Ready or not, you may want to own a laptop computer that is handy and easy to operate on your busy schedules. You may want to try to look over the Asus Zenbook 3.
Asus Zenbook series has evolved since Asus unveiled it. A year ago, Asus launched it’s Zenbook 3.
The Core
Asus Zenbook 3 has the Core i7-7500U, 2.7GHz with dual-core, 4MB cache and up to 3.5GHz with Turbo Boost.
Asus Zenbook 3 has 16GB of RAM, which is comparable to Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Air. But, you may take a step backward for the Dell and MacBook Air and take a peek on the Asus Zenbook 3.
The Asus ZenBook 3’s Intel Kaby Lake processor functions well with multitasking. It has no issues or whatsoever when going between tabs and applications. No slowdown observed during the test on Zenbook 3. It was like everything you throw at it; it can process swiftly and accordingly.
The Zenbook 3 also has 512GB SSD, powered by NVMe and has a screen display about 12.50-inch Full HD with 60Hz backlit. The total dimension of Zenbook 3 is 11.65 X 7.52 x 0.46 inches and weighs about 2 pounds or 910 grams. At this point, it is one of the lightest laptops in the market.
Market Value
The price of Zenbook 3 in the US is $1,599 (about £1,499, AU$1,598) with the given specs above.
In Australia, though a similar model, it has only 8GB of RAM, and you can buy it for AU$1,995. Zenbook 3 is cheaper than Apple MacBook Air. But when compared to Dell XPS 2017, the price of Zenbook 3 is twice the starting price of Dell. Rumors are circulating the internet that you can buy Zenbook 3 online with more significant discounts since it is an old model.
Look and Feel
Though Zenbook 3 is an old model, it can still perform at its best, and you can carry it without noticing the weight. The physical appearance also makes a marked in the market as well as the durability of the hardware as compared to MacBook.
Believe it or not, even it gets thinner every year; Zenbook 3 is more powerful than the typical Ultrabooks. At just 11.7mm thin, the Zenbook 3 has a full metal chassis. It has a fingerprint sensor on the top-right corner of the touchpad. You can use your fingerprint to sign in the Zenbook 3 with Windows Hello. The sensor for the fingerprint is accurate, reliable and can recognize at a high-speed. It just took a few seconds to unlock the device after placing the finger in the sensor.
The only problem with the fingerprint sensor in Zenboook 3 is when dragging your finger across the pad; it would not directly impact the touchpad’s functionality and just fell out of place. It is annoying when you are in a hurry to sign in to your Zenbook 3.
USB
The Zenbook 3 has only a single USB port on the right side of the laptop.
It is not helpful when you multi-task with your work. In a situation like you need to insert a USB drive but also you need to charge your laptop, what will you do then? It is one of the downsides of Asus Zenbook 3 or other laptops that only have a single USB port.
To resolve this, Asus has come out with the idea of selling accessories to connect multiple devices when needed. It is a good resolution, however, owning that accessories will be an addition to your expenses as well as something that you should not forget when you pack your Zenbook 3.
Keyboard
Another enhancement that Asus should consider is the keyboard in Zenbook 3.
Asus tried to develop its version of Apple’s Butterfly effect on keyboards. Unfortunately, Asus did not surpass what Apple has produced. What happened was the keys did not quickly come back into the place nor did have an equal level of resistance. On the other hand, the keys feel soft which lead them to inaccurate typing before mastering the learning curve.
With all these shortcomings in the performance of Zenbook 3, Asus find a way to resolve all the issues. They have not built the Zenbook 3 to fail. They have their ways to compete with other Ultrabooks manufacturers like Apple and Dell.
Battery Life
Asus told that Zenbook 3 could be used up to 9 hours of use, unplugged.
But, Zenbook 3 is just almost lasted for 6 hours and 30 minutes. The battery test was made by playing a movie twice, setting the brightness at 50% with all unnecessary features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Backlit keyboard disabled.
Other laptops could only last for about three-hours heavy use. Then, the battery life span of Zenbook 3 is a good deal.
Speakers
Harmon Kardon powers the speakers in Zenbook 3.
Asus Zenbook 3 has four Harmon Kardon speakers two are situated on the top of the device above the keyboard, and the other two speakers are found at the bottom of the housing. These speakers are enough to listen to music or watch a video.
Performance
Asus Zenbook 3 excelled in both single and multi-core Geek Bench tests.
Asus Zenbook 3 has the same capability as the Dell XPS 2017 has to offer. In some areas, Zenbook 3 has the advantage than Dell or vice versa. But, it failed when it has to deal with 3DMark, which Dell surpassed on the other hand.
Placing our bets between Asus, MacBook, and Dell, the Asus Zenbook 3 is a tough but not a despicable choice. It is the Ultrabook that can handle serious tasks at hand and can compete with other brands, with a more reasonable price.
The Zenbook 3 is suitable when traveling while working. It is not bulky so it can be placed inside your bag. Also, you can carry it all the time since it is not bulky like other laptops. You will not even be mindful of it getting broken because of its durability. But, avoid throwing it directly against something hard. Any portable computers are fragile though. It also has a longer battery life span; hence; waiting at a terminal will not be so dull like before when you own the Asus Zenbook 3.
There are also limitations in using an Ultrabook. The comparison can be seen when you are accustomed to using a laptop, and then you will use the Asus Zenbook 3 all of a sudden. The Zenbook 3 has restrictions in doing 3D, CAD or layout jobs. At first, it may work out, but the graphics will have low resolution later on.
For beginners, Asus Zenbook 3 is a good buy and will enjoy its features for pleasures.
