ASUS Zenbook UX303 (Nvidia GT 840M)

Ok that's no problem either as you can only use expensive mini mSATA up to 128GB so almost pointless.

UX32LN is looking like quite a good alternative then.

 

By the way, looks like you can buy at least the one model in Australia and ship to US, albeit at a significantly higher price than seems to be the norm elsewhere:

https://www.google.com/search?q=UX303LN-C4147H&oq=UX303LN-C4147H&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i35j69i60.220j1j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8

 

MBGat. I see what you're saying, but If most of the consumer ratings look good, they'll buy it. Hell, I've bought a product before even though it was only rated 80% positive. So long as that nice "5 Bar" clearly outweighs the 1's and 2's. You'd be surprised the amount of people who buy things based on gut feelings.

I'm tempted to get the UX32LN-R4076H now and just pop in a better SSD. The tear down reviews say one of the RAM chips is soldered to the board, I'm guessing this would make it difficult to upgrade?

 

I gave up on that model since it's not in the US. The only model I can find that will ship to the US is the QWERTZ keyboard, which I'm not ok with.

 

12GB max then. It's just like all the Zenbooks being sold over the past year. 4GB onboard and the other slot can handle up to an 8GB chip. Where are you purchasing it from? Is is available locally where you are?

 

Where'd you find a model that will ship to the US, if I may ask?

 

Can someone put a link up of where to get the UX32LN-R4076H in the EU please?

 

Wouldn't a 8GB and 4GB RAM chip cause a few issues? I thought RAM was more efficient went working in identical pairs? And looking at stores, it only seems to be available in Scandinavia.

 

The UX32LN is built on the older UX32LA/LV's frame, so there are some minor aesthetic and even build-related differences between it and the UX303. The touchpad might be somewhat different as well, although I couldn't test the two generations side by side. The RAM is upgradeable (part soldered + 1 memory slot) and there's a 2.5" 7 mm storage bay.

However, from what I know, the UX32LN is only available in some regions, while the UX303 is going to be more widespread.

My take on this high-res screen put on the UX303 is a bit different. Asus had to put it in to "match" competitors. Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, etc all offer higher than FHD screens on their premium 13 inchers, so in the eyes on the everyday buyer, if this Asus would not have offered such an option, it would be in a disadvantage. A lot of people buy computers based on specs alone, and this aspect is important. It bothers me that they went with this particular panel and its yellow problems, especially since they did not bother to address them, problems that we're known since the end of last year, when the Yogas 2 Pro and ATIV Book 9 Plus were released. Personally I would have preferred they went with the 2560 x 1440 px screen on the UX301, even if they had to increase the price.

It's however smart that they also included the FHD matte panel option. What I can't understand is their decision of only bringing certain configurations to big markets like the US. Why not give all the options and then let people get what they want? That's beyond me...

 

While the UX32 is a nice idea, probably should have checked if it shipped abroad first before getting excited.. The only two stores I could find that sell the UX32LN-R4102H (Proshop and Happii) do not ship internationally. Still looking though, if I find anything, i'll post it for those who don't want to wait till the end of September for the 1080p 303

 

As far as I read there isn't any big perfomance loss anymore using different RAM memorys. In the old days for Dual-Channel it was needed that each chip has the same memory size. Today there is something called asynchronous Dualchannel, which means both chips use the biggest possible size of both (2x4GB here) and the rest (4 GB) runs slower withtout Dual-Channel. That's what I learned from discussions in the past, but I'm not sure if it's correct ;-)

About shops in the EU here a link to a german price comparison site: asus ux303ln | Geizhals Deutschland


About the display resolution - Asus needs to compete with Apple Macbooks. I guess because of the Retina displays other manufacturer need to follow that trend . Theoretical higher resolutions are better, as fonts are sharper (more pixels for each letter), but the problem for windows itself and especially many older programs is that for a very long the dpi (dot per inchs) were mostly constant (higher resolutions came only with bigger displays) the gui was also completely pixel-oriented. Apple started earlier to move to an more flexible gui (vector icons, etc.) and with less support for older software (see the actual skype discussion about support for older powerpcs) you don't see many older software running on modern macs. Windows is still in a interim phase, which is kind of problematic, as with the support for older software this scaling problem will be more visible. But again, they need to start somewhere, and in the long run higher DPIs hopefully are not bad. Personally I also don't need that and I will go with a FHD version of the UX303LN.

 

Apple was able to shift to high DPI support easily because they don't have to maintain compatibility with old software.

Microsoft on the other hand can't purposely break compatibility with software written for XP and older OSes. A consumer revolt would be the least of their concerns if the IT business ditches Windows.


Anyone got their UX303LN from a North American retailer yet?


EDIT: Regarding the dual channel memory stuff, there was an experiment about 1-2 years ago showing that a dual channel memory often performed 0% to 2% better than single channel. There were only a handful of tasks that dual channel greatly performed in, such as video editing.

 

If there is anyone else from Canada who was planning on having the US version shipped to them from Adorama or B&H Photo Video to avoid the gimped Canadian version (which may have a bilingual keyboard?), just be aware that they have a no return policy for laptops once the box is opened, unless it is defective or dead on arrival. I emailed reps from both sites to confirm and they both say that you're SOL if you end up just not liking it, which is really disappointing because the computer is a brand new model, and no way to test it out before buying.

I really wish they sold the FHD version in North America to avoid the whole yellow problem, or there was some way to get it here cheaply from somewhere internationally with QWERTY layout. The more I mull it over, the discrete graphics is getting less and less appealing and I feel like I'm going to end up with a 13" inch Macbook Pro Retina because of the battery life.

 

Annoyingly the task I am hoping to get this laptop for is video editing, admittedly only light editing.

I've spent two hours emailing and looking at the 1080p 303LN in Europe and the 1080p Updated 32LN in Sweden, and it's a sad state but no store will ship outside of their country. I cannot understand why, and noone has been able to give me an answer, but it's absurd. If anyone manages to find a store (reputable) that does ship globally or to the UK, I'd be glad to hear it. Especially the 32LN.

 

I am leaving for university in the next two weeks, and while searching for a ultrabook I stumbled upon the UX303LN.
This laptop seemed like the perfect fit for me, as I am just a casual user who will use it for programming and light
gaming.

Going through this post though has scared me. I'm starting to rethink my decision.

So my quesiton is, should I stick with the UX303LN, or is there a better ultrabook alternative that is around $1200?

 

With dedicated graphcis? You could look into the UX302LG which has bettery battery life and a 1080p display, but it does have some known hardware issues..

You have several options if dedicated graphics aren't a requirement though. I am actually in the same boat as you (kinda), but I'm either buying the UX303LN or a rMBP 13".

 

Hard to decide? First you need to define what you need/want. Do you need/want discrete graphics? Do you need/want 3200x1800 resolution? Your answer to those questions will determine your options.

Good luck, Jim

 

http://www.adorama.com/help/returnPolicy

Adorama return policy. Pretty easy to meet requirements for no re-stocking fee.

Jim

 

Hey folks -- good news: I found a German company that will ship to the US (though still with the QWERTZ, presumably).

I sent an email in my best, broken German to computeruniverse.net and got a reply that began "thanks for your inquiry und greetings to USA" confirming that they will indeed ship to the US, and that the estimated delivery time is 1-3 weeks for the UX-303LN-R4142H.

Not yet sure if this is the path I will walk, but wanted to let you guys know. Apologies if this is old news.

 

It appears that website has some poor user reviews, mainly about spam mails, slow delivery and credit card issues: https://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/computeruniverse.net?utm_source=addon&utm_content=rw-viewsc

 

That's not true...

"Non returnable items

Following items cannot be returned once opened

Software, Film, Paper, DVDs, Bulbs, flash tubes, Batteries, Ink cartridges, Notebooks, Netbooks, Tablets, iPads and Computers, Memory cards, any item which has been removed from its "blister-pack"."


If anyone in the US is looking to avoid restocking fees, their best bet is to go with Office Depot for now. Otherwise wait for Newegg(Premier member), Best Buy, Staples or Amazon. All of those are pretty much hassle free but Amazon will still charge you a fee if it isn't defective. Online retailers like Adorama, NCIX, B&H typically don't accept returns unless it's unopened or defective. There are exceptions but they are very rare and usually change their ways after getting abused.

 

I'm still thinking about switching lids with someone with the UX303LA. I'm just waiting for someone to open theirs up so I can see if it's even possible. I'm also considering buying both, swapping lids and selling the UX303LA on eBay. There HAS to be someone out there that will pay an extra $100 for a QHD+ version of that laptop. That would cover the fees.

 

Don't know how I missed that. Wishful thinking?

Jim

 

Has anyone with either the LA/LN done a clean install of Win7? Asus don't have 7 drivers listed, so if anyone has any experience of trying, how did it go and is it doable at all?

 

It appears Asus is in denial about the yellow color reproduction issue with the 3200x1800 display and has no idea when will the 1080p UX303LN will be released for North America.

 

I've discovered this ultrabook in this website and ended up reading this whole thread because I found it in my country with a FHD screen and wanted to see if someone had found a fix for the color issue Your reply was the only one

ASUS UX303LN-C4100H
13,3" FullHD WV (IPS) GL LED Touch,
Intel i7 4510U,
8GB (4GB OB + 4GB, Max.12GB),
1TB HDD + 16GB SSD,
nVidia GT 840M

Does your fix improve the color calibration so much that it fixes it and gets the colours close to those on the iPad air found in the review?

Also, with a 1TB HDD and a 16GB SSD do you, and everyone else, know if I'd be able to get something like a 25GB SSD on it later?

Thanks in advance

 

I've just read through the entire thread, seriously considering purchasing either the LA/LN. I was considering the option of upgrading to a 512GB SSD as well, but, I've read here Asus Zenbook UX303LA vs UX303LN - which one to get? that the max size supported in the 7mm bay is 256GB, is this confirmed?

I guess an alternative option to make some more space internally if that was the case would be to stick a 128GB half mini ssd into the empty mSata slot.

 

I have no clue what an IPad Air yellow color looks like. All I know that my FHD touch screen has been changed from a green tint yellow to yellow yellow.

I guess you are referring to the half length mSATA that is used for cache on your HDD model? I think you can half length mSATA up to 128 GB.

Good luck, Jim

 

If it's anything like the ux302lg(which is very likely) a 7mm drive will fit normally and a 9mm will fit if you remove the metal bracket that holds it in. If you remove the bracket, all you have to do is tape it. It's not like it has anywhere to go. There's no limit to the hard drive space - it can be as big as they make them as long as it physically fits.

 

Here are a couple of photos from an end user in Sweden showing the poor colors of the QHD+ versus an iPad.
Asus Zenbook UX303LN - Sidan 2 - Bärbara datorer: Köpråd - SweClockers.com

 

I was asking if the other colors in the example were afected also Because all the colors look a bit off... Given the fact that you change one color and calibrate it, and a color being a result of 3 combinations, won't changing just one affect all the others and in this particular situation completely fix the color calibration issue at least on 1080p models?

In the second question I was referring to the HDD If it would be possible to change it to an SSD

Thanks for your reply btw

 

Piggy-backing off this post. I'm in a similar situation, looking for an ultrabook for some simulation software, casual gaming, and music recording/production in the UX303LN's price range. For gaming, I'd like to be able to play the new releases in three years with low graphics. The UX303LN seemed perfect, I really liked the 3 USB 3.0 ports (especially because my Das Keyboard takes up 2...), 12GB RAM, and the dedicated graphics card. The screen is really the only issue. I'd much rather have a 1080p screen/something without inaccurate colors.

I usually use my computer at a desk setup (external monitor, keyboard/mouse) and travel a few weeks during the year (but those usually include very long flights/periods without access to power) and will occasionally take it to class. Do you think its worth getting the UX303LN with the sub-par screen and dealing with it a few weeks out of the year/occasionally when I take it around, or are there any others I should look at? Thanks!

Kinda off topic: does anyone know if the Das Keyboard's 2 USB 2.0 plugs can be combined into a single USB 3.0 port?

 

Oh crap, I am scared.

I just returned a perfectly fine "refurb" UX32LN, because the bottom of the laptop is somehow bent and wobbled/didn't stand on all 4 feet. (Didn't like that on a 1000€+ model and guess the last person send it back for the exact same reason). The problem is - the laptop is completely sold out everywhere.

Now, the UX303 LN is pretty much the same laptop and just looks not as nice (or: like a laptop that was owned by a chain-smoker), so I'm waiting for that. Very worried, though, because: Colors.

Can someone confirm that the color issues are only related to the QHD/touchscreen displays and the colors on the 1080p/matte screen are perfect?

The matte 1080p screen of the UX32LN had a very good rating at notebookcheck. Maybe someone knows if they have the same screens?

 

Most of the models will have different panels so it's unlikely they will have the same issues. So far I haven't heard anybody complain about the 1080p matte model.

 

Here in Norway, there are multiple models of the UX32LN available. Some new configurations aswell, but only one UX303LN (QHD model).

 

I wasn't aware that the other colors were "off". Someone questioned whether the 1080p suffered from "off" yellow like the QHD screens do. That is why I checked yellow, and did find that yellow had a slight green tint. My "fix" eliminated the green tint. I don't know what effect it has on other colors. The 1080p screen is gorgeous, good looking colors, great detail, etc. I would never have known about the green tint if the issue hadn't been raised.

The HDD is a standard 2.5 inch 7mm format. I think any 2.5 inch 7mm SSD could be used to replace the HDD.

Good luck, Jim

 

Just my opinion. I wouldn't have a 3200x1800 resolution screen period. Scaling issues alone are a deal breaker for me.

Jim

 

I think I am going to do this. Their website is set up for shipments to the US (VAT is even automatically excluded bringing the price down to about the same as the US version. Also other reviews of the site are mixed to positive, but it's definitely not a scam.

 

Couple things to be cautious of. Keyboard is qwertz and your warranty will not be valid in any region that it's not offered in. Given Asus's level of quality control on last year's models, I would be really hesitant to order from outside the country. You would have a very difficult time returning it if something was faulty.

 

I've heard stories about laptop manufacturers being quite unhelpful with warranties if someone is trying to RMA an Asian or European model in North America, or any other forms of using laptops outside of their sold region.

Some will outright refuse to honor the warranty unless if you move to the region where the laptop was bought from.

Some will tell you to contact the other region's RMA department, and they'll tell you to either contact your home region's RMA department (yay for endless loop), or tell you to mail it across the ocean.

 

How do I take the back cover off around the hinge? It wont budge

 

Have you pulled off the back feet? There are probably screws there too.

 

No I looked at ux32 videos which had the same back cover and it just popped up, I will try and report back though

 

UX302 had those screws. I think Mike or someone else reported that this model had them as well

 

Here you go.

Asus Zenbook UX303LN / UX303 review - faster than ever

Scroll down to Hardware and Performance.

Good luck, Jim

 

Perfect thanks!

 

I'm from germany...as far as i can remember that exists at least a couple of years (perhaps more than 10) and I would rate it good & trustable. Some customer-comments/experiences:
overall rating
experiences in detail

In the EU there exists a page to order Asus parts. Perhaps you want to by a US-Keyboard for the german notebook? e.g. UX303LA-1A KEYBOARD_(US-ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL)_MODULE/AS (There is a second shop Asus Notebook Ersatzteile, but the haven't listet the UX303, yet.

 

I accidentally ripped one of the rubber feet on the bottom when I was trying to pry them off, does anyone know where I can get replacements? I found some online but they don't list specific compatibility with the ux303.

 

Got a picture?

 

Will be picking this up soon

Asus Zenbook UX303LN-C4123P 13.3" Touch i7 Windows 8.1 Pro Ultrabook - UX303LN-C4123P - PLE Computers Online Perth