Advice needed. Ultraportable workhorse.

[Aikimox]

Hi All,

Thought I'd never ask this question here but it seems I've failed to find a proper match for my needs.

I'd greatly appreciate your input!

1) Budget: Under 3k
2) Screen size: under 14"
3) Screen resolution: minimum 1600x900, FHD is preferred
4) Screen finish: matte is preferred
5) Weight: under 2kg
6) CPU: 2/4 core as VT-D support is preferred
7) Storage: 256GB SSD minimum (upgradeability is preferred)
8) RAM: 16GB minimum (need it for Virtualization)
9) Battery life: minimum 5 hrs

I need a new ultraportable machine for my IT job. I'm currently using a MBA 2011 13" and it's perfect in both size, weight, battery life, screen, etc. The only problem, I need more RAM for virtualization purposes. And by more I mean 16GB.

I can get all of the above requirements in the 15" sector (Dell M4600/HP8570w/Lenovo W530/Retina MBP/etc) but it's really hard to move to 15", the extra weight and bulkiness is a strong con as I'm too mobile most of the time and on many occasions have to hold my notebook in one hand while typing. Even the super slim retina MBP is above the desired size/weight.

Here's what I found so far:

Lenovo X230: fills most requirements but the screen res is unacceptable, I need at least 900 vertical pxls.

Lenovo T430/s: fills most requirements but the screen quality is way below average with poor viewing angles. Also, its battery life is on the weak side.

Sony Vaio Z 13": RAM limitation

Asus Zenbook Prime: RAM limitation

Macbook Air 13" : RAM limitation

I really wish the X230 had a higher res screen or at least had a third party upgrade option (I'm not new to DIY)


Please advise.

[pepper_john]

Check out x1 carbon that will come in aug

[Aikimox]

Check out x1 carbon that will come in aug

Thanks for your suggestion. August is too far ahead, I'm afraid I have to get something earlier than that. Plus, there's no guarantee that X1 carbon will have 16gb ram. Also, the screen is probably similar to the X1 (non-carbon), which sux.


Looks like I may end-up going for the X230 and get used to extra scrolling....

[Best Foot Forward]

The Samsung Series 9 notebooks aren't on your shortlist, I'm not sure if they satisfy your RAM requirements though. Maybe check in the Samsung forums ?

[RefinedPower]

not sure but does the new XPS 14 have upgradable ram, i know the XPS 15 is fully upgradable but not sure about the 14? Also the Lenovo 430s might be worth a look.

[Aikimox]

The Samsung Series 9 notebooks aren't on your shortlist, I'm not sure if they satisfy your RAM requirements though. Maybe check in the Samsung forums ?

Great option! It seems that the max RAM is 8GB... still checking if that's correct.

Should be great in every other respect.

not sure but does the new XPS 14 have upgradable ram, i know the XPS 15 is fully upgradable but not sure about the 14? Also the Lenovo 430s might be worth a look.

I'm kinda trying to stay under 14", to be honest.

[Aikimox]

Ok never mind, the Samsung 9 has only 4GB of RAM and it's soldered .... back to the X230 option....

[RefinedPower]

yea afraid the X230 is your best bet atm... the IPS screen in the X230 is pretty nice though.

most ultraportables nowadays have soldered ram unfortunately

[User Retired 2]

11/13" Acer S7 (ULV, 1080P)
11.6" HP 2170P (ULV, 48Whr 6-cell, 2 RAM slots)
12.5" Dell E6230
13" Sony SA13 (900P, GT640M)
14" Toshiba R940 (900P). Has full-power 6/9-cell batteries unlike the T430s.

[vaillant]

Don't most of the ultrabooks come with 2 RAM slots? In which case, you could purchase 2 x 8GB and end up with 16.