If one is (like I am) looking for a Retina-like screen, there's only one option, the Notebook 9 Pro 15.6'' [1], which is quite bulky and has that cheap plastic look.

[1] http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/no...

Not true. I have the 13.3" which I bought from Best Buy and it is retina.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-notebook-9-spin-13-3-tou...

Thanks. That's a very underpowered machine (dual-core, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, integrated graphics), though. I neglected to say that I'm looking for a MBP 15'' alternative.

All 3 laptops suggested to me in this thread have foldy complicated hinges. What's the deal with that?

If you can get past the "gamer" aesthetic and you aren't interested in a 2-in-1-- the Razer Blade (and Stealth) are great build quality and specs. Razer itself has terrible (non-existent?) support-- but the products are good.

They're intended to be folded over to be used in a "tablet" mode, or propped up in "tent" mode. All based around the touch screen, basically.