The problem is that OSX can be a deal breaker for many. PC OEM's tend to be more suspect when it comes to support and build quality too. It's not as cut and dry as rMBP > Zenbook > MBA.Basically I've just posted the information that I gathered during my own research and wanted to share it with other people to help them making their decision. I don't think I wasted time after all and in the end it even helped me making my decision.
My final verdict:
Macbook-Retina > Zenbook > Macbook Air.
If you do not have the budget to buy Retina-Version, than the Zenbook is really the best Laptop you can buy. I recognized that it is a little bit more expensive in the states but its still worth its price. I can afford the Retina and I felt that it would be a better investment, as I can be sure to sell it for at least 1000 (if not more) in 3-4 Years. At that time range the Zenbook would have became pretty much obsolete in resale value, as good as the Zenbook is for its price... it cannot be sold for a good amount of money.
The Zenbook would be the best investment for the presence while the Retina will exhibit its real value after time gone by and as good as the Screen of the Zenbook is, it sadly is still a 13inch screen with a DisplayRatio of 16:9 and its lacking a Display-Port.
...and I forgot to mention the most important point and basically the main reason why I came here: OSX.
Especially given the fact that I'm dissatisfied with the route that Windows is going with Win8... I will keep my Windows desktop machine for gaming... that's it. If I would not have gone the Mac-Route, than I would have picked Linux for my working environment... and that comes from a long time windows user.
The only thing I really needed was a laptop. That's why I decided that investing that money is worth it... given the fact that I need nothing else for the next couple of months and especially given the fact that I will extensively work with that machine cause of my study subject (computer science) I do bet that the screen will be worth its price tag. The upgraded Zenbook cots 1300 while the Retina-Macbook costs me 2000 (as I am Student). I felt that those 700 are totally worth it and will most likely pay out in the future.
For those who care, here is the typical Student check list:
50' inch TV for Soccer-Games - Check
Surround Sound System + AV Receiver - Check
Big Sofa were at least 4 friends can sleep - Check
Big Freezer - Check
PlayStation/Blu Ray Player - Check
...as I said, I'm fine and I thank god for that. Apart from that Freezer nothing got payed from my parents... I earned that money myself working for a construction company and "NO" I do not live at my parents house.
Next thing to buy is Final Cut Pro and a Full-HD camera.
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Asus Zenbook (13inch) vs. Apple Macbook-Air (13inch) / Macbook-Retina (15inch)
- Thread starter Sahee
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Who said that I am on a budget?
Ever shopped for a new car? If you care for value you should look for a nice deal on 2nd gen sandy bridge laptop.
The Retina MBP is the only choice with a display PPI > 200. The rMBP is disruptive and revolutionary - the Zenbook is evolutionary.
Value is personal, technological advancement is not. It really is that simple - the rMBP is a superior machine, and the Zenbook is a cheaper machine. End of discussion - don't compare apples to oranges... err, zenbooks.
Value is personal, technological advancement is not. It really is that simple - the rMBP is a superior machine, and the Zenbook is a cheaper machine. End of discussion - don't compare apples to oranges... err, zenbooks.
Has somebody tested Eclipse with the Retina-Macbook? I ask because I wonder if there are any Errors regarding scaling. My Retina-Delivery still takes 2-3 weeks, that's why I ordered a Zenbook UX32VD, it will arrive Thursday or Friday.
I will take that Device and go to my Apple Store than I will compare the Macbook Air, Macbook Retina and Zenbook UX32VD with each other. I will try to make a video but I cant assure it.
I will take that Device and go to my Apple Store than I will compare the Macbook Air, Macbook Retina and Zenbook UX32VD with each other. I will try to make a video but I cant assure it.
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I have an Zenbook Prime UX32VD and I would like to clear up some things.
#1 If you want to voice your preference of a Windows based product in a Mac forum, good luck to you. Most (not all*) Mac users are heavily opinionated and believe any products that aren't made by Apple are garbage. With that being said, I do own a MBP-retina Laptop with IPS display. It is very nice, I love the quality, the build, and it does what I want it to do. (Bootcamp of course!) (If only I had the money for the Thunderbolt Display...)
#2
You should be comparing the UX32VD with the Macbook Air. The MBP-Retina is definitely not in the similar price range, nor has even similar Ultra-Low Voltage hardware specs.
#3
My thoughts on the Zenbook Prime UX32VD. The screen is very nice, the built and anesthetics are good, but not nearly the same quality as the MBA.
The processor and discrete graphics are good, (no the 620m is not the same as the Intel 4000 HD, not even close. If I can get 5-10 frame rates more, especially in crucial low frame rate levels, the playable difference is very significant). Sound is slightly better than the MBA, the Zenbook's speakers are strangely oriented, so it sounds much better if you are at the side of the laptop (possibly the trackpad or keyboard is muffling the sound when sitting directly in front). Battery life ranges from 3-6 hours, depending on what settings I choose (brightness, discrete graphics, etc). The battery life isn't very good and I have to bring the charger with me, an understandable but crappy tradeoff for discrete graphics.
#4
Some gripes with the Zenbook. The screen is a hit or miss in most cases. My friend has the same model which has terrible backlight bleeding. There is noticeable keyboard flex in the laptop, when I press on the G&H keys in the center (not as unibody design unfortunately). There is no thunderbolt port, which I believe is the future despite having mini displayport and true USB 3.0 support. The stock model is $1299, and it is very slow (I am used to much faster machines, not ULV). The Zenbook performed much better after upgrading the memory from 4GB to 10 GB (2GB RAM is onboard, and another 2GB is in a dimm slot, replaced with 8GB dimm) and switching the 500GB HD with a 256GB Samsung 830 (should've gotten the Corsair Neutron GTX :-/). The total cost turn out to be around $1550-$1600 after performing the upgrades.
They should never make a 1080p resolution in a 13.3 in screen. The text is too small. I had to switch to a higher DPI, which some programs displaced the text in a odd function. I also watch and edit video and sound its either reading tiny text or taking a guess what something is (text is displaced or cutoff) in editing programs.
The design is too much like an Macbook Air. The least ASUS could've done was make a 15' inch ultrabook, with a larger battery, better dedicated graphics, add a Thunderbolt port and charge an extra $100-$200, offering the same thickness and portability. I am not overly disappointed, but leaves something to be desired.
If you want a laptop for college or business and occasionally want to play a little bit of Skyrim or Diablo III between flights, the Zenbook can do that just fine. I have a MBP-Retina and nice large desktop at home for more tedious gaming or video editing.
Most people here run Macs, and if you have the money for the MPB-Retina, get that instead of this. If you are deciding between a Macbook Air and the Zenbook, it will depend on what you are using the ultrabook for. Watching movies and some light gaming is much better on the Zenbook than the MBA.
As for if you can't get the Macbook Pro Retina, there are other more or less powerful alternatives, like the 1080P Lenovo Y580. You are getting the MBA or Zenbook mainly for its portability (the latter minus battery life.. :-/)
And kids aren't the only people that play games. Although it is hard to imagine a Korean War Vet playing Battlefield 3, or owning a Macbook Pro-Retina for AutoCAD.
#1 If you want to voice your preference of a Windows based product in a Mac forum, good luck to you. Most (not all*) Mac users are heavily opinionated and believe any products that aren't made by Apple are garbage. With that being said, I do own a MBP-retina Laptop with IPS display. It is very nice, I love the quality, the build, and it does what I want it to do. (Bootcamp of course!) (If only I had the money for the Thunderbolt Display...)
#2
You should be comparing the UX32VD with the Macbook Air. The MBP-Retina is definitely not in the similar price range, nor has even similar Ultra-Low Voltage hardware specs.
#3
My thoughts on the Zenbook Prime UX32VD. The screen is very nice, the built and anesthetics are good, but not nearly the same quality as the MBA.
The processor and discrete graphics are good, (no the 620m is not the same as the Intel 4000 HD, not even close. If I can get 5-10 frame rates more, especially in crucial low frame rate levels, the playable difference is very significant). Sound is slightly better than the MBA, the Zenbook's speakers are strangely oriented, so it sounds much better if you are at the side of the laptop (possibly the trackpad or keyboard is muffling the sound when sitting directly in front). Battery life ranges from 3-6 hours, depending on what settings I choose (brightness, discrete graphics, etc). The battery life isn't very good and I have to bring the charger with me, an understandable but crappy tradeoff for discrete graphics.
#4
Some gripes with the Zenbook. The screen is a hit or miss in most cases. My friend has the same model which has terrible backlight bleeding. There is noticeable keyboard flex in the laptop, when I press on the G&H keys in the center (not as unibody design unfortunately). There is no thunderbolt port, which I believe is the future despite having mini displayport and true USB 3.0 support. The stock model is $1299, and it is very slow (I am used to much faster machines, not ULV). The Zenbook performed much better after upgrading the memory from 4GB to 10 GB (2GB RAM is onboard, and another 2GB is in a dimm slot, replaced with 8GB dimm) and switching the 500GB HD with a 256GB Samsung 830 (should've gotten the Corsair Neutron GTX :-/). The total cost turn out to be around $1550-$1600 after performing the upgrades.
They should never make a 1080p resolution in a 13.3 in screen. The text is too small. I had to switch to a higher DPI, which some programs displaced the text in a odd function. I also watch and edit video and sound its either reading tiny text or taking a guess what something is (text is displaced or cutoff) in editing programs.
The design is too much like an Macbook Air. The least ASUS could've done was make a 15' inch ultrabook, with a larger battery, better dedicated graphics, add a Thunderbolt port and charge an extra $100-$200, offering the same thickness and portability. I am not overly disappointed, but leaves something to be desired.
If you want a laptop for college or business and occasionally want to play a little bit of Skyrim or Diablo III between flights, the Zenbook can do that just fine. I have a MBP-Retina and nice large desktop at home for more tedious gaming or video editing.
Most people here run Macs, and if you have the money for the MPB-Retina, get that instead of this. If you are deciding between a Macbook Air and the Zenbook, it will depend on what you are using the ultrabook for. Watching movies and some light gaming is much better on the Zenbook than the MBA.
As for if you can't get the Macbook Pro Retina, there are other more or less powerful alternatives, like the 1080P Lenovo Y580. You are getting the MBA or Zenbook mainly for its portability (the latter minus battery life.. :-/)
And kids aren't the only people that play games. Although it is hard to imagine a Korean War Vet playing Battlefield 3, or owning a Macbook Pro-Retina for AutoCAD.
You apple fan boys are ridiculous. You read between the lines way too much.
Did the OP ever say that the UX32VD beats the rMBP? NO! He simply was comparing on the fact that you do not get double the performance for double the price. And you don't. Unless you NEED the true quad core and better discreet graphics then the rMBP is a big waste of money. The screen on the UX32VD is amazing. I am typing this post on it right now. This is hands down the best screen I have ever seen in a laptop. And finally matte screens are making a comeback. None of this glossy crap here.
And if you are wondering who I am and what I use a laptop for. I am a CAD Designer / IT Manager. I use this laptop for my daily business as well as doing CAD work when I am away from the office (primarily in Inventor). It has never disappointed me. I also like that I can play starcraft 2 and diablo iii while I am on the road away from my main gaming PC.
Now for the UX32VD - MBA comparison. Yes this is the more true comparison. However the base model MBA comes with a slower i5 whereas the zenbook has a hyperthreaded i7. MBA is non upgradeable where as the zenbook can have it's HDD replace and up to 10gb of RAM installed (I have done this to mine therefore it is confirmed). I have $1300 invested into my UX32VD with 10gb of ram, 250gb Samsung 840 evo SSD installd. $1300 is the price of the 256gb ssd MBA which has a slower SSD, less ram, core i5 (i7 is another $150) and no discreet graphics. And Zenbook has two external monitor ports. mini vga and HDMI. Can drive two external displays simultaneously.
i've worked with MBA's, MBP's, and all sorts of other Apple products. The zenbook build quality (magsafe aside) is top notch and every bit as good as the apple products. It is made with durable aluminum with and excellent keyboard and touchpad. The touchpad features the same gesture controls of the apple touchpad.
And to the person complaining of the fan vents being right where your leg is... there are no vents on the bottom of the zenbook. They are at the back. There are two fans cooling both the CPU and the discreet graphics.
So hardware wise the zenbook UX32VD wins hands down over the MBA.
OS choice is personal preference. And if you prefer OSX then by all means go with the inferior hardware. I have been using windows computers since 1993 and never once have I seen the benefit to going Apple. You sacrifice compatibility and performance for a pretty interface. Every task I do on a daily basis is made harder on a mac.
Did the OP ever say that the UX32VD beats the rMBP? NO! He simply was comparing on the fact that you do not get double the performance for double the price. And you don't. Unless you NEED the true quad core and better discreet graphics then the rMBP is a big waste of money. The screen on the UX32VD is amazing. I am typing this post on it right now. This is hands down the best screen I have ever seen in a laptop. And finally matte screens are making a comeback. None of this glossy crap here.
And if you are wondering who I am and what I use a laptop for. I am a CAD Designer / IT Manager. I use this laptop for my daily business as well as doing CAD work when I am away from the office (primarily in Inventor). It has never disappointed me. I also like that I can play starcraft 2 and diablo iii while I am on the road away from my main gaming PC.
Now for the UX32VD - MBA comparison. Yes this is the more true comparison. However the base model MBA comes with a slower i5 whereas the zenbook has a hyperthreaded i7. MBA is non upgradeable where as the zenbook can have it's HDD replace and up to 10gb of RAM installed (I have done this to mine therefore it is confirmed). I have $1300 invested into my UX32VD with 10gb of ram, 250gb Samsung 840 evo SSD installd. $1300 is the price of the 256gb ssd MBA which has a slower SSD, less ram, core i5 (i7 is another $150) and no discreet graphics. And Zenbook has two external monitor ports. mini vga and HDMI. Can drive two external displays simultaneously.
i've worked with MBA's, MBP's, and all sorts of other Apple products. The zenbook build quality (magsafe aside) is top notch and every bit as good as the apple products. It is made with durable aluminum with and excellent keyboard and touchpad. The touchpad features the same gesture controls of the apple touchpad.
And to the person complaining of the fan vents being right where your leg is... there are no vents on the bottom of the zenbook. They are at the back. There are two fans cooling both the CPU and the discreet graphics.
So hardware wise the zenbook UX32VD wins hands down over the MBA.
OS choice is personal preference. And if you prefer OSX then by all means go with the inferior hardware. I have been using windows computers since 1993 and never once have I seen the benefit to going Apple. You sacrifice compatibility and performance for a pretty interface. Every task I do on a daily basis is made harder on a mac.
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I've personally never liked asus.
if i was ever to get anything except my rMBP(that I'm currently typing on
http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/x-series/x1-carbon/
http://www.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon/4505-3121_7-35299011.html
its carbon fibre, but remember, though tougher, its not even near to aluminum when it comes to recycle ability.
i was previously getting a MBA so was comparing that to it.
rMBP isn't comparable.
The X1 is known for a poor LCD quality, many security companies do not use Lenovo anymore since they are Chinese owned, and Lenovo quality/support has gone down in recent years.
I used to love ThinkPads, but I'll never buy a Lenovo.
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Apple can be suspect for Build quality also. Look at all the Toshiba SSD's failing in Air's lately. If a PC company was having all those failures people here would say "well yeah it's a PC" but when it happens to Apple it's over looked.
Apple needs to catch up with ASUS? I think you need to catch up to reality.
P.S. - ASUS does make some nice machines, but seriously... come on.
:/
I personally agree with you, but I don't neccesarily think Apple is at the top of the game in all areas.
These two:
Samsung ATIV 9 Plus: http://www.cnet.com/laptops/samsung-ativ-book-9/4505-3121_7-35796875.html
Zenbook Infinity: http://www.cnet.com/laptops/asus-zenbook-ux301/4505-3121_7-35827208.html
They really look like the give MBA a serious fight.
I agree with you too, lol. There are numerous other machines that are very nice, just like Apple machines.
It's the context the OP said it in, trolling, you know
I just read first 3 pages of this topic and need to say something... I can't really hold it...
OP, you are clueless.
From the moment you say that Microsoft step from Windows 7 to Windows 8 was amazing... You are CLUELESS.
And I can almost bet my money on that you are a ASUS sales rep or something, so much ******** in your posts... jesus...
As one other member said, your reasoning to make the Zenbook look better is just ridiculous.
Edit:
Comparing a rMBP with a Zenbook is just idiotic... I don't even know where to start.
PS. I work as a Windows and ESX Administrator in a Pharmaceutical company so I know what Windows is...
OP, you are clueless.
From the moment you say that Microsoft step from Windows 7 to Windows 8 was amazing... You are CLUELESS.
And I can almost bet my money on that you are a ASUS sales rep or something, so much ******** in your posts... jesus...
As one other member said, your reasoning to make the Zenbook look better is just ridiculous.
Edit:
Comparing a rMBP with a Zenbook is just idiotic... I don't even know where to start.
PS. I work as a Windows and ESX Administrator in a Pharmaceutical company so I know what Windows is...
So he's not allowed to have his own personal opinion about Windows 8?
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So you work at a company about 8years behind the times? Most Pharm. companies I know are still on XP or rolling out Vista.
<--works in IT for a Pharma Advert company, know how horrible Pharma Rep's machines are then they come into the office, and how much they hate their IT.
Not mine, sorry
We are almost 100% on Windows 7, only some special teams still have Windows XP due to in-house developed software.
As far as servers go, which is what I manage (not desktops...), our data centers are almost all now on Windows 2008 and 2012 will start deployment before end of year.
Whilst its all very well and good to try and compare such things, for my purposes it has to run OSX natively, and have enough bungee to run safari, pages, mail, and end note. Thats it.
Clearly the Asus falls down, and the macbook air is unbeatable.
I find myself wondering what proportion of people require anything like the computing power supplied by modern hardware.
Clearly the Asus falls down, and the macbook air is unbeatable.
I find myself wondering what proportion of people require anything like the computing power supplied by modern hardware.