Laptop Ideas

[AndrewReaganM]

So I'm looking for a new laptop. There are a few options I have been looking at, but I'm not much of a laptop guy, more of a desktop person. My current laptop is a Dell Inspiron 1545 (like 5 years old), and its definitely starting to age. 

Main Uses:

• Web Surfing
• Listening to Music (x10)  :p
• Netflix
• Minecraft
• Office Suite

Has To Be:

• Very Portable
• Aluminum (I can't stand plastic portable electronics, perhaps why I can't stand the S3 or S4...)
• Pretty Good Battery
• OSX or Windows 7/8
• Maximum price of $1400

The one I have been carefully considering is the new Haswell MacBook Air. It meets my needs perfectly. I will definitely get the 128GB 13" model if I do go with the Air, and upgrade to 8GB of RAM, but I am debating the upgrade to an i7, because it's $150 extra and still just a dual-core. (I may or may not install Windows, probably not)

 

MacBook Air Price With Oklahoma Tax:

• 128GB, 13", 8GB RAM, i5: $1291
• 128GB, 13", 8GB RAM, i7: $1453

 

What are some other ideas? What do you think about the i5 vs. i7 on the MacBook Air?

Also, please don't start a Apple or Mac vs. PC war, I like both. And you have to hand it to them, Apple does make nice stuff. 

 

Thanks, Andrew

[WoodenMarker]

Have you taken a look at the Thinkpad X series? They don't use aluminum but instead a carbon fiber case.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x230/?sb=:00000025:00003332:#features

[Zappy]

Sounds like you got your heart set on the MacBook Air, it's a good computer. Personally i'd stick with the stock processor, it's fast enough and typically build to order computers are harder to get the parts you need when you get applecare replacements.

 

If you want a list of other nice computers to look at that are out or coming out with Haswell

 

Asus Transformer Book Trio

Asus Zenbook Infinity

Sony Vaio Pro 13

Acer Aspire S7

[Guest]

If you want an aluminium body and a good battery, I'd just go with the Macbook Air.

[AndrewReaganM]

Cool guys, thanks for the replies. Also sorry for it taking me so long to respond.

-Andrew

[Purple]

Have you taken a look at the Thinkpad X series? They don't use aluminum but instead a carbon fiber case.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x230/?sb=:00000025:00003332:#features

Thinkpads are so sexy, but I don't think it's what OP is looking for

Edited July 6, 2013 by Purple