Which laptop/ultrabook – am going crazy doing research?

[seadragonpisces]

I guess I could ask this on another forum but people on this one seem to be more level headed on here and I want to avoid any trolls if possible.

The question is a simple one, which laptop ultrabook should I go for. The ones I am looking at seem to be really good in one dept but awful in another, I need a good all-rounder but one with a good resolution, great sound and backlit keyboard would be perfect. I don’t want an Apple, am ruling that out now.

Would be used for regular home internet use but also for movies, streaming music etc.

Current contenders are: HP Omen, HP XPS 13 (new version), Acer Aspire S7, Asus Zenbook UX305.

Others considered, thanks in advance.

 

[marcusjb]

(I think you mean Dell XPS 13)

I have the new Infinity display XPS 13 and it's a stunner.

However, it comes with some gotchas (as indeed do some of the other models you've suggested).

Mostly around the screen resolution (3200*1800) - a combination of Windows 8.1 and some software vendors means that some programs are difficult to use due to the scaling on high DPI screens. Some of my coding software gets rendered really poorly on the XPS - toolbar buttons that are about 4mm across (near impossible to hit with a mouse and certainly impossible with a finger on the touchscreen).

However for browsing the web, email etc. - no issues.

I've not used it for watching movies, there should be enough grunt in the graphics department - however, you might want to look elsewhere if the sound quality is a big deal to you - a laptop that is only 15mm thick doesn't really have the space for decent speakers, so it's a bit tinny!

It is a lovely machine overall though. Well pleased with mine. I would possibly just go for the 1080 screen though (but I believe Windows 10 will handle high DPI screens better and I am nagging my software vendors to sort out their software!).

 

[seadragonpisces]

Thanks, yes I meant the Dell XPS 13. I guess if all the smaller notebooks are going to have a tinny sound then I can always plug in some extra speakers. The XPS sounds lovely but I am also drawn to the UX305, it seems to be pretty decent, but also a good price (only drawback being no backlit keyboard).

Decisions decisions.

 

[seadragonpisces]

Decision made and order placed. Paid more and bought the XPS 13 with latest i7 processor, newest graphics card, touch screen and also external optic drive and external speaker. i guess the main reason for choosing over the UX305 was the backlit key board, ie, lack of on the Asus. Am sure I will be more than happy, thanks for the help.

 

[derrick]

I have just bought the other half a tablet, and i must say it's the business, http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/lapto...e-10023715-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR#cat-0

When this laptop expires it will be a Tablet for me. It obviously depends on what you use a laptop for but i would definitely go play with one.

 

[seadragonpisces]

I have just bought the other half a tablet, and i must say it's the business, http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/lapto...e-10023715-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR#cat-0

When this laptop expires it will be a Tablet for me. It obviously depends on what you use a laptop for but i would definitely go play with one.

I am sure you wont go far wrong with the tablet :-).

Couple of reasons for wanting a small ultrabook, light etc etc but the old Dell we have is so ancient, I keep getting Java and Windows update messages constantly, its doing my head in. We bought it about 2008. Also my partner keeps hogging the iPad Air 2 we have and I want something with a slightly bigger screen for myself, so I can watch movies on skygo, also dvd's, also not have to deal with flash player issues like I get on the iPad. I could use it on my lap, not like a brick like the old laptop that also gets super warm and the fan makes a really loud noise lol.

From what I have read about the XPS its really tiny, light, slim with a 13'' screen fitting into the body of a 11'' frame (whatever that means but it is mentioned constantly on the net)

Good luck with your decision.