Monday, January 27, 2014

Review ASUS ZENBOOK UX301LA: costly glass ultrabook

Design ASUS Zenbook line always makes it easy to distinguish the product from other Taiwanese manufacturer brands. Expensive materials , high-quality assembly , original picture on the top panel. In addition to spectacular appearance ultrabooks always got modern stuffing , which allowed them to be considered among the best on the market. The combination of design , performance and autonomy could not go unnoticed , devices like many buyers . This summer, the exhibition Computex ASUS showed a new Zenbook Infinity, which was different from its predecessors the new design . Instead of aluminum, which is lavishly decorated cover earlier with equal abundance was used glass. This idea is not new on the market . Previously , for example, we tested the laptops with a similar one for surface finishes , this device from Acer and HP.


The new model is one of the expensive devices . Ultrabooks are gradually getting cheaper , but top-end segment remains unchanged , prices are kept at a level that makes the model is by no means widespread. But buying a laptop for yourself , you can be sure that it will be the most modern filling today.


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The following discussion focuses on the model ASUS Zenbook UX301LA. Together with her Taiwanese manufacturer demonstrated and a second model called the Zenbook UX302. Primarily the difference between them is the price , the second ultrabook is cheaper by 30% if you compare these models in the initial versions. This is due to the fact that it receives a bit easier filling. In any case, laptops are equipped with modern chips Intel Haswell fourth generation , they have a 13.3- inch IPS- screen with touch controls that allow more comfortably use Windows 8 adapted for this scenario to work .


KEY FEATURES


Processor : Intel Core i7-4558U


RAM: 8 GB , DDR3


Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit capacitive touchscreen to 10 touches, 2560 x 1440 pixels , IPS, glossy


Graphics : Intel Iris Graphics 5100


Disk subsystem : SSD 256GB (RAID 0)


Memory: 4/8 GB


Connectivity : Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0


Connectors : 2xUSB 3.0, microHDMI, 3,5 mm mini-jack, SD- card slot


Sound: Stereo Speakers


Battery: 50 Wh


Dimensions: 325 x 226 x 15.5 mm, weight 1.2 kg


DESIGN


When put next to laptops from different manufacturers , the ASUS find among them will be easy. Taiwanese invented an original drawing for the housing cover , so you’ll see the familiar play that are sure to appear in the rays of light are directed towards the laptop.


Now the figure is located on top of the world-famous glass manufacturer Corning.

Gorilla Glass 3 – the material is strong enough , it will not appear large scratches. But the device in any case requires careful handling , the coating does not fall insure .


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Beauty requires sacrifice , and in this case the victim due to the fact that on the surface appear quickly tracks and prints after each touch cover.

Therefore, it is almost all the time and looks smeared carelessly. But this is the version in dark blue . If you opt for modification in white , it is not so sad, it prints unobtrusive . Wedge-shaped body is still pleasing to the eye , then you can say with certainty about the continuity of generations of Ultrabooks . In ASUS Ultrabook worked on weight , the difference compared with the previous generation is about 100 g, which is very important . With this weight loss had no effect on the quality of the assembly.


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The cover is made so that recline , it simultaneously acts as a stop. Tilt angle is large, so you can easily choose an optimal position .


The assembly is very tight , nothing is pressed , which is certainly not good.

Cover less rigid than its predecessors . It’s nice that the screen folds with just one hand , it does not occur on all models , often have to hold the device , so it does not rise above the surface.


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Concluding the story of the design , it should be noted that in the room or in the dark will attract attention logo ASUS, which is highlighted by a milky white color on the lid. About analogy with apple notorious producer and can not speak .


KEYBOARD


Keyboard unit was very comfortable. Like most members of this class , there is proposed layout with large island-style keys. Clicking quiet , moderately elastic , comfortable typing .


There is a three-level lights that facilitates the work in low light conditions .


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Not forgotten and the ability to automatically adjust its brightness by a sensor . Dimensions touchpad make 99 x 68 mm, has an excellent sensitivity, surface locked glass. The area around the keyboard is closed in the same glass, and that on top of the ultrabook , only in dark version uses a matte finish , something resembling on the sensations softach plastic .


CONNECTORS


ASUS has supplied its new ultrabook all necessary. So, he got a pair of connectors USB 3.0, SD- card slot , 3.5mm headphone output . Also included with the provided adapter can be VGA- port and Ethernet- connector . In addition, in the ultrabook Zenbook UX301 provided microHDMI and mini-Display Port. From wireless modules presented here Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0. Oddly enough, in such an expensive model worth web- camera is very modest quality.


SCREEN


Screen resolution in the basic version is 1920 x 1080 pixels. At the same time, modifications may be more expensive to obtain such a matrix IPS- 13.3- inch diagonal , but with a higher dot density .


There will be a screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. In any case, the user will meet glossy touchscreen. Versions with a matte finish and without touchscreen of possible modifications are not provided. As expected, in the ultrabook has a sensor for automatic brightness adjustment , if necessary , you can use manual settings , offered 10 levels of backlighting .


AUTONOMY


As usual ASUS, the power supply that came in the kit differs modest size and will not be burdensome to travel . The charger is supplied with a small ring illumination. As charging it changes its color from red to yellow , then green. Cute , comfortable idea.


Time following indicators . At maximum load, such as games , is obtained about 1.5 hours. With minimal activity when off all wireless modules , no backlight keyboard , screen brightness exhibited by 50%, of the order of 8.5 hours in the ” typewriter “. If you take care of business in the traditional rhythm, without paying special attention to energy efficiency, would be about 6-7 hours. Charging time is 2.5 hours .


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We also had a traditional set of tests.


The first test – is a mixed mode with the internet, word processing, watching videos and games.


Second test – working with documents and view data on the Internet.


Third Test – entertainment, it includes games and watching videos .


OPINION WOVOW.ORG


Thin, light , beautiful, powerful – continued Zenbook series was very successful . In ASUS decided to introduce a new branch design development , which resulted in the use of glass . From the standpoint of daily use solution malopraktichnoe surface constantly dirty . Although if you remember from the previous cabinet finish Zenbook, there was a similar situation : the beautiful lilt surface required accuracy. So fans ASUS is no stranger to this . As for the reliability of such a material , the singular should not be concerns . No serious scratches , cover Hardy . However, if the laptop is dropped , the glass is unlikely to survive . The rest of this slim and stylish Ultrabook , which received excellent stuffing. Powerful processor and graphics, quiet cooling , excellent screen and good battery life performance . Noteworthy comfortable keyboard and touchpad . We got a great ASUS ultrabook a top class. But, like all devices of this level , it has a high price. It will be a little harder , but you can save a decent amount . UX301 test version will cost even more , because here is to screen with a higher resolution , as well as a very powerful mobile processor from Intel.


As for competitors and alternatives , it is primarily MacBook Air. 13 -inch model is losing the quality of the screen , but seriously wins on work time. Air 2013th model year runs much longer. As for prices , the MacBook Air with a processor Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD for cost 58,500 rubles.


Prices are comparable to a similar version of Apple ASUS configuration will cost about 60 thousand rubles . Another option would be Sony VAIO Pro. It is very light and thin ultrabook of carbon, one of the first on the market was the fourth-generation chips . He has a good autonomy and quality screen , but the build quality suffers . In pursuit of thickness and a minimum weight of ultrabook turned out not as strong as might be expected from the model at this level.



Review ASUS ZENBOOK UX301LA: costly glass ultrabook

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