Looking for a new ultrabook.

[ThinkPad]

Hello All,

Its been a while since my last post and I am now looking for a new PC laptop. I am looking for an ultra slim laptop for travel and mobility. My use will be for Office suite and general internet use. I am looking for long battery life, portability and connectivity.

My search has brought me to two candidates: Thinkpad X1 and Asus Zenbook.

The Asus has two models I am interested in, UX31A and UX32VD.

Both Zenbooks have better screen resolution (IPS) than the X1. The UX32 has a dedicated video card which is not needed and reduces battery life, but has more USB ports and video outs. The UX32 has upgradable ram and HDD but is also the thickest of the 3.

The X1 (from reviews) does not have IPS but does have 3g connectivity (wondering if LTE will be available) It also has slower ram speed at 1333MHz compared to 1600 on the Zenbooks. The USB 3.0 dock would fit perfectly at the office for ethernet connectivity and split screen dvi out. If I can use the mini display out and split to 3 screens it would be a perfect fit.

Finally, I have been away from thinkpads since Lenovo took over so I dont know if the quality is still the same as IBM thinkpads.

Looking for opinions and recommendations.

[Ibthink]

Hi,
I think this decision is very much about your taste. There are not many differences between the Ultrabooks in performance, especially between the UX31A and the X1 Carbon.

The X1 Carbon has the better keyboard. It also seems to have the better clickpad and (not to forget) the Trackpoint (without I couldn´t live, but I don´t know if you like it). You also get a slightly bigger screen with a maybe pleasanter pixel density (if you have bad eye, the fonts on a 13,3" FHD screen are maybe a bit too small). You also get UMTS (as you mentioned) and miniDisplayPort (on the Asus you get HDMI and a stupid miniVGA). The X1 also should have a more durable chassis than the Zenbooks (and nicer to touch, thanks to the rubberized feeling of the chassis). Another point are maybe the separate audio keys, which are integrated in the keyboard on the Zenbooks, which might be a bit annoying. The last point is the design. You have to decide if you like the ThinkPad design more or the one of the Zenbooks.

The Zenbooks have the better screen. Aside from that, the UX32VD is better expandable.

[ZaZ]

I am looking for long battery life, portability and connectivity....

Looking for opinions and recommendations.

That says X230 to me.

[ThinkPad]

Thanks for the info and recommendations. After further research it appears the Zenbook has few issues, where people had to return items.

I was thinking of the X1, but after the recommendation from 'ZaZ' I looked into the X230 and seems to fit what I am looking for.

The X1 looks great, but does not much to offer in terms of power, upgradability and function. The X230 has all the ports and battery life I need. The X230 does have an IPS screen right?

So I just placed an order for my X230 with the following configuration:

1
2306CTO ThinkPad X230 - 1 Year Depot Warranty

$1,644.00


Processor Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)

Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English

Display type 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna

System graphics Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i7-3520M Processor

Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English

Fingerprint reader UltrNav with FingerPrint Reader

Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

System expansion slots Cherry 54mm ExpressCard Smart Card Reader from Lenovo

Battery 4 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44

Power cord 65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

Integrated mobile broadband Integrated Mobile Broadband (Sierra Wireless MC7700 - Gobi 4000 for AT&T LTE and HSPA+)

Selectable SIM SIM Card for AT&T LTE

Language pack Publication - US English


41C9337 2YR Onsite Next Business Day + Accidental Damage Protection

$111.30


0A36307 ThinkPad Battery 44++ (9 Cell - X220, X230) $159.99 $159.99

I got a 9-cell for travelling, and 2 year warranty. This is my frist thinkpad from Lenovo, so we will see how it works out.

[ZaZ]

I consider my X220i to be as good as any ThinkPad I've used. I don't foresee any trouble for you. Yes, the premium screen is IPS.