Ultrabook with dedicated graphics?

[ganguro]

Hi guys, I have a question here.

Recently, I bought a S15 from Aftershock for work and gaming. I personally have a desktop but I figured by getting a good gaming laptop I can bring it around and even overseas to work and play games at the same time.

Now the problem, the S15 is about 2.5kg and it has a huge ass adapter so its pretty heavy to carry it to and fro work everyday (except for days I drive). I thought I would be able to tahan it, but after a month I'm getting tired of carrying almost 4kg around everyday. Not to forget the battery life is less than 4 hours even with battery saver mode on and 0% brightness.

So I figured, now I'm looking to get another laptop for work. I'm looking for an ultrabook that is lighter than 1.5kg, with dedicated graphics (all I need is to be able to play Dota 2 on the lowest settings with relatively no problem, the other graphics intensive games like Rise of Tomb Raider, Call of Duty, Street Fighter V etc I can play on my desktop or my Aftershock). Battery life above 6 hours.

I did a bit of googling, and to be honest there aren't much articles out there that is updated, most are like from 2015.

Basically, I want an ULTRABOOK that is slim, light, good battery life and dedicated graphics for Dota 2. Any good recommendations? Thanks in advance!

 

[BirdbrainZ]

You can consider either the XiaoMi Notebook Air or the Lenovo 710S PLUS. Full disclamer, I've personally gotten the Lenovo due to the warranty coverage and upgrades that it came with during the pre-order period.

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/n...ir-13-pro-vs-xiaomi-notebook-air-5450559.html

 

[ganguro]

I was looking at the specs and price of Lenovo 710 Plus, the one you bought. For me personally I may lean more towards the ASUS UX310UQ, similar specs but its retailing for $1398 currently.

 

[BirdbrainZ]

I may lean more towards the ASUS UX310UQ, similar specs but its retailing for $1398 currently.

The Asus UX310UQ was also a contender in my shortlist for purchase, but I found out that the UX310 series uses TN display panels instead of the preferred IPS panels. If that isn't going to be an issue for you, I think it's acceptable.

 

[ganguro]

I looked around a bit. I just spent 2.5k on an Aftershock laptop last month so I'm not sure I want to fork out too much for another laptop. I'm looking for those below 1.4k ideally. The Xiaomi Notebook Air caught my attention. Now I need to think if I want to find a way to install English Windows or wait till Xiaomi releases it in Singapore because they just opened a store in Suntec and its quite likely they will release a SG ver.

 

[BirdbrainZ]

I looked around a bit. I just spent 2.5k on an Aftershock laptop last month so I'm not sure I want to fork out too much for another laptop. I'm looking for those below 1.4k ideally. The Xiaomi Notebook Air caught my attention. Now I need to think if I want to find a way to install English Windows or wait till Xiaomi releases it in Singapore because they just opened a store in Suntec and its quite likely they will release a SG ver.

So, to sum up your requirements.

Weight: Under 1.5Kg
Price: Under $1,400
Specs: Dedicated GPU

This is currently a notebook/ultrabook sweet spot for many consumers. Based on those that have been recently released, I myself have shortlisted the Lenovo 710S PLUS (which I've eventually purchased), Asus UX303 series (slightly older specs like DDR3 ram and older graphics card), Asus UX310 series (non-IPS display panel), and the XiaoMi Notebook Air (requires additional investment of an English Win10 OS license, plus little to no warranty coverage). I hope this helps.

 

[ganguro]

that did help to narrow down my search a lot. Thanks!

 

[PC_Dreams]

Xiaomi is one chonice, around $1100+. Reaching Singapore around December. Those will not have the English OS issue.

Or ASUS UX303 with GT940 graphics - IPS panel. Price from $999 only.
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/103396821-post3.html

Or spurge and get Razer Blade or MSI GS40. Weight from 1.7kg. Find a used unit, probably can get it within your budget.

 

[creator88]

Xiaomi is one chonice, around $1100+. Reaching Singapore around December. Those will not have the English OS issue.

How do you know that Xiaomi will be launching their laptop locally in Singapore? S$1100+ is for the 12.5" or 13.3 inch model?

 

[ganguro]

How do you know that Xiaomi will be launching their laptop locally in Singapore? S$1100+ is for the 12.5" or 13.3 inch model?

The main issue is that its still the Chinese Windows 10, which Microsoft create solely for China market so it has its own limitations. I'm waiting for news on International release where its English Windows

 

[creator88]

The main issue is that its still the Chinese Windows 10, which Microsoft create solely for China market so it has its own limitations. I'm waiting for news on International release where its English Windows

I think PC_Dreams is implying that Xiaomi Laptop will officially be launched in Singapore sometime in December with a proper English licensed copy of Windows 10.

Waiting for PC_Dreams to revert

 

[PC_Dreams]

I think PC_Dreams is implying that Xiaomi Laptop will officially be launched in Singapore sometime in December with a proper English licensed copy of Windows 10.

Waiting for PC_Dreams to revert

Yes. The international model will be launch around December for Singapore.

 

[ganguro]

Yes. The international model will be launch around December for Singapore.

Thanks for the clarifications, I assume the $1100 one is for 13.3"?

Also for the ASUS UX303 with GT940 graphics, its just a personal choice but I don't like laptops with touch screens. Possible for the same setup without touch screen?

 

[creator88]

Yes. The international model will be launch around December for Singapore.

That's great news. Now can consider the Xiaomi laptop since it comes with local warranty and English OS