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! 
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.
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.
Below: Asus Zenbook on the left, Acer Aspire S3 on the right!
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.
The Acer Aspire S3 keyboard.
The Asus Zenbook keyboard.
The exterior.
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.
The Aspire S3 features a aluminum-magnesium alloy exterior.
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 (left) – thickness of 3mm at the front and9mm at the rear, Aspire S3 (right) at 13mm thick overall.
The Asus Zenbook.
The Acer Aspire S3.
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.
Now it’s the touchpad.
Slim.. but solid.
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.
The Asus Zenbook has one USB (2.0) at one side and another 3.0 USB (yes, 3.0!) on the other side.
This was another interesting relevation – even the charger is light and small! This looks something like your iPhone charger right?
Models with the Asus Zenbook.
Look ma, ONE hand!
During the opening launch; a quick chat with Stanley, the Country Manager for Asus Malaysia and Intel’s Country Manager Prakash Mallya.
The 11″ Zenbook with the kid while the big ones carries the 13″.
One last pic!
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!
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:
Becky! what’s the media price? haha!
I will let you know! 🙂
Becky, is media price for Zen UX31 – 13″- (with Intel core-i7 processor)still available?
Do email me!
hahah that handsome man is my mixed martial arts instructor lol
colourless opinions™
What??? The model you mean?
Size is thinner, price value is thicker.. Haha.. have to consider both.. :wacko:
Hahha.. like I said, you get what you pay for! 😛
man look at the size. I plan to buy macbook air. hehe
Hhah still Mac?? Why laaa
does it also come with i7? what about graphic card? sorry i’m a bit new about these 😀
Hi Ali, pls refer to the table of specs attached. Yes, it is i7 for the 13″.
Yes, i does comes in i5, & i7. It is even recommended by the Intel Country Manager, Mr Prakash.
Thanks Camy for your reply!
what is media price?can I buy one with media price?
Lee, the media price is in the post. Did you read?
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
Ok! Now I got what you mean. You’ll have to order through me. I will send your name to Asus on Mon.
Good on you. Please place an order for me and keep me posted through my email. Many thanks
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?
Let me check for you 🙂
Wanted to get this but was in rush when i got my new laptop and tattime this wasn’t launched yet..>.<
Awww Jean.. So you got another one already? Same here! I got the Acer Aspire S3 too..
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:
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.
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 !
Sorry…I am intereested in the RM 2599 one …. 🙂
Yes, I know whc one is Acer’s model! LOL. I’m their brand evangelist. Email me if you’re serious about buying
awesome notebook 🙂 , by asus, should be good I guess
Yes, by reputation it should. I haven’t used one before …so this may be my first!
wow it’s so sleek and chio! but promotional price is still expensive 🙁
-FiSh
http://ohfishiee.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-birthday-to-me.html
Yea..true..but imagine if there’s no promo price. Even more ex!
Wondering where you got those information on the prices … hope this is not online prices.
B-)
Hi Ananda. No, these are media prices. Valid for now.
serious buyer here. still got stock? 13 inches.
Yups. dropped you an email!
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
Yes it is. Dropped you an email.
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seriously looking for product like Asus Zenbook. is there any bigger HDD capacity?
only 2 option Ux21 and UX31?
Serious buyer.
Yes for the Asus that’s the specs currently.
Hi, do you have stock for UX31 (3 units), best price please.
The prices published is the best price already. Interested, then can email me
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?
Hi Clevin,
I won’t know. I don’t own one. Yes media pricing is limited time of course.
I want to buy asus zen core i7 one Please call me if you could help 014-7344598 thanks
Sure Ali.
Drop me an email with your details ASAP. We are ordering the Asus Zenbook now so you better hurry
i would like the i7 asus zenbook. when will this price end?
This week. Please email me if you are serious!
I’ve sent you email for my UX31 order.
Replied. Thks
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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”.
Hi Alex, the prices are as stated. Thks.
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
Emailed you!
Hi,
I interested to buy i5-11 inch.still available with media price.need before 16 dec.
Tq
Please email me at [email protected]
hello. im keen to buy i5-11″ zenbook. pls provide me the best price! serious buyer!
Email me [email protected]
Hi i’m very interested with the 13.1 (i7). do you still have stock with media price?
EMail me.
Have emailed you about buying a ux31-i7-256gb.
Is it possible to get one w win7PRO instead of home?
Not sure. Will reply
B-)
Huh?
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.
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!
does i5 come with 256SSD? if yes what is the price?
Email me yea
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?
I’m not sure. Drop me an email and I’ll laise with you from there yea!
Hi Rebecca,
Interested in the 11inch model. Sent you an email on this. Thanks in advance.
Yups, will reply
Hi rebecca,
interested in Asus zen model ux31-i7-256gb. Is it still available?
Already sent you an email.
Thanks,
Alvin
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?
I have absolutely no idea Justin. I’ll check.
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.
Currently no media price nor stock. You can try Low Yat or retail.
All I have now is Toshiba Z830.
How much is the Toshiba Z830 going for?
Hi Rebecca, just stumbled upon your blog…is the UX31 on media price is available…thank you
I heard stock is running very low now..
if u still got the media price…do keep me inform via email….tq very much…
Media price no more. Also no stock currently as advised by Asus. You may want to try low yat etc
Can I buy it from you now? I heard that they’ve fixed the touchpad to be from ELAN?
Hi hi!
The stock is currently running low and i think there are no more media prices already.
I have a Toshiba Z830 though.
Is it new and are you selling it at media price?
How much, and how do you think it compares to the Zenbook? Cheers
It’s here.
https://www.rebeccasaw.com/toshiba-ultrabook-portege-z830-lightest-thinnest-in-the-world/
My friend bought and wish to sell at RM3700.
I have one myself but my staff is using it. It’s the lightest in the world and it’s the only ultrabook with full ports. So far no complains.
Is it a backlight keyboard?
i want buy UX31, 13.3-inch, core i7 processor
Hi hi Loki
I don’t think there’s anymore offer for media price already. Thks
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.)
Hi Lynn
Sorry, the promo is over 🙂
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?
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.