Best in terms of what?
If you are looking for most power, then those with GT640M and above:
A45VS, Inspiron 14R SE, Z480.

Please share what is your budget

Errr ... BF3 graphic setting?
There is low, medium, high, ultra preset.
And you can also set things up individually: texture, shadow, effect, mesh, terrain, AA Deferred, AA post, motion blur, AF, ambient.

For Nvidia GTX660M, nothing much.
For laptop in general, open / background apps running, RAM usage, HDD speed, ... all has small (but incremental and not insignificant) impact on gaming performance.

Heat does not throttle the CPU and GPU performance in Y580 (just make the components die faster if user don't have good cooling solution )

The Lenovo Y series is your best bet. Otherwise, within your budget looking for GT650M or better:

Asus 15"
N56VZ-S3151H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT650M@RM2799[2.7kg][B&O], 4GB, 750GB, W8; color: black

Illegear 11.6"
R-11, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT650M@RM2999, 8GB, 500(5400rpm), FreeDOS [CPU options: i5-3210M-i7-3630QM]

You want cheap ultrabook? You can find ultrabook sticker on these:
Asus
K46CM-WX060V, B987 + Nvidia GT630M@RM1699[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD
HP
Pavilion Sleekbook 14-b010TU, B987 + Intel HD@RM1399, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Pavilion Sleekbook 14-b051TU, i3-2367M + Intel HD3000@RM1499, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Lenovo
S300, Pentium 997 + Intel HD3000 @RM1199[1.8kg], 2GB,500GB(5400rpm), freeDOS; W7HB/W8@RM1399, no ODD, 1 yr warranty
S400, i3-2365M + AMD HD7450M@RM1699[1.8kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W7HB

Now whether they are "decent", how could we tell unless you tell us what you plan to use it for?

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 6 2013, 05:46 PM

Illegear is a Malaysia company selling Clevo barebone.
www.illegear.com
You can talk to Prince J, who is from Illegear, in this thread:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2613184
There is some non-photoshop photo of the Illegear laptop in the thread as well.
Warranty service is good. Illegear offer 3 year warranty if you are willing to pay.
Do note the R-11 is 11.6"
Find user review of R-11 here:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2654625

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 7 2013, 11:46 AM

Well, you pretty much limit yourself to that 1 model that you just listed
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-V...ok.85787.0.html
Read review here. Please note specs may differ slightly.

If you are willing to consider other brands:
Lenovo
ThinkPad Edge E120, i3-2357UM + Intel HD3000@RM1999[1.5kg],W7HP, water resistant keyboard, Colors: Red/Black
You may find E130 which is more or less the same. So you could find this model selling close to your budget
This is 2nd gen i3 Mobile processor, which is still more powerful than the 3rd gen i3 ULV processor in the Vivobook. HD3000 is weaker than HD4000 but sufficient for your wife usage. No touch screen.
The main advantage: It's a Thinkpad Even though it is the Edge series, still quite solidly built. Matte screen, nice keyboard, all the ports you ever need, ...

Ultrabook with touchscreen:
Acer
Iconia W700, i3-2365M + Intel HD3000 + 64GB SSD + (1920x1080; touch)@RM2199, 4GB, W8
Aspire S7-191-53314G12, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080; touch)@RM3799[1.3kg], 4GB, W8
Aspire S7-391-53314G12, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080; touch)@RM3799, 4GB, W8
M5-481PTG-53316G52, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT640M + 20GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2999, 10-point touch, W8

Asus
VivoBook X200E-CT009H/CT158H/CT177H, i3-3217U + Intel HD4000 + (1366x768; touch)@RM1599[1.4kg], 4GB, 500GB, W8; colors: Grey, Pink, 1 year warranty
Taichi, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 256GB SSD@RM3999[1.25kg][Bang & Olufsen], 4GB, dual IPS screens
UX31A-C4032H, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920 x 1080;touch)@3799[1.3kg], 4GB, W8

Dell
XPS12, i5-3337U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080;touch)@RM3999[1.54kg], 8GB, W8, backlit, spill resistant keyboard, build-in battery, no ODD

HP
EnvyTouchSmart Ultrabook 4-1124TU, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + [32GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)] + (1366x768; touch)@RM2888[Beats][1.75kg], 4GB, W8

Lenovo
IdeaPad Yoga 13, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3399, 4GB, 2 years; colors: grey/orange

Samsung
ATIV Smart Pro, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080; touch)@RM3599[884g w/o keyboard], 4GB, stylus, W8; color: black
NP540U3C, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + (1366x768; touch) + 24GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2999, 8GB, W8

Sony
Vaio 11 Duo, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + (1920x1080; touch) + 128GB SSD@RM3999[1.31kg], 4GB, W8, stylus

Only the Lenovo Yoga can flip the screen 360 degree.

Price is RSP, negotiable.

Asus
G55VW-S1216H, i7-3630QM +Nvidia GTX660M (2GB) + (1920x1080)@RM3999[3.78kg], 4GB, 1TB(5400rpm), W8

Lenovo
Ideapad Y500, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT650M + (1920x1080)@RM3799, 4GB, 500GB, W8; GN36 exGPU, 120W & 170W AC adapter
Ideapad Y580, i7-3610QM + Nvidia GTX660M (2GB) + (1920x1080) + Bluray@RM3499[JBL], 8GB, 1TB HDD(7200rpm), W7HP, backlit keyboard, 2 years international warranty

MSI
GE60, i7-3610QM + Nvidia GTX660M + (1920x1080; anti-glare) + Bluray@RM4199, 8GB, 1TB(7200rpm), W7HP, 2 years warranty, gaming mouse & backpack, Free SteelSeries QCK Mass mousepad
GT60-ONC, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GTX670MX + (1920x1080;anti-glare)@RM5799[Dyaudio], 8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W7HP, 2 years warranty, MSI backpack, HDMI cable

Illegear www.illegear.com
Illegear RS-15, i5-3210M + AMD HD7970M + (1920x1080)@RM5299, 8GB, 500GB(5400rpm), FreeDOS [CPU Options: i5-3210M - i7-3940XM][GPU options: GTX680M] (has on going CNY promotion)

Price is RSP, negotiable.
Out of the brands listed above, for warranty support service, Illegear is good, Asus is iffy, Lenovo offer 3 year on site if you upgrade, MSI need to send to SC.
For gaming laptop, please get good external cooling solution (cooling pad, table fan ... )

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 7 2013, 10:57 AM

Asus
K46CM-WX090H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD

Dell
Inspiron 14z, i5-3337U + AMD HD7570M + 32GB SSD + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM2549[1.87kg], 4GB, W8 *no VGA port, OD

HP
Envy4-1204TX, i5-3317U + AMD HD8750M@RM2399[Beats][1.75kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Envy4-1111TX, i5-3317U + AMD HD7670M + [32GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)]@RM2599[Beats][1.75kg], 4GB, W8

Lenovo
S400, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 24GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM1999[1.8kg], 4GB, W7HB; AMD HD7450M/W8@RM2199

Price is RSP, negotiable.

Whether a laptop last or not depends a lot on how you take care of it (clean, don't let dust clog up on the air inlet / outlet / fan, ... )
Dell - extend on site warranty to 3 years.
HP - extend warranty to 3 years.
Lenovo - upgrade warranty to 3 years on site.

After a few years, swap in a SSD (should be big and cheap by then ) for HDD, give the laptop a new lease of life

Midsize - 13-14"?
Netbook - 11-12"?
So do you want a Netbook that run on Atom processor, or a normal laptop that has more powerful CPU?
What type of assignments? Word, Excel, Powerpoint? Autocad, Solidwork? Photoshop, Illustrator? Be more specific lah

If you need to type a lot, get a 14" with proper keyboard:

Dell
Inspiron 14 (3420), i3-3110M + Nvidia GT625M@RM1599[2.1kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8

HP
Pavilion G4-2110TU, i3-3110M + Intel HD4000@RM1599, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W7HP
Pavilion Sleekbook 14-b051TU, i3-2367M + Intel HD3000@RM1499, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8

Lenovo
G480, i3-2328M + Intel HD3000@RM1299, 2GB, 500GB (5400rpm), FreeDOS
G480, i3-3110M + Nvidia GT635M@RM1499, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), FreeDOS
G480, i5-3210M + Intel HD4000@RM1499, 2GB, 500GB (5400rpm), FreeDOS

Price is RSP, negotiable.

Taking into consideration of the screen size you prefer, your budget and you don't want Atom processor, I think the Lenovo E120 is a good deal (You can find it at ~ RM17xx). If you find a reseller selling E130 (which carry a similar spec) at around the same price, even better
There is 1 other choice:

Acer
Aspire V5-171-53312G50s, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000@RM1799, 2GB, 500GB, W8

And that's about it. Vivobook, Edge, Aspire V5

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 7 2013, 10:29 PM

Since you travel, you need something light. i5 ULV CPU can handle amatuer level photo editing. Casual gaming - you mean those flash game / FB game? Then Intel HD 4000 could handle the graphic requirement.

With your budget and preference, there isn't much choices:

Asus 14"
K46CM-WX090H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD
13"
UX32VD-R3001H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT620M + 24GB mSATA SSD + 500GB HDD@RM2999[1.45kg], 4GB, W8
Lenovo 14"
S400, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 24GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM1999[1.8kg], 4GB, W7HB; AMD HD7450M/W8@RM2199

If you are willing to consider other brands:
Acer
M5-481TG-53316G12, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT640M LE (28nm Kepler) + 128GB SSD@RM2899[1.85kg], 6GB, W7HP
Dell
Inspiron 14z, i5-3337U + AMD HD7570M + 32GB SSD + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM2549[1.87kg], 4GB, W8 *no VGA port, OD
HP
Envy4-1204TX, i5-3317U + AMD HD8750M@RM2399[Beats][1.75kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Envy4-1111TX, i5-3317U + AMD HD7670M + [32GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)]@RM2599[Beats][1.75kg], 4GB, W8
Samsung
NP530U3C, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 24GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2699[1.52kg], 4GB, W8
NP530U4C, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT620M + 24GB mSATA + 1TB HDD@RM2999, 6GB, W7HP
Sony
Vaio SVT13125CV, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 32GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM2799[1.56kg], 4GB, W8, color: silver; Vaio carryin case
Toshiba
Satellite U940-1001X, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT630M + 32GB mSATA + 640GB HDD@RM2699[1.7kg], 4GB, W8, backlit keyboard

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 7 2013, 10:44 PM

Well, since you don't want to follow the suggested format at the 1st page of this thread, we have to guess what you want (You do realise this is rude right? )

You are looking at Y400, Z400, Z500. Deduction:
You are likely into gaming (want good GPU).
Your budget is ~ RM2.5k
Your prefer screen size is 14 - 15".

So you also want touch screen. Other than Z400, Z500, your only other choice:

Acer
M5-481PTG-53316G52, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT640M + 20GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2999, 10-point touch, W8

Asus has warranty support in Australia (so on one hand you said prefer lasting hardware than service, on the other hand you worry about International Warranty ). Check Asus website for the address of the support centres.

Prefer light and slim, yet want 15.6"

Anyway, your choices:
14"
K46CM-WX090H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD
15"
S56CM-XX090H i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M + 24GB mSATA + 500GB@RM2499[2.3kg], 2GB, W8; color: black

Increase the RAM to 4/8G.
Price is RSP, negotiable.

Gaming on ultrabook? Not a good idea (for the current gen)
Anyway, ultrabook with most powerful GPU are those models that you listed.
Acer
M5-481PTG-53316G52, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT640M + 20GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2999, 10-point touch, W8 (this is the M5 model currently sold by Acer Malaysia)
M5-481TG-53316G12, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT640M LE (28nm Kepler) + 128GB SSD@RM2899[1.85kg], 6GB, W7HP (you may still able to find this if you look hard enough, but no new stock from Acer Malaysia)

Asus
K46CM-WX090H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD
S46CM-WX023V, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M + 24GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2399[2kg], 4GB, W7HP (you may not find stock easily).

RAM, you could upgrade easily (4G stick ~ RM80). Ultrabook at this level still have the necessary RAM slots for upgrade.
Price is RSP, negotiable.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Feb 8 2013, 07:16 AM

That is because you, lead by example, are nice and accomodating to all comers
If you set a policy, "don't follow format, TJ won't answer", I bet all forumers will get the idea eventually

Blizzad - you mean Starcraft 2, Diablo 3?
Medium setting, your best bet is the K46CM, M5, Envy 4, U940, with GT630M level GPU.
If you go 13", there is no ultrabook with discrete GPU, except the UX32VD.
There is also this 13" Sony, which don't have ultrabook sticker, but still pretty light:
Vaio SVS13125CV, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT640M LE@RM3099[1.72kg], 4GB, 750GB(5400rpm), W8; colors: maroon/white/black/pink; Vaio carrying case

This one:
Lenovo
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT650M@RM2799, 4GB, 500GB, W8, 120wPSU, swappable ODD

Most powerful 14" you can get for your budget. Negotiate, can get it ~ RM25xx.
Save your RM350, and use it to upgrade warranty to 3 years on site (still has spare change )
Later, when you save a bit more (~ RM600), you can buy a ultrabay GT650M and slot it in, run 2 GT650M in SLI mode (performance ~ GTX670MX level) to play your GTA 5 (SLI support GTA 4, so support for GTA 5 should be forthcoming)
Wait a few more years, SSD should come way down in price/capacity. Upgrade and get a new lease of life.

How's that for a 5 year ownership plan?

The ads is legit. Z500 is the new model.
Y580 is the hard to find RM2999 spec

TJ, Z500 is RM2699