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Asus Zenbook Prime in the flesh, first impressions

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Asus Philippines today launched their second-generation ultrabook called the Zenbook Prime. Asus claims it is the first notebook to use a full HD 1080p IPS LCD display.

While the previous models of the Zenbook were using backlit LED panels, the new Zenbook uses an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

Imagine the IPS display of the new iPad 3 used in an ultrabook — that’s really crisp, super clear and very wide viewing angles. If you’re using the Zenbook UX21, which is the one I have, the difference in the screen resolution is miles away.

Asus also listened to folks and added a backlit keyboard with the new Zenbook Prime. They engineering on the keyboard was also improved so individual keys are higher, giving you more tactile feedback and less typing errors.

The trackpad was also remodeled to be smoother and way easier to use. I really hated the trackpad on the old Zenbook but the new one feels like it’s much closer to the one in the Macbook Air, in terms of sensitivity and performance.

While the exterior design of the Zenbook Prime is still the same as the old model, the upgrades done were mostly in the interior. That includes the new Ivy Bridge processors, faster SSD and boot times.

The only bummer news is that Asus will only be bringing the high-end variant of the Zenbook Prime. That means you will only see the Zenbook Prime UX31A in stores this June. The variant will have a Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD and a 13.3″ IPS LCD with resolution of 1080p.

The estimated retail price for that when it comes out is about Php69,995.

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Written by
Abe Olandres

Abe Olandres

Editor-in-chief

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and is considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines.

View all posts by Abe Olandres →

42 Comments

DI
disturbed · 14 years ago

If asus ph released this UX31A with a sandisk SSD again..it will really suck big time again..didn’t buy the UX31E due to this..hope they get it right!I will fork the money as long as they release the right SSD!


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FE
fershers · 14 years ago

OMG YUM!


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JO
John · 14 years ago

may saudi naman kahit dalhin nila at presyohan ng mahal ang local units. =))


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FA
fasgsgsrg · 14 years ago

I really want to buy these ultrabooks but damn Windows 8 is neeaaar.


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JU
Jun V · 14 years ago

Hi Abe,

Thanks for attending yesterday’s event, hope to see you more in the future. All the guys here Media8 extend their thanks.

Jun


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GH
GhostHunter · 14 years ago

The real “bummer” news with any Ultrabook is they still use Intel HD3000 chipset. It would be great if they have a faster GPU (switchable for power/performance)which better matches the CPU.


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AB
Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 14 years ago

Oh, it’s Intel HD 4000 already.


JU
Justin · 14 years ago

Any info on pre-orders?


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FL
florencia · 14 years ago

wow! buti na lang di pa ko nakakabili nung UX31. I think this is a lot better. :D

But what do you mean Sir Yuga with “That means you will only see the Zenbook Prime UX31A in stores this June.” After maubos hindi na magrereplenish?


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LI
linuel · 14 years ago

if they could only provide options for three year warranty


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HU
huh · 14 years ago

Soon the new macbooks and macbook air will be out with similar specs, you can bet and a similar price


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AL
Alex · 14 years ago

Damn I just bought a Zenbook UX21, may coming na palang ganito… Haha sayang


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BI
BigmikeMeMe · 14 years ago

Shut up and take my money!!


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CL
clipper · 14 years ago

Is it just me or the black keyboard in this ultrabook reminds me of the Macbook Air?


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EL
Elmo · 14 years ago

you need that kind of keyboard color for the backlit keyboard. the 1st generation was silver so they made it black.


YA
Yahya · 14 years ago

Yup ! Not only you but what it looks like for me, this is a resemblance of a macbook pro design on a very thin macbook air chassis.


CL
clipper · 14 years ago

@Elmo
Yeah, I know that this ultrabook has a black keyboard because this new model is backlit. So yeah, the black keyboard reminds me of Macbook Air’s keyboard. And for me, this isn’t really a bad thing because a white backlight stands well in a black colored keyboard like this.


YU
yuuto · 14 years ago

Finally, Asus got the ultrabook right. Their first attempt in making an ultrabook had a fast start but it didn’t reach the finish line because of the keyboard and the touchpad.

This is definitely a notebook that can rival the Macbook Air.


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GU
guyrony · 14 years ago

DROOL…


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BO
Bon · 14 years ago

wow! ang classy ng dating!


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YA
Yahya · 14 years ago

This looks sexy but on a wrong timing. Geez. They should’ve released it sooner prior to Windows 8 being its native OS.


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