Asus Announces ZenBook 3, a Retina MacBook Lookalike That is Thinner, Lighter, and Faster

[kingofwale]

Absolutely hilarious to see some people are so "scared" that their beloved Apple company's computer is inferior in any way to any other company's.

As a rMB owner since 2015. This is a great computer from Asus, it addresses a lot of problem rMB has. (shallow keyboard, expensive dongle, weak battery life and expensive price)....


Sure, go ahead and nitpick on their 1080P screen, fanboys, it sure doesn't make you look petty

 

[Rocket Man]

Hey Tim. The Prime Minister of India is on the phone, says you are not cutting edge anymore.

 

[Rigby]

Yeah, it's so annoying how everyone ignores screen resolution and other specs. That's what lets computer companies still get away with these crap 1920x1080 displays.

That's probably because 1920x1080 on a small 12" screen is far from "crap" in the real world, assuming the other characteristics (such as viewing angles etc.) are good. Personally I'd rather have slightly lower PPI on an ultra-portable if it gets me better battery life.

 

[sudo1996]

That's probably because 1920x1080 on a small 12" screen is far from "crap" in the real world, assuming the other characteristics (such as viewing angles etc.) are good. Personally I'd rather have slightly lower PPI on an ultra-portable if it gets me better battery life.

Agreed; I should have clarified that I mean the 20-27" desktop displays on NewEgg are crap if they're 1920x1080. On a laptop, it's an alright resolution but nothing fancy. Personally, since the new rMBP lasts around 8 hours on battery, I consider battery life a non-issue.

 

[technopimp]

Was it really necessary to call it a "lookalike" twice in that article? Especially since, it really doesn't look anything like the rMB?

I mean, I guess if it's a "lookalike" laptop because it folds in half, has a keyboard and a display, and a trackpad, then yes, it is quite a "lookalike". Otherwise, it seems as if the term is being used quite derisively. As in "You know, whatever-his-name-is?" sort of speak.

 

[wheelhot]

Doesn't seem like you have any idea what you are talking about.

Intel Atom has always been far behind on every level. Intel Atom has never shared the architecture, the same chipset or anything with the current generation Intel offering. It has normally been a pure low-powered offering based on architecture that is several years old.

It's not only the CPU itself being slow and dated in what it offers. The southbridge/chipset and it's SATA controller and everything was nowhere near the current generation performance and offerings.


Intel Core M is another beast entirely. It's based on current generation architecture, todays Intel Core m3, m5 and m7 shares the same architecture as every other Intel Skylake-based CPU's. And the southbridge/chipset is featuring the same current generation controller and offerings. There is nothing gimped about it at all. The only downside of the Intel Core M, and the whole point behind it is to offer something with such a low TDP that it can be run entirely fanless.

Regardless that it follows current generation architecture, performance wise it's similar to a 3 years old MBA, so the only thing you get is to run it fanless and probably more power efficient.

Though you do prove a point regarding, how much throttling this will have, battery life, loudness. So we'll wait and see the reviews.

I've got the Core i5 in my 2013 MacBook Air, and this machine keeps up with everything that I throw at it. It's not "slow" by any means, and the Core M is supposedly faster than this machine's processor. So I'm not sure where the complaints are originating from. The MacBook and MacBook Air are not "Pro"-targeted devices, yet many professionals use them every day to get the job done, without any compromises. The question becomes — what compromises would Apple have to make to cram a non-mobile processors into their thin laptops? I think and appreciate that they choose the processors that strike the best balance of performance and power consumption.

Depends on what you do, though I guess most MacRumors readers are either performance junkies or use their Macs for graphics designs or programming. And I wouldn't say without any compromises, there's compromises just people live to accept it. And I'm pretty sure most people are happy with MBA or the rMBP thickness. No one really cares for their notebooks to be super slim at the expense of processing power and ports.

Because Apple notebooks have to be paper thin and when paper thin the allowable battery size results in a battery life that is too short if powering a Core i7. There are few people using powerful laptops for work. So most of Apple's demographic are on government assistance/live with their parents and only need to be able to tweet, send email, and watch uTube videos. These are the only customers Apple cares about these days and who they design Apple products for.

Well I'm hoping the upcoming MBP refresh will be a good one.

Maybe the answer is that the Core M isn't actually horrible. It's about as fast as a three-year-old MBA. Where those horrible?

I guess the term horrible is relative.

 

[dilbert99]

who gives a hoot how "Thin" stuff is

I'd rather care about how light my laptop is, so both are different thicknesses but both still the same weight

 

[Reksy]

When is the last time you've used windows in a notebook? It can't compare. Then there is the far inferior screen. This thing is way overpriced compared to the macbook.

What are you talking about. That core M piece of junk doesnt match up to anything. Certainly not a cheaper laptop with an i7. The ONLY things about the new Zenbook 3 I don't like is the low color gamut on the screen and the one port nonsense. At least they're also including the dongle for the 1 port. The gamut, well, maybe a future revision. As for the 1080p resolution, that is good for 13" and better for battery and performance. You're still better off with an Air or Pro. Realistically, A good ultrabook on the windows side with Linux is also just as good (and more secure).

But really, only a fanboy in the distortion bubble could call the Macbook 12" a good device. It's really quite useless unless all you want to do is the most basic stuff. In that case, a previous years Pro is still better for the same cost. Has ports, good screen, performance, all the things you'd expect. Hell, I'd recommend an iPad pro over the 12" at this point.

 

[djlythium]

That blue finish is pretty neat.

 

[lordofthereef]

I honestly don't think this looks much like a MacBook aside from maybe the colors it comes in. Trackpad and keys look different. I mean it's a laptop that's thin so it's got those similarities. I think we've seen much extricated look a likes.

 

[Roobun]

Getting the new Macbook makes even less sense now than it ever did. I don't even understand how that's possible.

 

[Zedcars]

Not 100% sure about that, but as we are talking about a digital signature linked to your fingerprint and not the fingerprint itself, maybe it would be possible to simply have an option to "re-new" the signature to another one. But what would be a real life scenario where you want to revoke your biometric log in? We already have Touch ID in our iPhones / iPad so we can make this concrete – I haven't stumbled upon a discussion yet that the Touch ID system is flawed because you'll never be able to change your "fingerprint".

You can change your "fingerprint" in a number of ways:
1. Use different digits
2. Use your knuckle
3. Use your nose
4. Use your cat's/dog's paw
5. Use your penis!

No joke...

http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/21/touch-id-on-iphone-5s-can-be-used-with-more-than-just-your-fingers/

 

[MacBH928]

I guess the cat is out of the bag... Apple is no longer the only one to wow and amaze with design...
If someone can come up with an OS that is just as good and stable as OS X people will be flocking from Apple. Everyone is still with Apple for OS X. Of course, that is not going to happen so Tim will just continue to sell under-powered hardware for lunatic prices in 2016.

As for the thinner and lighter for portability, does any one else thinks that a portable device should be durable too because its more like to break and bend?

 

[unplugme71]

Fingerprint sensors included in our notebooks / desktop computer keyboards (in combination with a clever software communicating with our Internet browsers) to finally get rid of typing/saving passwords for every online account is SO overdue. It's by far the safest, easiest and fastest way, we wouldn't even need password managers like 1Password anymore. We have 2016, when will this finally happen?!

Still use 1Pass. Lots of things require passwords that don't offer finger auth

 

[Fancuku]

Which is fine if you want to do that - and I probably would have done that in the past. I just don't have time for that right now where I am in life (especially since I get paid hourly as an independent software developer - I could spend that time making $$$). Or if I enjoyed doing such things, I'd do it as well. But I have other hobbies I would rather spend the time on

But for many, many other people, what you propose is a very reasonable option. Good idea!

The good thing now with 10 is that the kernel already has most of the drivers, so no more time wasted looking on manufacturers websites for wifi drivers and such like you had to do in 7 and earlier.

 

[lars666]

Still use 1Pass. Lots of things require passwords that don't offer finger auth

Well, that's the idea behind it - that the whole system changes and passwords (logins etc.) are replaced by Touch ID. Of course it's not there yet.

 

[luxarcadia]

What are you talking about. That core M piece of junk doesnt match up to anything. Certainly not a cheaper laptop with an i7. The ONLY things about the new Zenbook 3 I don't like is the low color gamut on the screen and the one port nonsense. At least they're also including the dongle for the 1 port. The gamut, well, maybe a future revision. As for the 1080p resolution, that is good for 13" and better for battery and performance. You're still better off with an Air or Pro. Realistically, A good ultrabook on the windows side with Linux is also just as good (and more secure).

 

[vmistery]

I really love the blue apparently, time for apple to shake up its colour options? It will be interesting to see what the price of this actually settles at as I suspect it will be a tough sell at the prices they are initially asking from what is to most non techies a niche brand. What is less good is the fan but I guess if you want exra performance then this is what you have to compromise on in this form factor.

 

[Ianblackburn]

I would. I guess millions (minus MacRumors members) would, as long as it does not compromise the functionality I want out off it. The slimmer and lighter it is, the easier to carry around in my bags. If i want it to use it on my home desk, I would get a desktop.

Agreed!

And the other seemingly obvious point is that "thin and light" sells. I would guess this is the primary reason Apple pursue it, they know the masses will buy thin and light laptops over thick and heavy ones, and performance just needs to be good enough for most purchasers.

 

[actinide]

This is actually one of the most annoying aspects of Windows 10: All the pre-installed crap. It's not just ads like "Candy Crush", "Get Office", "Get Skype" etc., but also useless apps such as "Phone Companion" and "Xbox" that I don't want on my desktop. To make matters worse, some (like Xbox) can only be removed via command line. And when you create a new user account, they get preinstalled again. Not to mention that you need to spend half an hour disabling things after installation if you value your privacy. Windows 10 could be a really good operating system ... if Microsoft wasn't so pushy and invasive.

Yeah, and apple is not guilty of such practices get real. Within Windows you can delete those files form your hard disk. In case of apple there is no way around to delete the pre-installed crap in your device: stock, tips, gamecenter, safari, calendar, notes, photo booth, chess, quick time, dvd player, mail and the list goes on. They just take in space on your device, and in most cases there are far better third party apps..
So you bashing windows doesn't make any sense..
[doublepost=1464679572][/doublepost]

Exactly. I don't get all the, "well windows so forget it, I'll stick with OS X." There are more than two operating systems in the universe. Ubuntu has come a long way and is not hard to set up or use at all, and less user-friendly distros would scream on the that hardware. There are a lot of unique things I like about OS X, but when (probably to some extent, planned) obsolescence catches up with my air, it will become a very fast linux machine. I would never use windows again either, honestly I don't know why anyone does.

Earth to sero, earth to sero, that's because in the industry most applications run on windows: medical services, logistics, accountancy, automobile (robotic), army, engineering, gaming, science, design viz, etc. (OSX: luxury - show off - music, design and coding)

 

[MH01]

No surprise at all. Apple first gen products are a comprise , while holding back features for future updates . PC manufacturers make a version with better performance and more features .

Owning Apple products was not about the speed and features though , it was about the harmony between hardware and software, sadly that has been compromised in a major way with an annual OS update cycle. Snow leapord is still my favourite and most stable release .
[doublepost=1464680516][/doublepost]All things considered, I love my MacBook . It's so portable, and use it far more often than my MacBook Pro

 

[admob71]

No retina/HiDPI screen. Lost interest. (No wonder it's cheaper.)

Which is a shame as otherwise it looks quite nice.

It's 1080p.. how can that not be classed as the mythical retina?

 

[lowkey]

Looks like a nice range of machines. Its good that there is more competition in the market to keep everyone on their game.

That said, a non-retina screen would rule it out of my considerations. There's no way I'm ever going back to a non-retina screen.

The other negative for me would be fan noise. The absolute silence of my Macbook is really nice.
But its a great little machine for Windows applications...way better than the brick of a laptop my GF uses for her work...

 

[diipii]

ASUS today at Computex 2016 in Taiwan announced a wide range of new products, including the ZenBook 3, its third-generation ultraportable notebook that is thinner, lighter, and faster than Apple's lookalike 12-inch Retina MacBook.

The 12.5-inch ZenBook 3 has an ultra-thin 11.9mm aerospace-grade aluminum alloy chassis that weights just 2 pounds and is "50% stronger than the standard alloy" used in competing notebooks. Comparatively, the Retina MacBook is 13.1mm thick and weighs 2.03 pounds.

ZenBook 3's display is crafted from edge-to-edge, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 4, with a 1,920x1,080 pixels resolution and wide 72% NTSC color gamut. The notebook has a slim bezel design that provides an 82% screen-to-body ratio for a maximum viewing experience with a minimal footprint.

The Windows-based notebook is powered by up to an Intel Core i7 processor and features 16GB of 2133MHz RAM, up to 1TB of PCIe 3.0-based flash storage, and quad-speaker audio by Harman Kardon. Like the Retina MacBook, the ZenBook 3 has a single USB-C port for charging and connecting peripherals.

ASUS includes a dongle with USB 3.0, USB-C, and HDMI ports in the box, while a larger universal dock is available with additional connectivity options.

ASUS sacrificed a fanless design like the Retina MacBook has in favor of increased performance, but the ZenBook 3 has an innovative cooling system that features the "world's thinnest fan design" at just 3mm. The notebook delivers up to 9 hours of battery life with fast-charging technology for recharging up to 60% capacity in 49 minutes.

ZenBook 3 is available in three spun-metal finishes, Royal Blue, Rose Gold, and Quartz Grey, based on a two-phase anodizing process that creates golden highlights on the diamond-cut edges. Whereas the Retina MacBook's keyboard is always black, the ZenBook 3's keyboard matches the color of each finish.

The full-sized backlit keyboard also has 19.8mm key pitch and a slightly deeper 0.8mm key travel, compared to 0.5mm on the Retina MacBook's ultra-thin butterfly mechanism keyboard that some have contested. Next to the keyboard is a glass trackpad with palm-rejection technology, Smart Gestures, and handwriting support.

An optional built-in fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support enables users to sign in and unlock the ZenBook 3 with one finger tap, in lieu of having to type their password or PIN. Similarly, the 2016 MacBook Pro may feature Touch ID as Apple works on an unlocking-via-iPhone feature for OS X 10.12.

ZenBook 3 will be available in the third quarter of 2016, starting at $999 in the U.S. for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. A 512GB SSD model will sell for $1,499, while the top-range Intel Core i7 model with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD will cost $1,999.

ASUS also announced the Zenbo home robot, the ZenFone 3 Series, the ASUS Transformer 3 Series, and multiple other new products.

Article Link: Asus Announces ZenBook 3, a Retina MacBook Lookalike That is Thinner, Lighter, and Faster

Ive will say fat is the new thin.
Cook will say a load of spin, lies and dribble.
We will say Apple has lost the plot.

 

[lowkey]

But really, only a fanboy in the distortion bubble could call the Macbook 12" a good device. It's really quite useless unless all you want to do is the most basic stuff. In that case, a previous years Pro is still better for the same cost. Has ports, good screen, performance, all the things you'd expect. Hell, I'd recommend an iPad pro over the 12" at this point.

Umm. no. I love my Macbook. Its my main computer at work in a architectural office. Its not useless at all. Runs Indesign, photoshop, word XL, emails, web browsing no problems. The screen is beautiful. The keyboard is great and its so light i sometimes have to check to see if its actually in my bag. Sure it doesn't run Revit, but quite frankly no Mac does that very well.
A couple of the owners of the graphics company i share an office with have MacBooks and love them too. Just normal people who own businesses, do work and employ people. Its just that your insecurities can't accept it.