Best ultrabook for around $1,300?

Alright, I read through the "Mandatory Thread for Laptop Buyers" topic, so here’s my breakdown:
0. I’m based in Cleveland. While I'd prefer to pick up a laptop at a local branch—just in case I need to drop it off for repairs later—that isn't a requirement. Any reliable US online retailer will do.
1. 13-14'' screen; 2. 1080p resolution; 3. Matte screen preferred;
4. Primary use is mathematical modeling, plus some occasional photo and video editing. Speed matters, so an SSD is non-negotiable along with at least an i5—though I also value battery life and portability, so I'm still weighing things... It won't be used for gaming.
5. I need Windows; I'll also be running Unix
6. No specific favorites, but I stay far away from HP—one catastrophic experience was more than enough. Below are links to a few models I've been considering.
7. My budget is around $700-$800. I don't need financing or installment plans.
8. Extended warranty would be a plus.
9. Must have at least a 250GB SSD; backlit keyboard; an Ethernet port (RJ45) would be nice but isn't a dealbreaker; 2-3 USB3 ports; a good IPS matte screen with sufficient brightness for outdoor work; a card reader.

For reliability and connectivity, I was looking at this Dell ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which seems to hit that ultrabook sweet spot in terms of size and weight:

It's odd that they have a cheaper version available at the same store.

Then I saw this Dell XPS 13, and I can't wrap my head around why it's so much cheaper:

Can anyone suggest something better, or explain why the linked ThinkPad X1 Carbon is priced so much higher?
Thanks.

It’s supposed to be the flagship, the cream of the crop—a beefed-up ThinkPad T460. They love to brag about those "military-grade" durability tests, claiming the chassis is this elite blend of magnesium-reinforced plastic and carbon fiber. It’s supposedly slim too, weighing about the same as a MacBook Air even though the screen is bigger, so it's light. But look, there are complaints about the IPS panel quality; you'd expect top-tier screens on a "premium" model. Still, being the high-end option, it comes with a premium price tag that the hardcore Dell fanboys will happily shell out for...

With those enthusiasts, it's always the tiny details. Most people won't care, but if you're the type who wants to pay extra just for the specs, they've got you covered. 😬

If an HP works for you and hits all your requirements, I don't see any reason to go out and drop more cash on a pricier Dell 🤷

Sure, there are some Dell extras I don't really need—but details matter, and the HP doesn't come with any "extras" that would actually be useful to me. Based on the specs, it looks like the RAM is soldered, right? Can't upgrade it? Also, it seems like the LAN port (RJ-45) requires a USB dongle—I can't confirm for sure since I can't find decent photos of what they're selling at Best Buy, and the local shops here in Cleveland don't stock it. Honestly, I’ll probably lose that dongle in record time. I'm also torn on whether that 256GB M.2 SSD is an advantage or a headache compared to a standard SSD—I read somewhere that Windows 7 might struggle to recognize it if paired with a traditional SSD I'd want to add later (not to mention the hassle of setting up a dual boot on Unix). On top of that, the HP has a Ryzen 7 and likely a better screen with higher brightness. $667 is a significant gap, so I'm leaning heavily toward the HP. Is the HP actually better than the HP, or is this all just the same cheap manufacturing story regardless of the brand?

I haven't actually held one in my hands, but I'm pretty sure there isn't an actual RJ45 port—just an adapter. Honestly, if you don't need every single USB port available, it shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Whether it's M.2 or not doesn't matter much because you can forget about upgrading the drive in an Ultra anyway. 😬There’s barely enough room in there for what's already installed. Realistically, if you've got 8GB of RAM plus an SSD, I don't see what else you'd need. If your requirements are truly that extreme, then just skip the Ultra or wait a few years until they move to even smaller, more efficient manufacturing processes.

And I don't see what Windows 7 has to do with this? If you're planning on installing that, half your components won't even work because the drivers don't exist. This machine was built for modern use, period.

Personally (and this is just my two cents), the screen is a big deal for me since I spend so much time staring at it. If it were me—weighing everything else—I'd definitely lean toward a better display and a lower price tag. That feels like the winning combo to me.

Regarding build quality, the ThinkPad T Series has been known for being incredibly solid and durable since the IBM days, and that reputation definitely drives up the price. I doubt Dell would intentionally try to trash that kind of legacy, especially since reviewers keep praising it. But look, I've said this before: "quality" becomes a blurry concept once you move away from entry-level, mainstream, or multimedia laptops. Once you hit the $1,500+ segment, you aren't going to find junk machines—at least not by design. Nobody wants to deal with a high-end machine coming back for repairs or dealing with bad press...

Besides, the whole "made in China" argument is pretty pointless nowadays since basically everything is manufactured there... 😬

True, the screen is a dealbreaker—I’m going to see just how much better the display looks on the HP before I pull the trigger on that laptop. As for the RJ45 adapter? I'll be guarding that thing like it's my most prized possession. :-)

darkowl72 said:Even though I haven't actually held the device in my hands yet, I’m fairly certain we aren't looking at a native RJ45 port, but rather some sort of adapter. Honestly, if you aren't planning on using every single USB port available, does it even matter? Whether it's M.2 or non-M.2, it's all the same when you realize that trying to squeeze a second drive into an Ultra is essentially a fool's errand 😬 There is barely enough internal real estate to accommodate what's already inside. Let's be realistic: unless you're doing something truly bizarre, who actually needs more than 8 GB of RAM alongside an SSD? If your technical requirements are truly that extreme, why bother with an Ultra at all? You might as well just wait a few years until manufacturers move toward even smaller, more refined production processes.

It really comes down to how thin they make it 😁; obviously, the thinner the chassis, the fewer ports you'll find on the sides. You see Ethernet ports on ultra-portable laptops just as often as you see them on tablets—and my poor, misguided machine actually features a micro HDMI, presumably because a full-sized one simply wouldn't fit 😁.
I am quite certain that 13.3" models can house two drives (I know of several that do), especially if one is an M.2, but realistically, is there even a need? For any serious storage tasks, you're going to end up relying on an external drive anyway.