Are these numbers good, bad or so-so

[Jarhead]

If your notebook will be used to edit photos or crunch numbers, the ULV CPUs in Ultrabooks probably won't be suited to the task. SSDs only speed up I/O time to the disk, not compute speeds. For a small lapto that also packs a normal-voltage (real: more powerful) CPU then either that Samsung or MBA, why not look at the Thinkpad X230?

[tilleroftheearth]

Doesn't the refreshed MBA have hardware that's basically identical to the NP900X3c-A01? From what I can tell, the 13" MBA's CPU is even slightly faster

While the platform/cpu is at the same level - the performance from the MBA is severely throttled with the badly designed cooling 'solution' it has to deal with - not to mention that a maximum 4GB RAM ceiling limits what actual work can be produced from this system.

'Work' is done by the CPU and RAM - limit one or the other and you're severely limiting the productivity the system is actually capable of.

While the MBA's are good (in OS/x) for battery life, portability and ' appeal' - they are far from a real solution like a ThinkPAD (X Series) that offers i7 processors (that don't throttle) and 16GB (or more) RAM to get (more) real work done.

[tilleroftheearth]

elazarus,

Sounds like you need the performance, ruggedness and dependability of a ThinkPAD. Why are you not replacing your 'old slow one' with a new (much...) faster one?

See my previous post about why you need one instead of a MBA (though, with QuickBooks 'online' version, you wouldn't need to install Windows on the MBA (but you'll need an internet connection to do your books...).

I agree with you about needing a desktop and a notebook (with identical installs) as a form of physical backup - especially if you keep your current files synchronized between the two systems; there is almost no 'normal' situation where you would be stuck without having a working system to continue working (while repairing/replacing...) the other one.

I have a desktop with an OCZ SSD 1.5 years old that is like lightening. I cannot tell yet if this San Disk in the Samsung is fast or slow because I have not tried to edit a picture or crunch some numbers.

I love the MBA but it is a hassle to think of adding Windows and Quickbooks (I need this for business)........

I am replacing a 4 year old Thinkpad that is too slow. The primary reason for this new Ultrabook is for a "Stand-by" machine in case my desktop ever dumped and then I have a laptop ready to go. The second reason is that for travel, 6 weeks a year for business, I wanted something lighter than the Slow Thinkpad that I have....and the ipad does not do it for me for travel.

I do not have to have and Ultrabook and could even go for a light weight 15" as the back up/travel maching as long as it has an SSD....Any Thoughts?

Thank you

Elliot

[elazarus]

Great input, thank you.

I did look at the X series but too small. I do like the Thinkpad and that may be the best way to go.....I really wanted something light with the IPS screen (Samsung has the IPS and is 2.5lbs)

Yes, I do like the MBA as I own anipod, iPad and iPhone bursitis not practical for the backup use...great for travel.

Are the any T series coming that are not showing up on the lenovowebsite?

Thank you

Elliot

[Jarhead]

Most Ultrabooks are actually pretty small (12.5" to 14", on average), and 2.5lbs sounds like a 13.3" laptop to me (I haven't Googled the Samsung model you're referring to).

Honestly, from my experience, you won't miss the .7" between the X2-- series and 13.3" displays. They're all 1366 * 768 anyway, so all of them give you the exact same workspace on the desktop (though some Ultrabooks offer 900p and 1080p).

As for the T-series, they're all there. You could probably check out the T430 (or T430s, if weight is an issue).

[elazarus]

I do like the T430S....it says shipping in 4+ weeks. I am not sure what, but something bugs me about the X230......

Of course the T430S is back up to 4 lbs.....

The Ultrabooks have to get some credit for the Zero fan noise and the IPS screens

Thank you

Elliot

[Jarhead]

Only a few Ultrabooks have IPS displays. Asus's Zenbook and Vizio, iirc, has one. Samsung doesn't have any IPS Ultrabooks, certainly not Acer, HP, Lenovo. X230 has the option to upgrade to an IPS display (+$50). T430/T430s is known for a bad-quality display, both 768p and 900p.

I'd still recommend going with a X230. For the average person, the difference between 2.5lbs and 3.5 lbs (I don't recall the X230's exact weight at the moment) is close to nil in a sidebag or bookbag. Hell, I find my W520 to be very portable, and it's nearly 6lbs.

[tilleroftheearth]

Ultrabooks have zero fan noise?

Which ones?

(Ultrabooks copy the bad (cooling) design of Apple and get all the same problems to go along with the 'looks' - including running too hot, throttling and noisy fans...).