Replacing a Macbook Air. Suggestions?

[padders_48]

I am looking for a Windows 8 13" Macbook Air replacement.

1. Budget: < $2,500

2. 11" to 13" (I would love 11" but the combination of monitor requirements and battery life - 6 hours+) make this hard.

3. 1920 x 1080 (1080p) preferably. For me resolution is one of the most important things about a laptop so this is important; I definitely want an increase from a macbook Air (I am aware the Samsung's don't seem to be at quite this level but are higher than an AIR).

4. Portable. Weight, size very important.

5. High battery life (6-9 hours) also very important. This is why the 11" are probably not right for me despite the better portability.

6. No.

7. Some photo editing. Performance in terms of CPU not critical feature.

8. 128 - 256GB SSD.

9. n/a

10. 2 years.

11. None.

12. Asus/Samsung/Sony.

13. UK

14. Most important features are:

* Screen resolution
* Touch screen for Windows 8
* Portability (thickness, size, weight)
* Battery Life
* Being able to drive an external 2560x1440 monitor.

Nice to haves are:

* USB charging when laptop is off
* Hardware based security measure (e.g. to enable remote wipe etc).
* Being able to drive dual monitors, one 1080p and one higher resolution 2560x1440. If I can drive a 2560x1440 I can probably drive a 1080p via an external usb-3 video card; but better to have native (two video outs).
* Inbuilt 3g/4g cell.

 

[Labrynthian]

You're not going to get a 11-13 inch with a 1920x1080 resolution. If your budget is less than $2,500 you can get some really good laptops for $1200-$1500. Why do you want a 11-13 inch screen anyway? If resolution is really important, the ideal screen for you would be a 15.6 inch screen with a 1920x1080 resolution. They're not heavy and very portable. Tell me what you think, before we go on to specific laptop choices.

 

[padders_48]

The Zenbook UX31A and UX21A are both 1080p.

http/zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/?c=ux21a
http/zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/?c=ux31a

They are probably my top choices at the moment (although I can't find the touch versions actually for sale anywhere yet).

I want a 11-13 inch laptop for portability reasons.

 

[Labrynthian]

I've looked at both laptops. They seem fine. Very basic and definitely portable. You should go for one of them.
Here...

http/www.amazon.com/Zenbook-Prime-UX31A-DB51-13-3-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B00863L2PK

http/www.amazon.de/UX21A-K3005V-Ultrabook-intel-3317U-128GB/dp/B007UXIN5Y/276-0145756-5682956?SubscriptionId=AKIAIKNWZ5AKBXFDVZJA&tag=epn-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B007UXIN5Y

 

[padders_48]

I've looked at both laptops. They seem fine. Very basic and definitely portable. You should go for one of them.
Here...

http/www.amazon.com/Zenbook-Prime-UX31A-DB51-13-3-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B00863L2PK

http/www.amazon.de/UX21A-K3005V-Ultrabook-intel-3317U-128GB/dp/B007UXIN5Y/276-0145756-5682956?SubscriptionId=AKIAIKNWZ5AKBXFDVZJA&tag=epn-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B007UXIN5Y

These are the ranges I am looking at; but they are both win7 and not touch screen - so not options currently.

 

[Labrynthian]

Well, you can always upgrade the OS, thats never a problem. As far as the touch screen goes... You really can't have everything unless you custom build a laptop. You're going to have to settle for something like the ones listed above, or try to manage all your work on an i-pad if touch screen is so important.

 

[padders_48]

Well, you can always upgrade the OS, thats never a problem. As far as the touch screen goes... You really can't have everything unless you custom build a laptop. You're going to have to settle for something like the ones listed above, or try to manage all your work on an i-pad if touch screen is so important.

Hi, I know you are trying to help and I really appreciate that - but saying I can't get things is not hugely useful unless you are 100% sure about that. You said that about 1080p resolutions until I showed examples, and you have now said it about touch screen laptops - Asus have already announced touch screen versions; they are just not available to buy as far as I can tell.

I'm really look for anybody who knows of either products in channel (or release dates) or other alternatives I should be considering (Lenovo apparently have something decent in the market now with a swivel screen).