gdgt

So the ~$700-class PH530 is my first step downmarket in a while as an everyday carry, and while worthy as a product it's not really 'me'. Recently I've made a few bad decisions in terms of trying to go cheaper (in more ways than just tech - sigh) and it's not really worked out. True, the Fujitsus have been rock-solid and have not let me down in ways that e.g. Apple gear frequently has, and I would actually recommend it in glowing terms to someone who's looking for something like this - a 'proper' ultraportable that's also good value. But ultimately, no matter even if it's SSD'd and it does go at a decent clip, it just *feels* like a netbook and I am not Mr. Netbook. And I am pretty certain I don't really want to hang onto the Fujitsu's for much longer.

So this time I'd consider something along the lines of a maxed-out 11" Macbook Air (~$1400) the absolute /minimum/ in terms of what I'm willing to spend. But I don't want an Air, and I'm also looking for a different, bolder take on aesthetics than the 'wife/gf/partner friendly' - albeit very well done - ultra-competently-neutral execution of the Air's design.

Baseline tech specs: 11-12" 1366 x 768 or better, ULV i3 min, IGP is fine, 4Gb capable, <2.75lbs, 128Gb or better SSD, built-in 3G, 6+ hour actual max-power-saving-with-wifi endurance within weight envelope.

The Lenovo X220 is a given choice for other reasons and I will definitely be picking them up on release, but I'd like something less breeze-blocky for more everyday use. In terms of manufacturers, I do usually gravitate towards the Sony aesthetic, but the only released product I'd actually be interested in for this purpose - the X - is hopelessly underpowered.

Suggestions please.