After much speculation and a few leaked details, Asus has today officially announced the arrival of their Asus Zenbook Primes in the United States. The Asus Zenbook Primes range will consist of three systems: the 11.6-inch UX21A, and 13.3-inch UX31A and UX32A, all featuring Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processor in various flavors.
Advanced Display Options
As well as the new Ivy Bridge processor, all sizes, including the smaller 11.6-inch version, will have options for a 350-nit 1080p IPS panel. This high-resolution display ensures vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for both professional work and entertainment purposes. The inclusion of an IPS panel in such a compact device is a significant step forward, offering users a premium visual experience that was previously reserved for larger, more expensive laptops.
Performance and Storage
Asus’s UX21A and UX31A will include Intel’s integrated HD 4000 GPU and solid-state drives (SSD), ensuring fast boot times and quick access to files. SSDs are known for their durability and speed, making them a preferred choice for ultrabooks. On the other hand, the Asus UX32A is equipped with a hybrid hard drive, which combines the large storage capacity of traditional hard drives with the speed of SSDs. This makes the UX32A a versatile option for users who need ample storage without compromising on performance.
The Asus UX32VD Zenbook will feature a discrete NVIDIA GT 620M graphics card, providing enhanced graphics performance for tasks such as video editing and light gaming. This makes the UX32VD an excellent choice for creative professionals and gamers who need more graphical power than what integrated GPUs can offer.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Connectivity on the 13.3-inch UX31A will include 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x microHDMI, and an SD card slot. USB 3.0 ports offer faster data transfer speeds compared to their USB 2.0 counterparts, making it easier to transfer large files quickly. The microHDMI port allows users to connect their Zenbook to external displays, enhancing productivity by enabling multi-monitor setups. Additionally, the inclusion of an SD card slot is a boon for photographers and videographers who need to quickly transfer media from their cameras to their laptops.
The Zenbook Primes also come with WiFi b/g/n, and support for dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Dual-band WiFi support ensures a more stable and faster internet connection, especially in environments with multiple devices connected to the same network. This is particularly useful for users who rely on cloud services and online collaboration tools.
Pricing and Availability
ASUS revealed that the 13-inch systems will start at $999 with Ivy Bridge processors, making them competitively priced for the features they offer. However, the pricing for the smaller 11.6-inch UX21A has yet to be announced. Given the advanced features and premium build quality of the Zenbook Primes, they are expected to be a popular choice among consumers looking for a high-performance ultrabook.
The Asus Zenbook Primes offer a compelling combination of performance, portability, and advanced features. With options for high-resolution displays, fast storage solutions, and robust connectivity, these ultrabooks are well-suited for a wide range of users, from business professionals to creative artists. The addition of discrete graphics in the UX32VD model further expands the appeal of the Zenbook Primes, making them a versatile choice in the competitive ultrabook market.
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