[IvanIV]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

You are looking at the older model there. You need to compare like for like i.e. the Ivy Bridge generation.

http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consume...X4C-A01HK-spec

Also remember that Apple gimps the drivers for Windows to reduce performance and battery life compared to running in OS X.

The biggest difference for me however is that with the Ivy Bridge generation, one can get a 15" Series 9. MBA is stuck at 13"

Looking good, although I'd go for 13'' version. I was considering the ASUS Zenbooks, but this looks better specification-wise except for the screen resolution. But I'll wait for what other manufacturers have new to offer running W8.

[daigo]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

They still offer 11" and 13" machines too.

The MBA is still the best all-rounder in its class. I don't know if those applications are available on OS X.

If you're going with Windows and are interested in Windows 8 then I would wait a while for a laptop. Even for those not interested in their laptops having touchscreens, you will see all manufacturers supporting more trackpad gestures for Win8 and some will go the extra mile to support extra track-pad features like edge-swipes.

Some of the software I use are available on OS X, but are very scarely supported or developed as well as their Windows counterparts. And others are not available on OS X at all, so I think it would be best to run all of them natively on Windows.

I don't really care much for the OS itself, as long as it runs and it doesn't mess with the hardware's optimal/efficiency limitations (i.e. Vista).

How long should I wait? I'm not that much in a hurry, but I'd like one before the Fall semester begins (end of August). The last time I ended up waiting for a cell phone I liked, I spent almost 3 years researching phones because new phones kept coming out every 6 months and it was hard to choose with Moore's Law constantly coming into effect.

[TheBigM]

Originally Posted by daigo

Some of the software I use are available on OS X, but are very scarely supported or developed as well as their Windows counterparts. And others are not available on OS X at all, so I think it would be best to run all of them natively on Windows.

I don't really care much for the OS itself, as long as it runs and it doesn't mess with the hardware's optimal/efficiency limitations (i.e. Vista).

How long should I wait? I'm not that much in a hurry, but I'd like one before the Fall semester begins (end of August). The last time I ended up waiting for a cell phone I liked, I spent almost 3 years researching phones because new phones kept coming out every 6 months and it was hard to choose with Moore's Law constantly coming into effect.

Ah ok, you can't wait for Windows 8 machines then. What I would suggest is just waiting until the summer proper when ivy bridge laptops are more widely available.

[daigo]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

Ah ok, you can't wait for Windows 8 machines then. What I would suggest is just waiting until the summer proper when ivy bridge laptops are more widely available.

I see that the release date for Windows 8 is scheduled for possibly October, so unless it's some sort of breakthrough in technology, yea, I don't think I can wait that long.

[IvanIV]

Originally Posted by daigo

I see that the release date for Windows 8 is scheduled for possibly October, so unless it's some sort of breakthrough in technology, yea, I don't think I can wait that long.

They offer a cheap upgrade to W8 even now if you buy a laptop with W7, so you could get one after all. They promise some exciting hardware coming with W8, but ivy bridge laptops with W7 won't be bad either, IMO.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by daigo

Some of the software I use are available on OS X....I don't really care much for the OS itself, as long as it runs .....How long should I wait?....

Lots of software will not run on the 'latest operating system' without paying for a software upgrade.
The latest and greatest often comes with another price to pay, especially when consumer orientated.

Obviously the best all-rounder is down to preference. Only a few companies like Asus and Lenovo offer IPS screens.
On higher priced premium brands there can are cheaper components and cheap detrimental construction methods.

[daigo]

Okay, so I am unsure how to look up the newer models and stuff.

So the upcoming ultrabooks so far (that haven't been released yet) are the Asus Zenbook Prime and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, right? The Samsung 9 doesn't have any new ones coming out this summer since the new one already came out?

[IvanIV]

One of the things to look at is the processor used, Samsung 9 series uses 3rd generation, at least the models I saw did. But after MS presented Surface pro I think I'll get myself one of those.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

The MBA is still the best all-rounder in its class.

It has no IPS display or a 15 hour battery so how can you say this? The standard warranty is only 1 year too.

The MBA might be pretty but as a best all-rounder it is ridiculously short of the mark.

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

It has no IPS display or a 15 hour battery so how can you say this? The standard warranty is only 1 year too.

The MBA might be pretty but as a best all-rounder it is ridiculously short of the mark.

What competitor has a 15 hour battery life?

Hmm, I also vaguely recall you once dismissing someone highlighting IPS displays on iMacs. You do have quite an interest in critiquing Apple's products.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by Batwing

You do have quite an interest in critiquing Apple's products.

Especially so when they are favoured as a seemingly strange cure all.

IPS screens use more power but that certainly won't compromise an iMac.

[TheBigM]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

It has no IPS display or a 15 hour battery so how can you say this? The standard warranty is only 1 year too.

The MBA might be pretty but as a best all-rounder it is ridiculously short of the mark.

Which ultrabook achieves 15 hours using only the in-built battery? (i.e. without having to add something like a slice battery which adds thickness and weight).

[TheBigM]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

It has no IPS display or a 15 hour battery so how can you say this? The standard warranty is only 1 year too.

The MBA might be pretty but as a best all-rounder it is ridiculously short of the mark.

Emphasis on all-rounder. Most windows ultrabooks tend to beat a macbook on a feature or two individually but then fall back on others. The most common weakness facing most ultrabooks is the quality of the trackpad.

Many ultrabooks are still at the standard 1366x768 resolution, not all have backlit keyboards, keyboard quality is variable etc etc.

There's a device out there to fit most people's preferences but the MBA is still the benchmark device.

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Especially so when they are favoured as a seemingly strange cure all.

Most Apple users simply say that they are happy with their Macs or other Apple devices. Your odd cure all" remark is just that, odd and shows your bias against Apple and it's customers.

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

IPS screens use more power but that certainly won't compromise an iMac.

Obviously not but you don't seem too concerned about it affecting a laptop.

[royabriant]

Well, Apple macbook Air is a great one and the truth is different things has different functionality. I would suggest the Ultrabook as an alternative to Apple MacBook Air. it looks better to me as I had a chance to use it for some time. However I have searched for some reviews on the Internet and it seems that many other people are agree with me. Here is useful comparison link for you: http://www.techyv.com/questions/ultr...-do-you-prefer

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by Batwing

Your odd cure all" remark is just that, odd and shows your bias against Apple and it's customers.

My 5 year old 12" HP laptop is still a far better all rounder.
Better screen, better keyboard, better functionality, similar weight, stronger magnesium alloy chassis, same 5 hour battery.
What makes it such an incredible all-rounder is the mainly standard components.

There is better out there but standard components, including the use of screws, not glue make for longevity and choice.

I'm not saying the Air is not nice but users sacrifice a lot.
And most here would consider 15" laptops to be all-rounders. 12" like mine is niche.

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

My 5 year old 12" HP laptop is still a far better all rounder.
Better screen, better keyboard, better functionality, similar weight, stronger magnesium alloy chassis, same 5 hour battery.

Are you willing to share the model number so I can compare because I highly doubt your claims. How is a five year old laptop going to compare with modern intel cpus? Does that "5 year old" HP also have a solid state drive?

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

What makes it such an incredible all-rounder is the mainly standard components.There is better out there but standard components, including the use of screws, not glue make for longevity and choice.

The Mac Book Air uses screws and the drives are replaceable. As for longevity, the SSD in the Macs will certainly last longer than the hard drive in your HP.

And, curiously, how many times have you upgraded your HP and more importantly how likely is it for the majority of computer users to do the same?

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

I'm not saying the Air is not nice but users sacrifice a lot.
And most here would consider 15" laptops to be all-rounders. 12" like mine is niche.

No, if they order it specified as they want it they are not sacrificing anything. And if your remark regarding "15” laptops" is true then why are the MacBook Air 11" and 13" models selling so well? They are obviously not "niche."

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by royabriant

Well, Apple macbook Air is a great one and the truth is different things has different functionality. I would suggest the Ultrabook as an alternative to Apple MacBook Air. it looks better to me as I had a chance to use it for some time. However I have searched for some reviews on the Internet and it seems that many other people are agree with me. Here is useful comparison link for you: http://www.techyv.com/questions/ultr...-do-you-prefer

What "Ultrabook?

Ultrabook is simply a word that Intel came up with to describe a class of MacBook Air like Windows laptops. Many manufacturers are now making Ultrabooks.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by Batwing

How is a five year old laptop going to compare with modern intel cpus? Does that "5 year old" HP also have a solid state drive?

How is a low voltage Intel CPU going to compare with a fast non low voltage CPU?

The HP is an NC2400 with a 12" screen. I have my SSD in the multibay.
I actually moved the DVD writer to my dock though I only really use it for converting the occasional CD.

But that's what I mean about all-rounder. What defines one?
Things like HDMI, SD slot, removable battery, magsafe, operating system, size all add to the term as much as CPU.
An all-rounder would be reasonably expected to have more features than most. Otherwise it is not an all-rounder.

Its the Lenovo X220 that has 15 hours life with a standard 9 cell battery. But again one feature does not make an all-rounder.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-new...r-battery/1263

[Quackers]

I miss my Mac Book Air Just get one and install Pararalls if you need to use a Windows program.

[IvanIV]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Its the Lenovo X220 that has 15 hours life with a standard 9 cell battery. But again one feature does not make an all-rounder.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-new...r-battery/1263

It looks ugly. The look of OS used to not matter, the look of a laptop used to not matter, but laptops nowadays they make you want to shag them Even business models, nobody wants to drag around some ugly box.

[whoever,hey]

Originally Posted by IvanIV

It looks ugly. The look of OS used to not matter, the look of a laptop used to not matter, but laptops nowadays they make you want to shag them Even business models, nobody wants to drag around some ugly box.

Your right, some people care more about looks than functionality.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by IvanIV

It looks ugly. The look of OS used to not matter, the look of a laptop used to not matter, but laptops nowadays they make you want to shag them Even business models, nobody wants to drag around some ugly box.

It is black magnesium alloy with a proper keyboard. I even think IPS screens are fatter.
Wanting 15 hours you won't mind the battery sticking out on the 9 cell option.

This is aimed at the business end of things and certainly looks much like my NC2400.

Seems for some slim laptops and Lynx aftershave go together.

[IvanIV]

Originally Posted by whoever,hey

Your right, some people care more about looks than functionality.

These devices became accessories and everybody likes nice things. Apple wouldn't be where they are now if their gadgets were ugly.

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

How is a low voltage Intel CPU going to compare with a fast non low voltage CPU?

The HP is an NC2400 with a 12" screen. I have my SSD in the multibay.
I actually moved the DVD writer to my dock though I only really use it for converting the occasional CD.

But that's what I mean about all-rounder. What defines one?
Things like HDMI, SD slot, removable battery, magsafe, operating system, size all add to the term as much as CPU.
An all-rounder would be reasonably expected to have more features than most. Otherwise it is not an all-rounder.

Its the Lenovo X220 that has 15 hours life with a standard 9 cell battery. But again one feature does not make an all-rounder.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-new...r-battery/1263

I just looked up the specs on your laptop that you are trying to compare to a MacBook Air. Are you sure you want me to post the specs?

OK, here goes.

Your old HP: Top CPU option- Intel Core Duo Processor (1.20-GHz, 533-MHz FSB, 2-MB L2 cache)
MacBook Top CPU option- 2.0GHz Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz) with 4MB shared L3 cache Intel Direct Media Interface 2.5GT/s

Your old HP: max RAM is 2 gigs DDR2 533-MHz
MacBook Air: max RAM is 8 gigs DDR3 1600MHz

Your old HP: 3.6 pounds
MacBook Air: 2.38 and 2.96 pounds respectively for the 11.6" and 13.3"

Your old HP: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
MacBook Air: Intel HD Graphics 4000

Your old HP: Optional integrated 802.11 a/b/g or 802.11 b/g
MacBook Air: 802.11 a/b/g and n.

Your old HP: 1,280 x 800 resolution
MacBook Air:1366x768

Your old HP:USB 2
MacBook Air: USB 3

Your old HP: Fluorescent back light for LCD
MacBook Air: LED LCD

Your old HP: 1-1.2 inches thickness
MacBook Air: .11-0.68 inch thickness

Your old HP: Bluetooth 2
MacBook Air: Bluetooth 4

Your old HP: No camera
MacBook Air: 720p FaceTime HD camera

Your old HP: no back light keyboard
MacBook Air: Back light keyboard

Are you sure you want to keep comparing your old HP to a MacBook Air?

You mentioned HDMI and an SD slot, neither of which your laptop has. You also mentioned Magsafe, (an Apple product! ) which your HP can not possibly have.

That Lenovo battery also adds a huge amount of weight and bulk.

As you can see, the MacBook Air absolutely destroys your computer in specs. The only advantage you have is a removable battery. That's it.

Why you would think you could ever make such a comparison tells me either you know very little about your computer or the MacBook Air.