Review: zenbook asus ux31

After analyzing the Asus UX21 a few months ago, Asus has sent us to test its most powerful version, the Asus Zenbook UX31 with its exquisite aluminum design, an IPS screen, quad-core processor and more than efficient cooling. Don't miss our review!

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ZENBOOK UX31 FEATURES
Processors	Intel® Core ™ i7 Processor 2677M Intel® Core ™ i5 Processor 2557M
OS	Windows® 7 Professional Original 64bitsWindows® 7 Home Premium Original 64bitsWindows® 7 Home Basic Original 64bitsThis version incorporates all product updates (SP1)
screen	Front 3 mm Rear: 9mm
Memory	DDR3 1333 MHz 4GB Ram
TFT-LCD panel	13.3 ″ 16: 9 HD (1600 × 900 resolution 450 nits)
Storage	SATA3 128GB SSD 256GB SSD
Network connectivity	Integrated 802.11 b / g / n Integrated Bluetooth ™ V4.0.
Interface	1 x Headphone Out (Audio-in Combo) 1 x USB 3.0 port (s) 1 x USB 2.0 port (s) 1 x Micro HDMI 1 x Mini DisplayPort
Battery	50W Whrs Polymer Battery (7 + hrs)
Dimensions and weight	29.9 x 19.6 x 0.3 ~ 1.7 cm (WxDxH) Only 3 mm at the front and 9 mm at the rear.1.1kg weight.
Audio	Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® SonicMaster

The Asus UX31 is slim, light and attractive. It boots quickly and resumes from hibernation in seconds, and its display has something hard to find on other 13.3-inch laptops: a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels.

However, the UX31 Zenbook is not necessarily good for everyone. It only has two USB ports, lacks a full-size VGA or HDMI connector, and is priced fairly high, between € 1, 000 and € 1, 200 (although it can sometimes be found for sale for a little less). The reviewed model is an Asus UX31 Zenbook with a dual-core Intel Core i5-2557M processor, Intel HD 3000 graphics, 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM and a 128GB SSD.

The UX31 Zenbook measures 12.8 "x 8.8" x 0.7 "at its thickest point, and only 0.1" thick at its thinnest, and has a wedge-shaped design. The front is thinner than the rear.

Asus has also designed the power adapter in proportion to the zenbok: small and handy. It is slightly larger than the adapters used in smartphone devices.

Having only 2 USB ports may not be a problem until you discover that there is no Ethernet port. Instead Asus includes a USB to Ethernet adapter that you will have to use if you are trying to connect to a wired network, thus occupying one of the USB ports. If you prefer the mouse to the touchpad, there goes the other USB port, leaving no free ports for other peripherals.

Asus includes a slim case with the UX31, just enough to fit just the laptop. It looks a lot like a manila envelope, and it protects your computer better due to its thickness.

The screen resolution is excellent, but the viewing angles fall within the average. If the screen is tilted or viewed from the sides, the colors will begin to wash off. It is not a problem if you are sitting right in front of the Zenbook, but it is an obstacle to share photos or videos with someone sitting next to you.

In terms of performance, one of the UX31's most impressive tricks is its fast startup, shutdown, and resume from hibernation. If you close the laptop lid it will go to sleep in just a few seconds. But while most Windows 7 laptops take 10 seconds or more to resume from hibernation, the UX31 wakes up almost as soon as the flip is opened, allowing us to continue where we left off in 3 seconds or less.

Since the UX31 does not have a user-replaceable battery, it is important to highlight its good performance. It can last between 5 or 6 hours, while we surf the web, listen to music and do other light tasks.

Like most laptops, ASUS UX31 has a version of the Asus hybrid engine, which gives you four different modes of performance to choose from: high performance, quiet office, power saving, and entertainment mode. For most everyday tasks, battery saving mode or silent office modes are sufficient.

The Bang & Olufsen Icepower audio system and the ASUS SonicMaster technology are noteworthy, giving the team a premium character. Also, despite its thinness, the impression the speakers give is quite good.

This team has "Super Hybrid Engine 2.0", which is capable of going up to 2 weeks in standby mode. In addition, it is also possible to resume the equipment in 2 seconds thanks to its Instant On.

There are several aspects to highlight such as the team's strengths, the inclusion of a 128 or 256GB solid state disk (SSD) and USB 3.0 ports. It also incorporates a large 1600 × 900 resolution screen and Intel ULV (Ultra-low Voltage) processors based on Intel Core iX, either i5 or i7.

Its weakest point would be the power of the integrated Intel HD3000 graphics card, although it does not seem like a device for the use of 3D applications or games that demand high performance.

The Professional Review team awards Asus UX31 a well deserved gold medal.