Which Zenbook models can be upgrade?

I am thinking about to buy Asus Zenbook but as you can guess there's various models such UX31A, UX32 etc. I've been searching for long time but I think the best to ask owners or future owners like me. Since this ultrabooks so solid and thin build it's really expensive so I thought maybe I can buy something under $1000 and can upgrade when I needed. After the research I've seen UX32 models are available to upgrade while UX31A models not. Is there anyone gone through the same research like I do?

Which models are exactly upgrade-able? Is it okay to upgrade this ultrabooks? After upgrade is it working as it's expected? I would like to hear your opinions and experiences? Will be appreciated.

 

The Zenbooks are very limited on what you can upgrade. The CPU, GPU, Hard drive/SSD is usually not upgradable and many models dont even support upgrading RAM. On these models its best to get the configuration you think will last you several years down the road. When it comes times to upgrade you better just plan on getting a new computer.

 

Are you stuck on no-touch laptops? Cause if not, the Samsung ativ book 7 (aka samung series 7 ultra) would be a good upgradeable option that compares with the asus ux31a touch.

I bought the samsung used for $600 but you can get it new from amazon for $926.

It has all the same specs as the ux31a touch except it's slightly heavier at 3.6 pounds. Full sized Ethernet and hdmi ports so no dongles needed. The sd card will not stick out of the slot the way it does with the asus, though I'm a little afraid I'll break the cover someday.

Samsung has a recovery program that allowed me to get the factory reset/refresh working again after it was messed up (couldn't figure out how to do it on the asus).

No vga port but who uses that anymore anyway. I do feel that the fan turns on more on the Samsung and it's somewhat louder than the extremely quite asus ux31a fan - annoying but bearable.

mobiletechreview on youtube even has a teardown video showing you how to open the laptop. She also has a smackdown video comparing the ux31a touch with the Samsung series 7 ultra.

Must say, my head tells me I made the right choice selling my asus and getting the Samsung but my heart is still with the asus. And this is for the sole shallow reason that the asus ux31a touch is just so pretty even as a fingerprint magnet (Samsung not bad looking but no asus). I can also now feel the weight difference though I doubt if you haven't held both laptops, you would notice the difference.

I think the Lenovo yoga is upgradable too but I believe Lenovo's wireless cards aren't as easy to replace with stock cards. Sony has many upgradeable, light laptops but they are more expensive and I think many are harder to open.

 

Thanks Hutsady, well you made a good point there. After a research I've seen that these ultrabook limited to upgrade even if it's upgradeable. Up to 8-10 GB Ram and some SSD upgrade(which is not cheap at the moment)

So I think I will think about to buy with good specs or will wait a little when it's still pricey.

 

I have a UX51 Zenbook and have really liked it. My decision on getting it was based on having a nice desktop that could do my heavy lifting. If you're looking for a powerful notebook like for top end gaming they're not the way to go. But if you're looking for battery life and mobility they are really nice. Before I had this one I had a gaming notebook but found I never gamed on it because of my desktop. The choice comes down to your needs and how you plan on using it.

 

Thanks heehee,

Well the reason I really like(Though haven't even handle yet) Zenbook because of it's solid look and that's so called aluminum case. And it really looks nice if you compare to another ultrabook models. Today I had chance to see and handle one Samsung model at Office Depot and i really liked it. Cannot remember the model but it was 13.3 inch and was pretty cheap with decent specs. But I really like to buy something solid and aluminum. What you think about your Samsung's case?

p.s. I thought I replied your message but found out today that I didn't

 

Actually now I have Lenovo y410p with a great configuration. It would be a great gaming laptop but I realized that I'm done with gaming. The most I might play manager or tycoon games in the future. And frankly, after core 2 duo laptop I didn't feel like I'm using an i7 quad core laptop. So there's no reason to keep this beast if I'm not gonna play games or using some complex programs.

Yes I want some powerful laptop but without gaming abilities. I will mostly browse web. write some blogs and watch movies. How about your Zenbook, hows the quality and performance?