Ultrabook type Laptop with Optical Drive

GreatestOne

Limp Gawd
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May 15, 2005
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(Couldnt find a laptop section here so apologies if its the wrong place....)

I have been looking for a thin, light laptop for a client, from 12"-13" that has an optical drive... thought I found one on Amazon only to get it and find out the description (from 2 different sources!) falsely stated it has an optical drive.

Anyone know the best option here, or do I have to go with a minimum bulky 13.3"+? If its kinda expensive, as I would expect, thats fine too.

Thanks.
 
Mobile Computing - http://hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=73

There are options at 14 inches. I'm not aware of any at 13 inches.

Some issues would be the ultrabook specification height requirements is smaller for displays at 13.3inches or lower. Also in general an optical drive would take up considerable space needed for other components (battery, cooling) when a 13.3inch device already has limited chassis space.

Might want to try asking at Notebookreview forums as well.
 
If used is an option and you don't need much power, a used Thinkpad X301 is worth looking at.
 
Mobile Computing - http://hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=73

There are options at 14 inches. I'm not aware of any at 13 inches.

Some issues would be the ultrabook specification height requirements is smaller for displays at 13.3inches or lower. Also in general an optical drive would take up considerable space needed for other components (battery, cooling) when a 13.3inch device already has limited chassis space.

Might want to try asking at Notebookreview forums as well.

Thanks, I'll ask there too... and I thought the Mobile part was for pads and phones, not laptops... I'll note for next time.

If used is an option and you don't need much power, a used Thinkpad X301 is worth looking at.

That does seem perfect, except the older components... ya he doesnt do much, more like email and crap, but he also wants things lightning fast no matter what, and I'm afraid of how it may hold up in the next year or two after installing all the updates, security etc, etc.... will that 1.6Ghz duo-core be good enough?

I cant believe they didnt make a newer version of that, I guess it wasnt a big seller, but ya, thats highly overpriced for those components, I guess u really are paying for the SMM.... hmmmmm....
 
Just out of curiousity, why the need or the have to have a builtin optical drive ?
 
Just out of curiousity, why the need or the have to have a builtin optical drive ?

Typical old client, has old software on CD/DVD, has DVD's be wants to take on flights to watch on this laptop, etc etc... unless the alternative is idiot proof simple, believe me, it's easier I suffer now finding him one than trying to make him live without one LOL. I may just have to convince him it'll have to be like the other Lenovo .
 
I have a 13 inch Sony Vaio S Series with an i5 8 gb ram 1600x1050 screen Radeon 6630m which has an optical drive. Its a couple years old so not sure what is the latest model but that might fit the bill.
 
I have a 13 inch Sony Vaio S Series with an i5 8 gb ram 1600x1050 screen Radeon 6630m which has an optical drive. Its a couple years old so not sure what is the latest model but that might fit the bill.

Hmmmm, seems there are some options from Sony.... not that thin but it seems just less than an inch is whats available at about under 4lbs and slot loading optical, which is fine. It seems this is the best I will get, but the sellers seem to be overcharging for the brand new ones, and the cheapers ones, refurbs and used, are like 40% off LOL... what is up with this market......
 
Typical old client, has old software on CD/DVD, has DVD's be wants to take on flights to watch on this laptop, etc etc... unless the alternative is idiot proof simple, believe me, it's easier I suffer now finding him one than trying to make him live without one LOL. I may just have to convince him it'll have to be like the other Lenovo .

Portable and slim optical drives not an option ? At least it's a "bring or use when needed". I travel a lot myself, and I barely bring the DVD drive with me, let alone use it. Even if he had software on DVD, it's not that he has to install software everyday right ?
 
Portable and slim optical drives not an option ? At least it's a "bring or use when needed". I travel a lot myself, and I barely bring the DVD drive with me, let alone use it. Even if he had software on DVD, it's not that he has to install software everyday right ?

Haha only if it were that easy... he would rather have a feature that he MAY use once a year than not have it and be annoyed that one time, even if he has to pay an extra $500 for it, and then will make me get him another one, LOL... I'm sure u know the type. I might just look at these Sony's, about 3.9lbs, less than inch thick and optical slot... %$#^$# overpriced but u know, it is what it is.
 
Haha only if it were that easy... he would rather have a feature that he MAY use once a year than not have it and be annoyed that one time, even if he has to pay an extra $500 for it, and then will make me get him another one, LOL... I'm sure u know the type. I might just look at these Sony's, about 3.9lbs, less than inch thick and optical slot... %$#^$# overpriced but u know, it is what it is.



Aaah, hopefully your client isn't my old boss :)

But I know what you mean now. The Sony one does look viable for the scenario, but they have really shit RMA support mind you if that day would come
 
The Toshiba portege r-series. It doesn't meet the ultrabook moniker though. I don't know how important that is.

Edit: I agree the older Sony 13inch s series (not their newer sv or some such) was a very nicely spec'd laptop. Too bad it is discontinued.
 
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Aaah, hopefully your client isn't my old boss :)

But I know what you mean now. The Sony one does look viable for the scenario, but they have really shit RMA support mind you if that day would come

Tell me about it... but he's a nice guy and I've known him forever, so hard for me not to treat him right.

I am not that fond of Sony believe me, just like Dell home and HP... but I mean, we cant win them all right?

The Toshiba portege r-series. It doesn't meet the ultrabook moniker though. I don't know how important that is.

Edit: I agree the older Sony 13inch s series (not their newer sv or some such) was a very nicely spec'd laptop. Too bad it is discontinued.

Well I already got him a lenovo 13.3 that I think was about 5.6 lbs, and he wants the new one lighter and smaller.... ya, almsost like asking for the moon on a string... maybe...

MacBook Pro 13

His wife actually has one, but no way is he gonna learn to use a Mac, let alone we have this custom developed software for him and he is not paying again to have that developed for Apple to install it.

But usually, Apple isnt even my last choice... its only when a client decided its the one they want and doesnt want to hear alternatives.
 
His wife actually has one, but no way is he gonna learn to use a Mac, let alone we have this custom developed software for him and he is not paying again to have that developed for Apple to install it.

But usually, Apple isnt even my last choice... its only when a client decided its the one they want and doesnt want to hear alternatives.

What do you mean "for Apple to install it"?

Also just install Windows 7 on the MBP its easy to do. You never have to touch OS X. Keep OS X on a super small partition for hw updates, and set windows as the default OS. A refurb (from Apple) MBP 13 makes perfect sense.
 
X230 is the right choice.
They are tanks, you can stuff them full of Ram, swap their ssd's, and fly around the world twice in a year with them.
 
X230 is the right choice.
They are tanks, you can stuff them full of Ram, swap their ssd's, and fly around the world twice in a year with them.

Yup yup... just wish it were like half pound lighter, but sometimes we just cant have everything in life can we... :cool:
 
GEZUZ KRIST...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W3HFLS/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Optical Drive Type DVD Super Multi

Am I seeing things?

I get this, and no optical drive.... wtffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
__________________________________________________________________
Again:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G15M2136

Lenovo ThinkPad X230 Intel Core i7 3520M (2.90GHz) 4GB Memory 180GB SSD 12.5" Notebook Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Be the first to review this product...

Intel Core i7 3520M (2.90GHz)
4GB Memory 180GB SSD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
1366 x 768
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
SuperMulti DVD Burner

Am I blind or........


I am finally going to try this.... its over $2k but whatever, I'm not paying for it.....

Lenovo ThinkPad X230 2324-3VU 12.5" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-3320M 2.6GHz
 
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You may be right, geez, whats wrong with these people.... I sent them an email to confirm but havent even received a reply yet.... how frustrating. Almost considering the Macbook option.... ugh.
 
Finally... for anyone else interested this is it.... they dont make it easy do they, wow.... but here is a

Panasonic SX Series
Intel Core i5-i7
4/8GB (16GB Max)
Built-in Super Multi Drive
1920 × 1200 approximately 16.77 million colors
Standard Battery: Up to 14.5 Hours
Large Battery: Up to 29 Hours
Premium SSD Models: 1.16kg / 2.55lbs
Premium HDD Models: 1.20kg / 2.64bs
 
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