This is my first notebook, but I did a research for over a year to finally settle down on this model.[NP700z5A-S04US], based on price specs and design.
Design: I simply love it, it has that Ultrabook look to it it just a bit thicker. Pretty good built quality overall, and it's not that heavy for it's size.
Keyboard: Fairly cushy, the lay out is a bit different then my desktop one but one can get used to it quickly, it also a back lit, one of my criteria for this purchase.
Touch pad: I honestly have no major issues with this, like many online reviews complaining about it. The fact that it's a click pad is plus for me since it leaves more surface room for gestures. I never click anyway, I tap or two finger tap for right click, works like a champ.
Display: This is the only major issue I have with this ,and potentially for many other laptops. The resolution is good, but contrast, black level, and color reproduction is just pathetic for this price level. Viewing angle is marginal as well.On the positive note it's matte screen won't reflect much, and it's top brightness is good enough for outside viewing.Works great with external monitors via HDMI, none of the color or contrast issues are present there.
Performance: This thing is quick, granted I'm not a gamer, or use this for very taxing application, but I wanted a top notch hardware since I probably won't replace this for a few years.It did have a problem with hi rez videos when on battery, but a driver update, and some my power option tweaking seemed to eliminated it.
Heat/Noise: None of it is an issue on battery, when plugged in it can get noisy depending what's being run.
Battery life:: Since I have no previous experience I can only say it's on level of what being reported by other users and review sites, which is quiet good it seems.
Software: It has some bloatware, which isn't a big deal to remove, and some are quiet useful, like "quick setting".

Final words: All in all I'm quiet satisfied, while I'm really disappointed with the screen, I can live with it. I purchased this as a desktop replacement if and when that thing dies [6 year old HP], till then it's my portable secondary device at home, or I take it with me to watch a film on the road [my job allows this ;)]
I would buy this again.