Ivy Bridge Zenbook with FHD IPS screen UX21A UX31A UX32A UX32VD

Well, at least mine has the "instant off" feature.

One instant off away from a Samsung Series 9. To be honest, I think the 1600 x 900 on the Series 9 may be better for me than full 1080p. At least on Windows 7. The scaling can be a bit wonky at times.

 

I think you'd be best to rid your life of Asus.

If the fan is that big of a deal I'd just get another brand and call it a day.

Although I just found this online:

Check in regards to the fan issue in your task manager, Kill the Bluetooth service and process. Seems that fixes the issue for some... give it a go.

Maybe try that?

 

My UX31A isn't quite flat. The left corner closest to me doesn't quite sit flat. I tried it on half a dozen surfaces. D:

 

Anyone notice that the "speaker grill" is really brittle? I was cleaning my zenbook and I accidentally scraped the grill. Now it is sort of bent outward :/

 

Yeah - I ended up exchanging mine due to it. There much be too much tension somewhere that causes the flex. Mine could sit flat if the lid was closed, but not when the lid was opened.

The replacement machine sits flat at all times...just has worse bleeding and a dead pixel.

 

Ridding my of Asus might be a little tough. My main computer for the last year has been a g73sw-3de. Great machine for the most part and why I went asus again. Its got the best laptop screen ive ever used, 120hz 1080p matte with not a hint of backlight bleed or any problems.

I have about had it with exchanging ux31a's though. The problem is I need larger than 1366x768 so the choices are limited and inferior to the spec / cost that asus provides if they would just provide what they are advertising id be great. lol.

 

Has anyone checked out the Vizio thin-n-light 14 at walmart. Saw one today, 1600x900 display, 1.8ghz i3 processor, 128gb ssd. 4gb ram. Microsoft signature series so no bloatware and microsoft is doing their support. for $898 it didn't look all that bad.

 

Can you guys check & let me know what types of sd cards can be used in the ux31a? I am planning to get the 128gb version for ssd & get an sd card to pop it in to store all my musics in it. Thus allowing me to save more space in the ssd rather than storing all my music in the ssd instead.

 

I'm not sure what kinds of SD cards can be used (any ive tried have worked though) but it should be noted that over 1/2 of the card sticks out when you put it in the slot. So it doesn't work well for leaving the card in the slot all the time.

 

oh dayum! which type of card did you used?

perhaps we could get a microsd card & do some modification so that it wont be sticking out? Provided it can read a microsd card in the first place...

 

Earlier in this thread there is a post about a MicroSD adapter kickstarter project that makes a 1/2 height sd card that holds a microsd card so you can get a flush mount on an macbook air. The same thing should probably work fairly well with the asus.

 

They got the UX31A i5 with 256gb ssd for $1070?!?! But no returns after opening it!

Asus 13.3" IPS Full HD Ultrabook Computer - Silver Aluminum; Intel i5-3317 (1.7Ghz) 4G DDR3 256GB SSD + TPM W7 Professional 64bit (Upgradeable to win 8 pro)

 

My result is 3DMark7: 3665
NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M video card benchmark result - Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3517U CPU @ 1.90GHz,ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. UX32VD score: 3665 PCMarks
My WEI result is: 5.9 http://oi46.tinypic.com/1z52glj.jpg
ASUS ux32wd: i7-3517u, 256GB crucial m4 slim, g.skill 8gb (ddr3-1600 cl10)

How to get better?

 

Because the notebooks will have removable screens and become tablets on the go. However instead of the comical specs associated with the tablets today they will have all the power of modern laptops.

Asus Transformer Books announced - powerful ultrabooks with detachable displays

It's not half the weight when the keyboard is removed. An ipad weighs 1.5 pounds, a 13 inch ultrabook can weigh as little as 2.4. Imagine what an 11 inch will weigh without the keyboard and that will have 50 times the power on an tablet in existence. MS is betting their future on it and all of the laptop maker are jumping on that bandwagon.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/678534-asus-ux31a-vs-samsung-s9-comparison-review.html

For those on the fence as to whether to buy the UX31a or Samsung S9.

 

I guess they know and you should what to expect once you do although that is a great price. That also has a TPM chip and Professional...it must be a mistake.

 

Don1
i recommend to take ux32vd with i7 and IPS/FullHD... And put inside whatever slim (7mm) SSD you like 128-512GB... Also you will get extra 32GB ssd on motherboard from Sandisk.
And I also recommend to put 8GBx1 memory inside...
With the same price you will get extra nvidia 620m gt graphics...

 

Hey, for those who have wiped out bloatware and all the other stuff that consumes space on the asus zenbook ux31a-db51 (like on instant on thing), how much space do you guys have left? I have 74 gb left when turning on my laptop for the first time and

should i do clean install?

 

What exactly is on the iSSD? Is there system files we need on it if we put in our own ssd and install windows on that full size ssd?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...ow-install-windows-7-integrated-32gb-ssd.html
I don't know what was there. I formatted it firstly and put there windows7 installation disk files for installing windows to another SSD

Now I use it as secondary SSD for backups and clone other important data from another primary SSD

 

Exchanged it - for the last time.

The new machine has dings in the body, the footing is uneven if the lid is open again (first one had this, second one did not -- this is the third). Trackpad is loose (proper trackpad can be completely silent when just lightly tapping on it - this makes a sound of bottoming out on the lightest of touches - its a problem when using it a night in bed).

Screen is much better, but by no means perfect. There is bleeding, but after the second machine - anything is better.

Debating now if it is worth 1060 to keep. My goal was to hold out till next next iteration of rMBP. The first generation had a few problems I didn't like - but I had absolutely no defects - unlike the Zenbook.

 

The iSSD is used for caching for Intel Rapid Recover Technology as default I believe.

 

Certainly doesn't sound worth keeping to me.

 

Has anyone had any problems with the base ux32a 799 model? I think im shifting gears, get something on the cheaper end now since there are so many interesting things coming out this fall. After 3 strikes with the ux31a im hesitant to try asus again but the ux32 is a bit more up-gradable and different but similar chassis. I know the HD IPS display is the same and ux32 users have had bleed too but im curious how what anyones thoughts are on the base ux32a? Anyone?

 

I went with the three strikes and your out rule. Boxed up my 3rd ux31a ready to return (haven't made it to the out of the way store location to return it yet).

They really have some QC problems with these... people always chime in that apple does too but their nuts... returning 2-3 or more of these things seems to be the normal. There is nearly 300 pages here and almost all of it is talking about a few repeating issues and returning unit after unit. Thats not normal.

What finally did it for me though, was someone said if they are having this many issues out of the box what about 6 months from now. Combine that with the fact that their not really user servicable and I decided against it. Beautiful case, and beautiful machine on paper.

 

I was thinking about that too but I am leaning towards the new Toshiba if I do. I know it will either be Toshiba, Samsung or another MBA..it won't be another ASUS..I returned 3 of the original UX31s and now three of the UX31As...no way I try another right now.

 

So, the last series of these had QC problems too? Damn, asus is slipping. My g73sw-3de is flawless. Well except the 'menu' key to the right of the right CTRL key keeps falling off... other than that, perfect. lol.

What toshiba are you thinking about? I looked at the u845w as an option with its wide screen but have settled on the old u835 last generation model if i go that route since you can get them cheap at best buy.

 

I will give this one a shot and see where it goes. The only other machine on the radar was a Samsung S9 - but that boat and come and gone ($100 GC expired yesterday) - and it is ~200 more.

I'll use it and see if it satisfy my needs.

Anyone have any tips on doing a fresh install of Windows 7? Where can I get a clean/official download of Windows 7 Premium?

 

Not like these..two I returned because the bestbuy demo was 1.7 with an adata SSD and in the box was 1.6 and Sandisk..the third was because of a terrible keyboard.

 

Seems I was a bit quick to declare that there was no backlight bleed on my UX32VD, cause there is. It's visible in a dimly lit/dark room at max brightness when there's a lot of black (movies etc) and more visible at an "extreme" angle, like when it's tilted all back. It's also visibly, although you have to look hard, at a more normal angle.

Considering that this is (imo) a minor issue as long as the bleed doesn't worsen I think I will stick to this unit.

The alternatives to the UX32VD:
Samsung 9-series: Only Intel HD 400.
Gigabyte U2442N: No plans for distribution in Norway yet and little buzz/reviews/hands-on on this machine, even though it looks great on paper.
Sony S13A/P: Screen is crap compared to the UX32VD (FHD) in terms of contrast levels and colour accuracy. Sony S15 has a nice display but is too big. MBP 13: Only HD 4000. 15: GT 650M, which is a quite powerful notebook GPU is about 1000 USD more than the UX32VD in Norway, which I can't afford, plus 13" is wanted.

edit: Btw, what do you think the retailer will say if the bleed gets worse and I return it. I'm just wondering cause I've been formatting and installed W7 on the iSSD. Would that be a problem for the retailer, do you think?

 

Look what showed up on BestBuy.com

Model: UX32VD-R7504F
SKU: 6013742

Asus - 13.3" Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive - Radiant Silver - UX32VD-R7504F

Model: UX32VD-R5504H

Asus - 13.3" Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive - Radiant Silver - UX32VD-R5504H

 

I have no ASUS live update on my tray icon anymore. It was there before but no more help please.

 

About time, I was wanting a free Xbox.

 

So I called a bestbuy store asking about the stock of the ux31a, and the rep told me that the 999 price is a sale and that it ends on the 28th, idk if this is accurate though

 

I've been using my UX31A for a week and I'm actually liking the trackpad. It's still not perfect, but works surprisingly well after the latest updates.

I returned my X230. The Zenbook is a keeper. I did have one random immediate shutdown, but hasn't happened again. Fingers crossed.

The screen resolution is just amazing. The ability to work on two documents side-by-side is key.

 

The trackpad is mostly good. Scrolling could be just a little more smooth to be like OS X smooth. Maybe in Windows 8? The palm detection is poor. Much better in the ASUS driver, but the scrolling gets huuuuge downgrade with the ASUS driver. I really like the 3 finger upward swipe too. Very useful.

I also have not had another random shutdown so far But I have only had this laptop for a little over 3 days. I've got another week and a half to decide whether a return is needed.

I set the scaling back to 100% instead of the default 125% for this computer. After a little adjustment it's great. My eyes can handle it. The only negative is that many websites are not yet optimized for Such high resolutions on small screens. Most still seem optimized for 800 x 600 resolution. :/

 

The screen is the only reason why ive went through three of these. I do desktop publishing, programming and photoshop, all of which want more resolution than the lowly 1366x768 displays offer.

That said, ive had mine boxed up all weekend ready to take back. The fan issue was the last straw and when I got it the light bleed was non existent but not its pretty bad. I think im gonna get something cheap to hold me over til the win8 touch books come out. I did some reading and it looks like thats where most the R-n-D and effort is going.

 

Wow, I go away for a week on my honeymoon and I miss so much. Took the UX31A on the honeymoon and it did just great. Unfortuante so many here have had such negative experiences.

 

Are you planning to try the latest ATKACPI driver before sending it back by any chance? After installing it, the fan issue seems to be gone for me.

 

So many people are talking about how their Asus Zenbooks have light bleed on maximum brightness in a pitch black room... It's the nature of the beast., heck my U2311h 23" IPS monitor has some backlight bleed. While my UX32VD has backlight bleed on the bottom and the right edges, it is completely not noticeable at reasonable brightness levels. Even when I'm watching a movie with black bars.

I mean... of course your backlight bleed would be extremely prominent when your screen is on maximum brightness and you are in a pitch black room...

 

I'd thought about it... and my still unbox it and try, but this one is going back anyway since the screen got worse bleed every day i used it.

To be honest, ive been through three of these, not sure how the store will deal with an exchange at this point and with 280+ pages of people with the same few problems ive lost a bit of faith in the machine performing long term.

All the new machines coming out in oct/nov also have me pausing a bit. I might buy one of the last gen models floating around and save cash for new toys come winter. Maybe an HP folio (walmart has them for 698) or the Acer Timeline Ultra for 679.

 

Hell naw bro, no way the UX31a gonna let you down on your honeymoon!!!

 

so sad right now. After going through 7 or so of the UX31A's from Amazon and dealing with one of every defect I've heard mentioned. I switched to Best Buy since the store near me always has 2 or so in stock even though not out on display yet. The BB ones definitely have much less bleeding than the amazon ones. However, my first BB unit said a battery couldn't be detected.. then the second one said there was no camera detected.. and finally my third one, which I was so so so pleased with as it didn't have any problems and had the most perfect screen I had seen yet on these units! However, it is now the next day and the bleeding has definitely spread. Sighs. It seems even if you get one with a pretty darn good screen the backlight bleed will show itself with the opening and closing of the laptop screen that goes on. Sighs, I give up. So for those of you who think you've gotten a good screen, try checking again a few days later after use and see if your bleeding has gotten more noticeable.

 

I'm really wondering if i should buy the UX31A or not! I fell in love with it but there are so many problems.. Basically I think that the software problems can be resolved so the only hardware is backlight bleed. And maybe keys not working or dead pixels or randomly shutting down but those don't happen that much. So, I'll still try to buy it but too expensive for now here!

 

I agree, threw in the towel today - did not want to get a third machine, just too many issues with this machine at this time, maybe in a few months its ready. So returning to amazon. Sounded great on paper..

 

That goes back to what I said in the first few pages of this thread. It seems the screen is attached too tightly where it meets the base of the unit. That is why EVERYBODY has bleed at the bottom and why the bleed gets worse over time. As you said every time you open and close it the rubbing causes it to get worse. It is a fatal manufacturing defect and I don't think until they change how that is done where tyhere ever be one that lasts.

 

DELL has brand new XPS13s in their outlet store right now in pretty much any configuration you want (new, not refurbished or scratch and dent) and they also have a 20% coupon going too. I am not always a fan of theirs but their XPS13 is a lot better than most of the other ultrabooks out there. With the coupon you can get the 1000 standard config for about $720. A lot cheaper if you want refurbished.

 

I did a little "experiment" last night. Put my laptop to sleep at 02:52, with 92% battery remaining. Waked it up this morning at 11:54 with 86% battery.

So that's about 9 hours of sleep and with a battery consumption of only 6%, not bad. Btw, is there a problem with putting the laptop to sleep and storing it in a leather pouch of some kind (like the one bundled) in terms of heat etc?

Asus writes this in their user manual for the UX32VD:
"DO NOT carry or cover a Notebook PC that is powered ON with any materials that will reduce air circulation, such as a carrying bag."

Does this also apply to the pc when it's in sleep or hibernate?

 

It shouldn't you'll be fine.
From what I remember, shouldn't it last up to a month in sleep mode?

 

Actually my whole post wasn't worth mentioning...