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    Ivy Bridge Zenbook with FHD IPS screen UX21A UX31A UX32A UX32VD

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by Mech0z, Apr 25, 2012.

  1. shadvich

    shadvich Notebook Enthusiast

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    I WANT TO BELIEVE
    ...but knowing Asus it won't happen. I need to pick a laptop up in the next two weeks, I hope this actually comes out on the 18th and Amazon combines this with their $100 deal

    Think I've decided on the UX31A-DB51. The GT620M/thickness/hybrid drive doesn't seem to be worth two hundred dollars and I think the HD4000 will handle short bursts of diablo at low res
     
    shadvich, Jun 16, 2012
    #501
  2. urbanglowcam

    urbanglowcam Notebook Deity

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    No i5 VD configuration? :(

    1300 is a lot. hmm
     
    urbanglowcam, Jun 16, 2012
    #502
  3. exernet

    exernet Notebook Guru

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    Leaning towards the 31A. I rarely play games anymore so I think the HD4000 will be just fine.
     
    exernet, Jun 16, 2012
    #503
  4. quazeal

    quazeal Notebook Guru

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    Can anyone actually explain or guess at what the real difference in performance between the i7 and the i5 will be? Is there any reason that the i7 would allow for better HD4000 performance? Also, I find it odd that the non-turbo clocks are the same for both processors--I thought the i7 was supposed to run at 1.9ghz?
     
    quazeal, Jun 16, 2012
    #504
  5. shadvich

    shadvich Notebook Enthusiast

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    shadvich, Jun 16, 2012
    #505
  6. quazeal

    quazeal Notebook Guru

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    quazeal, Jun 16, 2012
    #506
  7. UltrabookFanBoy

    UltrabookFanBoy Notebook Guru

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    So the ux32vd has a 1080p screen and video card. However if I don't care about the video card... I don't have any option in the UX32 line if I still want the 1080p screen? The other ux32 series all have lower screen resolutions?

    I really want a ux31a, but I need more than 128GB hdd (ideally 500gb) and at least 6GB RAM.

    Can any of the ux31a have their RAM upgraded or only the ux32 series?

    Can you replace the ssd in the ux31 series at all? (Maybe with a conventional laptop 300GB+ drive?)
     
    UltrabookFanBoy, Jun 17, 2012
    #507
  8. quazeal

    quazeal Notebook Guru

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    The RAM is soldered onto the board on the UX31 series and the SSD uses a propietary connector (we think, it may be different in the shipping version, especially if rumors that they've swapped it out for a different one are true), so that's a big no to both (as far as we know).
     
    quazeal, Jun 17, 2012
    #508
  9. UltrabookFanBoy

    UltrabookFanBoy Notebook Guru

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    So then if you want:
    -1080p
    -6GB RAM or more
    -more than 256 GB drive
    Then your only choice is the ux32VD.
    So you are paying a $200 premium for a video card and higher end i7? (Plus extra out of pocket to buy your own RAM)

    Additionally, since you are not getting a ux31 series it goes from 9mm to 18mm laptop thickness?
     
    UltrabookFanBoy, Jun 17, 2012
    #509
  10. infernoaswen

    infernoaswen Notebook Enthusiast

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    Guys may i know what is TPM? What is that? can explain in details & how do i check i got TPM or not?
     
    infernoaswen, Jun 17, 2012
    #510
  11. Zer0 C00l

    Zer0 C00l Notebook Consultant

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    ux32vd here i come. Finally can get rid of this damn envy 14.

    trusted platform module. chip used to ensure integrity of the system booting for certain applications. Basically you don't want it. It's like a form of DRM
     
    Zer0 C00l, Jun 17, 2012
    #511
  12. infernoaswen

    infernoaswen Notebook Enthusiast

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    so its nothing to do with intel anti theft technology? i still can use that technology without TPM chips?
     
    infernoaswen, Jun 17, 2012
    #512
  13. Zer0 C00l

    Zer0 C00l Notebook Consultant

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    a lot of diff stuff depends on tpm. Personally I have no need of one and dont want it to be used against me in drm
     
    Zer0 C00l, Jun 17, 2012
    #513
  14. lasko25

    lasko25 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It seems to only add thickness to the front of the laptop, and not more than 9mm. At least that is what I've thought from images and specs.


    Edit, sorry I was misinformed. 18mm
     
    lasko25, Jun 17, 2012
    #514
  15. madas

    madas Newbie

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    madas, Jun 17, 2012
    #515
  16. Darkimmortal

    Darkimmortal Notebook Evangelist

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    Darkimmortal, Jun 17, 2012
    #516
  17. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    Hmm only excaliberpc has the ASUS UX32VD listed Amazon, BB and Newegg, dont. I need Newegg to have it or BB so I can get the free XBOX. Newegg would be the best no tax.
     
    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #517
  18. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #518
  19. Deathalo

    Deathalo Notebook Consultant

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    Deathalo, Jun 17, 2012
    #519
  20. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #520
  21. Zer0 C00l

    Zer0 C00l Notebook Consultant

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    This laptop 100% for sure qualifies for free xbox?
     
    Zer0 C00l, Jun 17, 2012
    #521
  22. urbanglowcam

    urbanglowcam Notebook Deity

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    Does anyone know if there will be an i5 variant of the UX32VD that costs a little less?
     
    urbanglowcam, Jun 17, 2012
    #522
  23. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    Why wouldn't it? Its over 700 so it should.
     
    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #523
  24. sadf_th

    sadf_th Notebook Guru

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    i was also hoping for this.

    and prolly also a UX31A i5 and 256GB.

    i dont really need the i7.
     
    sadf_th, Jun 17, 2012
    #524
  25. urbanglowcam

    urbanglowcam Notebook Deity

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    Right. These are the two routes I was considering.

    UX31A i5 with 256GB (If it's confirmed to offer better than the U100 Sandisk SSD)

    or

    UX32VD i5 and upgrade to a 256GB SSD

    Since I'm a graphic designer, using Adobe Creative Suite software extensively, I wonder how much I'm going to need the VD's GPU. Otherwise I would love to have the thinner, unibody 31A. But the fact the VD can be upgraded whenever is a big plus too.

    The pre-release reviews have been showing UX32VDs with i5s but I don't know if it will make it to the states now.
     
    urbanglowcam, Jun 17, 2012
    #525
  26. Deathalo

    Deathalo Notebook Consultant

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    I too am a graphic designer, one of the reasons I'm getting the VD is because the new 620m is supposed to be built to improve performance with things like photoshop and premiere pro.
     
    Deathalo, Jun 17, 2012
    #526
  27. urbanglowcam

    urbanglowcam Notebook Deity

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    I see. Thanks for the input. I guess I should be looking at that. I think the 620m + upgradeable RAM/Storage makes it a clear cut winner. Though I would like to spend $1-200 less for an i5 variant.

    I guess I could shell out a bit extra. Damn you Asus, you planned this. :p
     
    urbanglowcam, Jun 17, 2012
    #527
  28. Zer0 C00l

    Zer0 C00l Notebook Consultant

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    yes i'd also prefer an i5 version for less but oh well
     
    Zer0 C00l, Jun 17, 2012
    #528
  29. simmi91

    simmi91 Newbie

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    simmi91, Jun 17, 2012
    #529
  30. sev*

    sev* Notebook Enthusiast

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    The i5-UX32VD DONT have an IPS display!

    I also wanted the i5 model, but the display is a must have...
     
    sev*, Jun 17, 2012
    #530
  31. urbanglowcam

    urbanglowcam Notebook Deity

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    The i5-UX32 VD DO have an IPS display.

    The i5-UX32 A DON'T have an IPS display.

    Test Asus Zenbook UX32VD Ultrabook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

    The issue is, it seems to be a model that isn't offered in the states but is elsewhere. :/ So we're forced to get both extremes. Either the very low end UX32A with no IPS and an i5, or a UX32VD with an i7. Unfortunate, but I hope I'm proven wrong.
     
    urbanglowcam, Jun 17, 2012
    #531
  32. ThreeD

    ThreeD Notebook Evangelist

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    check it out. german step-by-step instruction for more ram in the 32vd. german language.

    TechFunBln
     
    ThreeD, Jun 17, 2012
    #532
  33. UltrabookFanBoy

    UltrabookFanBoy Notebook Guru

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    Ok, I went and ordered the VD from Amazon, will get it in a few days hopefully...
     
    UltrabookFanBoy, Jun 17, 2012
    #533
  34. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    will newegg have it?
     
    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #534
  35. sadf_th

    sadf_th Notebook Guru

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    i'm confused. some say UX32VD has 24gb ssd and some specs say 32gb ssd which is true???
     
    sadf_th, Jun 17, 2012
    #535
  36. proview3r

    proview3r Notebook Consultant

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    damn... $1300 USD for the 32VD T_T ... I was hoping it be less than 1k... : (
     
    proview3r, Jun 17, 2012
    #536
  37. xeofreestyle

    xeofreestyle Notebook Enthusiast

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    Both the UX32A and UX32VD have the option of an IPS Display with i5. I don't know where you two are getting your information, but its wrong.
     
    xeofreestyle, Jun 17, 2012
    #537
  38. shadvich

    shadvich Notebook Enthusiast

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    Probably. I don't think Newegg does preorders very often for laptops so it may show up tomorrow.
     
    shadvich, Jun 17, 2012
    #538
  39. brucewilsonpa

    brucewilsonpa Notebook Consultant

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    brucewilsonpa, Jun 17, 2012
    #539
  40. ccarollo

    ccarollo Notebook Consultant

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    Placed an order with Amazon for the UX32VD. Here's hoping they actually ship it tomorrow! :D

    e: I'm definitely interested in the specific bit of ram that works for upgrading to 10GB too.
     
    ccarollo, Jun 17, 2012
    #540
  41. madas

    madas Newbie

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    does newegg do the free xbox for ALL laptops over that price or just for certain ones? if for all how do you add the free xbox? a coupon code?
     
    madas, Jun 17, 2012
    #541
  42. UltrabookFanBoy

    UltrabookFanBoy Notebook Guru

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    Someone said they offer the VD with i5 and 1080p but I couldn't find that anywhere.

    I would prefer a UX32a with 1080p but did not see that anywhere.
     
    UltrabookFanBoy, Jun 17, 2012
    #542
  43. exernet

    exernet Notebook Guru

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    Can someone that ordered the UX31A confirm what SSD they use for the ones being shipped in the US once they receive it? Maybe do a couple benchmarks too? :D
     
    exernet, Jun 17, 2012
    #543
  44. chicgeek

    chicgeek Notebook Consultant

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    There's only one version of the VD as far as I can tell.

    ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB52 13.3" Ultrabook. ASUS UX31A-DB52
    This has been the best reference I can find for the models. I can't vouch for it's accuracy/completeness, but it would seem there is no 1080p i5 VD.
     
    chicgeek, Jun 17, 2012
    #544
  45. chicgeek

    chicgeek Notebook Consultant

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    Does anyone here have experience with running Ubuntu on the past or current Zenbooks?
    Right now I'm leaning towards the top-spec UX31A-DB71 due to the slimmer profile and bigger SSD, though I'm additionally interested in whether Ubuntu will play nice with the switchable graphics in the UX32VD-DB71. I have an Asus UL30A-A2 right now, and I know there were issues with the switchable graphics on the UL30vt.

    (I'm still investigating some of the Samsung Series 9 as well, though I haven't sorted out the flavours yet... If you have any input into the comparison between the Zenbook and the 9 series, let me know!)
     
    chicgeek, Jun 17, 2012
    #545
  46. z4srh

    z4srh Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm in a similar boat. My thoughts on the matter:

    The Samsung Series 9 has 1600x900 resolution instead of 1920x1080, however, the Samsung screen is absolutely beautiful - the nicest screen I've seen on a notebook ever, so I wouldn't take that as a point against it. I also think that the Series 9 has a nicer design than the Zenbook, with a thinner bezel on the screen and sharper edges, although I think that the Zenbook is really nice. I think that the Series 9 is the only laptop out there right now that is prettier than the MacBook Air.

    For me though, what it comes down to is the keyboard. While I didn't think it was terrible, I didn't find the keyboard on the Series 9 too impressive. On the (original) Zenbook series though, I found the keyboards unbelievably terrible. So among the current models, I'd go with the Series 9. That said, Asus apparently fixed the keyboard in the Zenbook Prime, so I'm leaning more toward the Prime at the moment.

    I mean really, they are both very nice machines, and I doubt that you'd be disappointed with either case. I guess we will find out tomorrow... or not.

    Also RE: Ubuntu - my friend with the Series 9 is running 12.04 on it, and as far as I know hasn't had any problems.
     
    z4srh, Jun 17, 2012
    #546
  47. UltrabookFanBoy

    UltrabookFanBoy Notebook Guru

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    The Samsung are very nice, but no 1080p... Just a no go :-(
     
    UltrabookFanBoy, Jun 17, 2012
    #547
  48. Deathalo

    Deathalo Notebook Consultant

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    I'm sorry, the Series 9 has nowhere near as nice of a screen as the IPS on the new zenbooks... I mean it's no contest. Did you look at the screen review on notebook check or anandtech? The 1080p screen covers every color in the sRGB range (a feat not many other screens can boast, notebook or otherwise) and a contrast ratio that bests even Apple's retina display on the new MBPs. This is undoubtedly the best screen on a windows laptop bar none, and the best 1080p laptop screen period. If you want the best screen, accept no substitute, the zenbook prime is the only option.
     
    Deathalo, Jun 17, 2012
    #548
  49. tetrismaster

    tetrismaster Notebook Consultant

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    You think Amazon will price match excaliberpc?
     
    tetrismaster, Jun 17, 2012
    #549
  50. CompUG

    CompUG Notebook Evangelist

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    From Microsoft website

    So it should qualify and Newegg is a participating retailer
     
    CompUG, Jun 17, 2012
    #550
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