<p>For my price range, I can afford a Lenovo T430 with Intel Core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM, or I can afford a Lenovo X1 with Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB of RAM. My dilemma is that the T430 is not an ultrabook and weighs more than 2 pounds heaver than the X1. Also, the display on the X1 is significantly better than the one on the T430; however, the T430 has an optical drive, and the X1 does not, and the T430 has more I/O ports. I know I could probably do without the core i7 processor, but do I need 8GB of ram? I may or may not be doing engineering, and my college does recommend 8GB of RAM for engineering students. I will be carrying the laptop to some classes, and I will probably bring it to the dorm lounge, other dorm rooms, and the library: is 4.77 pounds too heavy to carry the T430 around in my backpack like that? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Get the T430. You don’t need the ultrabook. You’ll get used to the weight quickly. It won’t be as heavy as you think. The screen quality and weight don’t outweigh the other things.</p>
<p>Agree with the above poster. Ultrabooks, quite frankly, are elitist BS - someone with a need for QUALITY computing performance at an affordable price should always consider the laptop/desktop set up. T430 is the recommended choice here. </p>
<p>In regards to your other questions…</p>
<p>No, you don’t need the 8GB of RAM. Few people can truly claim they need 8GB of RAM. If you could opt for a 6GB version for a lower price, I would do that (chances are no such option exists though).</p>
<p>4.77 lbs is not too heavy. It shouldn’t put much, if any, extra “burden” on you from carrying it. If it does, well, at least you’re getting a workout!</p>