ASUS ZenBook UX32VD Review Discussion

[Jerry Jackson]

It might look like a MacBook Air from a distance, but the ASUS ZENBOOK UX32VD is a 13-inch Ultrabook running Windows 7 and packed with NVIDIA graphics for some surprising power.

Read the full content of this Article: ASUS ZenBook UX32VD Review

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[TailGunner]

4GB DDR3-1600 RAM (1x 4GB; non-upgradeable; max supported)

It's not easy to get to (But no better or worse than a Macbook), but the RAM is upgradeable.

This is a very tempting purchase. Is the screen as good as the second generation Vaio Z's in terms of brightness and viewing angles?

[John Ratsey]

The Asus website indicates that the RAM is 2GB on board plus a socket so the "non-upgradeable" is presumably because the back has to be unscrewed rather than the RAM being soldered (as on the 13.3"Samsung Series 9 and, I think, on the Lenovo X1).

I also wonder how anything apart from the palmrest and display can be squeezed into 0.2" thickness. Where did they put the battery?

John

[cknobman]

Why would anyone choose this model over the ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A?

That model has same IPS 1080p screen with a 128/256 SSD, larger battery, and is ~$250-300 cheaper.

I know the Zenbook Prime does not have the Nvidia graphics but considering this model only gets a meager 620 I dont see the reason to spend almost $300 more for it especially considering the HDD solution is inferior.

[lysdexic]

Why would anyone choose this model over the ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A?

That model has same IPS 1080p screen with a 128/256 SSD, larger battery, and is ~$250-300 cheaper.

I know the Zenbook Prime does not have the Nvidia graphics but considering this model only gets a meager 620 I dont see the reason to spend almost $300 more for it especially considering the HDD solution is inferior.

A. The only ultrabook to have a dedicated gpu, you pay for that privilege

B. It's the only one of the line to be upgradable as it does not have a unibody build. Putting another 8gb plus a SSD (which I did) makes this thing blazing fast.

[Bronsky]

A. The only ultrabook to have a dedicated gpu, you pay for that privilege

You need to get out more. Gigabyte U2442U and Acer M5 are classified as ultrabooks. They kick the crap out of the anemic GPU in the Asus. I have never understood Asus' habit of putting weak GPU's in its notebooks, starting with the UL30VT. Why bother? They are not as efficient as notebooks with integrated GPUs and can't really handle 3D gaming. It seems like such a misfit pairing. I think the OP was correct, why would anyone choose the VD (odd initials) over the Zenbook.

[Cableman]

I think the OP was correct, why would anyone choose the VD (odd initials) over the Zenbook.

There are some really good reasons why the UX32VD is the better version and for me that has nothing to do with the dGPU (I would buy that model with the HD4000 only if that was an option) - the fact that you have user replaceable parts is crucial because a lot of people need more than 4Gb RAM and would like to install their own SSD. I am on the market for something light and powerful, I need at least 8Gb RAM and if I end up getting a Zenbook, it would be this one without a doubt.

[Cableman]

I forgot to add that with the UX32VD you can also easily replace the battery if it craps out. I think these are good reasons to choose it?

[Rylandjohnson]

I have jut ordered the extra 8GB of ram plus a samsung SSD. Lets see what happens then?

Ryland

[Bronsky]

I have jut ordered the extra 8GB of ram plus a samsung SSD. Lets see what happens then?

The Samsung 830 is an incredible SSD for the money.