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Just bought a unit from a local store. I agree with another review...the touch screen is a great match with Win8. However, I have noticed two issues. The keyboard seems to be quite sensitive. When I type normally like I would on my old laptop, I've noticed that some keystrokes were registered more than once, and hence, causing certain letters to repeat. As a result, I have to use backspace often to correct typing errors. Alternativelyy, I could let computer do auto correct butt auto-correct isn't always accurate. Notice the previous sentence has the extra "y" and extra "t" from repeated letters and they were not auto-corrected.
Also, the touchpad seems to be loose. Even with very light tapping with finger tip, the touch pad makes some clacky noises as if it may come off. I don't know if the touchpad is normal. But, I am going to stores to try out demo units to see if those touchpads have the same issue.
-----------Update
Checked with the store, clacky/loose touchpad isn't normal. But it was easily fixed by tighten two screws (on the bottom side) underneath the touchpad.
"Repeating letters" issue while typing is not as severe if I place the unit firmly on a table. Since it's an ultrabook, many will do typing in a less-than-optimal position. Based on my research, the sensitivity of the keyboard may be optimized for soft/touch typist due to its shallow key travel.
Battery life is about 4 hours on normal & mixed use. Although I'd wish it's longer, I can live with it since it's such a thin laptop.
----------Update
Put the unit to sleep by closing the lid when battery indicator was at 20%. 8 hours later. It was at 18%. So, 8-hour sleep drained 2% of power. Don't know if that's good or bad...but my first impression is that it's not as good as advertised. 6% power consumption within 24 hours means it can only stand by for 17 days (assuming linear power consumption).
Besides the clacky touchpad, which is easily fixed, the whole unit has superb fit & finish. Edges are very sharp, especially around the screen. It gives an impression that one may cut oneself easily. I've forced my fingertips and palms thru all edges without any cuts. I can't say the same for other body parts though...try at your own risk.
High resolution screen is GREAT. However, it's a double-edged sword. All clickable menu, buttons, links become so small that it is difficuult to click them using fingertips. This is particularly worse around the corners. e.g. I couuld eaislyy close the window instead of resizing it at upper right corner.
--------Update
I am still finding my ways around Win8. But I can confidently say that if you don't want or don't care about Win8, you should save yourself $200 and look for other excellent ultrabooks that have no touch screens. In addition, a large, responsive, and accurate multi-gesture touchpad can be just as effective for Win8 (i.e. about 80%-90%). So, a touch screen is really just a nice-to-have for Win8 but not a necessity. This unit's touchpad is quite good...so I find myself using the touch screen less and less for productivity work. However, I use the touch screen almost exclusively for leisure browsing of web sites where typing is not really needed.
After a few days of using it, I can confidently say that one should realistically expect the battery life to be no more than 4 hours. If you tweak the power saving configurations, you may squeeze another hour or two out of it.
--------Update
Noticed that wifi isn't reliable (i.e. disconnected) whenever I am at busy or low quality hotspots. I have not experienced this with my 2-year old Sony laptop. I suspect this may have to do with the power management configuration/setting.
After using the unit extensively for about one week, I'd say the sensitive/touchy keyboard is the only remaining annoyance for me. I also wish it has longer battery life but it's a conscious trade-off for such a thin ultrabook. Overall, it's a very gorgeous ultrabook with beautiful glass top that you can even serve sushi and sashimi on it.
-------------Update
The intermittent wifi disconnects (while on battery) can be fixed or minimized by changing the property in advanced power management for 'wifi adaptor'. Change it from max battery to max performance.
I am starting to warm up to the Win8 Metro/Modern UI. Certain activities are just more efficient if you simply lift your arm/finger to point & click on a touch screen ... instead of (a) lift your arm/finger onto touchpad, (b) move the mouse cursor to the desired button/link, and (c) click or tap the touchpad.
Win8 definitely requires you to "mix & match" how you use tablet/phone and how you use a traditional PC/laptop. It just takes time to warm up to it.
Of course, you need to have a touch screen to take full advantage of Win8 Metro/Modern UI. However, a touch screen isn't a must for Win8 because you can also change Win8 back to the classic Windows interface.
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