UX31A - Before buying questions

Hi all,

I'm in the process of changing my MacBook Pro (unibody, fall 2009; 2,53 GHz Core 2 Duo, 4 Go 1067 MHz DDR3, 500 Gb 7200 rpm, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M) for another notebook. I'm looking foward to buy the new Asus UX31A notebook, but I have a few questions concerning this notebook.

1. First of all, I'm Canadian (from Quebec). So, I'd like to know if there's any difference between the keyboard I'd get if I buy the computer from a) a reseller from my town; b) an online canadian reseller (newegg.ca); or c) an american online reseller? If there is some differences, what would they be?

2. Also, I really need the 256 Gb SSD. I was wondering if there is any configuration of the UX31A which ship with the i5 processor AND the 256 Gb SSD?

3. I know the 256 Gb SSD often comes with the i7 processor. I was wondering if this upgrade (the i7 processor) is a good one. Will I see the difference with the i5 processor (I don't do a lot of gaming at all, but I like to have many applications open at the same time: Firefox with more than 60 tabs, iTunes, Outlook, Office, etc.)? If so, will it be a big difference? However, with the i7 processor, will the battery duration be smaller (how much time more would I get with the i5 vs. the i7)? Moreover, is the laptop going to be heating more with the bigger processor? Will it make the fans go on more often and/or louder?

4. About the new IPS screen, is it possible to use it without any rescaling? Because I heard that some applications don't work well with the rescaling...

5. With my MacBook Pro, I'm able to keep my laptop plugged all ay long. This is not damaging my battery because the charger knows when to stop charging for it not to cause any damage. Is it the samedi thing with the Asus UX31A?

6. About the charging adaptor, is it possible to buy a spare one? Apple sells them on its online store, but what about Asus? I didn't find any official replacement adaptor.

7. I've learned that some notebooks from the UX31A series ship with an Adata SSD (better) while some others ship with an SanDisk SSD (slower). Is the difference between those two drives really perceptible? Also, is there a way to know which drive I'll get depending on which configuration I buy?

8. Is it possible to replace the memory, the SSD and/or the processor on the UX31A?

9. Concerning the fans of the notebook, some say they're on often or they're on a few seconds each minute. Do you get this trouble with your UX31A? Wheter or not the fans are on a lot, are they loud or not? Would there be a difference between the fans (loudness or frequency) between the i7 or the i 5 processor?

10. I also heard the wifi is bad with this computer and that it's only possible to get G, not N. Is it true? Is it also true that Asus sets the radio of the default power management for wifi to low power mode which destroys transfer speeds?

11. Finally, what about backlight bleeding? Some claim to get a lot of it, enough for it to be disturbing, while some don't seem to bother about it. Is it still a problem on the notebooks shipped now?

Thanks a lot for your answers and your help. I would really like to buy this notebook for school, but I'd like to be happy about this purchase. That's why I want to be sure about it!

Blaccko

 

To answer point 2:

The sad answer is no. They know that the i5/i7 difference is pointless in this ultrabook, so force the up-sell to an i7/256GB configuration.

With regard to the rest, most of the questions you've asked are the points of contention surrounding this laptop. I can say that, perhaps I've lucked out immensely, but I have a UX31A-DB51 (i5/128GB) with the ADATA drive and no fan issue. There is no real way to know whether you'll get a SanDisk or an ADATA short of having a look at the black box it comes in which has a sticker referencing which one is inside.

Backlight bleed is also minimal with mine, but on this point, I'm less convinced that this is some glaring defect as opposed to some folks being a bit OCD on this front. It just doesn't bother me, and since I don't plan on watching a whole lot of movies, I really couldn't care. Even when I have, it's not a big deal to me. It is absolutely imperceptible unless the screen is completely black.

 

Hi Godhamba,

Thanks for your answer. That's too bad about the i5/256 Gb option!

I understand my concerns are mainly some points of opinion differing. I'm happy to learn that people get nice units. However, I was hoping maybe these concerns where less present in the "new" units produced after the first batch of UX31A.

Anyway, thanks again and I hope to get a unit as nice as you! ; )

Blaccko

 

No problem. I'm not so sure that there has been a discernable line between "batches" and that, I think, is the worry. I feel fortunate to have gotten what seems to be a good version, but the QC is troubling.

What I do think is a significant issue is the 32VD version of the Zenbook Prime. The amount of complaints with that model is pretty consistent and shocking - I feel comfortable saying that you should stay away from that version.

The IPS panel is phenomenal. It really is.

Why are you getting rid of that MacBook Pro? It sounds like a perfectly powerful computer!

 

I see... If there's no discernable batches, than I guess I'll have to see for myself.

I'm changing my MacBook Pro because, though it's still pretty up to date, I sometimes get into some freezes and I think an SSD will do better about that. I know I could change de drive in my MacBook Pro, but I like the idea of getting something smaller.

Blaccko

 

#4 - do what I did (before returning it lol). Set the scaling to 100% (i.e. no scaling). Text will be small, but uniform in every program. It's set to 125% default because Asus is afraid people will cry about small text. I found it very readable at 100%.

 

Howdy,
Asus UX31A has soldiered memory (4gb is what you get.) The hard drive 128 or 256gb ssd is like a memory stick with a new special connection which is not sata or msata. There are some take down videos out there which show this.
screen light bleed= I also must have gotten lucky, I have even massaged the screen edges and have made it better.
power adapter= it just came on the market... give it a little time
battery= batteries are evolving daily. these are not your 1990's batteries.
Asus UX32VD has 2gb soldiered memory, and a sodimm slot with a 2gb stick, you can replace that 2gb stick with larger.
drive= comes with a hitachi Z5K500 500GB 5400RPM tandard 2.5" but low profile (7mm height) which can be replaced.
same great full hd screen

I am the proud owner of a UX32VD unit with 10gb of memory and a Intel Cherryville 520 240gb drive, Windows 7 Pro

I actually had a UX31A in hand and home when I finished researching more. I do not want a apple locked in type product. 4gb of memory is not for me, a new special sata ssd chip drive is not for me, that is why the UX31A went back, and I picked up a UX32VD. I am very happy with it. I have massaged the screen edges and have almost a perfect black screen during boot post. Not enough to bother me. Both units have the intel wifi/widi units. working good here. I also must have gotten lucky with the fan situation. Runs fine here, and picks up when needed. The light bleed could also be just the fact that the overall screen is so thin.

take away what you want, but, my recommendation would be the Asus UX32VD with a added 8gb sodimm, and a true SSD (2.5" 7mm style)

good luck

 

Hi,

Thanks hotsauce for your input. I guess I'll be able to use it to 100 % scaling and avoid bad scaling with some applications!

Daybreak, you told me the memory is soldered to the computer, so it cannot be upgraded. However, what about the SSD? Is it also soldered? Moreover, thanks for the tip to reduce backlight bleeding! ; ) I was too looking to buy the UX32VD and replacing the drive and adding memory. However, the plastic bottom part and the flex in the keyboard were a turn off.

Anyway, thanks for your answers though. It's very helpful!

Blaccko

 

Howdy,
The UX31A has a SSD on a stick design. It has a new proprietary connector which is not sata or msata.

and like anything. There will be replacements sometime in the future. I just can not find a source for a ssd to fit into that connector.
props to ski-epic breakdown here asus zenbook ux31 disassembly teardown


plastic bottom part and keyboard flex? I guess I use it differently, I am not having keyboard flex issues. plastic? like anything being built this light and thin, if you sit on it, it will break.

later

 

I am considering buying UX31A-DB51 (i5/128Gb) and have read many reports in various forums on its performance from users over the last few weeks. I'll buy the laptop once I find someone who can bring it to me to Russia. Sharing below what I could digest from users' reports:

Q1 - I would assume there should be no differences in keyboards between the Canadian and the US models. I am from Russia (a metrical country, as Canada) and have not seen keyboard differences with US-purchased computers.

Q2 - the i5/256Gb model is called UX31A-XB52, but it costs the same as the i7/256Gb (which is the model UX31A-DB71). The difference is that on the former you get Win 7 Pro and SSD with TPM support, on the latter you get Win 7 Home Premium and no TPM. TPM is a sort of technology allowing hardware encryption of SSD and is not allowed in some countries (ref. wikipedia).

The simplest model is UX31A-DB51 with i5/128Gb with no TPM and Win 7 Home Premium. The high-end model is UX31A-XB72 with i7/256Gb SSD with TPM and Win 7 Pro.

Q3 - I had the same question about differences between i7 and i5, did not find answers. The Intel website describe both as quite similar is terms of power consumption. I personally opt for i5 as it's sufficient for web browing/office work.

Q4 - there is a lot of feedback on UX31A on the web, but I did not find any mentioning of rescaling probs.

Q6 - batteries/chargers are available both from reputable internet shops and I think I found a reference on the US Asus website for online shopping for batteries and other accessories.

Q7 - from the feedback I've read, an average user would not notice any difference between ADATA and SanDisk SSD. However, from the tests, SanDisk is indeed slower. Checked with Asus support - they admitted they sell it with different SSDs and suggested the only way to check what's inside is to supply a serial number of a device to them. Rejected to comment how a user him/herself can understand which SSD is inside before purchasing it. People say there's an SSD sticker at the bottom of the Asus box which you should be able to see if you are buying "in person" from the shop (as district from online shopping).

Q8 - from reports, RAM is soldered and is not officially upgradable. Dont know about SSD/processor upgrades.

Q9 - from reports, some users with fan spanning loudly were able to rectify it by killing processes/uninstalling applications taking large processor time/memory.

Q10 - I read about many failures of WiFi a few weeks ago. There was an update to the WiFi driver, since then I did not see anyone complaining about WiFi.

Q11 - from reports, screen bleeding seems to be unavoidable with most (if not all) IPS screens. Users report bleeding is only visible on a fully black screen and is not annoying during normal tasks e.g. browsing.

 

Hi,

Regarding the SSD, sorry if I ask a lot of questions, but English is not my primary language, so I sometimes have difficulties understanding. Daybreak, if I understand well what you said, the SSD is not soldered to the computer, but it is not yet upgradable as no companies have made a connector of this type right?

Also, thank you very much for your great wrap up zhenya.shubin. It comfort me in my choice.

Q1: I think there might be some differences between the Canadian (Quebec) keyboard and the US one because we use different accents in French (à, è, é, etc.). So if anyone knows if I would encounter differences between those two keyboard, let me know please!

Q2: Considering the price of the i5/256Gb, I think I'm better going with the i7/256Gb (same price, but better CPU)!

Q3: Thanks for your comment about Intel's website. I really hope the i7 processor won't reduce the battery life or won't make the fans turn on more often. Somebody knows it for sure?

Q4: Great for the rescaling!

Q6: Great for that too!

Q7: It's like a lottery! Too bad.

Q8: Still waiting for Daybreak's answer, but I think the SSD will be upgradable in the future...

Q9: That's a good news. I hope, if the problem occurs, I'll be able to solve it with the solution you provided.

Q10: Also some great news!

Q11: Ok, thanks for your input.

One more question; what is "CBIL" in the model number on some websites ( ASUS ZENBOOK PRIME 13.3" Ultrabook featuring Intel Core i7-3517 Processor (UX31A-DB71-CBIL) - Silver : Ultrabooks - Best Buy Canada What does it mean? Is it a different model from the UX31A-DB71?

Anyway, if anyone have other comments about theses questions for the UX31A, let us know! Thanks a lot.

Blaccko

 

Howdy,

The Zenbook UX31 series uses a proprietary SSD connector. The sandisk U100 that you see in the picture is the current 256gb SSD connected with that special connector. I have heard the Mac Book also has some proprietary drive connector a well.

Will these be upgradable in the future? maybe
That is why I really like the ultrabook's which use a standard SSD drive, and connector.

later

 

Ok, now I understand! Thanks Daybreak!

Blaccko

 

Regarding the "CBIL" notation in the product number, I learn that this means the CPU has the " Mobile Intel QS67 Express Chipset" while the "non-CBIL" UX31A has the " Mobile Intel HM76 Express Chipset". I'm not very familiar with CPUs. Do someone knows what is the difference between those two chipsets?

Thanks again!

Blaccko

 

Blaccko,

(1) Re keyboard - indeed, I have not seen French accents on any US keyboard. Believe you'll either need to learn blind-typing in French or buy appropriate keyboard stickers...

(2) Re chipset - according to ASUS websites (global, US and Canadian ones), any UX31A comes with the HM76 chipset. The QS67 shipset was on UX31E which is a predecessor to UX31A.

(3) I have not seen a single user report about a higher-end model coming with ADATA, they all came with SanDisk. I only saw that the cheapest model (UX31A-DB51) may be coming with ADATA (however, for online shopping it's indeed a lottery in any event).

(4) For completeness of your review:

(a) There is another thread in this forum where UX31A problems are discussed. No need to read the whole thread but 10-20 last pages would probably be helpful.

(b) Also, there are many sensible customer reviews on US Amazon, which basically describe all the problems reported on other sites as well. Tellingly, a substantial number of negative feedback. Amazon has stopped selling UX31A, referring to the item being under review for customers feedback.

To me, I fear of two critical problems (accidental shutdowns / some keys won't work). Everything else I read (touchad, WiFi, screen bleeding, fan noise, one rubber foot "shorter" than the others) seems to be manageable. I largely rely on the international warranty in case these materialise; still going to buy this one.

 

Hi zhenya.shubin,

I've looked up the keyboard differences and noted that I wont get any accents if I order from an american retailer. I'll buy in Quebec instead.

About the different chipset, do you know if there is some major differences between the two (HM76 and QS67) found respectivly in the "non-CBIL" and in the "CBIL" model of the UX31A-DB71?

Too bad for the Sandisk. But I'll get use to it. And if there's really a problem, I guess I'll be able to change it in the future if companies start to sell those type of SDD with the specific connectors.

I started reading a few days ago the thread you suggested me to read. It looks like a lot of informations are there. However, regarding the reviews on Amazon, you said that Amazon itself had decided to stop selling the UX31A while they cant review it as many bad reviews where made by the customers. I don't see that status for any of the UX31A models of Amazon.com (USA). Where did you get your information?

Finally, what does that means: "display also came set at 40Hz refresh rate. Switched it to 60Hz."? Why would I need to change the refresh rate of the display? What will it change? Why does Asus set the refresh rate to 40Hz instead of 60Hz if the later is better?

Thank you very much for your help and your time!

Blaccko

 

Basically what he means is that the rate at which your screen refreshes is low given the true 1080p power of it. No one really knows why Asus set it up that way but I think its because its stock with windows and they didn't bother changing it. Setting it to 60Hz makes the screen much better and actually gives its power justice. I heard besides best buy a lot of retailers are stopping its sale temporarily to check up on the ssd issues, fan issues and backlight bleeding.

 

Thanks a lot ingeniumed!

However, the informations about retailers temporarily stopping the sales of the UX31A are troubling. It's rather rare that this sort of thing happens, isn't it? Makes me wonder if I shouldn't wait before buying... What do you think?

Blaccko

 

Hi Blaccko,

Keyboard -- If I may suggest: if prices for the device in Canada are higher than in the US, pls consider key stickers. A US computer keyboard is only in English, not French or Chinese or Russian. So, it has no Cyrillic letters which are used in the Rus language. So, we use key stickers. In my place, they are sold in every computer shop, are cheap (max $10) and very helpful. Many of my friends use them; I prefer bling-typing (there are many free programs in the internet that can teach it in just 2 weeks).

Chipset -- I never undertook any special research, but understand the basic rule is that a newer chipset is always better (HM76 in our case). If someone is suggesting that UX31A may have a QS67 chipset, you better call ASUS. Probably in the reality they are trying to sell UX31E to you.

SSD -- Just read a reconfirmation from another website's forum that users report all 256Gb of UX31A are SanDisk, and 128Gb are either SanDisk or ADATA (still, a lottery).

SanDisk is much worse than ADATA in the vast majority of synthetic tests (e.g. ref here). They synthetic tests are a sort of artificial test, torn off the real users' needs. The real users' needs are different - one needs a machine for video editing, another -- just for office jobs.

Someone has suggested a way of comparing SanDisk and ADATA in "practical" tasks. I did not review it in detail, but you can find it here, if interested.

Amazon and others -- indeed, Amazon has restarted selling today; but a few days ago I saw they stopped selling for investigating on users' feedback. I've posted about the dales restart to the other thread on this forum, which I provided to you earlier (ref. here). Pls monitor responses, if any, as I won't be able to update you promptly due to time difference. The easiest way to do it is to subscribe to that thread, so that you could get email notification each time a post is made.

Screen frequency -- I don't know much about it (always play with it for my own needs), so rely on prior advice by ingeniumed.

Upgrading -- I see you are very much inclined on upgrading options. If I may suggest a few thoughts on this:

(1) I am used to see laptops as transformers, where I can easily change this or that part. There is often a separated area at the bottom of a laptop, appropriately indicated, where I can just unscrew bolts and install new memory or HDD, etc. without voiding the warranty. However, UX31A is more like iPad, i.e. more like a "all-in-itself" unit. If you were to replace any part within, you need to open it "fully". This voids warranty.

(2) UX31A is, what, just a 2nd generation of Ultrabooks? By the time you get dissatisfied with it (because there would appear better devices on the market, it would probably be in 6-12 months or so), it would come to a next generation of Ultrabooks (which are developing really fast!).

By that time, to catch up with a next generation, you'd need to change everything in your UX31A - probably (in the sequence of priority), the RAM (which is not officially upgradable on UX31A), the SSD (not evident that SSD, which is costly, would not be changed to a better technology), the memory (RAM standards are developing rather fast), if not the whole motherboard.

In 1-2 years from now on, it might be easier to just buy a next generation ultrabook and sell your current one, than to upgrade it.

I personally like not to change computers often as I "get used" to them. But that's what I am facing now. I have HP EliteBook 6930p. I bought it maybe 5 years ago and back then, it was a super model, it cost me around $1,500, not to mention additional cost for a high-capacity battery, a dock-station, etc. What it costs now, you can see from ebay.

Just think about it carefully, think of examples from your or your friends' past.

Despite my habit of getting used to a machine, I opt to buy a new one.

And I think that ones UX21A gets known on the market (which I expect in next 3 months), I may well buy that one and sell UX31A to someone else (I personally would like an 11' model).

 

I had not heard of retailers temporarily discontinuing this model, though it makes some sense given the high return rates for the SSD alone. What's odd is that this is far from the worst new/refreshed model I've seen with regard to QC problems (eg, every new HP and Dell model released in the past 5 years!) so I don't know why this one would be singled out. Returns are a fact of life for computer retailers, especially for those that don't charge a restocking fee for non-defective refunds.

That said, I have a few cardinal rules (which I too often violate when a "gotta have it" model with great professional reviews gets under my skin!) but they really apply here:

1) Don't buy a new model or a major refresh for at least 3 months after it is first released, better yet, waitt 6 months. A corollary to this is: don't buy a model until the major out-of-box complaints have slowed to a trickle and the major early problems have been specifically addressed by the manufacturer and most forum "regulars" agree they have been resolved. (Ironically, the UX31A represents a breathtakingly quick - 9 months from the release of the original to release of its replacement - turnaround of a replacement for the UX31E that improved upon just about every single complaint most reviewers had about the original Zenbooks - screen, keyboard, touchpad, etc - but it's not surprising that they could make that many fairly major design, engineering and manufacturing changes without some major glitches at time of release.)

Cardinal rule 2): Don't buy a computer you can't return for a full refund, no restocking fees, for any reason or no reason, for at least 14 days, preferably 30. Most of the major mfrs (Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo (not official, but call to place order and they will put right to return in the sales agreement) and more and more retailers (Best Buy, Buy.com, TigerDirect, others) are offering this (note: not Amazon or Newegg at this time. Not only will you be able to determine if you got a "lemon" or the "wrong" SSD, but even more important you will get to live with it and its quirks and decide if you can deal with them.

Finally, a few misconceptions, IMO, about the "problems" reported about the current line of ''Zenbooks": 1) "backlight bleed" is not unique to IPS displays, plenty of excellent TN panels have it as well. If anything, it is more a function of how bright the backlight is than the technology of the display. It truly only appears obvious in dark backgrounds such as the Windows startup splash screen and has no effect on vitually any normal use, including watching movies. 2) The Sandisk SSDs are too slow for a modern $1,000+ computer. If you're coming from a spinning hard drive, as the OP is, you'll only notice the speed improvements but if you are used to a SATA III SSD the speed will be a disappointment. If you can wait or choose a different model, you are well advised to do so, especially since you usually cannot upgrade the SSD later - a particular problem with the proprietary connectors in the UX31A. You can, for example, switch out the mSATA drives in the Samsung 900X3B/C and the HP Envy Spectre.

Last point: if you are thinking you are not prepared to accept the risks associated with the UX31A at this time - don't try one out! Once you see that 600 nit IPS screen it will be hard to be happy with anything else, except a Sony Z.

Sorry for such a long post. I've been in the thick of this hunt for several months so I have a lot of testing under my belt. I lucked out: got a Sony Z2 on eBay, barely used, mid-high configuration, excellent condition with one small, easily replaced bottom casing flaw for less than even the budget UBs go for. Can't really speak of Ultrabooks in the same sentence - standard voltage SB Core i7 cpu, 2.5 lbs, carbon fiber, sheet battery, good for 8 hrs. average life off the grid, that "killer" 1080p screen. Moral of the story: be a well informed buyer and leave no stone unturned and chances are your patience and dilligence will be rewarded. (With it all, as great a machine as this Z2 is, I have not yet gotten comfortable with the keyboard and clickpad and still prefer my "old" Z13. Perhaps this Z2 could be yours some day!)

 

Thank you guys for the info!

 

Hi,

I'll consider buying stickers then! Thanks for the tip.

About the chipset, I looked it up and it appears to be the UX31A (not the older UX31E) that is sold (Ivy Bridge, black plastic keyboard, etc.). But you got me wondering if there's really a chipset difference in the same line of UX31A's ( chipset QS67).

Regarding the SSD, I don't think I'll mind getting the Sandisk vs. the ADATA. I would prefer the ADATA, but I think I'll be able to live with the Sandisk, specially considering my usage of the computer (office jobs).

I guess you're right about upgrading. I'll keep that in mind.

For the temporary hold on the sales of the UX31A, I red the last pages of the thread. I'm surprise though because, as rmmrolf stated, it's not the worst model to be launched with troubles and I was never aware of that kind of reaction from the sellers before. Anyway, now it seems back in order...

Finally, why do you say that opening the UX31A would void the warranty? I thought that it was a little bit like opening the UX32VD (unscrew a few screws and take off the bottom part of the laptop). I get that removing and changing parts on the UX31A voids the warranty as its parts aren't made to be upgradable, but only opening the laptop voids the warranty too?

Thanks for you advices rmmrolf!

Have a great day guys!

Blaccko

 

Blaccko, I must I admit I don't know for sure but I am pretty confident ASUS would not allow one to open this device without breaking a warranty seal (a seal can be a physical seal on top of some screws, or may not be visible from the outside).

In some laptops i've seen, there are special boxes (which you can unscrew separately from the body) for those parts which a manufacturer allows a user to replace e.g. RAM or HDD. However, to open a laptop fully, I'd damage a seal.

Given that UX31A is "solid" and not designed to be upgradable, I am pretty confident they don't want a user to open it. However, again, I dont know for sure. Tried to quickly google for "UX31A teardown" but it does not seem anyone focused on warranty seals when dismantling their devices...

 

Hi,

I am from Montreal and have decided to buy it despite all the negative feedback. I have played with it for three days so I have made my opinion and it goes backt - the second unit. It is sleek ultrabook, great build, I love the touchpad, no fan problems, SSD SanDisc is fast enough (I was looking for Adata but to no avail - and honestly I do not care if the file opens in 1.1 second or 1.2). I really, really love it BUT..... Screen bleed is soooooooooooooo annoying. If you are like me and once you know there is something that should not be there (especially for the price) it will bother you. Do not get me wrong, if you do not do anything with black bar on the bottom or right side - then no problem, go for it you will be happy. However, if you do like me - movie addict, than it is very annoying and just I keep looking at points where it bleeds instead of watching the movie . It is so close to ideal ultrabook for me, but the screen bleed is just something I cannot live with at this price range. I wanted to love it but this version is not for me, because even the second unit has screen bleed and I simply cannot accept the claim that it is a problem of this type of screen. I would accept it if it was uniform along the bottom but not here and there - this is real problem for me. I have LED TV and I have screen bleed, but it is uniform in each corner, so I accept that this is the downfall of the type of screen but on Prime it is not the case.

I got it from Futureshop, and they will give you money back within 14 days with no questions asked, so go buy it and just return if you do not like it.

If you have questions let me know.

 

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your inputs zhenya.shubin and stefanstefan, I'll keep that in mind. However, I think I'm gonna buy the UX31A-DB71 from BestBuy and see if I like it (14 days policy for returns without any fees).

Take care and have a nice day!

Blaccko

 

Massaged the screen I have had my UX31A for a week now (avec le clavier bilingue) and I do have the bleeding at the bottom pretty much like the video on YouTube.
Can you tell us more about your "massage technique"?
thanks.

 

You may want to consider the reduced warranty at BestBuy, apparently they bring it down to one year (instead of two).

 

Yeah, I know. Also, they don't provide their ASUS computers with the ASUS accidental warranty. However I got the UX31A-DB71 for 1350 $ plus taxes instead of 1500 $ (at least) plus taxes in the other stores. So I bought it this afternoon. It was a special temporary rebate. If I could get it from elsewhere, I would have bought from another shop with better warranties, but the price was hard to beat!

Blaccko

 

En effet. I got mine for 1450$ and that's the best I found at the time. Let us know how you like it and if you get the bleeding...

 

Hi,

So I was really happy with the computer. Nothing bad to say about it (not much bleeding except from a small part on the lower right pat of the screen). In fact, it was really fast, specially on boot time. However, one single thing was wrong: the small feet of ruber under the computer seemed not to be equally placed as the computer was shaky when the lid was open. It's too bad bacause otherwise, it was awesome. However, when typing while the computer was on a plane surface, I could feel the shake. So, I returned the copmuter. I wanted to exchange it for another one, but now BestBuy Canada doesn't have it in stock. In fack, it's not listed anymore on their website and when I called them, they said they might not receive any more of this model. So, I'm waiting to get another good price on the UX31A-DB71 (I got mine for 1350 $ plus taxes) in Canada...

Hope you like your's!

Blaccko

 

That's too bad Blaccko. I do like mine even though I have the bleeding at the bottom. Like other people said, it is not really apparent most of the time. I also have problems with the touchpad not waking up after opening the lid but I hope this will be fixed with a driver update (or a BIOS update). Note that if you see a good price, you can order the computer from most Canadian stores and get the bilingual keyboard. I ordered mine from a store in Ontario and it has the bilingual keyboard.

 

Thanks for the tip about the bilangual keyboard dSly! Have fun with your new Zenbook.

Blaccko

 

I think that at this moment, it is best to wait for the new generation, which I believe should be some time in October. But given Asus' history in this regard, I would not hold my breath .

So meantime, I bought Transformer Infinity which, believe or not, has a small bleed too, barely noticeable though.