(copy-paste from Notebook Review for ease of access to important points)
Had a MBP13 Retina, loved it, but it started acting up on me and I couldn't trust it anymore even though it was passed fit by the Genius Bar. So I ended up getting and XPS 13 at the Dell Outlet and loved everything about it but the touchpad, which was absolutely abominable. So now I need a laptop that combines everything that I liked about the Dell (which was pretty much everything but the trackpad) and the MBPro's touchpads. I know there are less-explored options like Asus (although, from personal experience, their touchpads can be suspect as well), Acer (lovely but expensive) and Samsung (complete mystery). I am not even against going back to Apple, although I'm not yet convinced that I want the latest MacBook, pretty though it may be. Maybe the second gen. I'm OK with waiting a little bit (have an older MBA to tide me over for now), but I'd like to have the new laptop by the end of summer.
Thanks!
1) What is your budget? $1,000 or so
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12" screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
​
3) Where will you buying this notebook? The U.S.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like:
b. Dislike: Dell
​
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed? Yes
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? Web surfing, Skype, traveling, MS Office, watching movies
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? I want it to be as portable as possible.
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games? Probably not - no discreet video needed.
9) How many hours of battery life do you need? At least five would be nice.
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK? I'd like to, but if I can get it from a store with a good return policy (no restocking fee/free returns), I am OK ordering it sight unseen.
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (Windows 7 / 8), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Windows 8.1, but I'm open.
Screen Specifics
12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information. I would like QHD+/retina quality (my MacBook Pro Retina spoiled me and the Dell XPS 13 didn't help matters).
13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen? Not super important.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? A little.
15) When are you buying this laptop? Now, but have a bit of a window.
16) How long do you want this laptop to last? A couple of years
Notebook Components
17) How much hard drive space do you need? Do you want a SSD drive? I would love an SSD drive. I've got one lying around but understand that I may not be able to fit it into just any ultraportable.
18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner? I don't.
19). 8GB of RAM is a requirement.
Had a MBP13 Retina, loved it, but it started acting up on me and I couldn't trust it anymore even though it was passed fit by the Genius Bar. So I ended up getting and XPS 13 at the Dell Outlet and loved everything about it but the touchpad, which was absolutely abominable. So now I need a laptop that combines everything that I liked about the Dell (which was pretty much everything but the trackpad) and the MBPro's touchpads. I know there are less-explored options like Asus (although, from personal experience, their touchpads can be suspect as well), Acer (lovely but expensive) and Samsung (complete mystery). I am not even against going back to Apple, although I'm not yet convinced that I want the latest MacBook, pretty though it may be. Maybe the second gen. I'm OK with waiting a little bit (have an older MBA to tide me over for now), but I'd like to have the new laptop by the end of summer.
Thanks!
1) What is your budget? $1,000 or so
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12" screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
​
3) Where will you buying this notebook? The U.S.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like:
b. Dislike: Dell
​
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed? Yes
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? Web surfing, Skype, traveling, MS Office, watching movies
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? I want it to be as portable as possible.
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games? Probably not - no discreet video needed.
9) How many hours of battery life do you need? At least five would be nice.
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK? I'd like to, but if I can get it from a store with a good return policy (no restocking fee/free returns), I am OK ordering it sight unseen.
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (Windows 7 / 8), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Windows 8.1, but I'm open.
Screen Specifics
12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information. I would like QHD+/retina quality (my MacBook Pro Retina spoiled me and the Dell XPS 13 didn't help matters).
13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen? Not super important.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? A little.
15) When are you buying this laptop? Now, but have a bit of a window.
16) How long do you want this laptop to last? A couple of years
Notebook Components
17) How much hard drive space do you need? Do you want a SSD drive? I would love an SSD drive. I've got one lying around but understand that I may not be able to fit it into just any ultraportable.
18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner? I don't.
19). 8GB of RAM is a requirement.