Ultra/Thin Book Questions and Recommendations

[nasttcar]

First, I only buy new computer equipment about every 4-5 years. This time around it will be an ultra/thin book computer instead of desktop.

A. I do not play games
B. I do play movies
C. I do AutoCad, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Office
D. I generally have about 15 websites open at the same time.
E. I need to link via HDMI to my 80" Sharp.
F. I want excellent screen.
G. 14-15.6"
H. Do not necessarily need a key pad.
I. Would like a metal case instead of plastic, but not absolutely essential.

Consequently, I need technology that is the latest. I believe more RAM makes up for processor speed.

I want the instant on feature you get with SSD. I would also like a typical hard drive. I could add later if available space.

I do not understand how notebooks handle video and processing, so help explain that too.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Essence_of_War]

What sort of budget are looking at?

I do not understand how notebooks handle video and processing

Generally, there are reasonable CPU options in most notebook/ultrabooks that can handle video processing/editing. They won't be as good as what you can put in a desktop/workstation, but it could work just fine depending on what your expectations are.

 

[nasttcar]

Hoping to stay under $1000.

 

[Essence_of_War]

I'd start here:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6906/best-thin-and-light-laptops-april-2013

and in particular, I'd take a good look at the Sony VAIO-S.

Although as Jarred notes:

I’m also going to cover a range of pricing and features, and again I want to note in advance that AMD’s Richland and Intel’s Haswell chips are coming so I’m not super keen on suggesting you go out and spend a lot of money on a high-end laptop that will soon be outdated.

 

[tosaytheleast]

Although you do not really play games, it still seems that you are a heavy PC user. Your apps would really require a good quality of RAM and graphic card. Well I can suggest just two brands, you could either go with HP ultrabooks or Toshiba ultrabooks. Both are sleek devices however you can save with toshiba satellite ultrabook because it is under $900.

 

[kevinsbane]

First, I only buy new computer equipment about every 4-5 years. This time around it will be an ultra/thin book computer instead of desktop.

A. I do not play games
B. I do play movies
C. I do AutoCad, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Office
D. I generally have about 15 websites open at the same time.
E. I need to link via HDMI to my 80" Sharp.
F. I want excellent screen.
G. 14-15.6"
H. Do not necessarily need a key pad.
I. Would like a metal case instead of plastic, but not absolutely essential.

Consequently, I need technology that is the latest. I believe more RAM makes up for processor speed.

I want the instant on feature you get with SSD. I would also like a typical hard drive. I could add later if available space.

I do not understand how notebooks handle video and processing, so help explain that too.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

What kind of AutoCAD are we talking about? Basic 2D stuff?