ExcaliberPC's Buyer Comparison Guide (essentials at a glance)
Comparing the 6 new 13.3" Zenbooks, UX31A and UX32 series
The UX31A are all Asus "Zenbook Prime" which features IPS FHD display and SSD drives, and Ivy Bridge CPU.
Here are the key difference within these 4 models:
UX31A-DH71: Ivy Bridge I7-3517U 3rd gen CPU, 256GB SSD, Windows 8
UX31A-XB52: CPU is Ivy Bridge I5-3317U 3rd gen CPU, 256GB SSD with TPM, Windows 7 Professional
UX31A-DH51: CPU is Ivy Bridge I5-3317U 3rd gen CPU, 128GB SSD with no TPM, Windows 8
The UX32 series a bit more complex to compare, few observations, UX32 series only have 48W battery compared to 50W on the UX31A and use hybrid drives instead of pure SSD
Here are the key difference within these 3 models:
UX32VD-DH71: best of these 3 with IPS FHD, i7 Ivy bridge i7-3517U 3rd gen CPU, 500GB hybrid with 24G SSD, dedicated graphics GT 620M 1GB, Windows 8
UX32A-DB51: standard HD display(not IPS) at lower res than above, i5-3317U as opposed to i7 above, no dedicated graphics
UX32A-DB31: same standard HD display as DB51, 2nd gen CPU of i3-2367, 320GB hybrid hard drive, various accessories not included
ExcaliberPC's Buyer Comparison Guide Extended
Asus launched 3 new models of their venerated Zenbook on Dec 26th, 2012. The update is mostly to update the line to the new Windows 8 Operating System. Please see the chart below for a more complete comparison. Notable specification differences are highlighted in yellow highlight and red lettering.
Let's take a look at a few things, starting with the UX32A-DB31, the pricing makes it an extremely purchase for the entry level buyer but please remember it does not have the Ivy Bridge CPU or the IPS display and is missing the extra accessories. The thing of note is the UX32VD-DH71, it has the high end Ivy Bridge i7-3517U CPU and the new IPS FHD 1920*1080 resolution LCD panel in addition to having dedicated graphics. The UX31A line is easy to compare, all have the same IPS high res LCD and SSD though different sized SSD. The differences are in the CPU, TPM, and OS. Please also note that the battery capacity is higher than Asus global website's spec which rates the battery at 30W.
The main competitors to these 7 models are the Apple MacBook air.
ASUS ZENBOOK Prime UX31A
Stylish slice of ultra-portable entertainment
- Gorgeous full HD IPS display and artistic backlit keyboard light up your fun
- High speed SSD cuts down loading times and annoying waits
- Powered by up to 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processors with Ivy Bridge tech
- Harmonic balance of professional and recreational living with superior efficiency and great multimedia enjoyment
Working elegance
- Instant on 2-second resume, automatic data backup and recovery, plus 25% more battery life than other ultrabooks!
- USB Charger+ extra zippy device charging tops up all your other portables via USB
- Responsive performance and battery saving modes for different situations
Deluxe play
- Full HD IPS anti-glare panel offers 350cd/m2 brightness
- Sound done by exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio, co-developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower
Singularly impactful beauty
Setting new standards in technology and fashion, ZENBOOK Prime measures just 3mm front and 9mm back. It uses precision-crafted aluminum throughout its monoshell build, ensuring light durability. The cover features finely-etched concentric circles that embody the infinite nature of Zen thinking, and the entire design has been optimized to offer a holistic approach towards combining beauty with speed, and balancing work with play. To maintain this look and feel, ASUS has developed a lineup of ZENBOOK Prime accessories that are just as attractive and sophisticated.
Trend-setting speed and power
ASUS engineering has been able to accomplish the feat of bestowing ZENBOOK Prime with uncompromising technical excellence despite its ultra-suave and compact form. Up to 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processors (Ivy Bridge platform) are at the heart, while SATA 6Gb/s SSD storage outpaces normal hard drives by up to four times. Similarly, USB 3.0 ensures data moves up to ten times faster than USB 2.0, and Bluetooth 4.0 offers the latest version of the wireless connectivity standard. Dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi derived from top-end ASUS router technology ensures the fastest networking, and to keep all of this cool, a proprietary V-shaped air channel drives heat away before it can cause instability.
Responding to your needs
Intelligent power management and extreme efficiency have resulted in ZENBOOK Prime offering 2-second instant on resume, similar to your smartphone and creating an always-on ultrabook that doesn't make you wait. It can also stay in standby for up to two weeks with the security of automatic file backup to prevent data loss. The battery lasts 25% longer than those found on other notebooks, helped along by two distinct operating modes that can be switched instantly: performance mode in high demand applications, and battery saving mode during daily computing tasks. For a genuinely personal and discrete user experience, ZENBOOK Prime offers facial recognition to minimize the risk of unauthorized usage.
The art of entertainment
ZENBOOK Prime fields a vivid full HD 1080p IPS panel that brings visuals to breathtaking life with 350cd/m2 brightness and 800:1 contrast. Its anti-glare materials reduce distracting reflections and unsightly fingerprints, while IPS technology affords wide 178° viewing angles so more people can look on with better quality from almost any direction. Even in the dark, ZENBOOK Prime shines, using a high-comfort backlit keyboard so you can keep working and enjoying without disturbing others. And for face to face communications, the built-in HD camera does your conversations great justice.
To complement its superior visual finesse, ZENBOOK Prime includes exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, developed together with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower. Sharper high notes, clearer vocals, deeper bass, and a wider sound range all impress, completing a remarkably attractive portable multimedia package.
Work anywhere more easily and securely
If you use your PC for work, you'll want Windows 7 Professional. It helps you be more productive and protects the critical information you work with. Many routine tasks just take a couple of clicks, so you can spend less time setting up projectors, printers, and networks. Advanced backup options help you protect your hard work with automatic backups to your home or business network. And with Windows XP Mode, you can use virtually all of your Windows XP programs in Windows 7.
ASUS 360 - 1 Year Global Warranty
ASUS complimentary notebook care package.
ASUS 360 offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:
One year global warranty
Thirty days flawless display guarantee
Two way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support
ASUS ADW - 1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty
Accidents happen. But when they happen to your ASUS notebook purchased in the US or Canada, you have extra protection. Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.
Warranty covering accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
One-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24 hour toll-free phone support
One incident covered per notebook
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