Intel as one of the originators in the computer industry states that ultrabook is the next evolution of the notebook product line. It is estimated, the future of portable computers are portable computers with physically thin, elegant, yet with high performance.
As one of the major players in the business notebook, Asus also has presented their ultrabook devices, one of them through Zenbook series. There are two prepared the UX21 and UX31. Physically, the two are similar. The difference is the screen size and processor.
Design and Features
One of the products that we try Zenbook, the UX21, equipped with an Intel Sandy Bridge Core i5-2467M which with the speed of 1.6 GHz and uses 4GB of RAM. He is using a screen measuring 11.6 inches with a resolution of up to 1366x768 pixels.
From the design, it's very thin ultrabook. Tertebalnya point, which is at the back, less than 1 centimeter (cm). Casing the coating is also designed 'unibody' alias notebook cover without separately. Its weight is light, only 1.1 kilograms.
Thin notebook body affected by the optical drive is not included. LAN or HDMI port is also provided if the dongle-dongle HDMI LAN and connected via USB. Although thin, UX21 still comfortable to use. The placement of the keys do not seem narrow and fitting. Similarly, for the palm rest area, quite spacious, and comfortable.
In the specification, these products are strong enough to live day-to-day computing activities. But, of course, Intel HD3000 graphics technology provided somewhat limiting its users to meet the needs of 3D gaming or other heavy applications.
However, if it is used to run a high-definition multimedia content up to 720p resolution, the graphics are available can do well. Interestingly, through this product, it is more pampered audio connoisseurs. For audio output, this product uses proprietary technology by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower.
For power supply, use the UX21 battery 8 Cell Li-Ion 6840mAh. To connect faster data transfer, on the right side there is a USB3.0 port that is also used to connect the USB2.0. Unfortunately not included card reader.
performance
Asus Zenbook using the SSD as a storage media for the operating system Windows 7 Home Premium is available. In addition to physical support to be used on a thin ultrabook, of course, the performance advantage SSDs are much faster than conventional hard drives.
It is indeed very pronounced, and when booting into Windows 7 operating system, it takes only about 17.59 seconds. To shutdown, in total only took 15.68 seconds. As for when returning from standby, it takes only 2.54 seconds.
Although a good facility power management, which allows the notebook capable active in standby mode for days, but if you use the app Batteries drained Eater, notebook battery can only last for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If used in normal mode, which is working with office applications, surf the internet via WiFi, streaming video, and enjoy multimedia files with a maximum screen brightness, the battery can supply power up to about 2 hours 55 minutes.
In Indonesia, Zenbook UX21 is marketed at a price of U.S. $ 1,099. The variants of the UX31 has a 13.3-inch screen is marketed for U.S. $ 1,199.
Advantages :
- The design of thin, lightweight
- Fast performance with SSD and USB 3.0 ports
Disadvantages :
- In normal mode, battery life normal
- LAN and HDMI via USB