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

[Sahee]

@FpsBeaTt
You are the only "troll" around here, you argue against me with false information. Do some research before you rate this thread to be wrong! Well, I'm sweet-natured enough to help you out on this purpose.

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?

Yes I've seen them, and the 620M performs significantly better than the HD4000, especially on FULL-HD Resolution. Its about 50% faster than the Onboard-Intel Chip! It even decreases workload on the CPU by bypassing GPU related processes to the dedicated graphics card.

Source: http://www.notebookcheck.com/Test-Asus-Zenbook-UX32VD-Ultrabook.75239.0.html
Look for the Benchmark-Section.

Video Benchmarks: (Note) The following Benchmarks have been made with factory configuration (4GB RAM and HDD). You can expect better results with RAM and SSD Upgrade.

Diablo 3
Full-HD with Anti-Aliasing / HD-Rdy with Anti-Aliasing
HD4000: 10 FPS / 14 FPS
620M: 21 FPS / 30 FPS

_______________

Crysis 2/ GTA IV Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5dz5qJAbhI
Notice: This Test has been done while running on Battery-Mode! Power-Supply was not attached to a electrical outlet! This makes the results even more outstanding.

620M: 30 fps on both games.
HD4000: 10 FPS or less.

_______________

Battlefield 3 ist not even comparable!
Source (German Language) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUJKCINBJPM
It's unplayable with the Onboard-Chip while the 620M achieves 30 FPS or even more on Medium+ Settings!

_______________

Conclusion:
The 620M performs dramatically better than the Onboard chip and its not a "junk" component like some guys here wanted to claim.

Have you seen how that SSD compares to a 5400RPM HDD?

First move after buying the UX32VD should be a SSD-Replacement, so this is not a question. Regarding SSD-Performance, the Samsung 830 is extremely fast and has a long living cycle. It perfectly fits in the Zenbook enclosure.

Have you seen the higher processing speeds of the CPU?

Yes I've seen them and as I said, the Quad-Core CPU is noticeable in Video-Editing, Games and every other 3D Application. In every other subject during normal usage, the i7 Dual-Core is fast enough. It's not all about Benchmarks.

Have you compared the battery life of the two?

Yes I've compared the battery life. The Asus UX32VD can achieve up to 8 hours of battery life when operating on Linux with some adjustments. Asus although offers special software for Windows to enable to machine to perform up to 6-7 hours on Windows. Meanwhile the rMBP will only last about 5-6 hours with a single battery charge.

Have you compared the overall finish and trackpads?

Read the comparison....

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).

Well, you're right. The Asus UX32VD lacks a Thunderbolt/Display Port. I've mentioned this in the first post. When you use a High-Resolution Display this could lead to problems. HDMI is only able to project a picture on a Screen with more than Full-HD by up scaling which looks bad. As I have a 24' inch Full-HD Display at my home this problem is not existent for me... and many users out there as well. I'm planning to buy a 4k Screen in the future but it will be connected with a separate desktop machine... not with a 13inch ultra portable.

So, I ask you, what are you smoking?

I hate 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).

Uuuuh, what are you talking about. There are Asus licensed Vendors everywhere here in Germany. I can basically go to nearly every store to let my problem get fixed as long as I did buy the component there (I do buy all my PC-Components at "Alternate"). If anything is wrong with the machine they fix it in a matter of minutes. The "Genius" Employees mostly do know as much about computers as my little sister to be honest.

...since I have been using Windows there has been a single time where I needed Service-Support. That was when a friend of mine wracked up my CPU-Chip by destroying several pins during mainboard implantation (I was not at home).

 

[leenak]

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.

And this is basically it. It is a MacBook Air competitor. Some people would still choose the Air over the Zenbook due to the Air styling, slightly better processor and OSX support.

Although I'd love an Air, it isn't practical for me and I hate using multiple computers.

 

[cmChimera]

First move after buying the UX32VD should be a SSD-Replacement, so this is not a question. Regarding SSD-Performance, the Samsung 830 is extremely fast and has a long living circle. It perfectly fits in the Zenbook enclosure.

In other words, the product requires upgrades to even be on par with the Macbook Air when it comes to performance.

Yes I've seen them and as I said, the Quad-Core CPU is noticeable in Video-Editing, Games and every other 3D Application. In every other subject during normal usage, the i7 Dual-Core is fast enough. It's not all about Benchmarks.

In other words, yes, the Macbook Pro performs substantially better than this computer. You just don't care about that, so you will ignore it and hypocritically state that benchmarks don't matter after posting a long string of benchmarks related to the 620m graphics card.

Also, last I heard, the Macbook Air's dual-core processor performs better than this computer.

Yes I've compared the battery life. The Asus UX32VD can achieve up to 8 hours of battery life when operating on Linux with some adjustments. Asus although offers special software for Windows to enable to machine to perform up to 6-7 hours on Windows. Meanwhile the rMBP will only last about 5-6 hours with a single battery charge.

In other words, the Asus doesn't last as long as the Macbook Pro which has seven hours of battery life not five unless you go out of your way to install linux and use it as your main operating system, and make some undisclosed adjustments.

Read the comparison....

In other words, yes. The Asus trackpad sucks. Badly.

Well, you're right. The Asus UX32VD lacks a Thunderbolt/Display Port. I've mentioned this in the first post. When you use a High-Resolution Display this could lead to problems. HDMI is only able to project a picture on a Screen with more than Full-HD by up scaling which looks bad. As I have a 24' inch Full-HD Display at my home this problem is not existent for me... and my users out there as well. I'm planning to buy a 4k Screen in the future but it will be connected with a separate desktop machine... not with a 13inch ultra portable.

In other words, the Asus is less versatile than the Macbook Pro or the Macbook Air.

...since I have been using Windows there has been a single time where I needed Service-Support. That was when a friend of mine wracked up my CPU-Chip by destroying several pins during mainboard implantation (I was not at home).

In other words, you're using Windows and not Linux like you implied earlier, and will suffer from significantly shorter battery life.

 

[Sahee]

In other words, the product requires upgrades to even be on par with the Macbook Air when it comes to performance.

When the Zenbook gets applied with a SSD-Udpate it is not only on "par" with the MBA, it beats it in every aspect. Ironically the MBA would still costs about 500€ more.

In other words, yes, the Macbook Pro performs substantially better than this computer. You just don't care about that, so you will ignore it and hypocritically state that benchmarks don't matter after posting a long string of benchmarks related to the 620m graphics card.

I never said that I don't care, I said that the user would not encounter a performance increase during normal usage, even when running games the Zenbook will achieve 30-40fps... what is it worth that the Macbook-Retina can achieve 80fps at Diablo 3? It's worth nothing. The Zenbook will fail at 3D-Programming/Video Editing. But who buys a ultra portable for this purpose... 3D-Programming gets done on desktop PC's with 27'+ Screens.

Also, last I heard, the Macbook Air's dual-core processor performs better than this computer.

Only If the user upgrades to i7 2,0 @3,3 GHZ Turboboost. Which makes the MBA cost about 200€ more. The i7@2,0GHZ + 8GB RAM Upgrade makes the MBA even cost about 1800€. This makes it cost 800€ more than the Basic-Zenbook and 500€ more than the "UPGRADED" Zenbook with 256GB and 10GB RAM. That's when we talk about value. I did leave the MBA CPU upgrade out of the comparison because of the ridiculous increase in pricing.

In other words, yes. The Asus trackpad sucks. Badly.

I dont know what you are talking about, have you tested the Asus-Trackpad yet? It has a outstanding behavior on Linux and W8.

In other words, the Asus is less versatile than the Macbook Pro or the Macbook Air.

If you do need a Thunderbolt-/Display Port... of course. I do think that a 24'inch Display@ Full-HD Resolution is enough working space. 4K Resolution Screens should be connected with powerful desktop PC hardware to get the maximum use of it.

In other words, you're using Windows and not Linux like you implied earlier, and will suffer from significantly shorter battery life. The Asus doesn't last as long as the Macbook Pro which has seven hours of battery life not five unless you go out of your way to install linux and use it as your main operating system, and make some undisclosed adjustments.

I never said that I'm using Linux as Main-OS. I always work with Windows while Linux is a separate Partition. While I am at University I switch to Linux, as I am using Eclipse... this actually also increases the battery life. I did that before with my old Lenovo Thinkpad which had 1 hour more Battery life because of that switch. Basically I do get my 7-8 Hours Battery-Life when I am at university and this is basically the only location where I do need that amount.

 

[cmChimera]

When the Zenbook gets applied with a SSD-Udpate it is not only on "par" with the MBA, it beats it in every aspect. Ironically the MBA would still costs about 500€ more.

So...how does that refute what I said?

I never said that I don't care, I said that the user would not encounter a performance increase during normal usage, even when running games the Zenbook will achieve 30-40fps... what is it worth that the Macbook-Retina can achieve 80fps at Diablo 3? It's worth nothing. The Zenbook will fail at 3D-Programming/Video Editing. But who buys a ultra portable for this purpose... 3D-Programming gets done on desktop PC's with 27'+ Screens.

YOU won't encounter a difference in performance because you don't do anything that requires more processing power. You are not the benchmark for what a user needs in a laptop. If you were speaking only for yourself, then it would be reasonable. But you are preaching that the Asus is a better value as a whole, which is simply untrue.

Only If the user upgrades to i7 2,0 @3,3 GHZ Turboboost. Which makes the MBA cost about 200€ more. The i7@2,0GHZ + 8GB RAM Upgrade makes the MBA even cost about 1800€. This makes it cost 800€ more than the Basic-Zenbook and 500€ more than the "UPGRADED" Zenbook with 256GB and 10GB RAM. That's when we talk about value. I did leave the MBA CPU upgrade out of the comparison because of the ridiculous increase in pricing.

So does the buyer of the Macbook Air have the ability to outperform the Asus?

I dont know what you are talking about, have you tested the Asus-Trackpad yet? It has a outstanding behavior on Linux and W8.

The Verge said the trackpad was "extremely annoying".

If you do need a Thunderbolt-/Display Port... of course. I do think that a 24'inch Display@ Full-HD Resolution is enough working space. 4K Resolution Screens should be connected with powerful desktop PC hardware to get the maximum use of it.

The Mac user won't have to buy that desktop unit. Value.

I never said that I'm using Linux as Main-OS. I always work with Windows while Linux is a separate Partition. While I am at University I switch to Linux, as I am using Eclipse... this actually also increases the battery life. I did that before with my old Lenovo Thinkpad which had 1 hour more Battery life because of that switch. Basically I do get my 7-8 Hours Battery-Life when I am at university and this is basically the only location where I do need that amount.

The Mac user has it on Mac OS X.

 

[InlawBiker]

While I am at University I switch to Linux, as I am using Eclipse...

So, you're at University but you don't understand why a professional would use a Mac? Why don't you come back when you're a professional and not a student.

 

[leenak]

It never ends..

You do realize that the Asus processor is slightly less than the base MB Air processor, right?

So I wouldn't use my corporate discount as an example but If was going to buy a laptop were portability was my main concern, I'd most likely buy the Air.

I'd upgrade the processor to the 2.0GHZ and upgrade to 8GB RAM. That'd be more than enough for a laptop where portability is the primary concern. The cost in US dollars for that is $1699 (my cost would be less but I won't apply the discount for the sake of the example).

So then you look at the Asus, better screen, no one is arguing that. $1299 base cost in US dollars. A Samsung 830 256GB SSD is about $270 or so. You can get an 8GB Dimm for $60. Add that to the Asus. So then you have one computer at approximately $1629 with a better display+2GB more memory or a system for $1699 with a better processor. With the Asus, you can upgrade the SSD so you do have potential later on of having more disk space but personally, I don't like storing too much data on a portable system.

So the price difference isn't huge for those in the US at least and the spec difference isn't huge. For me, I'd also get the MB Air for much less than the retail price bringing it under the cost of the Asus.

 

[01mggt]

Call me a fanboy if you want. but after so many years of using Apple products, I can't stand the look and feel of the PC counterparts. They all feel cheaply built and tacky. Not to mention I absolutely can't stand using windows vs OS X. And Windows 8 makes that even more true. In all honesty, I can barely spend more than 5 minutes looking at non apple laptops in the store before moving onto the Macs. Yes, there are some nicer PC laptops, but most of those are extremely expensive (like Apple) and 99% of those borrow so many apple based looks it's not even funnny.

 

[Sahee]

It never ends..

You do realize that the Asus processor is slightly less than the base MB Air processor, right?

So I wouldn't use my corporate discount as an example but If was going to buy a laptop were portability was my main concern, I'd most likely by the Air.

I'd upgrade the processor to the 2.0GHZ and upgrade to 8GB RAM. That'd be more than enough for a laptop where portability is the primary concern. The cost in US dollars for that is $1699 (my cost would be less but I won't apply the discount for the sake of the example).

So then you look at the Asus, better screen, no one is arguing that. $1299 base cost in US dollars. A Samsung 830 256GB SSD is about $270 or so. You can get an 8GB Dimm for $60. Add that to the Asus. So then you have one computer at approximately $1629 with a better display+2GB more memory or a system for $1699 with a better processor. With the Asus, you can upgrade the SSD so you do have potential later on of having more disk space but personally, I don't like storing too much data on a portable system.

So the price difference isn't huge for those in the US at least and the spec difference isn't huge. For me, I'd also get the MB Air for much less than the retail price bringing it under the cost of the Asus.

The Asus-Processor is faster than the MBA standard Processor (i7 1,9GHZ Dualcore vs. i7 1,8GHZ Dualcore)... I did not notice that the Zenbook UX32VD costs 1300$. After I visited some US stores to check this statement I actually think that is a amazing move from Asus! Normally PC-Vendors do sell their product's at the same price (which means 1300 Dollar = 1300 Euro, which is in fact not the case with this purchase).

Apple wants me to pay 2200€ for a Base Retina-Macbook, thats 2700 Dollars! That's basically a Ripp-OFF in my opinion. The US residents seems to be in favor when it comes to Apple products... while people in Europe can buy Asus products cheaper.

So...how does that refute what I said?

...don't be childish. Forums are not meant for straight conversation. We can continue this by private message if you want to. It's sad if the only reason for you to complain about my postings is to refute me.

YOU won't encounter a difference in performance because you don't do anything that requires more processing power. You are not the benchmark for what a user needs in a laptop. If you were speaking only for yourself, then it would be reasonable. But you are preaching that the Asus is a better value as a whole, which is simply untrue.

As I said before, Quad-Core CPU's are pure overkill for most users. Dual Core CPU's will achieve exactly the same performance during normal usage when the Chip-Clock is the same (Turboboost 3,0GHZ [Asus] vs. 3,3GHZ [Macbook-R]).

So does the buyer of the Macbook Air have the ability to outperform the Asus?

No he does not, even when you upgrade the Macbook to the Ultimate Spec it will still only have the onboard Graphics. The Upgraded Zenbook (costs 1300€ in Europe) will always perform better than the Macbook Ultimate.

The Verge said the trackpad was "extremely annoying".

The Verge is the only Review-Site I know that complained about the Trackpad, but they do complain about every Trackpad which is not made by Apple, that said even Anandtech praised its responsiveness.

The Mac user won't have to buy that desktop unit. Value.

Only if the "Mac" User is working with the rMBR which costs 1000€ more then the Zenbook. With 1000€ spare money a Desktop Replacement isn't hard to configure.

The Mac user has it on Mac OS X.

...and is paying a premium price for it.

 

[bobr1952]

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

Not much controversy according to the poll results.

 

[Sahee]

Not much controversy according to the poll results.

Well, I never intended to promote the Zenbook or anything and I'm fine with the fact that the Macbook-Retina is the favorite Device for most users around here, I even expected this result... well, I can't understand why the Macbook-Air is rated above the Zenbook but that's maybe because in the United States they both cost about the same. The basic question in this case would be: Fantastic Display or OSX? Many people would chose the OS.

 

[leenak]

The Asus-Processor is faster than the MBA standard Processor (i7 1,9GHZ Dualcore vs. i7 1,8GHZ Dualcore)... I did not notice that the Zenbook UX32VD costs 1300$. After I visited some US stores to check this statement I actually think that is a amazing move from Asus! Normally PC-Vendors do sell their product's at the same price (which means 1300 Dollar = 1300 Euro, which is in fact not the case with this purchase).

Apple wants me to pay 2200€ for a Base Retina-Macbook, thats 2700 Dollars! That's basically a Ripp-OFF in my opinion. The US residents seems to be in favor when it comes to Apple products... while people in Europe can buy Asus products cheaper.

I was basing off the specs I saw on various sites, Amazon for one lists this as the processor for the UX32VD:
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Zenbook-...trabook/dp/tech-data/B00863L2MS/ref=de_a_smtd
Processor: 1.7 GHz Core i7-3517UM

Now that can be wrong but that is what I was basing my comment on.

And the difference between prices could be for various reasons, Apple is a US based company and can probably sell in the US much cheaper than they can sell in the EU. For Asus, it is probably similar cost to sell in the US and the EU.

The price comparison argument does seem more valid in the EU so you are paying a premium. But all in all, it comes down to preference and needs.

 

[Sahee]

I was basing off the specs I saw on various sites, Amazon for one lists this as the processor for the UX32VD:
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Zenbook-...trabook/dp/tech-data/B00863L2MS/ref=de_a_smtd
Processor: 1.7 GHz Core i7-3517UM

Now that can be wrong but that is what I was basing my comment on.

And the difference between prices could be for various reasons, Apple is a US based company and can probably sell in the US much cheaper than they can sell in the EU. For Asus, it is probably similar cost to sell in the US and the EU.

The price comparison argument does seem more valid in the EU so you are paying a premium. But all in all, it comes down to preference and needs.

Well, now I do understand why some users claim that the MBA has a better CPU. The spec information on Amazon.com is defiantly wrong and I can assure you that the Zenbook with i7 configuration is running on a dual core with 1,9GHZ clock speed and 3,0GHZ Turboboost.

Regarding the pricing... it seems like the upgraded Zenbook costs more than the Base Macbook-Air in the United States. I did not expect that, my review is based on prices in Europe.

 

[Barna Biro]

The US prices many times don't include the Tax you have to pay after the purchase... all European prices on the other hand include VAT + whatever else. Also, it depends "from where in Europe" you buy the product... in Switzerland VAT is 8%, meaning that stuff around here can be quite cheaper than Germany, Italy, Spain, England and other European countries.

 

[Barna Biro]

Well, now I do understand why some users claim that the MBA has a better CPU. The spec information on Amazon.com is defiantly wrong and I can assure you that the Zenbook with i7 configuration is running on a dual core with 1,9GHZ clock speed and 3,0GHZ Turboboost.

Regarding the pricing... it seems like the upgraded Zenbook costs more than the Base Macbook-Air in the United States. I did not expect that, my review is based on prices in Europe.

Sorry, but what's with that "I can assure you" nonsense? When someone will order the notebook form Amazon, he / she will get what is displayed on the website and not a magically upgraded CPU at 1.9 GHz. Seriously, are you an Amazon employee by any chance? I doubt you are so please don't claim you can guarantee anything... It just makes you and your previous affirmations even less credible.

 

[leenak]

The US prices many times don't include the Tax you have to pay after the purchase... all European prices on the other hand include VAT + whatever else. Also, it depends "from where in Europe" you buy the product... in Switzerland VAT is 8%, meaning that stuff around here can be quite cheaper than Germany, Italy, Spain, England and other European countries.

And the tax is a local tax, not a country based tax. Buying from retailers, such as Amazon, means you pay no tax in the US. Some states in the US also have no sales tax. The highest state/local taxes for any location may be around 9% in the US? My state does have tax (6%) but Apple is also pretty free with their Corporate and Student discounts meaning you can often get a discount greater than the tax. For instance, it was a better deal for me to buy with my corporate discount and pay tax rather than buy from a no-tax place like Amazon.

 

[Barna Biro]

And the tax is a local tax, not a country based tax. Buying from retailers, such as Amazon, means you pay no tax in the US. Some states in the US also have no sales tax. The highest state/local taxes for any location may be around 9% in the US? My state does have tax (6%) but Apple is also pretty free with their Corporate and Student discounts meaning you can often get a discount greater than the tax. For instance, it was a better deal for me to buy with my corporate discount and pay tax rather than buy from a no-tax place like Amazon.

Of course... What I wanted to point out is that people should stop looking at raw numbers because depending on where they live ( what additional taxes might apply, what deductions they might be eligible for + many more factors ), things can lead to totally different final numbers than the one displayed on a website. Again, there can be quite a few variables in play that many people seem to ignore or are not aware of their existence.

 

[Sahee]

Sorry, but what's with that "I can assure you" nonsense? When someone will order the notebook form Amazon, he / she will get what is displayed on the website and not a magically upgraded CPU at 1.9 GHz. Seriously, are you an Amazon employee by any chance? I doubt you are so please don't claim you can guarantee anything... It just makes you and your previous affirmations even less credible.

Are you kidding me? Just read the customer reviews on amazon.com if you don't believe me, they do mention that the i7 is actually 1,9 Dualcore, not a 1,7 Dualcore... its not my fault if amazon.com is to dumb to make proper hardware specifications, seriously! When you visit Amazon.de you will the the real hardware spec, gladly Amazon.com is the only online store I know which has this typing failure... but well I see how this thing turns out. Please ask yourself: Why should I lie to anyone?

 

[Barna Biro]

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Superior_Mobility/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX31E/#specifications Official website states that the i7 CPU is "Intel® Core™ i7 2677M Processor" which is clocked at 1.8 GHz based on Intel's website and is a 2nd generation Sandy Bridge processor ( http://ark.intel.com/products/54617/ ).

Although Ivy Bridge is not a huge amount faster than Sandy Bridge, it's still faster... so a 2nd gen i7 at 1.8 Ghz is a tad bit slower than an equal 3rd gen i7 at 1.8 Ghz.

Only one Amazon review states it comes with an 1.9 GHz processor instead of the 1.7 GHz as stated in the product description... as far as I am concerned / we know, that k0wk0w user can be you. No credibility there... sorry.

Maybe I've missed something... Do please enlighten me ( but with some real facts this time ).

Why should I lie to anyone?

I don't know and I don't care why would YOU lie to anyone... All I know and see is that you're not really putting any effort into posting some "real facts" and not just bold affirmations. Show numbers and specs and we can discuss from that point on... with assumptions, you can just as easily walk your dog in the park ( assuming you have a dog ).

 

[Sahee]

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Superior_Mobility/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX31E/#specifications Official website states that the i7 CPU is "Intel® Core™ i7 2677M Processor" which is clocked at 1.8 GHz based on Intel's website and is a 2nd generation Sandy Bridge processor ( http://ark.intel.com/products/54617/ ).

Although Ivy Bridge is not a huge amount faster than Sandy Bridge, it's still faster... so a 2nd gen i7 at 1.8 Ghz is a tad bit slower than an equal 3rd gen i7 at 1.8 Ghz.

Only one Amazon review states it comes with an 1.9 GHz processor instead of the 1.7 GHz as stated in the product description... as far as I am concerned / we know, that k0wk0w user can be you. No credibility there... sorry.

Maybe I've missed something... Do please enlighten me ( but with some real facts this time ).

I'm not talking about the UX31E which is the last years model (your link is pointing to this model).
UX32VD: http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Superior_Mobility/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX32VD/#specifications
Processor: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-3517U+@+1.90GHz

Are you satisfied now? The reason why I made this thread is to compare the most eye catching devices of 2012... I wanted to point out that other Computer Company's did manage to be compared with Apple products which is quite an achievement. If you would read my entry post than you would clearly see that it states that the Zenbook UX32VD is running a i7 Dualcore @1,9GHZ. Why did you questions this?

No offense but there also been some guys who did not believe that the HDD and Ram can be replaced... some times I wonder if people even read what I'm writing and I have better things to do... Google basically is confirming all my posted information, if anyone still questions my fidelity.

Finally Just a joke aside: I don't wonder that the Zenbook is not well known in the US, when Amazon.com is even to lazy to make proper hardware specifications...

 

[Barna Biro]

Yep, my bad... I did not observe model number, I apologize for the confusion.

Well, all that I can say is that great that you like it. For me personally it's not suitable. Although some people might find the display and resolution as something "cool", I am just semi-confortable with the 15" MBA at 1680x1050 rez... can't even imagine how horrible would it be ( for me ) to work on a 13.3" display at Full HD resolution.

Large screen resolution is not everything... Although the real-estate is nice, but I would not want to stare each day at thousands of line of code on such a small screen with such a resolution.

1440x900 for me is just right and although OSX is not a "must", it's still nice to know it's there and I can start playing around with some iOS app development if I ever feel so. As for the entire Linux thingie... it really depends on what you're planning to do in the future. In case you'll do Java development than Linux is an option or if you suddenly want to become a System Administrator instead... other than that, I'd personally never use Linux as a development environment ( too much hustle, too many incomplete and badly written libraries, too few well write IDEs to use or other software in general, etc. ). Again, just personal preference...

If you think the Zenbook fits your needs the best, great! I myself have not so long ago ordered a maxed out 13.3" MBA and waiting for it to arrive.

 

[Sahee]

I do understand your concerns regarding Full-HD Resolution on a 13'inch Display and I do share them. If I was about to buy the Zenbook I would use the Scaling-Options of Windows 8 to make the Resolution being scaled... basically the same procedure as with the Macbook-Retina.

Many people do compare Display-Resolution with Workspace. I think that the word "Display Resolution" is misleading, we are talking about "Pixel"-Resolution. A computer device with more Pixel-Resolution provides a sharper image. The user is always able to customize this Pixel-Resolution to show as much Space as he likes, while the pixels themselves stay as sharp as before. So you can use that Full-HD 13inch to perform like a Macbook-Air in case of Display-Space by using software scaling options... it will still have the better LCD-Panel (which is causing a sharper image).

Site notice: I'm not talking about lowering the Resolution of the screen, which would mean a decrease in image quality.

 

[Barna Biro]

Software scaling is just not good enough and a ton of applications aren't correctly optimized ( this is why I gave the rMBP back... scaling for me is not an option, it's either good, or it's either crap... I see enough hacks on a daily basis anyway and I just don't want to start hacking resolution / scaling now ). Sharper image stuff in my opinion is a tad bit overrated too ( 99% of the users will never notice they are not looking at a 'mega-sharp image' on MBA non-IPS screen... it is only noticeable when you put the two displays next to each other )... Again, it might be great for some people, but it's not that great for my needs.

No matter how many pixels the screen might have, badly written code will always look bad.

 

[7even]

Well, I never intended to promote the Zenbook or anything and I'm fine with the fact that the Macbook-Retina is the favorite Device for most users around here, I even expected this result... well, I can't understand why the Macbook-Air is rated above the Zenbook but that's maybe because in the United States they both cost about the same. The basic question in this case would be: Fantastic Display or OSX? Many people would chose the OS.

What's this site called, again?

 

[bossxii]

Hardware is hardware, I use Apple products for the software. If I need Windows I can easily run Win7 or whatever on the Macbook line, if I need OSX, it's only going to happen on the Macbook line.

I don't keep a laptop more than 2 years so the initial price vs resale value is night and day from a Macbook of any kind vs the wide spread line of Windows laptops. Buy a Windows based PC, lose 50% out of the store, two years in your down 25% of retail if your lucky. Two years in on any Macbook Pro, iMac etc... I've maybe lost 25% to 30% from retail. If you want the latest and greatest tech along with the ability to not lose your A$$ in resale value the retina Macbook, MBP or MBA will be the smarter money all day long.

I don't buy Macbooks for their hardware spec's so comparing spec's is rather pointless. This is the same road Android fans run down screaming how cool the hardware is all the while the OS lags, is outdated and it becomes a pointless sausage fest of idiots talking about things anyone tech savvy enough to do the comparison shopping already knows why they buy a certain brand.

Software is why each camp buys the machines they buy. Sure there are a few people building Hackintoshes, but in the laptop world it's pretty clear cut what an OSX user is going to buy.