So I need an Ultrabook.

Shryke

Hi everyone in here. As the title says, I'm looking for an ultrabook. I'm back in college and I'm really lost without having something to work on. I would like something toward high end. Nothing heavy duty but well equipped and relatively future proof. It needs to go for the next 4 years. The ultrabook line looks well for this. I would love a build with an SSD!

I like to play the odd game but I do have a 360 so it's not a major issue, I'd like something that could handle games at least. A good processor and 6 gigs RAM would help. I saw plenty of recommendations for PC Specialists and they look great but there is no feedback on the Ultranote so I have some quibbles. The build time is a niggle too. I could do with a machine in my hands sooner rather than later. Assignments aren't doing themselves.

My budget would be around 7-800. I have a bit more play with money but don't want to go nuts. I'm not sure where to look for value, whether online or bricks and mortar. Not too up to speed on brands and the like either, although I'm a little out of love with Samsung. A monitor and netbook, both Samsung, that I bought have failed in relatively short order..
I'm being persnickety but I think justifiably so. Bit of an investment with where I am. (It could do with looking well, is what I'm saying. :pac:)

Any help appreciated.

Torqay

Shryke wrote: »

I saw plenty of recommendations for PC Specialists and they look great but there is no feedback on the Ultranote so I have some quibbles.

No surprise, they will start shipping on Tuesday.

The first user reviews should be available soon.

Of course, the UltraNote is technically speaking not an ultrabook, as it has a more powerful processor instead of the mandatory ULV chip. It also has a DVD writer while ultrabooks as per Intel's definition do not have optical drives. The UltraNote is more of a compromise combining the performance of a regular laptop with the design of an ultrabook.

Most ultrabooks only come with only 4 GB RAM and many are not upgradable as the memory is soldered onto the motherboard. Amazon has this beauty for only 600 Dollar (€464), unfortunately not available here and when you'll buy in the States, you'll be hit with 23% VAT. Oh and the Vizio Thin & Light is one of those non-upgradable Ultrabooks.

Shryke

So with some very rough math I'd be paying somewhere around 550 euro for the Vizio. (ish).
It seems like I would get insanely better spec with PC Specialist. Somewhere around 700 euro for a 120 GB SSD, i7 quadcore, 6 GB RAM... that's nuts. I'm leaving out the OS with that price.
I'm looking at the price of machines with that spec, customising a Sony Vaio on their website has me looking at a figure of almost 1300.
Like I said, I'd rather have something in my hands sooner rather than later. Um, how are the Sony Vaios, say with a lower spec? Well thought of?
I'm conflicted. I thought this would be simple but there doesn't seem to be much of a leader in the market.

Torqay

Shryke wrote: »

So with some very rough math I'd be paying somewhere around 550 euro for the Vizio. (ish).

Still a pretty good deal for an ultrabook with aluminum body and a real SSD... IF they ship to Ireland.

Shryke wrote: »

It seems like I would get insanely better spec with PC Specialist. Somewhere around 700 euro for a 120 GB SSD, i7 quadcore, 6 GB RAM... that's nuts.

That's right, the UltraNote with a Core i7 3632, 8 GB RAM and 120 GB SSD costs 670 yoyos w/o OS and delivery and you'll have a 3 yr warranty.

Shryke wrote: »

I'm looking at the price of machines with that spec, customising a Sony Vaio on their website has me looking at a figure of almost 1300.

If you're looking for value for money, stay clear of Sony!

Shryke wrote: »

Like I said, I'd rather have something in my hands sooner rather than later.

Patience is a virtue... but a b*tch to acquire.

Shryke

Well I don't think I'll do better than that. 703 euro including delivery. Looking forward to the reviews. It actually looks pretty well for what it is. It could do with a bit of colour but what can you do. It would look great in red or black.

I wonder is it a properly durable case for the laptop? I was looking at a few models in PC World and I was really impressed with some of the solid lids that are on these Ultrabooks. Goes to show how out of the loop I am. I don't see any detail on what the material is, but maybe I'm missing it.

Torqay

Shryke wrote: »

It could do with a bit of colour but what can you do. It would look great in red or black.

Woodie's is selling a great variety of spray colour.

Shryke wrote: »

I wonder is it a properly durable case for the laptop? I was looking at a few models in PC World and I was really impressed with some of the solid lids that are on these Ultrabooks. Goes to show how out of the loop I am. I don't see any detail on what the material is, but maybe I'm missing it.

Don't expect a magnesium or aluminum ally body at this price. For now we can only speculate over build quality but if you look up reviews for Clevo laptops at notebookcheck.com, they are in general favourably regarding the quality.

Shryke

I found this on their forums.

"The casing is made of high quality "brushed aluminium" effect plastic."

That answers that. Hmm. Alright. I'll play the waiting game for a little bit and see how well it gets reviewed.

Torqay

The UltraNote seems to be based on the Clevo W550EU and the display is apparently a LG IPS panel, which is good news. Here's a discussion.

For Forks Sake

Shryke wrote: »

I saw plenty of recommendations for PC Specialists
.

Of course you did, poster 'Torquay' spams every thread on this forum for them

Torqay

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Of course you did, poster 'Torquay' spams every thread on this forum for them

Feel free to post better alternatives and I'm all ears. I am not married (or otherwise related) to them.