HDMI/VGA adapters.

The 13.3" inch screen is the best size IMO for a notebook. It's not too big, not too small. The UX31A-DB51 model that I have comes with the IPS panel with a display resolution of 1920x1080. Because the pixel density is hig (I would've preferred a native resolution of 1600x900), it's hard to read text sometimes. Of course, I can run the laptop at a smaller resolution, but it looks off. You can increase the Windows DPI setting, but that doesn't help too much as some applications don't support it.

The keyboard is nice. Resembles the ones in current-gen Macbooks, but with a matte finish instead. It's even backlit! But because the laptop is so thin, the keyboard depth is very shallow. I often find the laptop not registering presses.

Speakers and touchpad are standard, no real complaints. The touchpad supposedly has palm detection technology, but I haven't really paid close attention to it.

Specwise, it's pretty snippy, but mostly due to the ADATA XM11 mSATA SDD on it. It's Sandforce based, so it registers very high read/writes. From the moment I press the power button, it takes about 18-20s to reach the desktop. Very fucking fast.

WEI index for reference:
Processor - 6.9
Memory - 5.9
Graphics - 5.9
Gaming Graphics - 6.4
Primary Hard Disk - 7.9

So overall, great laptop. I would recommend it if you don't mind shelling out extra dough for it.. quite pricey at $1200 after taxes.
I think I'm going to go for this one as well. BUT. Is it US keyboard or Canadian Bilingual keyboard layout?

[Razor Ramon HG]

US keyboard, woot.

If you don't need one yet, I would probably wait to see if it drops down to $999.

Right now if you do the PM I mentioned above it's about $1192 IIRC after taxes. If you do a PM with MM you save even more! But last time I checked, no stock in RMD, so you probably have to get it mailed.

[!MiKrofT]

I have $50 off at bestbuy so i'm probably going to get it there. They're using a cbil sku though that typically means canadian. I'll check it out in store.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Yeah, CBIL models are Canadian keyboard.

[!MiKrofT]

Hmm yeah I thought so. Maybe I'll just price beat with ME then. I can just ship to store. Will end up saving more than with my $50 gift card plus bilingual keyboard ftl.

[dasani604]

How are you finding its performance while running DotA2? I'm assuming if it could run DotA2, then it could also run CS:GO.

[Razor Ramon HG]

DOTA runs ok on native resolution. Could be better, but with integrated graphics, not much you can do.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Counterstrike Source runs perfectly as well using the following settings:

http://s14.postimage.org/kxaqwfy8h/Untitled.png

60fps constant.

[Razor Ramon HG]

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=73432&vpn=NX%2EM10AA%2E005&manufacture=Acer

Not bad pricewise..

[!MiKrofT]

Acer Aspire S3-391-6835 Intel i5 3317U 4GB 128GB SSD 13.3IN WLAN 3 Cell Win 7 Home 64BIT Notebook - Acer - NX.M10AA.005 (http://ncix.com/products/?sku=73432&vpn=NX%2EM10AA%2E005&manufacture=Acer)

Not bad pricewise..
The S3 feels really cheap and the hinges suck. Rather pay $100 more for the S5 at Costco if someone goes that route.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Man, this machine dents easily! Already got a small minor one on the bottom corner even while inside the included case and my backpack. I should've put it in the notebook sleeve in my bag!

Does anyone know where I can get the small dent buffed out? I just want it to be flat so I don't cut myself by accident (it's sharp).

[Ronin]

Just live with 'em. Once you accept the ding, you stop caring.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Haha, I've already accepted, just want to see if I can remedy it. I want to grab a Zeroshock case, but the Zenbook is way too thin.

[!MiKrofT]

You've got a sharp dent? Hmmm.. maybe I should try one in store to see how it is before ordering.

[too_slow]

^Eeek, that's not cool

OK looks like it's down to the Lenovo X1 Carbon and the X230 for me..
I value the keyboard and the build quality

[Razor Ramon HG]

I just sanded it down so it's smooth. Nothing wrong with the laptop, it's my bad for not taking better care of it.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Anyone still looking for a Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB51?

I've decided to jump ship and try the Macbook Air, so I'm selling mine with everything in box and receipt.

Please PM me.

[hongy]

tempted to try yours hahaha, so far the mba battery life.. Is not 5hrs as most websites state.

[Razor Ramon HG]

I haven't been using my laptop that much outside yet. But when I was watching a 2-hour 720p video using MPC on max brightness and volume, it went from 80 to 40%. So that's about 5 hours of video.

If you're browsing the internet and doing school work, I'm sure it would easily hit 6-7 hours, especially since you won't utilizing the CPU all the time. Not to mention the screen brightness is a huge battery drain. Reviews seems to indicate battery life around that as well.

[!MiKrofT]

Lenovo X1 Carbon is out. Around $950 with rfd code. Too bad the battery life is soso.

[Ronin]

That cheap? I thought it was $1400 to start.

Looks hella good though.

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

god damn i bought my zenbook just before the newer models came out

[Razor Ramon HG]

Anyone know of something similar to the Shinza/Elecom Zeroshock, but for ultrabooks?

[!MiKrofT]

That cheap? I thought it was $1400 to start.

Looks hella good though.
I think they start at around $1200? Didn't really look. Ultrabooks should by default have more than a 5 hour battery life.

[!MiKrofT]

Hmm after reading a lot more reviews the battery life isn't as bad as I thought. I think i'm gonna order one. $958 + tax after RFD coupon. 128gb more than enough for me and 4gb ram should be ok. I like how they cram a 14" screen into a 13.3" body.

[tdeweyn]

I'm using the Zenbook Prime at the moment, got it from $950 from futureshop without tax. The thing is though, after you set up the ultrabook for the first time your hard drive will be left with about 60-70 GB left.

I mean that's still quite a bit but will it be enough for school, programming, installing word and a bunch of other software..

So my other alternative is the Samsung 7 Series, but its heavier by 3 lbs which isn't a big deal, but it's much bulkier as well.

Any suggestions?

Samsung 7 Series is at $1,199.99 right now

[Razor Ramon HG]

Reformat the entire hard drive while getting rid of the other partitions.

I have 64GB left after installing all my main applications such as MS Office and Photoshop, my music, 15GB of games, etc.

[too_slow]

OK, that's it. I'm going to change my X1 Carbon order to include a 256gb ssd..

My old Lenovo W510 had over 50+gb of crap installed when I picked it up new.

[!MiKrofT]

That's why you reload the OS clean. I have a good 90gb free on my 128gb ssd in my current laptop.