Reddit mentions of ASUS Zenbook UX305FA-ASM1 Laptop (Windows 8.1, Intel 5th Gen Core M-5Y10 0.8GHz, 13" LED-lit Screen, Storage: 256 GB, RAM: 8 GB) Grey

I'm glad I went ahead and grabbed the new ASUS Zenbook UX305. It's a comparable model for $600 cheaper. On that note, I love the shift in the market toward super light, long battery life, and medium spec'ed laptops with great screens. It's what the ultrabooks should have been aiming for the whole time.

For those interested:

ASUS Zenbook UX305FA

• Core M-5Y10 CPU
  
• 8GB RAM
  
• 256GB SSD
  
• 3xUSB 3.0 (1 for fast charging)
  
• HDMI
  
• 13.3" inch screen (1920x1080)
  
• 2.5 lbs

As other posters have pointed out, if you want good colour you're going to want an IPS display. You will be disappointed with a TN or VA display.

Anyways, from reading some of your replies to other posts: you're looking for something under $800 for travelling. Most laptops come with IPS displays standard, and you could totally find one within your budget. If a laptop doesnt have an IPS panel its either a super cheap pile of shit or a very expensive gaming rig.

A lot of "budget" laptops have less than FHD displays, but $800 puts you well within the mid range/upper-mid range so for most of the ones in your budget you'll get a 1920x1080 display. That said, a smaller 1920x1080 display will probably look better than a larger one (pixel density) If you wanted to stretch your budget just a little bit you could probably get yourself into a QHD display which would offer higher resolution, but on a 13in screen you're probably not going to be able to tell that big of a difference.

Asus 17in 8gb ram i7 5500 - $789

HP 15.6in 8gb i7 6700 - $660

Asus 13in 8gb - $680 It has a gimp processor compared the other two, but it has a solid state drive and comes in more of a MacBook Air form factor. This may not be the best workhorse but it would be a lot more travel friendly.

Asus Zenbook 13in 8gb i5 6200 - $799 This combines the best of both worlds. It has an actual CPU in it, solid state drive, and comes in a sexy well-designed package. It is at the upper end of your budget.

edit- if I were in your shoes and had $800 to drop on a laptop for travelling, I would seriously consider the Zenbook. It looks pretty decent from a specs standpoint, it is reasonably priced, comes in a nice form factor, and it has a nice screen.

But, please PLEASE don't just take my word for it. There are TONS of resources on the web for buying a laptop this sort of thing- youtube, google, forums, reviews. Go to bestbuy and play around with them. Don't just take my advice for it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

the T450S are very nice laptops, but it depends which model, what specs, as they do get pricey once you go up. If you have any models you are looking at let me know and i can check them out for you.

as for the Zenbook UX305CA these are good laptops, however, i do not like the Intel Core M in them. They are great for your day to day stuff, but once you start getting into gaming, they are not recommended ones.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

This baby

My take on HP: I personally like Dell, Asus and MSI because I'm a budget laptop gamer (3 things that don't go well together). The reason I don't like them is because they make gaming laptops with horrible architecture. They'll place the GPU and CPU an inch apart which can lead to temperatures of upto 70° C while gaming and can reduce the life of your laptop.

The thing is that if it's not a gaming laptop they're pretty much the best company out there, their laptops are thin, light, feel very premium and look amazing with good performance. Since you'll be going to conferences and meeting I recomend this sexy beast.

It has a 13" matte screen, this means reduced glare in brightly lit environments.

It has a fast processor, 2 GHz, and is fanless so it's completely silent.

8 gigs of RAM should help with your Photoshop and will overall allow it to handle many processes at once without lag.

A 256 GB upgrade SSD means it's as thin as paper and just as light, plus it'll boot up in a millisecond and will launch applications like a 16 year old with premature ejaculation having sex for the first time.

The other recommendation is this.

It's more powerful with a Terabyte HDD and an a Skylake Intel i5 processor but it's also heavier and isn't fully silent like the zenbook.

It's beautiful but not as hot, it still looks very good though.

It's not as thin.

It's screen is larger.

It also has 8 GB of RAM.

SUM UP

The first one is lighter, cooler, silent and better looking.

The second one is more powerful and can store 3½ times more.

The first one boots up faster.

The second one has a larger screen.

Pick your poison. (Am I using the idiom correctly? Pls tell 😞)

Edit: Note that they are both very light, though the zenbook (the first one) is as light if not lighter than a Mac air.

Edit: Note that they're both quite powerful, considering they're HP and their weight, price etc. and you won't actually feel a power difference when using then so the main variables you need to choose between are:

• Weight
  
• Looks
  
• Storage
  
• Screen size

I picked mine up for ~$800 after tax due to a best buy discount + college discount. The resale value also tends to be higher, so that cuts down on the realistic cost a bit more imo. And this Asus Zenbook actually looks pretty good atm: http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427812831&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+zenbook

But when I was looking for a laptop last summer, the Zenbooks in the price range weren't comparable. I'll definitely still do my research the next time I get a laptop

i5 vs i7

• honestly the performance difference between and i5 and i7 is pretty negligible compared to the price difference between the two chips.
  
• i5 is cheaper and perfect for casual laptop usage.
  *i7 are better for rendering, editing, and running any process that require a large amount of raw cpu calculations. Also better for hyper-threading
  
• I think an i7 isnt worth the extra $200 for causal computing
  
• i7 is better when using editing software (faster than a i5)
  
  Here's another Laptop
  
  Specs:
  
  
• 13.3 inch display
  
• 1920*1080 display
  
• advertised 10 hour battery life (probably more like 8 hours on medium brightness
  
• 8gbs ram
  
• Small, and weighs about 2.6 pounds
  Cons
  
• although the processor is a Intel Core M-5y10 (.8 ghz) it will run up to 2.0 ghz with turbo activated(usually starts automatically when using program that is cpu intensive).
  
  
  

Not weird at all--I'll provide Amazon links for your convenience!

The ASUS Zenbook UX305 has an MSRP of $700, but the potential issue is that it's not an i5. The Core M in this is about as powerful as an i3, but that should be sufficient for many uses in combination with the 256 GB SSD and the 8 GB of RAM. [Also, it's currently selling for $850 on Amazon. A $150 markup? Eff that--for that price, get the faster computer listed below]

The Zenbook UX303 has an updated version with a 5th-gen i5 for $850. The claimed battery life is 8 hours, and it'll be fast, thin, and portable. It should be a good option for you, unless you're into hardcore gaming or something. But a $700 Yoga probably wouldn't be any better at that...

If you want to try Lenovo again, the Ideapad Flex 14 is a good option at $800. It bends 270 degrees, rather than 360, but it comes with an i5, 8 GB of RAM, an SSD, and an HD screen. This should be a good option, and Lenovo generally scores well for reliability--not sure what happened on your Yoga.

Another 360-degree hinge option is the ASUS Transformer Book Flip. For $750, you get the Yoga's flexibility, as well as a 5th-gen i5, 8 GB of RAM, a 1 TB hard drive, and a 1080p screen. (Note that the i7 option has a lower-res screen, however). I have an ASUS Flip (a cheaper i3 version), and I can tell you from experience that it's pretty well-built, with aluminum surfaces except the plastic on the bottom panel, and it has a sturdy hinge. The trackpad is just OK, and the laptop picks up fingerprints like nobody's business--but everything else on this machine is nice. I can recommend it with confidence!

If you're looking to spend even less, the Toshiba Satellite L55-B5276 is going for around $560 on Amazon, and it comes with a 4th-gen i5 (the Broadwell processors are just coming out, so there's not a ton of variety). The Satellite also has 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive, and the screen is the standard resolution of 1366 x 768--nothing special, but good enough. With the extra credit you have, you can buy a 256 GB SSD like this Crucial MX100, clone the old hard drive to your new SSD and install it yourself, and this will improve both responsiveness and battery life. That's probably the best deal you can get for the money, but I understand not wanting to mess around with the cloning process.

Good luck to you!

Ultrabooks still exist, but they come at a price for the small form factor. Here's the black one that you linked, but it's $740.

I would recommend the [Asus Zenbook UX305] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00SGS7ZH4&linkCode=as2&tag=laplis-20&linkId=F7TUKFODG64T52D4). You may be able to find a version with a 512gb SSD.

Is there a specific screen size you would like?

If you don't want the Asus, you can get this [Lenovo (Flex 15)] (http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/flex-series/flex-15/) It has 1tb of storage, i7 CPU, and 8gb of RAM.

I would keep the [Dell Inspirion 13 7000] (http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-13-7352-laptop/pd?ref=PD_OC) in mind.

750$ in August it'll be2 years.
How about this beauty

It's actually cheaper on the Asus website herebut it's sold out at the moment

It was the best Mac substitute for half the price. I love it. It's so thin and light and metal construction

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SGS7ZH4?keywords=asus%20zenbook&qid=1449846670&ref_=sr_1_2&s=pc&sr=1-2

how about this asus zenbook

I recommend getting the ASUS Zenbook 13.3inch Ultra-Slim Aluminum Laptop which is a bit over your budget but a great laptop. comes with the latest Intel Core M-5Y10 (turbo up to 2GHz) processor and fan-less design that is quiet, clean, and energy-efficient,8GB RAM, 256GB Solid State Drive which brings speed to your programmes and softwares when they boot and are in usage, 10-Hours Battery Life

Nope ASUS is over $800 according to this link actually but still much more cheaper

umm...

8 gigs of RAM, 256 gig SSD, 1080p screen on a 13 inch display. It's the same under powered thing to achieve those specs but if I wanted a laptop that I can toss in a backpack and not have to worry about it(Aluminum body that is tiny as fuck) I'd pick this thing up.

Hi friend!

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426122376&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+zenbook+ux305

This thing.
Not $700 here, but I'm sure you can get one that cheap.

Not difficult in the least. You don't even have to search far. Just search for asus laptop. I never thought I'd see the day where apple fanboys were in this subreddit.

You can buy a lower spec'd 1080p model for $800 right now on amazon. The 3200x1800 model is coming out in April and it will cost $1000. Although personally I would rather go for the much beefier spec UX303 that's a tiny bit thicker and has a bit less battery life for $1190, and that's still less than the base new Macbook.

try amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425341598&sr=8-1&keywords=ASUS+Zenbook+UX305FA

I got a bulky laptop for my first semester. Over winter break I built a desktop using a mini-itx case (aka tiny form factor), and it along with a monitor fit cozily on my desk.

I wish I just brought a desktop and a small, compact laptop instead. This big laptop is annoying to carry around and pull out and plug up because I have poor battery life (even though most classes have readily accessible outlets everywhere).

As far as laptop recommendations go: The UX305 by ASUS seems fantastic. It used to be 700$, but now it's 800$ sadly.

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427133644&sr=8-1&keywords=ux305

I wouldn't worry about having a "tablet-PC", but you might want to get a cheap drawing tablet.

This one looks nice too.

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1427325676&sr=1-2&keywords=asus+laptop

Yes that dell sounds really good, and the acer as well, though from what I read I'd probably lean towards the dell for the better display, SSD, more usb ports (even though im not sure that will matter, it just sounds better in my mind). But that Dell does not ship to Canada.

Your reccomendations have been very helpful already, I can use some of those specs to continue looking on my own, but feel free to throw some more suggestions out if you don't mind haha!

Thanks so much man!

Edit: What do you think of this one? As far as I can tell the only downside of it compared to the dell you reccomended is a smaller screen, and I don't think thats going to be a problem for me.

http://www.amazon.ca/Zenbook-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum-UX305FA-ASM1/dp/B00SGS7ZH4

What are your ideas on this laptop. Everything seems good, but ive never heard of the processor before.

http://www.amazon.ca/Zenbook-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum-UX305FA-ASM1/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451881189&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+zenbook

This one, correct? Looks like exactly what I want thank you!

actually have this laptop, https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-UX305-13-Inch-Laptop-model/dp/B00SGS7ZH4 which i gave away to my parents to use. on paper the specs are all good, but usage was a terrible experience.

the display is good, but not super sharp like a retina or higher resolution which is what i'm looking for. the touchpad skips all the time and is so imprecise. audio is just plain terrible, it's super low, even at max watching movies is just impossible.

right now, i'm leaning towards a yoga 3 pro at 3200x1800, see some cheap ones on ebay for ~500.

This laptop is really great but it is $50 more than your budget. I've been using it for about half a year and it has served me very well and I would highly suggest it.

This would be a great choice.

This is what I would recommend (get it with the office bundle if you want). You can go to a local best buy and see how it feels like, but the same model seems to be about $200 more.

how do these ones live up?

https://www.amazon.ca/Dell-Inspiron-Touchscreen-i7-6500U-Windows/dp/B019TTJ5LM/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1464134775&sr=1-3&keywords=dell+inspiron

and

https://www.amazon.ca/Zenbook-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum-Windows-Upgrade/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1464134458&sr=8-6&keywords=gaming+laptop


i said $1000 but because I'm in Canada the MSI laptop you sent, although beautiful, is around $1400 here

Here is the ASUS Zenbook. It has almost everything you're looking for other than the screen size. If you can live with a 13.3" screen then I recommend you take a look at it as it is perfect for your needs. The IPS display is great, and it comes with a 256 GB SSD. The Core M Processor isn't made for high performance tasks because it's meant to use little power, but for what you'll be doing it's more than enough, and can definitely handle some photo editing.

I have an awesome ASUS UX305. If you're looking for power packed into low energy consumption look no further! The only criteria that is unfortunately not met is that I'd be looking for $500 on the unit.

----

13", FHD (1920x1080)
Intel Core M 5Y10 versus i3-5010u: Passmark
8GB RAM
256GB SSD

I figured you'd especially like the fact that it only weighs 2.5 pounds!

----

If the specifications of this fit your needs well enough to where you'd be interested at that price point, let me know! Otherwise I totally understand. Simply based on your needs I figured I'd let you know at the very least!