ASUS ZenBook UX303UA 13.3-Inch FHD Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Windows 10 (64 bit)

Really early review for my UX303UB, but I wanted to get it out there. I've had it for almost a week, and have basically set it up and used for working (online, at home job). I'll give some background on my situation, then give pros/cons. To preface, I'm a loyal Asus buyer (despite notoriously sub-par customer service). Basically that means I'm used to their weird "click pad" touch pad and the chicklet keyboard, and I expect crappy speakers.This is replacing a Q500A, so I haven't had a new laptop in like 4 years (well I have an eeebook, but that doesn't really count). I needed to downsize to something more portable, but I wanted enough power for decent gaming (GW2, Saints Row, Sims, Skyrim, Witcher, etc.). Haven't gotten around to gaming yet, so cannot comment, but, based on other online reviews, I'm not playing anything too heavy for this computer. I don't care for the touch screen, so I turned that off. My last laptop was about $700, so this is the first actually high-end laptop I've bought (due to some nice xmas cash flow), making it expectedly more impressive than former computers.So for starters, I made some tweaks to the laptop right away: Straight off the bat I did a clean install (after finding my product key just in case). Comes with a lot of bloatware, so it was just easier for me to do that. Then I went ahead and updated all of the drivers just to be safe. I was a little disappointed to see that the hard drive is split into 190 GB C drive and 286 GB D drive, but whatever. I changed the default program save to the D drive, and put the D drive as the location for documents, downloads, etc. I'm not a crazy computer genius, so all of these things I did was from finding instructions online. However, I still needed to manually change the install location on some programs to the d drive, so something may have gone wrong there. Also, I don't care for the touch screen, so I turned that off (and thus will not be reviewing it). I also lowered the resolution, because some programs were too tiny with it up so high.Okay, so now the points of importance:PROS:-It comes with a bunch of stuff: sleeve (decent quality), cloth for cleaning screen, extra velcro strap thing (for cord), VGA adapter, and ethernet adapter.-Backlit keyboard is a must, so that's great.-More RAM than I'll ever need, which will give good resale value in the future.-I love the auto detect for screen brightness.-It's super light and thin, which I love.-No problems running anything. Haven't gamed yet (will update after), but everything I've done (web browsing and game downloading, mainly) has been seamless.-It starts up in like under 30 seconds, which is awesome (remember, last computer was 4 years ago).-Windows 10 is cool, at least compared to 8/8.1. Not sure I'd purposefully upgrade to 10, but I have no complaints (not that it's something to attribute to the computer itself anyway).-I'm impressed with the screen resolution and images. Color is a little different than my last computer, but not in a bad way.-The USB port that will charge a device (phone) while the computer is asleep is genius. Why isn't that standard on all computers?-Minor, but the color is good. I was a little unsure of what it would actually look like, but it is more silver than in the picture, which I approve of. "Smokey brown" is super vague and weird, so I didn't really know what to expect. I'm not too much into gold, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it was more silver than the picture. But it's basically a mix between gold and silver (40 gold:60 silver?), if I had to describe it. (I'll consider taking/adding pictures later, some with size reference.)CONS (all minor or fixable, in my opinion):-BIGGEST COMPLAINT: The power cord is SO SHORT. Holy what. I haven't measured, but like....MAYBE 7 feet. Maybe. Probably 6 feet. It's stupid how close to an outlet I need to be. Also it's got the power brick at the prongs, which takes up a lot of outlet space. I did a ton of research to find a compatible power cord and dropped another $20 to get an off-brand normal cord. The adapter section of the new cord will be 6' by itself, so that will be a huge improvement. But really disappointed at how useless the original cord is. (I'm actually dumbfounded over this and cannot get over how someone thought it was okay.)-The keyboard is a little resistant. I definitely have to press harder than with any other computer, so right now I'll miss a letter here and there. Not a big deal, I'll strengthen my fingers and that's cool.-The power button being a regular button next to the delete key is a little worrisome. However, I've been super conscious of it and haven't had problems, but there's great potential to accidentally press the power button instead of delete.-The fans vent out the bottom, so that's weird and can get warm if you keep it on your lap. The keys also can get warm too from venting, so I would hesitate to use a cover over the keyboard (but I'm gonna anyway).-Like I said, there are 2 drives instead of 1, so plan carefully for where you wanna save stuff (if you have lots to put on the laptop).-Battery isn't great (like 5 hours?). It also takes a bit to charge, like almost 2 hours to charge around 80/90% of it. In all honesty I'll be plugged in most of the time anyway, so it's not a big deal (but that power cord, though).-Speakers aren't great, as to be expected. Asus seriously needs to step up that game. I'm used to speakers being on the bottom of their laptops (which is the worst), so having them on both sides is a slight improvement, but they still don't get very loud. Again, I expected that, so no big deal, but worth noting for those who have never owned Asus.-Along the line of speakers, I've always hated that you have to press FN to use the volume keys on Asus laptops. Never looked into changing that, but this review may spark that research.-Not the greatest construction. Not bad, just not what you might expect for paying over a grand. I think it's a little less solid than expected to keep the weight down. It's not going to be solid metal build and stay this light, so it's a trade off. But it's not cheap either. Just worth mentioning.Okay, hopefully I will remember to update in a month or so, after I've done some gaming and had more time to run into potential problems (cause none so far!).--------------------UPDATE 1/6:So after a little more time I have some more updates to make.-Keyboard gets way easier to use. I think I had about a week of normal use before I was back to my normal typing accuracy.-I am disappointed that there's no little edging on the laptop lid to help open it. I just find myself having a hard time getting it open, and I realized it's because there's no little lip or grip to help separate the lid and body. On my old Asus there was, and I must have used it because without it I'm struggling, haha.-Gaming is great. I've only played a couple, but I'm really happy. Sims 3 runs really smooth, loads quickly, and can support high graphics. I also played some GW2. The graphics are great (there are textures on my clothes I had never seen before) with no lagging (unless my internet is bad) on med-high (I let it auto detect graphics). Overall I'm really satisfied with the gaming aspect, so just keep in mind what you plan on playing.-Keyboard heats up when gaming, seems some of the heat escapes that route instead of the downward facing fans. Not a huge deal, but definitely keep in mind. The laptop can definitely get hot gaming, but the performance doesn't suffer, so I'll deal with the heat.-Oh, a weird thing is that the SD card only goes in the slot halfway. Kind of weird/annoying.I uploaded a couple pics. One of the SD card, and one of it compared to my old laptop (17 inch w/ optical drive). I just put a skin on it, so not great to get pictures of anymore. Figured a couple were better than nothing, though.

- Background:*Software Engineer for a hospital working mainly on CCL. I bought this for myself as i do app development using cordova/intel xdk/Java/Eclipse/Android Studio.*I would say i am also fairly knowledgeable in computers/hardware. I build my desktops and i enjoy it.*I have an ASUS ROG 17 inch that is my favorite Laptop ever, but it is bulky to move around, so i wanted a ultrabook. I didn't want anything over 4 pounds. If i am buying an new laptop for portability's sake, it might as well be an ultra.*I also have the i7 Lenovo X1 Carbon from work. Not really impressed. Laggy, probably due to the encryption software they installed on it.*I have been researching ultrabooks for about a month now, since i wanted to snatch a deal for Black Friday or Christmas.*The decision came down between this and the Dell Dell XPS9350-4007SLV: Dell XPS9350-4007SLV 13.3 Inch QHD+ Touchscreen Laptop (6th Generation Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) Microsoft Signature Edition 1)This one has a bit higher specs, including from what i read, the ability to add a 2nd SSD, but i haven't opened the laptop yet, so i am not sure. And i don't think i will need another one for sometime. All my development tools + Win10 filled 15% of the SSD so far. 2)Do not forget the price difference between the two: $836 vs $1188 for the Dell.- Why go i5 over i7: After much research, the difference is only 200MHZ which is insignificant. 200MHZ does not justify me paying $200 - $300 extra. It is said that the difference shows when you are working on resource extensive apps like photoshop, etc. I also do not intend on playing games on this one. So for all my intents and purposes, i5 suites me fine.- Now down to business:*Build: Awesome. Hinges seem very sturdy. I got a friend who bought a Toshiba 6 months ago, now it is in the shop to fix the hinges. And she doesn't use is as much at all.*Color: Awesome rose-gold or smokey-brown. Whatever you want to call. My family loved the color.*Weight: This is very light. Even compared to the X1 Carbon*Processor: Lightening fast. i installed my development tools simultaneously without any hiccups. Sometimes 2 or 3 tools at a time. Extremely fast.*SSD: Has only one partition, which is perfect for me. Not two like others mentioned. Also, lightening fast. (See above: *Processor)*Fan: Is there even a fan in there? It is noiseless.*Keyboard: A little bit small for my fingers, but i will get used to it. it is not that it is uncomfortable, it just needs getting used to.*Track pad: A little bit clicky. Nothing i can't live with.*Screen: Gorgeous screen. No issues with the yellows at all. I was looking for the newer drivers to install but i din't need to after all. from the other reviews, it seems that the most screen issues where with the i7. not i5, like the one i got.*Bloatware: So far, McAfee (which i genuinely hate with all my soul) and ASUS gift. The former, Kaspersky took care of removing it during installation, and the later i un-installed myself. if i find any, i will post.*Heat: Worked on it for 6 straight hours on my lap, and i felt nothing at all.And finally most importantly,*Battery life: So far, for my work, which is pure development on auto screen brightness adjusting, i can go up to 9 hours with full charge. I have't streamed videos or played music. I suspect with those you might go up to 5 - 6 hours, but this is just an estimate.**Conclusion: I am very happy with this ultrabook. I am falling in live with it every time i work on it. if i find anything during the coming few days, i will post it. I do recommend it even development.

A 20 días de comprarla:La computadora es excelente, perfecta para viajar con ella y muy potente.El rendimiento es excepcional, edición de vídeo y procesamiento de fotografías son su mejor fuerte, lo hace rapidísimo y sin trabarse en ningún momento.La distribución del teclado es idéntica a las MacBook Pro (distribución en inglés) así que en ningún momento me he sentido incómodo al regresar a Windows como plataforma principal para mi trabajo.No le he exigido mucho en el terreno gaming, pues los pocos juegos que tengo son de pocos requerimientos de hardware, pero creo que tampoco va mal, claro que tampoco creo que rinda lo mismo que una ASUS ROG.En general, ha sido una de mis mejores inversiones, no dudaría en comprar una de la misma gama en futuro cambio generacional.

Realmente un excelente producto, me base en las epecificaciones para seleccionarlo entre otras laptops y el precio, pero desde el momento en que abrí la caja y vi que incluye una funda para transportar el equipo, adaptador HDMI a VGA, Adaptador para red alámbrica y paño para limpiar la pantalla, quedé más que sorprendido, ya que otros fabricantes no incluyen ningún tipo de accesorio, muy bien por Asus. El equipo funciona excelente y los acabados de lujo!

I really only have good things to say about this product with a few gripes. I bought this laptop as a primary use for school and some designing and editing projects throughout the year. It was a toss up between the XPS 13 and this lovely machine. I chose this machine because it was a way better bang for you buck. That being said these are a few of my thoughts so far, I've owned it close to a month now so keep that in mind.- The screen is very good. The touchscreen makes the panel glossy which is a bit annoying at times if you have a lot of light in the room, but it isnt anything that cant be remedied by moving or tilting the screen. I love the touchscreen ability, I thought I wouldn't care for it but I find myself using it a lot for scrolling and basic things that would take a split second longer if I was to use a track pad.- The speed is unquestionable. The processor is blazing quick especially if you're really only using this for entertainment, school work and some basic editing and photo manipulation.- Battery life is pretty good. Being honest this is probably my only gripe with this machine. The battery seems to last close to 6 hours or less depending on usage. Don't expect to hit over 6 hours with this thing unless you're ready to have one tab open at a time with lowest brightness. I really wish the battery life was a bit better, it might be something within windows 10 but I honestly doubt it. This really is my only real disappointment with the machine.-Lastly build quality is superb. I love the look of this thing, very clean minimal and just sleek. The keyboard is excellent same with the back lighting. The track pad is also very good despite some gesture cut outs that have happened like once a week (Solved by a reboot). And overall the tracking is very on point. The memory on the machine is also very good, 256gb is a little small for me but its nothing that cant be solved by an external HD for my less necessary files.Overall I really recommend the ASUS UX303UA because of the great quality you get for a very good price point. If you're looking for a great computer with awesome specs for a good price, you are at the right place. I highly recommend this product for students and will probably get an ASUS product for my next ultrabook in a few years.Thank you ASUS.

I have to say I was skeptical...But! So far so good. Very impressed. Got this as a mobile laptop that I will be able to bring with me everywhere for work. So far love it!Works well, fast which is not really surprising because the specs are great on it. Seems durable and good overall.I thought there was an issue with the power adapter/ charging but it was my fault because I wasn't plugging the power in fully - the adapter has to click in and then it sits very snugly and doesn't come out.The screen is a decent size and if I didn't game, I would probably switch to this computer completely leaving my large laptop behind. Even through it's 13 inch, I find it comfortable and resolution is amazing. Image is clear and adjustments can be made for different requirements.Battery life seems very good, which was an important factor for me.Keyboard is comfortable and I actually don't feel like I have to get used to it. I was able to type up emails with ease after just initial setup pretty quickly.I don't have any cons yet but I will update the review should that change. One thing I have not check yet is how it handles prolonged use or heavy graphics use like gaming - just to see if there's any issues with heating, but I've had it on my lap and on my case and it was on for a bit and stayed cool.Hopefully everything will stay good! For now I definitely recommend!

Se tralasciamo il fatto che arrivando dagli USA ha la tastiera americana e l'alimentatore presenta solo la spina americana, questo portatile è veramente veloce. Una volta premuto il tasto di accensione, grazie anche al disco SSD, impiega solo pochi secondi a mostrare il login. Ormai lo uso da alcuni mesi ed è sempre velocissimo, tenendo presente che ho installato anche la suite di Norton che, si sa, penalizza un po' le prestazioni. Il case non è affatto male, pesa poco ed è molto sottile. Lo uso principalmente per sviluppo web e realizzazione di documenti con vari programmi di grafica ma non so come si comporta con i videogiochi.