Haswell most likely is only going to be 2Q13. And then maybe a few more months for all the brands to release their models line-up.
If you can wait, then Haswell could really be something to look forward too. For a start, the CPU should operate at 10W (ivy bridge is 17W). And Intel is working more closely with all the brands to ensure all components in the platform strife for power-saving.
If you can't wait, ivy bridge is not bad. Models with ULV CPU + 128G SSD are selling at RM3.3k+, and could last you 5-6 hours normal usage. And the built quality are usually top notch at this price range.

Ok, if you are talking about this:
XPS13, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3299[1.36kg], 4GB, W8, backlit
Extend to 2 years will hit RM3.8k, extend to 3 years ~ RM4.2k. The warranty is so expensive is because the standard warranty for XPS is accidental coverage (even if you throw it out of window, Dell will fix it for you no question ask )
But remember, price is negotiable. Negotiate "kuat kuat" when you chat with the online sale agent, you could easily knock the spec with 2 year warranty down to within your budget of RM3.5k, and if you are a real ace negotiator, even 3 year warranty may be is only a couple of hunderd out of your budget

All brands can negotiate, but only Dell sell online and you can negotiate directly online with "multiple" sale agents (that's the trick ).
The other brands, you have to do some leg work, going from store to store

1. Chat with as many sale agent as you can. Each could offer you different deal.
2. Know where is the bottom line. 10% discount is easy, 15% is tough but doable, 20% you are pushing your luck (for ultrabook. Lower price notebook has lower profit margin)
3. Some agents could start throwing free gift at you (eg. bag, mouse, ...), if you don't want them, counter and try to get lower price instead.

And by the way, normally a girl will teach a guy how to negotiate Good luck

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Dec 8 2012, 10:01 PM

Bro, we are doing online chat No webcam I think