Thin and Light 11-14 notebooks gaming worth compendium

[Karamazovmm]

Im going to create a compendium of thin and light (not necessarily thin btw), that are still gaming capable be it either using sandy bridge (2nd gen intel core processors), ivy bridge (3rd gen intel core processors) or AMD APU (probably trinity).

The Requirements to be here:

Screen size: 11-14
Weight: less than 2kg or 4.4lbs preferably, I will put some systems that are higher, but only by 200g
GPU: it has to be mid range, it doesnt matter if its old tech or new, but if we can go to the high end (unlikely), why not?


Thinkpad EDGE s430

Specifications - will be modified upon official release
Screen: 14'' - 1600 x 900 matte
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3 and Core i5 and possibly 35w quad
Graphics: GT 630m Optional 2GB NVIDIA with Optimus (unconfirmed, but some resellers listed it as such)
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD, interestingly, optional 1TB HDD (2nd drive in ODD)
Weight: Under 4lbs (1.8 kg) with tray ODD
Dimensions: 14.84” x 9.65” x 0.80” (W x D x H) 376.93mm x 245.11mm x 20.32mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), ThunderBolt, Ethernet, HDMI,
Price: Starting at $749
Availability: June 5th 2012

Link to thread: ThinkPad Edge S430 Lounge

Notes: its a egpu capable, thunderbolt is the rage when it comes to egpu since it packs much more bandwidth than the mpcie and express cards versions.

It may not be available in NA, according to andrew

Thinkpad T430s

Specifications - will be modified upon official release
Screen: 14'' - 1366 x 768 or 1600 x 900 matte
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, possibly 35w quad
Graphics: NVS 5200m Optional 2GB NVIDIA with Optimus
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 3.96lbs (1.78 kg) with ODD
Dimensions: Unknown
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (1) always on, ThunderBolt, Ethernet, HDMI, mDP, ExpressCard 34mm
Price: Unknown
Availability: Unknown

Notes: its looking good, great durability, 2 possible connections for eGPUs (expresscard and thunderbolt), great weight, so so gpu (its the gt 425m/430m/435m/540m/550m/555m all over again) and its docking capable.

Thinkpad T430u

Specifications - will be modified upon official release
Screen: 14'' - 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 ulv
Graphics: GT 620m 1GB NVIDIA with Optimus
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD,
Weight: 4lbs (1.8 kg)
Dimensions: Unknown
Ports: USB 3.0 (1), Ethernet, HDMI, mDP
Price: Unknown
Availability: Unknown

Notes: Lenovo may have developed a flop here, it has almost all the same physical specs of the T430s, lacking thunderbolt, ports and resolution, it may have the appeal of ultrabook, but it weights too much.


Envy 4t

Specifications - Already released, possible update to include ivy bridge, and a model with the AMD APU trinity is to be released
Screen: 14'' - 1366 x 768 glossy
Processor: Intel Sandy Bridge mobile processor Core i3 and Core i5 ulv
Graphics: Optional 7670m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD, or a combination of both with the msata ssd for cache
Weight: Under 4lbs (1.8 kg)
Dimensions: 13.38" x 9.28" x 0.78" (W x D x H) 339.85mm x 235.71mm x 19.81mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (1), Ethernet, HDMI
Price: Starting at $700
Availability: available as of may 9th

Notes: Released in may 9th, its one good looking option, for non cpu intensive tasks its one hell of buy, since it packs the same power in terms of gpu as the last year 6650m, good performance and good price.

Another thing the dock now comes with a HDD, its a very interesting move by Sony.

Pavillion dv4t

Specifications - Already released
Screen: 14'' - 1366 x 768 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, including the quad core 3612qm
Graphics: Optional GT 650m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD, or a combination of both with the msata ssd for cache
Weight: 4.8lbs (2.17 kg)
Dimensions: 13.54'' x 9.21'' x 1.32'' (W x D x H) 343.91mm x 233.94mm x 33.52mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (1), Ethernet, HDMI, VGA port (RGB PC)
Price: Starting at $550
Availability: now

Vaio S13

Specifications -confirmed
Screen: 13'' - 1600 x 900 Semi Matte
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 640m LE ( kepler)
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 4GB Soldered to the Motherboard + 1 soDIMM slot (up to 12GB of RAM)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 3.68lbs (1.67kg)
Dimensions: 8.84'' x 13.03'' x 0.89'' (W x D x H) 224.7 x 331.2mm x 22.8 (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (x2), USB 2.0 with USB charge (x1), HDMI, Ethernet, VGA port (RGB PC)
Price: 1120
Availability: Available

Link: First Look of the The NEW 2012 SB series (S13?)
Official 2012 Sony S Series Owners Thread
^^that link is a vault of info regarding the vaio S13

Notes: I'm sorely happy with Sony they went with the kepler variant of the 640m LE. And the happiness is justified, due to excelent overclocking that has been reported with kepler card, Petrov told me that he could achieve 950mhz in the core clock, a good departure from the 500mhz. Amal77 was the leader on this good enterprise


Sony Vaio Z13

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 13'' - inches 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 Semi Matte
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: HDD 4000
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (proprietary RAM)
Storage: up to 1tb of SSD in Raid 0 Configuration (it will always come in Raid 0)
Weight: 2.6lbs (1.18kg)
Dimensions: 8.26'' x 12.99'' x 0.65'' (W x D x H) 210mm x 330mm x 16.65mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (1 its a combo port for the dock), USB 2.0 (1), Ethernet, HDMI, VGA port (RGB PC)
Power Media Dock (PMD)
- Ports: USB 3.0 (1), USB 2.0 (2), Ethernet, HDMI, VGA port (RGB PC)
- DVD or blu ray
- Graphics: 7670m
Price: not confirmed
Availability: As of now available in Europe

Notes: I was torn in putting this one here, I think its the feature, and while this may enrage some, I still think its the best approach right now. And why thunderbolt was created in the first place.


NP6110/W110er

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 11'' - 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 (currently there is no ivy bridge dual core, thus its only available with sandy bridge dual cores, however there are i7 quad cores available from ivy bridge)
Graphics: 650m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 3.97 lbs with 6-cell Battery
Dimensions: 11.30" x 8.15" x 0.50"-1.46" (W x D x H) 287.02mm x 207.01'' x 12.7 - 37.08mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (1), USB 2.0 (2), Ethernet, HDMI, VGA port (RGB PC)
Price: 800 (without OS)
Availability: available, go for resellers dont order directly from sager, there is a resellers thread

Links:
Owners thread: **Official Clevo W110ER / Sager NP6110 Owner's Lounge**
Review by HTWingnut: HTWingNut's Sager NP6110 / Clevo W110ER First Look & Review
Review by notebookreview: EUROCOM Launches 11.6" Gaming Notebook Discussion


Gigabyte U2442

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 14'' - inches 1600 x 900 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 ulv
Graphics: GT 640m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD mSata available
Weight: 3.3lbs (1.5kg)
Dimensions: 13.34'' x 9.17'' x 0.72''~0.8'' (W x D x H) 339mm x 233mm x 18.5~20.5mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (2), Ethernet, HDMI, thunderbolt connection optional
Price: around 1200
Availability: available


Acer M5 Ultrabook

Specifications - Released, new gpus and cpus are incoming, probably
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 ulv
Graphics: GT 640m (both variants are available LE and non LE)
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 4GB (Unknown max)
Storage: SSD
Weight: 3.96lbs (1.8 kg)
Dimensions: 13.38'' x 9.68'' x 0.9'' (W x D x H) 340mm x 246mm x 23mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), HDMI
Price: 780
Availability: available

Asus UX32VD

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 13'' - 1920 x 1080 IPS
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 ulv
Graphics: 620m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (1 DIMM slots) (unknown quantity, amount of RAM based on the amount of slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 3.24lbs (1.47kg) with integrated 48wh battery
Dimensions: 12.83'' x 8.77'' x 0.7'' (W x D x H) 326mm x 223mm x 18mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (3), HDMI, mini VGA port (RGB PC)
Price: 1300
Availability: available

Notes: The keyboard doesn't seen to have improved much, and the touchpad got only a bit better, for PC users the latter is a non issue, for MAC users, forget it, you are going to use a mouse. Regarding build quality it seems to be diminished a bit, due to the sandwich construction not unibody as past year model.

Links: Ivy Bridge Zenbook with FHD IPS screen UX21A UX31A UX32A UX32VD


Asus U47VC

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 14'' - 1366*768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: 620m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots, MAX 16GB RAM
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 4.2lbs (1.9kg) with 6 cell battery
Dimensions: 12.90" x 8.90" x 0.90-1.30" (W x D x H) 327mm x 226.06mm x 22.86~33.02mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (1), HDMI, Ethernet
Price: 842
Availability: available


Asus U46SM

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 14'' - 1366*768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: 630m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots, MAX 16GB RAM
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 4.85lbs (2.199kg) with 8 cell battery
Dimensions: 13.11" x 9.65" x 0.97"-1.06" (W x D x H) 332.99mm x 245.11mm x 24.63~26.92mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (1), USB 2.0 (2) HDMI, VGA port (RGB PC), Ethernet
Price: 823
Availability: available

Notes: Yes, I'm shallow sometimes, this is here because of the good design, the weight leans this notebook to the second post.

ASUS ZENBOOK™ UX42VS

Specifications - unreleased/unconfirmed
Screen: 14'' - 1366 x 768 200 nits
Processor: Intel® Core™ ULV i3-3217U, Intel® Core™ ULV i5-3317U or Intel® Core™ ULV i7-3517U
Graphics: NVIDIA GT 645M with 1G GDDR5 VRAM
OS: Windows 8 64 bits
Memory: DDR3 1600MHz 8GB ( 0 SODimm slots )
Storage: HDD + msata SSD
Weight: 1.9Kg
Dimensions: 34 x 23.9 x 2.1 cm (WxDxH) (w/ 4cell battery)
Ports: 1 x COMBO audio jack, 2 x USB 3.0 port(s), 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert, 1 x micro HDMI, 1 x Mini VGA Port, 1X AC adapter plug
Price: Around 1000 EUR
Availability: unknown

Dell XPS 14

Screen: 14'' - 1600x900 (900p) display with 400-nit brightness
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i5 and Core i7 ulv
Graphics: GT 630m 1GB DDR5
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 4GB up to 8GB of memory
Storage: 512GB SSD or 32GB SSD w/ 500GB HDD
Weight: 4.6lbs (2.08kg) with 69WHr battery; 8-Cell Li-Polymer
Dimensions: 13.2" x 9.2" x 0.81" (W x D x H) 335.8mm x 233mm x 20.7mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2) 1 w/PowerShare, mini DisplayPort (1), HDMI (1), RJ-45 (1), 3-in-1 card reader, headset jack (1), mini Kensington lock
Price: starts at $1099 US
Availability: now

Notes: it looks like a macbook, but it aint quacking like one.

Fujitsu Lifebook SH792

Screen: 13'' - 1366x7680 (768p) display with 300-nit brightness
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 640m LE 2GB
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 4GB up to 16GB of memory
Storage: 2.5'' HDD and mSata
Weight: 3.5lbs (1.6kg) with weight saver and HDD up to 72WHr battery; 9-Cell Li-Polymer
Dimensions: 12.6" x 8.99" x 0.97 - 1.27" (W x D x H) 321mm x 228.5mm x 24.7 - 32.3mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2) 1 w/Anytime charger, USB 2.0 (1), HDMI (1), RJ-45 (1), 3-in-1 card reader, headset jack (1), mini Kensington lock, express card, dock options, VGA (RGB PC)
Price: unknow
Availability: unknow

Bay options:

Bay Projector
Bay Battery, 3-cell Li-ion 28Wh, up to 12hrs10mins1 battery life (Standard + Bay Batteries)
Blu-ray writable drive
Dual Layer DVD Super Multi writer
2nd HDD Fitting Kit (w/o SATA HDD)
Weight Saver

Notes: do you want enterprise class features with almost the same features of the vaio s13? if so thats the one. It has a multi bay, with several options, dock station, spill resistant keyboard and as a bonus you can do a simple egpu with the expresscard slot

Fujitsu Lifebook SH762

Screen: 13'' - 1366x7680 (768p) display with 300-nit brightness
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3 and Core i5
Graphics: GT 640m LE 2GB
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 4GB up to 16GB of memory
Storage: 2.5'' HDD and mSata
Weight: 3.94lbs (1.79kg) with weight saver and HDD up to 67WHr battery; 6-Cell Li-Polymer
Dimensions: 12.6" x 8.99" x 0.97 - 1.27" (W x D x H) 321mm x 228.5mm x 24.7 - 32.3mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2) 1 w/Anytime charger, USB 2.0 (1), HDMI (1), RJ-45 (1), 3-in-1 card reader, headset jack (1), mini Kensington lock, dock options, VGA (RGB PC), 4G LTE
Price: unknow
Availability: unknow

Bay options:

Bay Projector
Bay Battery, 3-cell Li-ion 28Wh, up to 12hrs10mins1 battery life (Standard + Bay Batteries)
Blu-ray writable drive
Dual Layer DVD Super Multi writer
2nd HDD Fitting Kit (w/o SATA HDD)
Weight Saver

Apple Macbook Pro with Retina Display 13 (aka rmbp 13)

Specifications - Released
Screen: 13-inches 2560x1600 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: HD 4000
OS: OSX
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (0 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD
Weight: 3.57lbs (1.62 kg)
Dimensions: 12.35" x 8.62" x 0.75" (W x D x H) 314mm x 219mm x 19mm (W x D x H)
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), Thunderbolt (2), HDMI
Price: 1700
Availability: available

Notes: You are wondering why this is here, it doesnt make sense! Its not with a dgpu! However through one thing that is called thunderbolt we can correct that greatly.

So the setup for this would be as follows, buy a rmbp 13 from frys (1500) + either the sonnet echo express SE or the mLogic mLink (400) + 7750 (99) = gaming capability of its larger brother + something something dark side (total cost of 2100). Off course if budget is no issue you can go for other thunderbolt powered egpu setups, like the magma express 3t (800, but you can fit a 680 in there easily) or sonnet echo express SE larger siblings. There is a DIY approach, its called the TH05.

This for me is the future, and Im actually waiting for haswell to come to the rmbp 13 to make a purchase, another great thing that they could add is for someone to come up with a sata cable, so that I can install whatever SSD that is 2.5'' in there. Also it wouldnt kill to have 16gb of ram and they could have used a Quad cpu in there, the cooling really can handle, less than 70c under load? This is something very new for apple.

Razer Edge

Razer Edge Pro Gaming System: The World's First Tablet Designed for PC Gamers | Razer United States

TECH SPECS
Processor Intel Core i7 Dual core w/ Hyper Threading Base 1.9GHz / Turbo 3.0GHz
Memory 8GB DDR3 (2x4GB 1600MHz)
Video Intel HD4000 (DX11)
NVIDIA GT 640M LE (2GB DDR3, Optimus Technology)
Display 10.1” (IPS, 1366x768)
10-point capacitive touch
Operating System Windows 8
Storage 128/256GB SSD (SATA-III)#
Network Intel WLAN (802.11b/g/n + BT4)
Others Stereo speakers
Codec supports 7.1 (via HDMI)
HD Webcam (front-facing, 2MP)
Array microphones
Dolby Home Theater v4
USB 3.0 x1 (green, SuperSpeed)
Audio jack (3.5mm, 4-pole, stereo out / mic in)

Price : US$1,299.99

[Karamazovmm]

Those that failed the cut

The Requirements to be here

Screen size: 11-14
Weight: Doesn't matter.
GPU: it has to be mid range, it doesnt matter if its old tech or new, but if we can go to the high end (unlikely), why not?

Alienware m14x

Specifications - not released it could change
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768 or 1600 x 900 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 650m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD mSata available
Weight: 3 kg
Dimensions: 339(W) x 233(D) x 18.5~20.5(H) mm
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (1), Ethernet, HDMI, mDP, VGA (RGB PC)
Price: 1100
Availability: available

Notes: Im just going to say this, too heavy, too underpowered, its a 15'' pretending its a 14''

Asus N46v

Specifications - released in some eastern europe countries
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 650m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 2.4 kg
Dimensions: 345(W) x 243(D) x 32(H) mm
Ports: USB 3.0 (3), Ethernet, HDMI, VGA (RGB PC)
Price: not confirmed
Availability: available in some countries

Asus U44SG

Specifications - confirmed
Screen: 14'' - 1366*768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: 610m DDR3
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots, MAX 16GB RAM
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 4.2lbs with 6 cell battery
Dimensions: 12.91" (w) x 9.37" (d) x 0.74" (h)
Ports: USB 3.0 (1), USB 2.0 (2), HDMI, Ethernet, VGA port (RGB PC)
Price: 1260
Availability: Soon

Notes: its here because the GPU is quite abysmal.

Lenovo Y480

Specifications - Released, new gpus and cpus are incoming, probably
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768 glossy
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 640m LE
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD mSata available
Weight: 2.3 kg
Dimensions: 345(W) x 239(D) x 32(H) mm
Ports: USB 3.0 (2), USB 2.0 (2), Ethernet, HDMI
Price: 1300
Availability: available

Link: Upcoming Y480/Y580 series feat. Ivy Bridge and NVIDIA graphics!

Notes: This notebook comes with a 640m LE, this is a gpu that is rebrand, basically its the same gpu as the 425m/435m/445m/540m/550m/555m/630m/635m, yes its in use for almost 3 years now, the difference in power to a true kepler 640m is great, hovering around 20% or more. Until the gt 650m is in this machine I advise against buying it.

Lenovo Ideapad Y400

Specifications - Released, new gpus and cpus are incoming, probably
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 650m and GT 650m in sli, incoming GT 750m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 16GB RAM max from factory (2 DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: 5.51 pounds/ 2.5kg
Dimensions: 350 x 245 x 15 - 33 mm (13.8 x 9.6 x 0.6 - 1.3")
Ports: USB 3 (1), USB 2 (2), VGA, HDMI
Price: 339 pounds/ 485 euros
Availability: late 2012

Notes: this is here because its 14"at 2.5kg it weights the same as a 15'', at least its slimmer and lighter than the m14x


Acer TravelMate P243

Specifications - Released, new gpus and cpus are incoming, probably
Screen: 14-inches 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Ivy Bridge mobile processor Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7
Graphics: GT 630m
OS: Windows 7
Memory: 8GB RAM max from factory (? DIMM slots)
Storage: SSD or HDD
Weight: Unknown
Dimensions: Unknown
Ports: Unknown
Price: 339 pounds/ 485 euros
Availability: July

Notes: Its here because the weight and the gpu are a let down, the latter more so.

[Karamazovmm]

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Since the idea of this thread is to get the best possible combination of power and mobility, while this may vary for some, I set the standards in the first post

Nvidia:

Nvidia released the kepler architecture this year, with the introduction of the gtx 680, one great card, with the only problem that its impossible to find one to buy, due to production issues.
The mobility line was launched some days latter, and basically its a mess as usual, lets go first for the usual suspects:

The Rebadge

Fermi was a good chip, so good that Nvidia thought that it might me a good thing to keep it running while it solves their production issues, thus we are met with it again.
It was launched for the mobile market in 2010 and for the mid range its basically the same chip that we saw 2 years ago.

1.) GT 425m/430m/540m/550m/555m
2.) GT 445m/555m

Criminal number 1 - 96 core and variations of DDR3 and GDDR5, with the amount of ROPs being different as well
Criminal number 2 - 144 core and DDR3, with the amount of ROP being different. Last year we saw a variant of the GT 555m only available in the LG P330, thats a somewhat new chip.

Those GPUs are the one we are calling GT 630m/635m/640m LE.

They have a performance loss compared to the 640m kepler variant, its around 20%, since even the 640m is close to the gtx 460m in performance, while the gt 555m never was.

The Kepler

Kepler is the new architecture by Nvidia launched this year, its a 28nm tech, gorgeous and power sipping.

Nvidia launched the GT 640m/650m and the GTX 660m, while strange as it may be, all chips are the same, the difference are in the clocks and the vRAM used, being DDR3 or GDDR5.

They offer a substantial jump in performance compared to what was offered in the 2 years past. They are well worth a look.

AMD

AMD released the Graphics Core Next (GCN) this year, with the 7970, its using the 28nm tech.

The Rebadge

While we still have to have some more confirmation its clear that below and including the 7600m we are facing some rebadges in the field. They offer around the same performance as the nvidia rebadge. The ones we know are:

7670m = 6730m
7690m = 6770m

Basically AMD designs a mid range chip and applies different clocks and different vRAM, thus increasing performance. For example the 6730m has the same clocks as the 6770m, while being slower due to the DDR3 against the GDDR5 of its higher ranking brother.

GCN

its a chip that has made great strides much like nvidia did, we are still missing benchmarks and gaming figures for the cards, however since they are based on the 7700 series the leap is good and the performance solid, while sipping power as well. So far we have:

7730m/ 7750m

There is the 7850m however, I dont have any hope that it should come to be in the line up that we are looking forward

I will add latter some performance figures, this is just so that you gals/guys know what to expect from these machines and to have some basic knowledge regarding what makes or breaks the thin and light gaming category

[Karamazovmm]

reserved for latter iii

[gamba66]

Hi, the asus n46vz is already avaible in eastern european countries so the specs are kind of confirmed, it does come with a 650m

ASUS N46VZ-V3022V i7-3610QM/4GB/750/DVD-RW/7HP64 - Notebook / Laptop 14,1" - Sklep komputerowy - X-KOM.PL

asus.podberi-notebook.ru/price/podbor/n46vz/12.html

On a sidenote I would like to add, that I highly doubt that the asus n46vz will be avaible in certain countries like germany.. Unfortunately, the market in germany, isnt big enough for 14 inch notebooks, we never got the lenovo y470 or the asus n45 in the past Although I would very much like to have the asus n46

[Karamazovmm]

I will add to the thread. Thanks!

[Coetzee.Reinhardt]

Gigabyte U2442

Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook hands-on (video) -- Engadget

14inch 1600x900
Gt 640m (Hopefully the proper one and not LE)
Also has thunderbolt

[JTF2]

Thanks for starting the thread MM. I considered doing the same, but I decided I didn't want to spend the time : ). It's nice to see all of our sub 15" gamers in one place.

[Karamazovmm]

thanks guys, its usually a mess to put everything in one place, but Im going to buy one, and I want to see all the options, and it will help people so, why not?

will add the gigabyte to the list!

btw the asus n46v is removed because of the weight, how in the nine hells it can weight 2.4kg?

[CochleaDoc]

how in the nine hells it can weight 2.4kg?

Lol, well said.

Thanks for spearheading this thread. It's something I've been researching as well and will def. utilize this as the thread grows.