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

[Calvin2376]

I'm starting law school this fall and need a new computer. I'm looking for a thin and lightweight laptop in a 13" to 14" screen size. As such, many of the computers I'm looking at are called "Ultrabooks", though I couldn't care less if it's technically one or not.

Key characteristics are:
- Thin, lightweight
- Ivy Bridge i5 or i7
- SSD (preferably 256 GB, but might settle for 128)
- Screen resolution better than 1366 x 768
- Strong battery life
- Good keyboard - possibly most important, since I'll be using this primarily to type and take notes

As a law student, I'll be using the computer mainly for taking notes, doing online research, reading online cases/journals, etc. Outside of law school, I do quite a bit of video chatting, often watch full-screen HD video, and will be connecting the laptop to an external monitor (as a second) and a television (for video streaming).

I've pretty much narrowed the field down to the following options, and since I'm a nerd I've put their relevant specs/details into a spreadsheet to compare:



I'm pretty much deciding between the Series 9, Vizio CT14, Asus UX31A, and the Macbook Air. I've seen the Series 9 and CT14 in person and like them both a lot. My concerns with the Series 9 are 1) it's quite a bit more expensive, and 2) apparently the performance of the SSD is extremely poor. The Series 9 does have a great matte screen and is the lightest and thinnest.

The CT14 isn't as stylish, thin or light as the Series 9 (though it's close), but it is quite a bit less expensive and you get better specs. The problems with the Vizio are 1) the trackpad doesn't seem to be great, and 2) not sure how I feel about taking a gamble on an unproven laptop manufacturer.

I really prefer Windows and the Air is in most cases more expensive than its PC competitors (when spec'd equally), but it really seems like the Air gets most everything pretty right. I really would prefer to get a PC, but if I can't find one that satisfies everything I'm looking for I may fall back on the Air.

I would like to see the Envy Spectre and Spectre XT, but I haven't found them on display anywhere near me. Not sure if they'd fit what I'm looking for anyway. I've ruled out the Acer Aspire S5 because of the screen and the trick ports (who knows how long that moving part lasts).

So, what advice/thoughts/opinions do you have for me on this question? Thanks in advance for helping out!

What is your budget?
$1500

What country will you be buying this in?
USA

What size notebook do you prefer?
Thin and Light (13 - 14-inch screen)

Would you consider a refurbished laptop?
No

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Web Surfing, Office and Productivity Software, Video Chat and Conference, Movie Streaming and Viewing, Output Video to TV or Large Monitor

Where will you be using this laptop?
Will be used different places

Will you be buying online or in store?
online or in store

Which OS do you prefer?
Windows 7

List the screen resolutions that interest you:
High Resolution (1600 x 900)
Max Resolution (1920 x 1080)

Do you prefer a glossy or matte screen?
Matte is fine

Is the laptops design important to you?
Yes

Approximately what date will you be buying this laptop?
Around 08/27/2012

How long do you want this laptop to last?
4 years

How much storage capacity do you need?
160 GB

Are you interested in SSD for storage?
Yes

Do you want a built-in optical drive, what type?
No

[Adevictus]

Out of what you listed I would go with the Zenbook UX31A because of the 1080p screen

[Calvin2376]

Out of what you listed I would go with the Zenbook UX31A because of the 1080p screen

The higher resolution is attractive, but my concerns are 1) that might actually be TOO high a resolution for a 13" screen (I've read a lot of people have had to scale/size everything up to see it), 2) the higher resolution screen may use more battery life.

Anyone have experience with the UX31A battery life? Is it impacted much by the 1080P screen?

I've also heard from multiple people and reviewers that the edges are very sharp, and that resting your wrists on the computer while typing for a long time gets very painful and uncomfortable. One blogger said he had to switch to a different computer to write his review because it was so bad. This would obviously be a dealbreaker because I'll be typing a ton.

Haven't been able to see the UX31A in person, only the UX31E - not sure if much has changed from an external design standpoint.

[Adevictus]

The higher resolution is attractive, but my concerns are 1) that might actually be TOO high a resolution for a 13" screen (I've read a lot of people have had to scale/size everything up to see it), 2) the higher resolution screen may use more battery life.

Anyone have experience with the UX31A battery life? Is it impacted much by the 1080P screen?

I've also heard from multiple people and reviewers that the edges are very sharp, and that resting your wrists on the computer while typing for a long time gets very painful and uncomfortable. One blogger said he had to switch to a different computer to write his review because it was so bad. This would obviously be a dealbreaker because I'll be typing a ton.

Haven't been able to see the UX31A in person, only the UX31E - not sure if much has changed from an external design standpoint.

According to the reviews I've seen of it, the UX31A runs at least 7 hours of battery life when using it to check emails and browse the web and the such, ie activities that aren't too intensive.

[pepper_john]

another option is thinkpad X1 carbon, which is supposed to come out in late Aug.

[Calvin2376]

another option is thinkpad X1 carbon, which is supposed to come out in late Aug.

Definitely interesting, but I don't think I can wait that long. I really need the computer up and running mid-August or so. Also, given the carbon fiber, 3G, etc, I expect the X1 to be on the more expensive side of these thin and lights.

Anyone already decide or currently deciding between these laptops?

[GloStiX]

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.

[ZaZ]

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.

[Pikachu]

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.

[Bronsky]

As a practicing lawyer and one that used a laptop in law school for taking notes, etc., I recommend the X230 or, better yet, a 220 last gen. since they have even better keyboards than the current X230. The X220 were just on sale at B&N Lenovo for around $680. The X220/230 profile will fit on the crappy law school desks, let you comfortably type notes (which you can easily form into course outlines), let you take notes in the library (do students still go there) and let you do online research. For what you want to do, higher resolution is not that important. The X2x0 series has great battery life and you can get a slice battery to extend to 18 hours if you need to. The Thinkpad is a business class notebook and is far more durable than the Asus. I would spend the money for a 3 year next day on-site warranty, since you will not be able to afford being without a notebook for more than a day or so. My experience with Asus warranties is that they might as well be written on toilet paper. Good luck if your UX31 breaks. Good luck in school.

One more thought, and this goes even more so for the med student. You might also think about a T220/230 tablet, so you can take notes in handwriting when looking at cases, etc. For science majors, the tablet works great for formulas, etc. Just another thought.