The Asus Zenbook launch! Prices, specs, pictures.

Since I have always been on the lookout for a slim, light and powerful laptop, I have been eyeing the MacBook Air, the Acer S3 and the Asus Zenbook for like, forever.
As you know, I was recently appointed as the Acer Aspire S3 Brand Evangelist (post–> HERE) and for the last 3 weeks I have been cheerily carrying a much lighter lappie than my earlier Compaq. The Aspire S3, priced at RM2,599 is a good buy, taking into consideration it’s form factor and it’s specs.

Me – an Acer Aspire S3 Evangelist:P

Acer aspire S3 evangelist-1

However, it doesn’t mean I stopped snooping around. Being an avid techie, I’m still eyeing the Asus Zenbook and lucky me got a first-hand feel at it yesterday.

Asus Zenbook launch-03

Finally! After all those weeks of oogling it on the Asus FB page, I had a chance to carry, type and did a few sample test runs on a Zenbook.
The comparison with my Aspire S3 was inevitable though UNFAIR. Yes, unfair as the 13″ Asus Zenbook is RM4499, and the S3 is RM2699. I believe you get what you pay for.

Still, we did a few naughty comparisons.  :P

Below: Asus Zenbook on the left, Acer Aspire S3 on the right!

Asus Zenbook launch-04

I love my S3 (yes, really.) but the keyboard could do with much much improvement. It can be labelled as “clickety and plastic-ky“, and I find myself always making mistakes while I type. BUT many techie friends told me it’s a matter of getting used to so I’m certain it’s just a matter of time and practice.

Below: Asus Zenbook on the left, Acer Aspire S3 on the right.

Asus Zenbook launch-05

The Acer Aspire S3 keyboard.

Asus Zenbook launch-06

The Asus Zenbook keyboard.

Asus Zenbook launch-07

The exterior.

Asus Zenbook launch-08

Ravishing exterior look made out of spun metal and aluminum. The silver exterior panel features a concentric circle design that refracts a halo of light.

Asus Zenbook launch-09

The Aspire S3 features a aluminum-magnesium alloy exterior.

Asus Zenbook launch-10

The ASUS engineers designed custom cooling technology using a V-shaped channel with a unique copper fin design for improved airflow and cooling.

Asus Zenbook launch-11

Asus Zenbook (left) – thickness of 3mm at the front and9mm at the rear, Aspire S3 (right) at 13mm thick overall.

Asus Zenbook launch-12

The Asus Zenbook.

Asus Zenbook launch-13

The Acer Aspire S3.

Asus Zenbook launch-14

Don’t get the people at Asus started. LOL. They gave me more than enough to compare. Even the HDD, which apparently, for the Zenbook is “hidden” and the Aspire S3 it’s visible from the back.

Asus Zenbook launch-15

Now it’s the touchpad.

Asus Zenbook launch-16

Asus Zenbook launch-17

Slim.. but solid.

Asus Zenbook launch-18

As you guys would have known by now, the USB ports ( 2.0) are positioned at the back for the Aspire S3. There are 2 ports, but let’s be honest, you can’t use both simultaneously as it’s side by side. It’s just difficult to plug in 2 peripherals at the same time.

Asus Zenbook launch-19

The Asus Zenbook has one USB (2.0) at one side and another 3.0 USB (yes, 3.0!) on the other side.

Asus Zenbook launch-20

This was another interesting relevation – even the charger is light and small! This looks something like your iPhone charger right?

Asus Zenbook launch-21

Models with the Asus Zenbook.

Asus Zenbook launch-0

Look ma, ONE hand!

Asus Zenbook launch-01

During the opening launch; a quick chat with Stanley, the Country Manager for Asus Malaysia and Intel’s Country Manager Prakash Mallya.

Asus Zenbook launch-02

The 11″ Zenbook with the kid while the big ones carries the 13″.

Asus Zenbook launch1

One last pic!

Asus Zenbook launch-22

Availability: At authorised dealers and the ASUS roadshow at Low Yat Plaza’s concourse, which starts TODAY (10th Nov) & ends on November 13, 2011.

Specification :

Model

ASUS ZENBOOK™ UX21 (Ultrabook™)

ASUS ZENBOOK™ UX31

(Ultrabook™)

CPU

i5-2467QM (4 core)-2.0GHz (Turbo up to 2.9)/6M i7-2677QM (4 core)-2.0GHz (Turbo up to 2.9)/6M

Operating system

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium – 64bit

Display

11.6 (16:9)

13.3 (16:9)

Backlight/ Resolution

450 nits HD 1366×768

450 nits HD+ 1600X900

Memory

DDR3 1333MHz 4GB (on board)

Storage

SATA Revision 3.0 128GB SSD

SATA Revision 3.0 256GB SSD

USB Charger+

Yes

Instant on

Always resume in 2 seconds

Keyboard

268 Chiclit KB

Wireless Connectivity

WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth™ V4.0

Battery Life – estimate

35W (5+ hrs)

50W (7+hrs)

Camera

Digital 0.3M Pixel

Audio

ASUS SonicMasterTechnology HD Audio

Speakers

Bang and OlfusenICEpower® Technology

Interface

6 (USB2.0 / USB3.0 / audio jack / DC jack / microHDMI / miniVGA)

7 (USB2.0 / USB3.0 / audio jack / DC jack / microHDMI / miniVGA / SD card reader)

USB 3.0

1 Port

Dimensions / Weight

3mm at the front, 9mm at the rear

1.1kg

1.3kg

*Product test results, specifications and features may change without prior notice. Check zenbook.asus.com for further details.

Interested to buy one? Drop me a comment here! :P

UPDATE:

Media price:
UX21 – 11″ – (with Intel core-i5 processor) = RM3,060
UX31 – 13″- (with Intel core-i7 processor) = RM4,165

Drop me a comment if you are really interested. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY. Please don’t waste my time.

Other ultrabooks reviews/launch:

1. ACER ASPIRE S3
2. Asus Zenbook
3. Lenovo U300S
4. Toshiba Protege Z830

All pictures taken with:
Samsung NX11

This Post Has 95 Comments

  1. Faiz

    Becky! what’s the media price? haha!

      1. Mazlan

        Becky, is media price for Zen UX31 – 13″- (with Intel core-i7 processor)still available?

  2. nikel

    Size is thinner, price value is thicker.. Haha.. have to consider both.. :wacko:

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hahha.. like I said, you get what you pay for! 😛

  3. ali

    does it also come with i7? what about graphic card? sorry i’m a bit new about these 😀

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hi Ali, pls refer to the table of specs attached. Yes, it is i7 for the 13″.

    2. Camy

      Yes, i does comes in i5, & i7. It is even recommended by the Intel Country Manager, Mr Prakash.

      1. rebeccasaw

        Thanks Camy for your reply!

  4. LEE CHOW

    what is media price?can I buy one with media price?

    1. rebeccasaw

      Lee, the media price is in the post. Did you read?

  5. LEE CHOW

    Of course, I read it for 13″ is RM4165.My question is do I walk to a Dealer shop and say I want to buy one with “media price” or I have to go through someone like you or what? I am serious buyer and I want to buy it today! Please call me if you could help 013-2358883 Many thanks

    1. rebeccasaw

      Ok! Now I got what you mean. You’ll have to order through me. I will send your name to Asus on Mon.

  6. LEE CHOW

    Good on you. Please place an order for me and keep me posted through my email. Many thanks

  7. LEE CHOW

    Just to make sure, the model that I wish to order is 256 GB SSD
    I hope your UX31 – 13″- (with Intel core-i7 processor) = RM4,165 come with 256GB SSD?

  8. jean

    Wanted to get this but was in rush when i got my new laptop and tattime this wasn’t launched yet..>.<

    1. rebeccasaw

      Awww Jean.. So you got another one already? Same here! I got the Acer Aspire S3 too..

      1. Carmen

        May I know how’s the S3 performance ? Good ? Cos I plan to buy that … Zen is a wee bit too expensive, even with media price …. :yes:

      2. rebeccasaw

        Hey Carmen!

        The S3’s performance is superb. No problem at all – I’m using it for blogging, powerpoints, browsing, Word , excel. photo editing.
        Nothing too serious like gaming or anything – so I wont be able to tell if it cant support hard core gaming but for others day-to-day stuffs.. it’s a amazing!
        Let me know if you are a serious buyer.

      3. Carmen

        Hi hi ! Tks so much for the info. YES, I am a serious buyer…in fact, gonna go to the PIKOM PC Fair in KLCC later to get it. If I buy thru you, what are the softwares included and free gifts? N most importantly, at what price ?? Thanks !

      4. Carmen

        Sorry…I am intereested in the RM 2599 one …. 🙂

      5. rebeccasaw

        Yes, I know whc one is Acer’s model! LOL. I’m their brand evangelist. Email me if you’re serious about buying

  9. Isaac Tan

    awesome notebook 🙂 , by asus, should be good I guess

    1. rebeccasaw

      Yes, by reputation it should. I haven’t used one before …so this may be my first!

    1. rebeccasaw

      Yea..true..but imagine if there’s no promo price. Even more ex!

  10. Ananda

    Wondering where you got those information on the prices … hope this is not online prices.
    B-)

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hi Ananda. No, these are media prices. Valid for now.

  11. Marcus Leng

    serious buyer here. still got stock? 13 inches.

  12. Peng Yaw

    hi! I would like to purchase Asus Zenbook 13′ inch with media price? May I know is it still available? Do drop me an e-mail if it is still available. Thanks

  13. Michael

    seriously looking for product like Asus Zenbook. is there any bigger HDD capacity?
    only 2 option Ux21 and UX31?
    Serious buyer.

    1. rebeccasaw

      Yes for the Asus that’s the specs currently.

  14. KK

    Hi, do you have stock for UX31 (3 units), best price please.

    1. rebeccasaw

      The prices published is the best price already. Interested, then can email me

  15. Clevin

    Wonder is it a limited period for the media price?
    I read some reviews of zenbook on website saying that it’s cooling system not really good, it ll heat up after few hours of high performance using. Is it truth?

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hi Clevin,
      I won’t know. I don’t own one. Yes media pricing is limited time of course.

  16. ali

    I want to buy asus zen core i7 one Please call me if you could help 014-7344598 thanks

    1. rebeccasaw

      Sure Ali.
      Drop me an email with your details ASAP. We are ordering the Asus Zenbook now so you better hurry

  17. kha joe

    i would like the i7 asus zenbook. when will this price end?

    1. rebeccasaw

      This week. Please email me if you are serious!

  18. Ruslan

    I’ve sent you email for my UX31 order.

  19. Alex

    How about the price for UX31 – 13″, with Intel core-i5 processor? RM 4000 or above is over my budget and I feel not comfortable with small screen like either 10” or 11”.

  20. CS

    hi i am interested to buy UX21 – 11″ – (with Intel core-i5 processor) = RM3,060.
    how is the process to pay $ and get the ultrabook, courier?? i m staying in Kedah.
    Thanks

  21. noor

    Hi,
    I interested to buy i5-11 inch.still available with media price.need before 16 dec.
    Tq

  22. ash

    hello. im keen to buy i5-11″ zenbook. pls provide me the best price! serious buyer!

  23. Daniel

    Hi i’m very interested with the 13.1 (i7). do you still have stock with media price?

  24. MCL

    Have emailed you about buying a ux31-i7-256gb.
    Is it possible to get one w win7PRO instead of home?

      1. auf

        B-)

  25. Crownbacca

    Becky – i stumbled upon your site by accident looking for an ultrabook. After reading a couple of your articles, i must say i am an avid follower. Keep it up, yea. Am looking forward to the next one.

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hey Crownbacca!
      OMG… you just made my day!! 😀
      Thank you thank you and Merry Christmas!!
      Do drop me any comment or email if you have feedback on how I can improve yea!
      TQ again!

  26. mf

    does i5 come with 256SSD? if yes what is the price?

  27. Penton

    I am keen on buying the 11″ one. But, I need 3 years warranty, windows 7 pro, 8GB RAM and office 2010.

    Is this possible?

    1. rebeccasaw

      I’m not sure. Drop me an email and I’ll laise with you from there yea!

  28. Thavaselvan

    Hi Rebecca,

    Interested in the 11inch model. Sent you an email on this. Thanks in advance.

  29. Alvin

    Hi rebecca,
    interested in Asus zen model ux31-i7-256gb. Is it still available?
    Already sent you an email.

    Thanks,
    Alvin

  30. Justin Tiew

    Hey Rebecca stumbled on your site from Google search. Am looking at the UX31 version. Could you kindly email me details.

    Oh, and if you could ask ASUS for me, how it
    is that the processor i7-2677QM (quad core) is not on Intel’s official website. And that all other launches around the world only sport a dual core i7-2677M. Is this a typo or is it a special processor fitting just for Malaysia market?

    1. rebeccasaw

      I have absolutely no idea Justin. I’ll check.

      1. Justin Tiew

        Thank you appreciate it. Btw, maybe it wasn’t clear in my comment but I am interested in buying the UX31 model if you still have it available at the media price.

      2. rebeccasaw

        Currently no media price nor stock. You can try Low Yat or retail.
        All I have now is Toshiba Z830.

      3. Justin Tiew

        How much is the Toshiba Z830 going for?

  31. JY

    Hi Rebecca, just stumbled upon your blog…is the UX31 on media price is available…thank you

      1. JY

        if u still got the media price…do keep me inform via email….tq very much…

      2. rebeccasaw

        Media price no more. Also no stock currently as advised by Asus. You may want to try low yat etc

  32. Adila

    Can I buy it from you now? I heard that they’ve fixed the touchpad to be from ELAN?

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hi hi!
      The stock is currently running low and i think there are no more media prices already.
      I have a Toshiba Z830 though.

  33. Adila

    Is it new and are you selling it at media price?

    How much, and how do you think it compares to the Zenbook? Cheers

  34. loki

    i want buy UX31, 13.3-inch, core i7 processor

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hi hi Loki
      I don’t think there’s anymore offer for media price already. Thks

  35. Lynn Sor

    I am a serious buyer for Zenbook UX31, core i7.
    Kindly let me know whether the media price promotion is still on.
    (If the promotion is over, kindly keep email me if there is media price offer for this model.)

  36. Ahmad Basyir

    Dear RebeccaSaw,

    Thank you for your review about Acer S3 and Asus Zenbook… Now I have decided to buy Asus Zenbook i7 as I’m working on Graphics design and Software development. But how do you think about the price of Zenbook and Acer S3, is both affordable? I also like Acer s3 as I know Asus is really in new in Laptop market…

    What is different between Media Price and shop price?

    1. rebeccasaw

      Both Zenbook and Acer S3 are affordable in their own right. Both have different specs.
      Asus’s Zen has won many awards for the ultrabook segment. Media price and shop price – Media price for media only and just at the launch event so it’s over already.

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