Update:
I ended up buying both X1 and 15.4" retina (latest model still). I returned X1 pretty soon after. I was actually very happy with it but once it became obvious it took almost 3 times as long to run the simulations I was running as it took the MacBook Pro, the X1 was a non-starter.
I kept the MacBook Pro 15.4" with retina. I bought the base model after realizing the "boost" gets them all up to about same speed during peak loads.
Here are my experiences so far running Windows via Bootcamp on it: It's important to note overall I'd give the experience 4 out of 5 stars although the list of shortcomings (more annoyances) is longer than the positives (more game changing).
TRRS microphones (the Apple earphones' microphone) doesn't work inside Bootcamp. Microsoft has admitted this is a driver issue on their end and nobody has plans to fix it any time soon. This is a potential deal breaker for some people I imagine.
I originally planned to give it a hard shell, a soft case, and then put in a dedicated laptop bag for triple protection. 15.4"+hard shell+case necessitated 17" laptop bags that's just aren't readily available anymore. I ended up using just hard shell + 15" bags and I am very happy with the result.
The thunderbolt ports seemed to be a waste at first but I coupled it with
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...nk-dvi-adapter attached to an old trusty 30" 2560x1600 Dell monitor and an USB hub with all of my accessories. This has worked out far better than I expected.
Other than the headphones thing, zero issues with drivers.
Huge plus: I left for Montreal days after I bought my first machine in NYC. It turned out to be defective. The Montreal stores jumped through hoops to get me a replacement on the spot. Whole exchange process took 2 hours, 1 of which was waiting for my appointment. This alone basically guarantees my next Windows machine will be a Mac too.
Performance within Bootcamp is as expected from native Windows machines with similar hardware.
When I pack my bags too tightly, the keyboard presses into the screen and leaves imprints. They are easily wiped off and leave no permanent marks but still very annoying.
