I'm interested in a $500 to $700 general purpose laptop

[k3n]

I would use this laptop if I relocated, and could only bring valuables that would comfortably fit in a compact car (i.e. no desktop PC and desk stand).

I would then relocate the rest of my possessions (e.g. desktop computer) a month or 2 after settling down at the new location, with a U-Haul truck.

The closest thing I have to a laptop is my smartphone. I find it unbearable, to browse the internet or work on word processors, with it.

Unfortunately the only laptop that best interests me or matches my desires, would be the $700 Asus Zenbook 305

Desirable specs::
128gb to 256gb SSD of internal storage:
I have no use or interest for cloud based services. I'll connect a 2.5" external hard drive to the Laptop for entertainment purposes.

Processing speed:
Capable of flash (e.g. Google Maps), and MySQL Workbench (Similar to Microsoft Access). My Motorola Moto G can browse Google Maps without any problem. No lagging whatsoever, unless I tried to play a game or convert a video file. Capable of viewing HD 720-1080p videos without issue.

Ports
2-3 USB ports. Ability to connect good speakers, especially if the integrated speakers are dull.

Durability:
An 80% or better in user feedback/reviews.

Size:
13" screen seems like the perfect size. 12 or 14 would do.

Least desirable:
Battery life:
I don't intend to use the Laptop much, outside of my home. I may use it for College, if I ever go back.

Touchscreen:
I don't mind getting a cordless mouse.

I wouldn't mind spending $500 instead of $300, for some extra processing power(central or graphical), to run 10 year old games on it.
128GB SSD, with a better CPU seems, better to me than a 256GB SSD with a far weaker CPU.

I'm sorry if this question has been asked to many times. With all these terminologies like ultrabook, thinkpads, tablets, unfortunately it's become a hassle to find the right notebook.

 

[EliteRetard]

I've seen $100 off on Dells new XPS 13, putting the i3/128GB model at $700.
I think I would take that over the Asus, since it has a terribly calibrated screen:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9104/asus-zenbook-ux305-review/3

Tough call though since you do get less RAM and storage...and you can buy a device to calibrate a screen. But then the Dell does have less bezel too...'course this is only if you can get the XPS on sale.

I guess I'm just throwing it out there.

 

[RossMAN]

If you're ready to buy now and patient, you might be able to score a refurb Dell XPS 13 for $509 or possibly lower.

If you're successful it's an incredible deal, if I wasn't holding out for a Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga, I'd buy one in a heart beat.

Processor: Intel Core 5th Generation i3-5010U Processor (3M Cache, 2.10 GHz)
Windows 8.1
128 GB Solid State Drive
4GB Memory
13.3inch FHD (1920 x 1080) infinity display
Intel HD Graphics

 

[SpacemanSpiffVT]

in general is the XPS 13 worth the premium over the Asus 305?
I am considering one of those two for a new laptop

 

[EliteRetard]

in general is the XPS 13 worth the premium over the Asus 305?
I am considering one of those two for a new laptop

Not much price difference between them really, and that refurb XPS deal posted is realy good. The Asus may give you a tad more hardware for the money, but has an extremely bad display. It can be hardware calibrated, but that's another $100+ if you dont already own the stuff.

Weight seems similar, but the Dell is about an inch shorter in length/width mostly due to the "infinity" display. Also, you want to stick with the 1080p screen, the high res option destroys battery life. Speaking of which, the Dell has better battery life than the Asus when they both have the 1080 screen.

 

[k3n]

I've decided with the amount of money I have (or don't have), I'll get a $300 refurb laptop, then sell $300 laptop a month later.

Thanks for the responses though, seems like the, ASUS ux305 or the ux303, are the only NEW laptops that interest me.

This $720 Toshiba P35W-B3220, seems nice.