Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A

amazon Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A reviews

Zenbook Prime is a worthwhile upgrade with a backlit keyboard, better quality, longer battery life and a full HD display.

Zenbook Prime is the second generation of Asus ultrabook, after the ZenBook, which impresses with users in the past year. Taiwanese computer company has little change in the new version in appearance, but improvements are worth it. From the IPS Full HD screen, the keyboard improves better quality and backlighting shows the “listening” and modifying drawbacks from the previous version of the manufacturer.

However, the new Zenbook Prime is at a premium over last year due to its much stronger configuration. The 11.6-inch Asus Zenbook UX21A uses a Core i7 chip that costs $1500, while the 13-inch screen costs $1400 for the Core i5 and $1600 for the Core I7.

The following Digitally Experimented and Rated version is the highest configuration model with a 13-inch IPS panel, a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, an Intel Core i7-3517U processor, 4 RAM memory GB DDR3 1600 MHz, 128 GB SSD hard drive, Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics.

where can you get a Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A online

Asus Zenbook UX31A-DH71 Ultrabook- 13.3″ Full HD Display, Intel Dual-Core Processor i7-3517u 1.9GHz, 4GB Memory, 256G SSD, Windows 8: Buy it now

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A is celebrated for its sleek and stylish design, combining high-quality materials with a refined finish. It is designed to appeal to users who prioritize aesthetics and portability without compromising performance.

Aesthetics and Materials

The UX31A features an aluminum chassis with an attractive brushed metal finish. This gives the laptop a premium and sophisticated look, contributing to its appeal in both professional and casual settings. The metallic finish is not only visually pleasing but also adds to the laptop’s overall durability. The ZenBook Prime’s design is further enhanced by a striking concentric circle pattern on the lid, which catches the light and adds a touch of elegance.

Build Quality

Measuring approximately 0.7 inches in thickness and weighing around 2.9 pounds, the UX31A is designed to be highly portable. Despite its slim profile, the build quality is solid, with a rigid chassis that resists flex and provides a sense of sturdiness. The hinge mechanism is smooth and well-engineered, allowing the lid to open and close with ease while maintaining a secure fit.

The overall construction of the UX31A reflects Asus’s commitment to creating a high-end ultrabook that feels both luxurious and durable. The laptop’s build quality is on par with other premium ultrabooks of its time, offering a reliable and aesthetically pleasing device.

Display

The display is one of the standout features of the Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A. It boasts a 13.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which was considered high-definition at the time of its release. The display’s quality and performance are crucial aspects to evaluate for users who require sharp visuals and vibrant colors.

Display Quality

The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution provides sharp and clear visuals, making text and images appear crisp and detailed. The display’s color accuracy and brightness levels are commendable, with a color gamut that covers a significant portion of the sRGB spectrum. This makes the UX31A suitable for tasks such as photo editing and media consumption, where color fidelity is important.

The glossy finish of the display enhances color saturation and contrast, though it can lead to reflections in bright environments. While the glare may be distracting under certain lighting conditions, it is also worth noting that the glossy screen contributes to a more vibrant and dynamic visual experience.

Viewing Angles

The display’s viewing angles are relatively good, with minimal color shift and contrast degradation when viewed from off-angles. This feature is beneficial for collaborative work where multiple users need to view the screen simultaneously. However, as with many glossy displays, there may be some reduction in image clarity when viewed from extreme angles.

Performance

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A is equipped with hardware designed to deliver a balance of performance and efficiency. The specific model under review is powered by an Intel Core i7-3517U processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. This configuration aims to provide a responsive and capable computing experience for everyday tasks.

Processor

The Intel Core i7-3517U is a dual-core processor with a base clock speed of 1.9 GHz and a turbo boost capability of up to 3.0 GHz. While not the latest processor at the time of release, it provides sufficient power for handling a range of tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. The processor’s performance is adequate for most business and personal applications, though users with more demanding needs may find it somewhat limiting.

Memory and Storage

The UX31A comes with 4GB of RAM, which was considered standard for ultrabooks of its time. While sufficient for basic multitasking and running standard applications, users who frequently work with large files or run multiple applications simultaneously may find the memory capacity restrictive. The laptop does not support user upgrades to the RAM, so users should consider their needs carefully before purchasing.

The 256GB SSD provides fast read and write speeds, contributing to quick boot times and responsive application performance. The SSD’s capacity is generally adequate for storing essential files and applications, though users with extensive media libraries or large projects may need additional storage solutions. The speed of the SSD enhances the overall user experience, making the laptop feel nimble and efficient.

Graphics Performance

The UX31A features integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, which provides basic graphics capabilities suitable for everyday tasks and light multimedia consumption. The integrated graphics are not designed for intensive gaming or high-end graphics work, but they are adequate for tasks such as video playback, web browsing, and casual photo editing.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for ultrabooks, particularly for users who need to work on the go. The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A is equipped with a 50Wh battery that promises up to 6 hours of battery life on a single charge. Real-world battery performance can vary based on usage patterns and settings.

Battery Performance

In typical usage scenarios such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming media, the UX31A’s battery life generally ranges between 4 to 6 hours. More demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, may reduce battery life to around 3 to 4 hours. The laptop’s battery performance is reasonable for its class, though it may not be sufficient for users who require extended usage without access to a power source.

The UX31A supports Asus’s Power4Gear power management software, which allows users to customize power settings and optimize battery life based on their needs. The software provides various power profiles and options for managing battery usage, helping users extend the battery life when necessary.

Connectivity

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A offers a range of connectivity options, essential for users who need to connect to various peripherals and networks. The laptop includes a variety of ports and interfaces to support different devices and accessories.

Ports and Interfaces

• USB Ports: The UX31A includes two USB 3.0 ports, which provide faster data transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0. Additionally, there is a USB 2.0 port for legacy devices.
• HDMI Port: The laptop features an HDMI port, allowing users to connect to external displays, projectors, or TVs. This is useful for presentations, media playback, or extending the screen for multitasking.
• Mini DisplayPort: The inclusion of a Mini DisplayPort provides additional options for connecting to external monitors and supports high-definition video output.
• SD Card Reader: The UX31A includes an SD card reader, which is convenient for transferring photos and other media from memory cards.
• Audio Jacks: The laptop features a headphone/microphone combo jack for audio input and output, suitable for calls, multimedia, and general audio needs.

Wireless Connectivity

The UX31A supports Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0, providing reliable wireless connectivity for internet access and peripheral connections. The Wi-Fi performance is generally strong, offering good range and speed for most environments. Bluetooth 4.0 enables wireless connections to peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and headphones.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are important components of any ultrabook, and the UX31A delivers a satisfactory input experience.

Keyboard

The UX31A features a full-sized chiclet-style keyboard with well-spaced keys and a comfortable typing experience. The key travel and tactile feedback are generally good, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. The keyboard’s layout is ergonomic, with keys that are responsive and easy to press.

The keyboard does not include backlighting, which may be a drawback for users who often work in low-light conditions. However, the overall typing experience is positive, and the keyboard is suitable for both casual and professional use.

Touchpad

The touchpad on the UX31A is large and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling. The touchpad’s surface is smooth and accurate, making it easy to navigate through applications and documents. The touchpad includes physical buttons for left and right clicks, which some users may prefer over integrated touchpad buttons.

Software

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A comes pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium, which was a popular operating system choice at the time of its release. Windows 7 provides a familiar and user-friendly interface, with a range of features and options suitable for both personal and professional use.

Pre-installed Software

The UX31A includes several pre-installed software applications and utilities designed to enhance the user experience:

• Asus SonicMaster Audio: This audio technology enhances the laptop’s sound quality, providing clearer and more immersive audio for multimedia and communications.
• Asus Power4Gear: This power management utility allows users to customize power settings and optimize battery life based on their needs. It provides various power profiles and options for managing battery usage.
• Asus Live Update: This utility helps users keep their system and drivers up to date, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• McAfee Security: The laptop typically comes with a trial version of McAfee antivirus software, providing an additional layer of protection against malware and security threats.

User Experience

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A is designed to deliver a balanced and enjoyable user experience, offering a blend of performance, portability, and style. Users who prioritize a sleek design and reliable everyday performance will find the UX31A to be a well-rounded option.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

In everyday tasks such as web browsing, email management, and document editing, the UX31A performs admirably. The combination of the Intel Core i7-3517U processor and the 256GB SSD ensures that the laptop operates smoothly and efficiently for typical business and personal tasks. Boot times are fast, and applications launch quickly, thanks to the solid-state drive’s speed.

For users engaging in light multimedia work, such as photo editing or streaming videos, the UX31A holds up well. The Full HD display provides vibrant visuals, enhancing the experience for media consumption. While it is not intended for heavy graphics work or gaming, the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 is sufficient for basic tasks and casual gaming.

Portability and Travel

The slim and lightweight design of the UX31A makes it highly portable and suitable for users who need a laptop that is easy to carry around. Its slim profile allows it to fit comfortably in a bag or briefcase, making it a convenient choice for frequent travelers. The build quality and durability ensure that it can withstand the rigors of travel while maintaining a premium appearance.

The battery life, while adequate for most daily tasks, may require users to be mindful of charging opportunities during extended travel. However, the laptop’s power management software helps users extend battery life when needed.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the UX31A reflects its premium status, with a robust and well-engineered chassis that resists flex and feels solid in hand. The aluminum construction not only adds to the laptop’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its overall durability. The hinge mechanism, designed to open and close smoothly, enhances the laptop’s usability and longevity.

The laptop’s durability is complemented by its ability to maintain performance and reliability over time. Users can expect the UX31A to continue delivering a satisfactory experience throughout its lifespan, provided it is maintained properly.

Conclusion

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A represents a strong entry in the ultrabook market, offering a combination of elegant design, solid performance, and portability. Its sleek aluminum chassis and high-resolution display make it an appealing choice for users who value aesthetics and mobility.

The UX31A’s performance, powered by the Intel Core i7-3517U processor and 256GB SSD, is suitable for everyday tasks and light multimedia work. While the 4GB of RAM may be limiting for users with more demanding needs, the overall performance remains satisfactory for most applications.

The laptop’s battery life, connectivity options, and build quality contribute to a positive user experience, making it a reliable choice for both business and personal use. However, users seeking higher resolution displays, additional memory, or more advanced features may find alternatives such as the Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre XT, or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon to be better suited to their needs.

In summary, the Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A is a well-rounded ultrabook that delivers a compelling mix of style, performance, and portability. It remains a viable option for users who prioritize a premium design and reliable performance in a lightweight and portable package.