Asus Zenbook UX21 (first look)
What does this $999, 11-inch MacBook Air alternative look like?
Asus' answer to the Ultrabook and MacBook Air is finally hitting stores October 12: its Zenbook line offers two models, the 11-inch UX21 and 13-inch UX31. So what is the UX21 all about? Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Design
With its unique "concentric circle design" and spun metal finish on its luxury watch-inspired lid, the UX21 will definitely standout -- in cafes and boardrooms.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Display
The UX21 features a 11.6-inch HD display with 1366 X 768 resolution, which is the same as the 11-inch MacBook Air.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Web Cam
Both the UX21 and UX31 are equipped with an integrated, 0.3-megapixel web cam for web conferencing.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Keyboard
Despite the UX21's small chassis, it offers a spacious chiclet keyboard with keys that curve just enough for comfortable, all-day typing -- even for those with large digits. My only peeve is the proximity and similarity of the power button to the delete and backspace keys because it looks like an accident waiting to happen.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Touchpad
The Zenbook's touchpad is large and no longer includes mouse buttons. Simply tap your finger in the designated area to simulate left and right mouse clicks.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Ultra Slim
Part of the appeal of the Zenbook is its svelte profile. At its thinnest point at the front of the laptop, both models only measure 0.11-inches thick.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Back Design
Taking a different approach from the Acer S3 Ultrabook, the Asus Zenbook's back hinge is devoid of ports, slots or connectors.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Left Side
The UX21 offers a micro-VGA port, USB 2.0 port and a combo headphone and mic jack along its left side.
The larger, 13-inch UX31 also includes a SD Card slot on the same side.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Right Side
On the right side, the UX21 has a headphone/mic indicator, micro-HDMI port, USB 3.0 port and a power plug.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
Bottom Design
Asus' Zenbook has a single panel bottom design that uses minimal number of screws, also inspired by the workmanship of luxury timepieces.
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus
With the Asus Zenbook UX21 and UX31 landing in stores in the same week as the Acer S3 Ultrabooks, will consumers notice the Taiwanese company's offerings or default to the Macbook Air even if itcosts slightly more?
Read on for my first impressions of both Zenbooks.
Captions By: Gloria Sin
Photo Credit: Asus