The RAM is important, as on most or all ultrabooks it's soldered on the MB and not upgradable.
Edit: Your uses have different laptop sizes in mind. For tooooning you want a smaller 12-14" lappy, but for work and serious photo/video editing you'll want a 15"-17" lappy. Most 17" laptops (especially performance oriented) are FAR from portable, with the battery acting more as a UPS than a laptop battery, and the entire unit functional as a boat anchor.