Score:
A strong 7.5 out of 10.
Damage:
The Asus Zenbook is only going to be available in South Africa in Quarter 4 so there is no word on pricing yet. We’ll have to wait till end of September. However, internationally they’re speculating that the UX310 model, which I’m reviewing, will start at the $700 mark. So start saving!
What you need to do:
- Available in Rose Gold and Quartz Grey – sexy
- 18.35mm thin
- 1.45 kg light
- 6th generation Intel Core Processor
- 13.3″ LED backlit FHD IPS display and Intel HD graphics
What I think you should know:
I’ve spent two weeks using this light, stylish, thin and easy to carry around Asus Zenbook. Keep in mind I live on my MacBook. The only time I jump to Windows Notebooks is to review gaming devices (you can see some of those gaming notebook reviews by clicking here). If I’m honest, reviewing notebooks is possibly the most fun because rather than doing actual work on them I completely justify playing another map of Counter Strike or fooling around in an online game to test the notebook’s performance.
Obviously I’m being thorough in my testing (lolz).
The Asus Zenbook UX310 isn’t a gaming notebook. It doesn’t offer up the latest GTX980m or 1080m offerings. Instead it has the stock standard Intel integrated HD graphics because that is all it needs. Even then, the graphics are crisp and images bounce of screen – bloggers will love it when editing their photos.
This is the blogger’s workhorse – simply put. There’s enough performance under the hood to never skip a beat. It has 3 USB ports and a new USB-C port… let’s cut the tech talk. What that means is that you won’t need to decide between a mouse or an external hard drive. You won’t need an external hard drive with the Asus Zenbook though, it has enough internal memory to handle your requirements. The only trackpad I’ve ever enjoyed using is my MacBook’s and I can now add the Zenbook’s to that list. It isn’t overly or underly sensitive.
Where the Asus Zenbook wins though is in the looks department. It is a beautiful machine.
I’m a sucker for brushed aluminium and this sexy thing has an incredibly gorgeous rose gold finish that screams class. I can imagine fashion bloggers in Cape Town pulling it out of their designer handbag while working from their favourite coffee spot. It has that gorgeous appeal that attracts attention. It’s also gloriously thin and light so running around the City Bowl with it in tow won’t leave you with an aching shoulder come the end of the day.
The most important thing for me, when it comes to a notebook, is battery life. I’m on the go a lot and my machine needs to keep up. The Asus Zenbook gave me just over 10 hours of use during the day after being fully charged. That’s on par with my Macbook – rather impressive!
If you’re looking for an ultra-sleek alternative to the expensive MacBook Air then I think the Asus Zenbook will be your girl. Let’s hope the exchange rate doesn’t make her unaffordable.
So rad
- It is the sexiest notebook I’ve seen in a long time. That Rose Gold finish is on point!
Makes me sad
- I’m worried it may be over priced based on the current international economic situation. Thanks #Brexit! Not.
Disclaimer: I was sent a notebook to review. It goes back to the Asus team now.
