Need advice buying a new Laptop

[thomasin500]

Hey Tom's Hardware folks, first time posting here. Hopefully I'll get my questions answered.

I am currently in the market for a new laptop after my old one broke and surviving off a Microsoft Surface for the past 8 months (I Know...)

Anyways I'm stuck between 3 models:

Asus UX51
Lenovo Ideapad Y510p
Razer Blade (14in model)

Feel free to suggest any other brands or models I should know about. I have no loyalties.

Here's what I'm looking for specs wise:


Budget: under $2500
At least 8gb RAM
i7 CPU preferably a Haswell although I'm content with 3rd gen Intel
Battery Life I'm pretty flexible with. As long as I can carry it to class, work for a little bit without having to scramble for a charger, it's fine by me. So lets say minimum of 3hrs
Preferably a 1080p screen (Though the Blade does not have this)
13in seems a tad small and there's no way in hell I'm dealing with another 17in monster. (14-16")
Dedicated graphics (A must)
SSD at least for OS
Backlit keyboard
Sexy looks (although I'm flexible with this)
Thin build and portability (Ultrabook-ish)

I'm currently a CS major at University and use my computer for everything from occasional gaming to writing long papers to programming class work and everything in between.

I trust ya'll here will be able to help me!

Cheers!

 

[Blaise170]

This isn't the best for gaming, but will give the best battery life and is super light.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314167

Better for gaming, but not as light.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834326009

Best for gaming, least portable.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152397

 

[thomasin500]

This isn't the best for gaming, but will give the best battery life and is super light.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314167

Better for gaming, but not as light.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834326009

Best for gaming, least portable.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152397

None of those expect the Razer Blade meet my requirements.

Upon further research I believe I am eliminating the Lenovo as it is a bit too large for my liking.

I believe I am between the Asus and the Razer currently. This seems like a choice between a Haswell CPU and a 1080p screen.

Any thoughts?

 

[Blaise170]

A 1080p screen yields a better resolution, but since you will only be on a 14" or 15" screen, you won't notice much of a difference. I'd go with the Haswell processor.