The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    Zenbook U500 Announced: 15.6" HD IPS, GT650M, Quad-Core i7...

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by kanuk, Aug 29, 2012.

  1. PaKii94

    PaKii94 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    211
    Messages:
    2,376
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    56
    which U6? there is an old one wiht c2duo
     
  2. xismo

    xismo Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well Asus used to be more of a budget brand back in the day similar to Acer, but they have long been moving towards the higher end spectrum. It's honestly great to see because there is not nearly enough premium products in the PC market. In my opinion they are one of the most innovative companies currently.
     
  3. JimbojanglesAUS

    JimbojanglesAUS Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I'm another person that's come over from the XPS 15 thread. Looking at S15 or U500 at the moment for my next purchase. Should be here in time to test my Oculus Rift!
     
  4. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Retina MacBook uses already an ips panel.

    Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2
     
  5. xismo

    xismo Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    True... But Zenbook Primes were released before rMBP. Not that it matters. It was really just a matter of time before IPS panels become mainstream. Lenovo has been using IPS panels for years and so was Dell and HP in their workstation laptops. The price of IPS panels has come down quite drastically in the past couple of years which is why we see IPS panels in virtually every tablet, smartphone and now FINALLY notebooks & ultrabooks as well.
     
  6. Modran

    Modran Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hello guys I just finished reading these 40 pages and I fell in love with this U500. It looks like I finally found my portable gaming laptop with IPS screen (not used to Mac but still considering rMBP and S15 but I worry about the orangegate). What bothers me is the pricing (if it is same price as rMBP I would maybe get one rMBP because I wont have to wait for this one) and availibility in EU. I got few questions:

    - do you think the price will be based on rMBP pricing or will asus set some more affordable price to counter Apple?
    - where do you think this will be first availible in EU I mean which shop should start shipping it to EU first (amazon.co.uk?)


    EDIT: already found my answer about S15 orangegate issue, decide not to buy after seen some photo comparison
     
  7. Deltido

    Deltido Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    35
    Messages:
    242
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    - I don't believe this will cost as much as the rMBP. Only if you add dual ssd. I personally will use ssd+hdd. They know we're excited for it (price up). But they also know they're not Apple (price down). I'm thinking $1500 for 128gb ssd+500gb hdd version.

    -I don't know much of anything about the EU markets, sorry.
     
  8. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

    Reputations:
    2,365
    Messages:
    9,422
    Likes Received:
    200
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Im betting 1600 base config and all the way to the moon when you add SSDs.
     
  9. nunomoreira10

    nunomoreira10 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    244
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    ^^
    Im with you, their afortable ultrabook seems to be the U6 and even that should´t be that cheep.

    Still i doubt their base config changes the processor, graphics or display, so it´s still a good value for the money (if that´s the case)
     
  10. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

    Reputations:
    2,365
    Messages:
    9,422
    Likes Received:
    200
    Trophy Points:
    231
    it will get i5 processor in the base config. No way that asus is going to launch that at such a low price point (i.e. 1500 with all the goodies). Just take a look at how the ux31 is priced, very close to what the mba is.
     
  11. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    UK is rubbish in case of availability and pricing. You can compare Dell in UK and in US or Germany.
    Asus was always stronger in central and eastern Europe.
    UX32VD with i7 is not available in any store in the UK, we have only the basic one with i5, where in the rest of Europe you can get both of them.
    I will not be surprise if UK will get a basic version U500A not VZ.
     
  12. krayziehustler

    krayziehustler Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    365
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    31
    anyone know for SURE if this will use FULL SSDs and not mSATA?

    I have a Samsung 830 i would love to put in this and use it and not have to but one with an ssd already installed
     
  13. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Maybe not full but 7mm type so 830 will be good.
     
  14. nunomoreira10

    nunomoreira10 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    244
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31

    If you look at the pictures on the Asus comference at IFA you will see that for the s6 they say "up to 3ºgeneration..." and for the u500 theu just say "standart voltage quad core..."

    Could be wrong of course, but they seem to want to make this laptop exclusive in that regard.

    http://techfokus.de/blog/wp-content/liveblog/DSC06374.JPG

    http://techfokus.de/blog/wp-content/liveblog/DSC06377.JPG
     
  15. Modran

    Modran Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I am with you for the 128gb ssd + 500gb hdd. Although I red here it is probably going to be 5400 hdd but also that it will be probably Western Digital with impresive performance so w/e. I also believe that non-dual ssd price is going to be around the price you said, ssd can bump price very much we could see that in rMBPR (the difference between 256 and 512 is huge)


    This is actually great news for me because I am from Slovakia. Can you or someone else please hook me with some sites you know that should have it soonest somewhere here in central/eastern EU? I really dont have any knowledge about online shops here, Thanks
     
  16. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

    Reputations:
    2,365
    Messages:
    9,422
    Likes Received:
    200
    Trophy Points:
    231
    I hope Im wrong, I just dont think it will be in this matter.
     
  17. helpmedecide

    helpmedecide Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    61
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    My mistake. The Asus S56, as labelled on Asus's website, only has dual-core ULV processor options, a weight of 2.3 kg, and a maximum supported resolution of 1366x768. This appears to be their budget ultrabook.
     
  18. MikeTLB

    MikeTLB Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    78
    Messages:
    142
    Likes Received:
    45
    Trophy Points:
    41

    The S56 is indeed going to be their mainstream 15 inch "ultrabook" starting with a Core i3 Ivy processor and going up to core i7 + Nvidia 635M. All ULVs of course.

    Over here the S56 is already available, you can see some prices here: Cautare: asus s56 - eMAG.ro . 1 Euro is about 4.5 Lei. I was hoping to get my hands on one of the S56s for some in depth tests but Asus don't have samples for their "mainstream" laptops
     
  19. srinath777

    srinath777 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I am so lucky saw this thread before I bought a rMBP. I am a big fan of asus but the rmbp seemed like the best thing out there so I was going to buy that. Cant wait for this. Hope the 512gb raid 0 ssd configuration isnt over $2500.
     
  20. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Processor: Intel Core i7-3612QM
    Chipset: Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    RAM: 8192 MB (SO-DIMM DDR3, 1600 MHz)
    Max RAM: 12 GB
    HDD: 256 GB (2 x 128 GB) SATA III SSD
    GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M + Intel HD Graphics 4000
    GPU RAM: 2048 MB GDDR5
    2,15 kg
    The port is miniVGA not miniDisplay, the webcam is 1.0mpx, the speakers are 2+1 not 4+1, and has one memory slot.
    Price: 1459 GBP, with external DVD: 1499 GBP, with 12GB RAM: 1499 GBP, with 12GB ram and DVD: 1549 GBP
     
  21. krayziehustler

    krayziehustler Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    365
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    31

    source? or just a wild guess?
     
  22. JunkStory

    JunkStory Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    3
    Messages:
    242
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Taking into account the laptop price discrepancy between UK and USA, and the exchange rate, that works out to be $1783 USD for the base model one (1459 GBP).
     
  23. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    U500 was the name of the prototype it may have different name at the end, similar to other Zenbooks.
     
  24. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    No surprise about specs...
    Seems confirmed 4GB soldered...
    Who's the source of that?

    Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2
     
  25. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    So, maybe the name could be UX51 or UX52 :D
    If price is confirmed means start from 1825€ and this is insane :eek:, fortunately UK price for notebook usually are higher than Germany or Italy :D

    Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2
     
  26. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    It has 8-cell, 70 Wh, Li-Polymer battery
    6/20 mm x 380 mm x 255 mm
     
  27. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    :thumbsup: UX51VZ
     
  28. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Seems that battery is thinner than prototype, I remember that it has 75Wh.

    Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2
     
  29. alfling

    alfling Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    90
    Messages:
    995
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Where did you get all these informations Jako?

    Sent from HTC HD2 with Tapatalk
     
  30. Quix Omega

    Quix Omega Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    78
    Messages:
    478
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Source? and is that including VAT or not?
     
  31. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I had a fling with Mr Asus's young daughter, she told me many interesting things.

    Prices are with VAT
     
  32. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    LOL, for these prices Asus must supply a product without any flaw, and overall without throttling.
    How is UK VAT? (Edit: seems to be 20%)
    There is the possibility that these prices are only suggested price, so at the end price could be more lower?

    Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2
     
  33. PJPeter

    PJPeter Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    1,122
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
    So that's for the dual SSD models, how about the SSD+HDD ones?

    Thanks,
    Peter

    P.S. A quick Google reveals a lot of empty pages on Asus' site for the Ux51VZ...
     
  34. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Some pictures


    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  35. PJPeter

    PJPeter Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    1,122
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
  36. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Searching for UX51VZ-CN025H I have found a lot of polish site
    with price and specs and unfortunately price seems always
    the same 7499 Zloty (or higher) that means 1812€...
     
  37. srinath777

    srinath777 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I just want to get some suggestions here. I am debating between this and the razer blade R2. I do some light gaming and am going to get guild wars 2. Would the razer blade be better due to the gtx 660m or should I stick with this and get the ssd raid 0 configuration. Also I was wondering what stores the asus is going to? Is it going to be at costco by any chance?
     
  38. krayziehustler

    krayziehustler Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    365
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    31


    the keyboard has the old Windows logo so I don't know about that
     
  39. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Could you delete pictures from replay quote.
     
  40. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Are there notebooks with new Windows logo?

    Seems the possibility of configuration are drastically lower than expected.
    Even in polish sites and according to Mr.Asus daughter :D there are only models with 256GB (2X128GB SSD), with 8GB or 12GB and maybe with or without external DVD burner.

    Version with 128GB SSD + 500GB HDD and 2X256SSD seems disappeared.
     
  41. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
  42. Jako

    Jako Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    That's a user guide for W8 not manual
     
  43. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Seems that European version is called Asus UX51VZ-CN025H while the US version is called Asus UX51VZ-DH71, but I don't see any evident difference on specs.
     
  44. PJPeter

    PJPeter Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    1,122
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
    It seems like one supplier has added the UX51VZ-DH71 to its catalog and it's being automatically picked up by various retailers with their own markups - it looks like approximately $1950-$2050 US is the going rate for that model - whether it is dual SSD, with a DVD or Blu-Ray burner or anything else is not stated - just that it has 8GB of RAM.
     
  45. helpmedecide

    helpmedecide Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    61
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    $1950 was a little more than the $1800+ I expected. The RMBP sells for $2000 plus tax for students. I guess the best Asus could do was $50 less. Regardless, it's still too early to determine the final price.
     
  46. apkraven

    apkraven Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    guess i made the right decision of picking up envy 15 i7 7750m 8gb and all that stuff for 1000 couple days ago . damn that is expensive as hell.
     
  47. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I have the premonition that this notebook could become a new XPS15 L521x case...

    High price = high expectations
    Thin chassis = high throttling probability
    Same IPS screen of Envy15 and Vaio S15 = orangegate or bluegate chance.

    I'm very curious to see Notebookcheck review about stress test and Anandtech review for display...

    I think could be better for me to buy an Envy 17 3290el with better GPU (7850m) and same CPU 3612QM, Intel N6300 for 1100€, unfortunately seems that only 7 of these notebooks were sold in my country market, now it's impossible to find...
     
  48. dkris2020

    dkris2020 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    466
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    No Orangegate: Asus Zenbook U500 review: powerful 15 inch premium ultrabook - YouTube this review covers the screen and other things. NOTE: its still a pre-release sample and is subject to change.
     
  49. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I have seen prototype review, but it's no sure without adequate instrumentation to declare that everything it's ok.
    From Sony S15 and Envy 15 review we even know that gamut is not too good.
    It's possible that LG has made some upgrade to display so it's good to wait some review about final product.
     
  50. Quix Omega

    Quix Omega Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    78
    Messages:
    478
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I'm quite skittish about this one because of the throttling issues I had with XPS 15 (which is thicker than this, with a less powerful graphics card). A $2000 price tag means that it's going to have to really compete with the retina MacBook Pro and frankly it has to be perfect. The $1600 I spent on the XPS was enough to expect a high-quality system.
     
← Previous pageNext page →