Asus Zenbook (13inch) vs. Apple Macbook-Air (13inch) / Macbook-Retina (15inch)

[leenak]

Again, you are looking at a very specific model of the Zenbook. If someone was to compare an Air and a similarly Spec'd Zenbook, the Air would have a better processor but Zenbook would have a better screen. The Air would be cheaper (at least in the US) than the Zenbook.

If you had the Zenbook with the video card and want to make it similarly priced as the rMBP by adding SSD and memory (rMBP also has a higher memory capacity at 16GB), then the cost of the Zenbook would be fairly close to the rMBP while the rMBP would have a much better processor (quad core vs duo).

Of course it does sound like your Apple products in the EU are more expensive and possibly your Asus products are cheaper than we get in the US.

 

[zone23]

I have to say all those "other" laptops are great but the major reason for buying Mac's is to get OSX for me thats the bottom line. OSX and Linux are like brothers and I love that its like a professional version of Linux IMO.

 

[zerotiu]

I have to say all those "other" laptops are great but the major reason for buying Mac's is to get OSX for me thats the bottom line. OSX and Linux are like brothers and I love that its like a professional version of Linux IMO.

Indeed. I buy Apple because the effectiveness of me using OSX. Not the hardware bla bla bla

 

[Sahee]

I have to say all those "other" laptops are great but the major reason for buying Mac's is to get OSX for me thats the bottom line. OSX and Linux are like brothers and I love that its like a professional version of Linux IMO.

Linux is a Sandbox, you can have full access to the Operating-System. OSX limits you in your usage and most contents are hidden... as amateur programmer Linux is the better choice and its actually more professional than OSX. The reason for OSX in my opinion is not the OS alone, but the software which is build around it... this basically enhances the experience while using the device cause every piece of software has been custom fitted to the OS.

If someone want to use a laptop without feeling any edges, than an Apple Product is the "happy-go-lucky" package. I personally, as a longtime Windows Veteran see no advantage in using OSX, there is only one single reason for me to pick up a OS-X device and that's for having access to the Mac-OS. I'm eager for new experiences and its defiantly a good attribute to know everything about Windows, Linux "AND Macintosh as a Computer Science Student.

When it comes to usage I would most likely stick with Linux (for programming) and Windows for Software-Usage (Compatibility). The background of apple's commerce growth lies in business sections in which the computer device is only a marginal aspect of production. Musicians (DJ's)... Photographers or Video Editors for example, Macintosh (OSX) offers a smooth usage experience while offering all needed Software throughout online available, so it is very user friendly and because of that very useful for people who do not know very much about computers.

Maybe I lean myself to much out of the windows now... but in the sight of a consumer I see no reason for using a Apple-Laptop aside from aesthetics. It will not offer anything that Windows-PC's cannot offer in that case. All of the Computer-Professional's that I did have contact with do use Windows based laptops simply because of the fact that it is the most shared operating system on the planet. Well, some said that the App development of OSX-based systems is a paradise for coders and programmers but this section will come to Windows when "W8" arrives... and the Windows App-Store will have much more potential customers.

Last but not least,
I have lots of friends and I basically know a single guy who has a Mac. He is DJ and needs the device for his work. The funny aspect is that I never had anyone complaining about Windows 7, they mostly praise its usability.

 

[Fortimir]

Wow this thread won't die. The original post keeps getting re-written and edited. haha.

 

[leman]

Linux is a Sandbox, you can have full access to the Operating-System. OSX limits you in your usage and most contents are hidden... as amateur programmer Linux is the better choice and its actually more professional than OSX. The reason for OSX in my opinion is not the OS alone, but the software which is build around it... this basically enhances the experience while using the device cause every peace of software has been custom fitted to the OS.

Total nonsense. Sure, you have more choice in Linux, if by choice you mean tons (of often poorly) documented libraries which do the same thing. As far as compilers, profilers, development tools, documentation and APIs go, OS X offers the same tools as linux does and then more.

BTW: yes, you can even build your own OS X kernel. Apple even explains you how to do it.

 

[leenak]

Maybe I lean myself to much out of the windows now... but in the sight of a consumer I see no reason for using a Apple-Laptop aside from aesthetics. It will not offer anything that Windows-PC's cannot offer in that case. All of the Computer-Professional's that I did have contact with do use Windows based laptops simply because of the fact that it is the most shared operating system on the planet. Well, some said that the App development of OSX-based systems is a paradise for coders and programmers but this section will come to Windows when "W8" arrives... and the Windows App-Store will have much more potential customers.

Ok so you are a student going into Computer Science, you saw a pretty Mac so came to a Mac-based website and then decided to read a comments by a couple posters extolling the virtues of Linux and now you are a Linux fan '4 LYFE!!!'. Ok got that.

So how many 'Computer Professionals' do you know? Because I'm betting I know more than you. I know lots of people in the computer industry that use Macs for various purposes. When I started in CS, our programming was done on the Macs or on Solaris. Over the years, I've had various OSes on my systems from Windows 3.1 to Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, various iterations of Windows and now OSX. All of them served a function and I wouldn't say Linux was the best choice above all because you can compile code on any system. You can run tools on any system. And you can screw up majorly on any system.

You also want to get in on some Windows App development, sure go right ahead. Apple seems to have App development down. Windows? Not so much.

You want a good reason to look into OSX? Mac systems have been growing yearly while Windows systems have remained stagnant. You can run various operating systems on a Mac, including OSX, Windows, Linux, BSD, etc.

Money is always a consideration and yeah you can throw Linux on any old system and it'll run fine. You can boot it off USB as well. It isn't a bad place to learn but I would advise you to stop arguing against OSX/Macs because both are very viable and lots of 'Computer Professionals' do use them.

 

[Barna Biro]

Well, some said that the App development of OSX-based systems is a paradise for coders and programmers but this section will come to Windows when "W8" arrives...

Right... Just as it was with Silverlight and the whole "war" against Flash.
Silverlight came, Silverlight saw and Silverlight rolled over and died.

As the person above me has already pointed out, Apple has app development down and although it would be nice to see competitors like Microsoft trying to grab for a piece of the cake, history is not on their side. How many people you know with Windows phones? Yep, right, none...

Windows 8 will not change the face of the planet as some might think... It's a nice attempt from Microsoft trying to "reinvent itself" somehow, but they're a tab bit late at the dining table and again, history is not on their side... If they won't offer their devices significantly cheaper than the ones running iOS or Android ( and of course having similar or slightly better quality software / apps ), they won't get anywhere. People will continue buying and using iOS and Android devices.

 

[cmChimera]

Whoops. A real review is in.

 

[Maziar]

http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/5/3135319/asus-zenbook-prime-ux31a-review

Good Stuff:

Solid aluminum build
Fantastic (optional) 1080p IPS screen
Included dongles and sleeve

Bad Stuff:

Extremely annoying trackpad
Weak hinge
Sharp edges
On the pricier side

oops,didn't see the link in the post above....

 

[Maziar]

sorry,double post

 

[Sahee]

http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/5/3135319/asus-zenbook-prime-ux31a-review

Good Stuff:

Solid aluminum build
Fantastic (optional) 1080p IPS screen
Included dongles and sleeve

Bad Stuff:

Extremely annoying trackpad
Weak hinge
Sharp edges
On the pricier side

That's not the Zenbook I'm talking about . (UX32VD)
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-Zenbook-UX32VD-Ultrabook.75591.0.html

Trackpad has been rated good by most sites, it is very responsive on Windows 8 and Linux.

 

[macbook123]

Who the Retina-Macbook meant for?
Journalists and Coders.

They stare at monitors for hours and the Retina-Screen will reduce Eye strain. The funny thing is that both do not need the hardware, but there is no alternative on the market as a 13 inch (Zenbook) for example is too small do be viewed for several hours.

This paragraph really resonated with me. It's puzzling that there is no >13.3" laptop with a decent display AND focused on light-weight as opposed to performance. People have been asking for a 15.4" Air with IPS panel for years, but Apple doesn't seem to think they're many.

 

[jcpb]

A SSD cache is used to store, in non-volatile memory, the programs and files you use the most often. When you run them, the computer checks the SSD first to see if the files are there. If they are, the HDD isn't used. Only when there is new data that the SSD does not have that the system accesses the HDD.

Seagate Momentus XT does just that, pairing a 500GB / 750GB HDD with 4GB / 8GB of SSD cache. A small SSD as a cache drive is a logical extension to the idea.

It makes commonly used programs load very fast and allows bootup times akin to a computer with just a SSD for storage. The downsides being 1) you have to "train" the computer for it to figure out what you use all the time, and 2) it might be faster than HDDs alone, but it's still no substitute to a SSD.

------

This thread isn't a comparison between X number of devices, Sahee, it's basically an Astroturfed ghost-written review for the ZBP and a Kanye West rap battle against the MBPR.

To recap:
- You want people to agree with you that the ZBP is a better value than the MBPR simply based on pricing. On a Mac-centric forum. With zero consideration of everything else without a price tag.

If you are cost-conscious, don't buy Apple, problem solved. No need for stupid threads like this trying to reason - and fail hard at it - why a pot is better than an apartment hot water boiler unit.

- The MBPR is heavier and larger than the ZBP. So what? It has far more processing power on tap that makes many gaming laptops feel outdated.

- The good news about the GT 620M is it's faster than Intel HD4000. The bad news about the GT 620M is it's faster than Intel HD4000. In other words, it's crap.

- The ZBP in the configuration you described does not include a SSD. A HDD + SSD cache is all about meeting Intel's minimum requirements to use the Ultrabook(TM) moniker, and is at best faster than a HDD. This setup is still nowhere as fast AND responsive as a SSD.

- Intel ULV dual-core Ivy Bridge vs Intel standard-voltage quad-core Ivy Bridge. Furthermore, if you insist on using its integrated GPU, the ULV cannot run its GPU on Turbo all the time due to thermal restrictions.

- Up to 10GB RAM (unconfirmed) vs 8GB RAM minimum and 16GB RAM max.

- The ZBP screen is slightly better than the MBPR's, but it's nothing to write home about. Also 13" 1080p is so last year's tech - it's already possible to cram a 1600v resolution into a sub-7" LCD screen. ASUS even has a tablet smaller than the ZBP yet uses a 1200v IPS screen, with oodles more battery life to match.

My review is not bias-riddled

Overstatement of the week.

It is full of bias from the get-go and it only goes downhill from there.

 

[Sahee]

A SSD cache is used to store, in non-volatile memory, the programs and files you use the most often. When you run them, the computer checks the SSD first to see if the files are there. If they are, the HDD isn't used. Only when there is new data that the SSD does not have that the system accesses the HDD.

Seagate Momentus XT does just that, pairing a 500GB / 750GB HDD with 4GB / 8GB of SSD cache. A small SSD as a cache drive is a logical extension to the idea.

It makes commonly used programs load very fast and allows bootup times akin to a computer with just a SSD for storage. The downsides being 1) you have to "train" the computer for it to figure out what you use all the time, and 2) it might be faster than HDDs alone, but it's still no substitute to a SSD.

Well, did you actually recognize that the HDD can be replaced by an SSD? Its even a 6G Connector.
The 32GB dedicated SSD-Cache can be switched into a normal SSD, its possible two use it as a Linux partition. So when a SSD-Upgrade has been done you will basically have two SSD's in a single ultra portable device.

I mentioned this in my review but it seems like you did not effort to read it carefully.

- Up to 10GB RAM (unconfirmed) vs 8GB RAM minimum and 16GB RAM max.

When your main review site is "The-Verge" than this statement could be true... but it HAS been confirmed and it although has been done a million times on YouTube.

Example for Updated UX32VD:
i7@1,9GHZ (Turboboost 3,0GHZ) + 10GB DDR3 1600MHZ RAM + Nvidia 620M@1GB + 256GB (Samsung 830) SSD + 32GB Custom-SSD + Full-Size HDMI + 2x USB 3.0 + Mini VGA

Overall Cost: 1250-1300€ for this price you basically get the fastest Ultrabook on the market with the best laptop Screen on the market (except Macbook-Retina).

- The good news about the GT 620M is it's faster than Intel HD4000. The bad news about the GT 620M is it's faster than Intel HD4000. In other words, it's crap.

Benchmarks regarding the 620M which is used in the UX32VD show that it is clocked at the same performance as 540M of last generation Nvidia-Mobile GPU's. It runs Skyrim at Full-HD Resolution @30fps outdoor and @40fps indoors! When you turn down the Resolution to equal the Macbook-Air Resolution (equal 16:9 Resolution) it will have even better fps.

 

[InlawBiker]

If I had to get a Windows ultrabook it would probably be the Zenbook. Although it's an obvious Air copy, Asus makes good equipment. I've been buying their motherboards for a long time.

There's a definite backlash against Apple among the young techno-hipster crowd who will only use Linux, and then they'll eschew even the "mainstream" distros like Ubuntu because they are too L33T for it.

So speaking as a Linux expert and Windows user, I picked a Mac for home use so that's one more you can add to your list OP, and I'm not a DJ.

Even if an OEM manages to make a solid machine like a Zenbook, the trackpad is horrendous and you're still stuck with irritating quirks, antivirus, crapware, licensing, and awful resale value.

If you must run Linux spend as little as possible, like on an old Thinkpad T61p and put Ubuntu on it. That's a valid case for having a solid machine, a good OS and saving a ton of money.

 

[Sahee]

Source:
SSD Replacement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqe1-X_klr4
RAM Replacement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEUgIVB0shI&feature=related

I've been buying their motherboards for a long time.

I although rely on the Asus-Mainboards, they are the best build Mainboards on the market at the moment. Asus is known for high quality products. Last year's Zenbook model has been well received but the users asked for more display resolution, better Trackpad and Backlight keyboard. That's exactly what Asus offered this year... it seems like they do actually listen to their customers.

@On Topic:
When they add a Thunderbolt/Display-Port in the 2013 model than this device basically is perfect. Just to make something clear, the 2012 Zenbook model wins against the Macbook-Air 2012 in every aspect. Apple needs to catch up to Asus this time, which is not a bad thing. Lets see if Apple makes the step to improve their overall poor Air-Display's in the next Revision.

In Germany the demand on the Zenbook (UX32VD) is so huge that the estimated delivery on every remarkable online store is @1month or even more. All units have been sold out in about a week after release. (I know it because I wanted to buy one ).

 

[jcpb]

Well, did you actually recognize that the HDD can be replaced by an SSD? Its even a 6G Connector.
The 32GB dedicated SSD-Cache can be switched into a normal SSD, its possible two use it as a Linux partition. So when a SSD-Upgrade has been done you will basically have two SSD's in a single ultra portable device.

That's not the point.

This particular ZBP config uses a HDD-SSDcache setup because it is required under Intel's Ultrabook(TM) initiative - besides other equally important considerations, it must use either a SSD OR a HDD with a SSD cache.

What is the point of a SSD cache piggybacking a SSD drive? It's not two SSDs as you can't use the cache as 'bonus' storage, and the cache is irrelevant when you use a bona-fide SSD.

but it HAS been confirmed and it although has been done a million times on YouTube.

Point being?

i7@1,9GHZ (Turboboost 3,0GHZ) + 10GB DDR3 1600MHZ RAM + Nvidia 620M@1GB + 256GB (Samsung 830) SSD + 32GB Custom-SSD + Full-Size HDMI + 2x USB 3.0 + Mini VGA

ULV i7 1.9/3.0, 10GB RAM, GT 620M w/ 1GB GDDR3, 256GB SSD, 32GB SSD cache, HDMI, USB3 x 2, mini-VGA

Toss the 32GB SSD cache out - the system isn't going to boot up any faster when the mass storage itself is a SSD.

The GT 620M is literally the very entry-level of NVIDIA's 2012 mobile GPU line, it's designed to be a slightly-faster alternative of Intel's iGPUs with better game support, but nothing past that. It means the ZBP can game in a pinch... and that's about it.

Benchmarks regarding the 620M which is used in the UX32VD show that it is clocked at the same performance as 540M of last generation Nvidia-Mobile GPU's.

That's because the GT 620M IS for most intents and purposes a die-shrunken GT 540M. It's still not any better. It's now considered the bare minimum for discrete graphics.

Overall Cost: 1250-1300€ for this price you basically get the fastest Ultrabook on the market with the best laptop Screen on the market (except Macbook-Retina).

Which is the entire premise of your first post, hence why it is full of bias. It's not a fair comparison, either.

Why are you trolling?

Just buy your ZBP and stop arguing why it's better than the MBPR simply because it is cheaper.

 

[Fortimir]

That's not the Zenbook I'm talking about . (UX32VD)
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-Zenbook-UX32VD-Ultrabook.75591.0.html

Um, from all my research, the only difference between the model numbers here is the processor and SSD.

 

[Sahee]

Um, from all my research, the only difference between the model numbers here is the processor and SSD.

The UX32VD is the only Zenbook 2012 which can be customized. The Zenbook UX21A and UX31A have the RAM soldered and the SSD is about as hard to replace at the SSD in the Macbook-Retina.

This is a huge difference in my eyes .
The UX32VD has rarely been reviewed yet and if it has been considered, than sadly without optimizing it's specs with an SSD and RAM replacement. It seems like most testers do not see the potential regarding this option... or they don't care.

 

[fpsBeaTt]

Don't feed the troll.

----------

The UX32VD is the only Zenbook 2012 which can be customized. The Zenbook UX21A and UX31A have the RAM soldered and the SSD is about as hard to replace at the SSD in the Macbook-Retina.

This is a huge difference in my eyes .
The UX32VD has rarely been reviewed yet and if it has been considered, than sadly without optimizing it's specs with an SSD and RAM replacement. It seems like most testers do not see the potential regarding this option... or they don't care.

The only areas the Zenbook beats the in are upgradability and display; everything else, which the MBA either crushes or equals the Zenbook in, is more important for the targeted market. You're not going to bother upgrading RAM on a machine that's limited graphically and computationally, since if you need anything more than 8GB of RAM you're going to need a more powerful CPU and GPU anyway, and the SSD in the MBA and RMBP are removable anyway. Your arguments and logic are flawed, and I suspect you know it. Go and troll somewhere else.

 

[earwax69]

Everything else, which the MBA either crushes or equals the Zenbook in, is more important for the targeted market.

What are you smoking? The zenbook is clearly the winner against the Air. No wonder the Zenbook is seen as the best deal of 2012. Excellent spec/price ratio. You got a lot for your money.

I would not compare it to the rMBP though.

 

[fpsBeaTt]

What are you smoking? The zenbook is clearly the winner against the Air. No wonder the Zenbook is seen as the best deal of 2012. Excellent spec/price ratio. You got a lot for your money.

I would not compare it to the rMBP though.

I could ask you the same question, bub. Have you seen any benchmarks, have you seen how the HD 4000 compares to the GT 620? Have you seen how that SSD compares to a 5400RPM HDD? Have you seen the higher processing speeds of the CPU? Have you compared the battery life of the two? Have you compared the overall finish and trackpads?
In all these categories the air equals or thrashes the Zenbook, and for only around 10% more (less if you don't need 256GB capacity in an SSD, especially when you have something like Thunderbolt to assist, which the Zenbook also lacks).

So, I ask you, what are you smoking?

Edit: The standard of service from Asus is also shocking compared to that provided by Apple; I know, I've used both (including having used both pieces of hardware).

 

[ixodes]

These are three distinctly different computers. Why they're being compared seems like a clear intent to cause controversy.

 

[igiboi]

Have you actually used the zenbook? I'll agree with what you said about most windows laptops ... But the zenbooks actually feel pretty good

I have no doubts on asus. I had a laptop that Ive been abusing for a year now and its still running! lol!

I don't think you can compare rMBP to the zenbook. rMBP is an excellent system if I can afford it. But if I were to chose I would buy the zenbook over the air, since I get more. I could easily score a 120gb ssd for 70-80$ which the air has. Plus asus systems can take a beating, so I have no doubts on their quality. Tho the air is more sexy and it has osx which I prefer and I prefer all my stuffs to sync with each other.