I don't know that mandatory touch is going to be a limiting factor on price. Take a look at the Asus x202e. Reasonably slim, core i3 processor, touch screen, al

I don't know that mandatory touch is going to be a limiting factor on price. Take a look at the Asus x202e. Reasonably slim, core i3 processor, touch screen, almost ultrabook/battery life and size (didn't quite make the spec)... 500$. If anything it tells me even more that Intel is looking to gradually morph the ultrabook brand to mean slim, powerful hybrid/convertible as the technology makes it possible. ie: they're trying to evolve the notebook computer in such a way that it encrouches on the 'tablet market', just as tablets have made their way into the pc market... More significantly: simply because the ultrabook exists, the other 'normal/cheap' laptops are getting slimmer, cheaper and all-round better. I think the mac/windows drama is still on on -- with the ipad and devices like it marketed to consumers an entertainment device, and Wintel keeping the productivity market.