Did the UX31 just make the Series 9 redundant?

I only just got my B01 model Series 9 about a month ago but reading reveiws of the UX31 I kinda feel like I should just ebay my Sereis 9 and buy the UX31. To be honest the most important factor for me is the screen followed by keyboard and battery life. I know that its a bit inconsistant to get rid of my ss9 so quickly but I am very tempted by the Asus. When I was deciding between SS9 and MBA the screen resolution really made it a close call and Im not sure if I should upgrade. I haven't really heard any definitive reviews of the screen by comparison other than its brighter than the SS9's. I imagine that most of the posters in the busy SS9 thread have given this their own consideration and I was just wondering what the general stance was.

 

Absolutely not! The Series 9 are in a different class to the Ultrabooks. Unfortunately, the initial Series 9 has some design issues like weak WiFi, fragile power connector and a number of people have had complaints about the trackpad.

Samsung have released upgraded versions, with faster processors and a WiFi solution that works, in Asia and some European countries. Those have not arrived in the USA yet.

I think the biggest Wintel competitor for Samsung Series 9 will be the Toshiba Z830. Second will probably be the Lenovo U300s. While the Asus UX31 has a higher resolution screen, it's off my short list due to the complaints and reviews that I've seen about it.

If Samsung doesn't bring the upgraded versions to the USA, I will be even looking at the MacBook Air 13" -- I much prefer the Series 9 keyboard though.

 

Kalahari,

I actually bought a 13'' MBA after having wifi issues with series 9. Overall, I think MBA is pretty much better in every aspect other than the screen on the series 9. I absolutely loved the screen on series 9. After 2 month with mba, my only complaint with MBA is OSX(i think win7 is a much better OS) and maybe silly apple logo on the lid. I would have bought a Sony Z2 if it had a proper trackpad.

 

aras87,

I was saying that all a little tough in cheek. I think the Ultrabooks, if they come out with some at high end, will be good competitors for the Series 9. Maybe the Series 9 will come down in price (some more).

I was actually in an Apple Store yesterday to take a hands-on look at the MBA. It's definitely well constructed and feels great. Thunderbolt? Still not there. And OSX is still a killer for me -- I really like Win 7. The Series 9 keyboard is better than the MBA's.

Having returned my Series 9 (three of them), I'm just going to have to be patient. I think that there should be a number of Wintel options in the next two months.

 

If you don't mind a question from a non Series 9 owner, what puts the Series 9 in a different class than Ultrabooks?

 

My second comment was intended to clarify that where I said it was "tongue in cheek" (...humorously intended and it should not be taken at face value...). I was just acting a bit like on the fanboi's commonly associated with another laptop manufacturer.

If you compare it to the (not for sale yet) higher end Ultrabooks (like the Toshiba Portege Z830), I think that the S9 will have some real competition. Also, I would expect that Samsung will drop their prices of their current moels but we'll see. I'm hoping that Samsung brings out a new and better model that gives it a jump on these Ultrabooks though (albeit it at a higher price).

All the Ultrabooks and the Samsung S9 require that you have to make compromises. Ultra-portables like the new Sony Z, Lenovo X220, and Toshiba R830 require less of those compromises.

What I'm currently looking for is
1. an upgraded Samsung Series 9 or
2. the Toshiba Z830 or
3. an Ultrabook from HP or Sony

 

Any updates on this topic now that the Toshiba Z830 is out? I'm especially interested in thoughts on the Z830 vs the Series 9.

Thanks.

 

Asus is still consistently getting the highest ratings out of all ultrabooks including S9. Biggest complaint with toshiba is slow ssd. Good summary of all contenders at Ultrabook News