Law Student looking for Ultrabook/Thin and Light. Narrowed down, need help choosing!

[Calvin2376]

About to start med school here, similar decision.

I'm a little more flexible with weight, but I also want it to be modern (IB i5/i7), and quick.

The 1080p Zenbook Primes seem to be the best bet, but I want to spend no more than $800. Seeing how manu's are pricing their thin/lights, I may have to reconsider.

That's a tough budget for these types of computers. The only thin and light / ultrabook computer I know of within that price range is the Lenovo IdeaPad U310 at $799. Only a 1366 x 768 screen, but it does have an Ivy Bridge i5. It's a hybrid hard drive though, 500 GB with a 32 GB SSD. Acer Aspire S3 and the Envy Spectre XT can be had for $999, and the Vizio CT14 starts at $899.

If you really want a good keyboard I would suggest staying away from an ultrabook. Every one I've seen is too thin to allow for any keyboard depth, which is an important part of makes for a good keyboard. Something like the T430s might be worth a look. It's got a great keyboard and it's under four pounds, but the screens are average.

I know I'm trading off some keyboard quality, but I'm pretty set on the ultrabook for the size, weight, and design. I've tried out a few ultrabook keyboards and don't think I'll have a lot of problems adjusting.

I am a law graduate and in hindsight I would recommend that you get an IPS display rather than TN display technology. You will really appreciate it when working those long hours. The keyboard is also very important.

There are two laptops I would recommend to you. Both have excellent keyboards and are very portable with good battery life.

First, the Lenovo Thinkpad X230 for the IPS display. Even though the resolution is actually lower than what you requested I would suggest that you inspect the display before dismissing it. You might be surprised.

Second, the Sony Z series, which has some of the best quality TN displays I have seen with high resolution options.

I would suggest that you concentrate on the quality of the device rather than the price point. You will be working long hours on these computers and it is important that they are reliable. After battling through the first year of law school together you will feel a special attachment with your computer, I assure you. It is like using the same special pen for every exam. Therefore, it will be a prudent investment.

Finally, I would recommend that you purchase an SSD in the aftermarkets as this will be much cheaper.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll have to look into those. I'm not crazy about the small 12.5" screen on the X230 though (I'm coming from a 15", so even moving to 13.3" is quite a step down). And I've considered the Vaio Z, but it's just crazy expensive. I haven't been able to see either of these computers in person though - I would love to be able to try them out.

I've read about the differences between IPS and TN, but can anyone explain it in layman's terms, and also point out how the difference will actually manifest itself to the user? What will I notice about the difference?

[Bronsky]

If a 13" is really your preference, take a look at the Samsung Series 9. It has Samsung's version of an IPS display (I think its called PLS), a decent keyboard and new Ivybridge hardware. It will run you a few more bucks than the Thinkpad but Samsung is far better for warranty service than Asus.

Interesting deal on these at the Microsoft store. I5/HD+ IPS display/4GB Ram and 7 hour battery for $999 but you get a free XBox. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...07300/vip.true

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

That's a tough budget for these types of computers. The only thin and light / ultrabook computer I know of within that price range is the Lenovo IdeaPad U310 at $799. Only a 1366 x 768 screen, but it does have an Ivy Bridge i5. It's a hybrid hard drive though, 500 GB with a 32 GB SSD. Acer Aspire S3 and the Envy Spectre XT can be had for $999, and the Vizio CT14 starts at $899.

The U310 is actually a nice little laptop for the price. I had one for a little while (see my review on it) and performance subjectively felt on par with my laptop (which is SSD-only). Sucks that it doesn't come with at least 900p, but for the price it's a good laptop.

[Calvin2376]

Interesting deal on these at the Microsoft store. I5/HD+ IPS display/4GB Ram and 7 hour battery for $999 but you get a free XBox. Buy Samsung Series 9 900X3B-A02, 13.3 inch notebook PC, Intel Core i5 processor, sleek design, HDMI - Microsoft Store Online

That would be a good deal....if it was the 900X3C, which has an Ivy Bridge processor. The one you're linking to is the outgoing 900X3B, which has a Sandy Bridge processor.

I am still considering the Series 9, it's just quite a bit more expensive than the Vizio - and is actually more expensive than the Air.

[SoundsGood]

That would be a good deal....if it was the 900X3C, which has an Ivy Bridge processor. The one you're linking to is the outgoing 900X3B, which has a Sandy Bridge processor.

Good catch. I got a bit excited there for a moment!

[lovelaptops]

That would be a good deal....if it was the 900X3C, which has an Ivy Bridge processor. The one you're linking to is the outgoing 900X3B, which has a Sandy Bridge processor.

I am still considering the Series 9, it's just quite a bit more expensive than the Vizio - and is actually more expensive than the Air.

Good catch. I got a bit excited there for a moment!

As described below, the Series 900X3B (Sandy Bridge) at $999 at the MS store, is by far a better deal than the Vizio and is way better value than the 900X3C successor with Ivy Bridge. In this series, all the big changes were to the 900X3B. There is very little difference between the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge versions of the 9000X3B/C. Big changes "above and below the skin" were made between the original Series 90003B vs. 3A, all for the better. The screen is way better, 1600X900 vs. 1366X768 with far better color width (100% sRGB) and remarkable sounding audio which is truly superb for the size (Asus UX31A is the only "ultrabook" that beat it) and the SB ULV cpus/gpus are a large leap over the Series 9 3000XA.The difference in the SB and IB cpu will not be noticeable at all. The integrated graphics, HD4000 vs. HD3000, can be as much as 50% faster for certain gaming but neither are gamers by a long shot and the HD3000 can do modest games at modest settings. The battery life will be about the same for both SB and IB models. But at $999 this is a steal from the MS store. The C model, if they had it, would run about $400 more and the gains would be minimal. Plus, you get the free Xbox which, it has been said, is an easy $150 sale on NBR, making the net cost of the 90003XB $850 and that, my friend, is not a deal you can come close to if you have your mind set on an ultrabook. Better than the Vizio and with some features - eg, backlit keyboard, which a $1,000 ultrabook should not be missing (but, mind-bogglingly - the Vizios don't have). In fact, that's the biggest knock on the new Vizios, which have gotten excellent reviews too, but still not even a consideration when you can get the 90003XB at this price.

At these prices on Microsoft Store, you really can't go wrong on the SB Samsung Series 9 + free Xbox. Buy it and see for yourself; you have an unconditional refund within 14 days (I think, maybe more, not less) for 100% of purchase price, no restocking fees. As much as it is a largely sealed box, er, aluminum plate with little to no upgradeability, the Asus UX31A starts at $1,049 and that's with the drop-dead gorgeous 1080p IPS panel that's over 450 nits bright, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB gamut and excellent color accuracy. (Those burned by the "orange-gate" will gnash their teeth when they see they could get in all respects a better notebook - provided they can "live" with the slim dimensions and 2.5 lb total weight. And, while you can't add a d-gpu on the UX31A, it is standard with IB cpu/gpu HD 4000 and none too shabby at the pinnacle of integrated graphics. Also, you might opt for the same great screen and a (low powered) d-gpu in the ASUS UX32, which has nvidia 620M discrete graphics and drops the SSD for a spinning drive and a 24GB cache. Notebookcheck.net had a good review of this. Take the review of the UX31 as reflecting the Screen, benefits of and uf

[ZaZ]

Given the usage, I doubt getting a Sandy Bridge makes a lick of difference. The Samsung has a better screen than Air, so the higher cost is warranted.

[Calvin2376]

As described below, the Series 900X3B (Sandy Bridge) at $999 at the MS store, is by far a better deal than the Vizio and is way better value than the 900X3C successor with Ivy Bridge. In this series, all the big changes were to the 900X3B. There is very little difference between the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge versions of the 9000X3B/C. Big changes "above and below the skin" were made between the original Series 90003B vs. 3A, all for the better. The screen is way better, 1600X900 vs. 1366X768 with far better color width (100% sRGB) and remarkable sounding audio which is truly superb for the size (Asus UX31A is the only "ultrabook" that beat it) and the SB ULV cpus/gpus are a large leap over the Series 9 3000XA.The difference in the SB and IB cpu will not be noticeable at all. The integrated graphics, HD4000 vs. HD3000, can be as much as 50% faster for certain gaming but neither are gamers by a long shot and the HD3000 can do modest games at modest settings. The battery life will be about the same for both SB and IB models. But at $999 this is a steal from the MS store. The C model, if they had it, would run about $400 more and the gains would be minimal. Plus, you get the free Xbox which, it has been said, is an easy $150 sale on NBR, making the net cost of the 90003XB $850 and that, my friend, is not a deal you can come close to if you have your mind set on an ultrabook. Better than the Vizio and with some features - eg, backlit keyboard, which a $1,000 ultrabook should not be missing (but, mind-bogglingly - the Vizios don't have). In fact, that's the biggest knock on the new Vizios, which have gotten excellent reviews too, but still not even a consideration when you can get the 90003XB at this price.

At these prices on Microsoft Store, you really can't go wrong on the SB Samsung Series 9 + free Xbox. Buy it and see for yourself; you have an unconditional refund within 14 days (I think, maybe more, not less) for 100% of purchase price, no restocking fees. As much as it is a largely sealed box, er, aluminum plate with little to no upgradeability, the Asus UX31A starts at $1,049 and that's with the drop-dead gorgeous 1080p IPS panel that's over 450 nits bright, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB gamut and excellent color accuracy. (Those burned by the "orange-gate" will gnash their teeth when they see they could get in all respects a better notebook - provided they can "live" with the slim dimensions and 2.5 lb total weight. And, while you can't add a d-gpu on the UX31A, it is standard with IB cpu/gpu HD 4000 and none too shabby at the pinnacle of integrated graphics. Also, you might opt for the same great screen and a (low powered) d-gpu in the ASUS UX32, which has nvidia 620M discrete graphics and drops the SSD for a spinning drive and a 24GB cache. Notebookcheck.net had a good review of this. Take the review of the UX31 as reflecting the Screen, benefits of and uf

Great information, thanks for the response. Here's a question though: the 9003XB for $999 comes with an i5-2467M processor and a 128 GB SSD (presumably the same poorly-reviewed U100?). The Vizio CT14-A2 for only $200 more comes with an i7-3517U processor, 256 GB SSD, and an extra year of warranty coverage. You're correct that it doesn't have a backlit keyboard, but do you think all those extras (better processor, larger SSD and extra year of warranty) justify only a $200 price premium? And wouldn't battery life be better on the Ivy Bridge processors, which use less power than their predecessors?

Keep in mind that you can also do the free Xbox deal with the Vizios at the Microsoft store.

[Bronsky]

Keep in mind that you can also do the free Xbox deal with the Vizios at the Microsoft store.

The Visio is real competition for the Samsung. The 17W I7, will give you extended battery life. The I7ULV is about as powerful as a full powered I3, so it should be fine for a law student. I have seen the 15" display and it is decent. Backlit KB is an issue but not a fatal one. Samsung's keyboard and trackpad are far better than the V 15's that I tried. Your problem is that the 14 is only a preorder at the MS store. Hopefully it will be in stock in time to be a viable option for you.

As far as the IPS panel, IMO, the only real advantage is the elimination of the need to be constantly adjusting the display to get the best contrast and brightness. It can help minimize fatigue during marathons in the law library. Because my practice involves editing and presentation of large aerial images, I could not find a small notebook with sufficient graphics power and a high quality display. I have used a 220 nits, average contrast TN display for the past 2 years and it has been fine. I can assure you that I write more legal briefs in a month than you write in your entire 3 years in school.

I have, however, developed a preference for reading cases on my tablet. It is far more comfortable and a more natural position for reading than sitting at a desk and reading from a clamshell notebook. I get fewer stiff necks.

[Pikachu]

I'm not crazy about the small 12.5" screen on the X230 though...

I've read about the differences between IPS and TN, but can anyone explain it in layman's terms, and also point out how the difference will actually manifest itself to the user? What will I notice about the difference?

Through my experience I have inclined towards smaller screens for word processing. You will be working long hours on your computer mainly reading and word processing and eye strain is a problem you will have to consider. I will warn you now that eye strain is a very serious issue. It will cause tiredness and discomfort which is likely to distract you and reduce your productivity when working those many late nights to meet essay deadlines. I assure you that working late nights are common.

By having a smaller screen and using IPS display technology you can reduce the effects of eye strain. First, your eyes do not have to move so far accross the screen. You may consider summarily dismissing this as a problem now but when you experience those long hours you will learn that it is an issue.

Second, an IPS display has the advantage of having very wide viewing angles so your eyes do not need to keep readjusting to the screen. These readjustments are a biological reflex so you cannot control it and will cause eye strain over extended periods of time. A typical TN display has substandard viewing angles that are likely to cause this reaction. However, the most expensive TN displays, for example Apple MacBook Pro, are much better but cannot compare against IPS displays.

Accordingly, I recommended the X230 because it has a small screen and IPS display and I suggest you inspect one before dismissing them because of their small screens. They really are perfect for reading and word processing. If you want to watch videos then get an external monitor separately because you should not compromise on productivity and comfort. If you really cannot accept the small screen then the X1 has a 13" screen which is not really that much bigger. I am using a 13" screen right now and would prefer to have a smaller screen.

I also recommended Sony Z because I own one and know from experience that they have some of the best TN displays.

I would suggest that you take an opportunity to inspect the systems that you intend to buy, particularly the screen and keyboard.

It is entirely your choice but I would advise you to view your purchase as an investment and refrain from compromising productivity and comfort for a cheaper price. Remember you will be using the computer for years even after you graduate. I think it will be worth it and you will be getting what you pay for.