ASUS UX32VD Takes Top Spot at Ultrabooknews. And Your Favorite Is?

Posted on 08 June 2012, Last updated on 08 June 2012 by

Computex is over and we’ve been taking a look to see what Ultrabooks created the most buzz on Ultrabooknews.  ASUS takes both top device and top team awards!

The latest top-10 device in our database (by views, 7 day moving average) always shows the movers and shakers (front page, right hand column) but today it’s the ASUS UX32VD taking the top spot, knocking the SSD-loaded ASUS UX31A from the perch. I’ve dived into the stats and it’s winning by a large margin. ASUS have 4 devices in the top 10 too. Guess who’s winning in the manufacturers list?

Manufacturers pecking order on the database this week is:

#1 ASUS, followed by Lenovo, Acer, Samsung, Gigabyte, Toshiba, HP, Fujitsu, Sony and LG

There’s something about the ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD. If you look at it as an Ultrabook you think  maybe it needs an SSD rather than an HDD but then you look at it from a mobile powerhouse perspective and the Nvidia GeForce GT620M comes into view. The UX32VD might not be built as the premium Zenbook Prime but it fits into position as a very desirable premium Ultrathin. We can’t wait to get some detailed hands-on with it. Is the keyboard really much better?  Does one really need that full HD screen? Just how good is it as a gaming device. Battery life is a question too. When firing on all cylinders, don’t expect to be having a quiet, cool experience because this baby will burn through 40W when pushed.

So the ASUS Zenbook Prime UX32VD wins top spot but what do YOU think? Are you more interested in waiting for Windows 8 and touch devices? There will be a lot to choose from, in a huge price range. Maybe you’re looking for price drops on early Ultrabooks. That’s certainly a sensible move because unless you need the extra graphics and media power, there’s not much that Ivy Bridge will give you.

If you’re looking at the lower-cost segment, give it a month before you buy because the ‘back-to-school’ period is quite competitive for laptop manufacturers and they’ll be pushing out offers left right and center.

So back to you, what Ultrabook really impressed you this week? The overview list (Latest first) is here.

[embedsite same_height_as=”content” src=http://ultrabooknews.com/pullin/productdetails-pullin-generic.php?id=896]

54 Comments For This Post

  1. Andrew says:

    Could somebody please tell me where the hell is the announcement for the UX31A?? Have I missed it without even knowing?

  2. Jet says:

    Asus has gone silent on availability of the Prime…very disappointing…many of the other mfgs have released their ivybridge ultrabooks…wonder if something is wrong…ASUS needs to get their ASUS in gear or I’m going to buy something else.

  3. Robert says:

    I am all over the Zenbook Prime in its different incarnations … the ASUS UX31A and if the improvements are as hoped it will be a top device
    with full HD it and good sound i will choose it over the new samsung 9 the UX32VD i am not sure when its available .. loudness would be an issue dedicated graphics are nice but i dont want my ultrabook to make some constant nice will the zenbook be polite as the samsung 9 ?

  4. Will Plaice says:

    wonder if 32VD actually has user expandable ram, and if so what max is ?

  5. gsx-r says:

    got the same question…does anyone know?

  6. Silvia says:

    Yes it does have user expandable, there was an extensive review done on it recently.

  7. Vaibhav says:

    I found the Asia Taichi to be the most impressive as it has endless no of possibilities associated with it. One can think of a no a different types of uses with it..

  8. Jack says:

    The Asus Transformer Book appeals more to me than the Taichi. Something about having two large screens on such a device seems a little excessive and unnecessary to me, while the transformer book is more economical as it functions both as a tablet and a fully functional Ultrabook.

  9. Chippy says:

    I agree. I think the detachable screen design is proving to be more practical.

  10. Honestly says:

    I don’t find the Transformer Book to be more practical at all.

    I’m always wondering what to do with the keyboard when detached (think damage and dirt).

    The Taichi solves that problem.

  11. Booya says:

    There are two computers I’m excited about this month.. well, for the last several months. This Asus with the 1080p IPS and discrete graphics and the Vizio line.

    I know it’s not being touted as an ultrabook, but it doesn’t mean it won’t essentially be one. I’m surprised there’s no coverage on this site about how they’re to be launched this month.

    http://gizmodo.com/5914844/confirmed-vizios-beautiful-computers-arrive-this-month

  12. Chippy says:

    I tried to get these guys on cam back at CeBIT (or was it CES!) but failed. Will look into their ultrathin.

  13. RacerX says:

    What about the Lenovo X1 Carbon!?!? Hasn’t it been presented at the Computex?

  14. Chris says:

    Andrew :
    Could somebody please tell me where the hell is the announcement for the UX31A?? Have I missed it without even knowing?

    same here.. :-(
    that’s the only thing I’m interested in.. and NOTHING is been said.. :[

  15. Chippy says:

    What info are you looking for?

    In Europe I can see this info: 5 model numbers already in retailers hands. Looks like 2-4 weeks. Prices available.
    UK Site with European info.
    http://skinflint.co.uk/eu/?in=&fs=asus+UX31A

    I’ll write this info up.
    Chippy

  16. Chris says:

    An official computex-info would have been great :(
    Like “Hey.. this is the real final version of our new UX31A” and, of course, availability / pre-order on amazon :P

  17. Jet says:

    Looks like they may have released in Europe. I guess the US are second class citizens…no announcement here in US. Strike 2 against ASUS.

  18. Thead says:

    Pending reviews, I’m leaning toward the Gigabyte U2442V. I think the Asus UX32VD looks nicer, but I’d give up a little bit of appearance for the better graphics card in the Gigabyte.

  19. Chippy says:

    Latest gen GPU is always nice. Should seriously out-perform the GT620M.

  20. vjachi says:

    For me personally the best are Transformer book(well still prototype) and Samsung Series 9 (ivy bridge) which is already available. I’m buying ultrabook now, so it’s my choice :) When waiting there will be better and better ones :)

  21. Chippy says:

    We will have the Series 9 Ivy Bridge here for testing from next Wed. Am planning a live session on Thursday evening (2100 Berlin)

  22. vjachi says:

    Next wed (13) great. I will try to buy it on 15th when it will be in stock (15″ with 8GB ram). Btw why the options are 3 and 8 instead of 4 and 8…3 is just not enough for 1400$ so better to give 100$ more instead of having less RAM then 600$ ultrabook…

  23. robert says:

    that´s fantastic i am essetially at a point where its either samsung series 9 or the zenbook prime so a review of the samsung series 9 asap is very welcome :) things i´d love to know is how loud its gets and how the webcam is doing under lower light (i know i know i want to know the usual stuff as well of course:) the samsung has 8 gb of ram the prime has 4 gb .. on the other hand the zenbook has a full hd the samsung a respectable 1900 x 600 … i wonder what i would feel i miss most in the long run a full HD screen or an additional 4 GB of ram ?

  24. robert says:

    that´s fantastic i am essetially at a point where its either samsung series 9 or the zenbook prime so a review of the samsung series 9 asap is very welcome things i´d love to know is how loud its gets and how the webcam is doing under lower light (i know i know i want to know the usual stuff as well of course:) the samsung has 8 gb of ram the prime has 4 gb .. on the other hand the zenbook has a full hd the samsung a respectable 1900 x 600 … i wonder what i would feel i miss most in the long run a full HD screen or an additional 4 GB of ram ?

  25. MP says:

    Sounds great! I’m putting it in my calendar right now – I’ll be there!

  26. Andrew says:

    Chris :

    Andrew :
    Could somebody please tell me where the hell is the announcement for the UX31A?? Have I missed it without even knowing?

    same here..
    that’s the only thing I’m interested in.. and NOTHING is been said.. :[

    Well that’s just downright absurd… Not even a clue… only that touchscreen crap UX21….

    Chippy, by all means, do you have ANY info at all on this matter ? Would really appreciate some input over here…

  27. Max says:

    Chippy,

    many thanks for you great work!

    I’m looking forward to your test of the samsung 9. For me it will be either ux31a or the samsung.

    Your review and the availability of the devices will determine my choice.

  28. robert says:

    same here Max :)

  29. Chippy says:

    I’ll be here for you guys! Thursday 2100 Berlin time.

    Oh, and spread the word please.

  30. vjachi says:

    Btw Chippy which model will they give you – 13 or 15? There is not so big difference(screen,battery and ram) but still :)

  31. Chippy says:

    vjachi :

    Btw Chippy which model will they give you – 13 or 15? There is not so big difference(screen,battery and ram) but still :)

    Unspecified model Vjachi. We’ll find out next week.

  32. molex says:

    So far, the 11.6″ Acer S7 is my choice. My main issues would be:
    -Place the number and F keys on separate rows like most keyboards
    -Remove the touchscreen for a cheaper price
    -Have a darker color option (maybe gray/graphite)

    Anyone know what the battery capacity is? That 9 hour battery life just seems too good to be true.

  33. plinko says:

    The 11.6″ S7 stands out for me too. In addition to your issues, I don’t like the power button on the side. It might cause the notebook to turn on in my bag unless the button is disabled when the lid is closed. Does anyone know what the footprint is? I’m sure people looking into 11.6″ notebooks are interested in this.

  34. lars says:

    I haven’t been able to find any size numbers. I’m trying to see if anyone did any overlap comparisons with existing 11.6″ notebooks.

  35. molex says:

    The pics from Engadget show a comparison to the 11.6″ MBA. The S7 seems to have the same height but less wide due to having smaller bezels on the side. I’d really like to see some actual numbers though.

  36. lars says:

    A graphite version would be great! I’m hoping more info comes out for the 11.6 inch version of the S7.

  37. eh says:

    Another vote for a graphite version of the 11.6″ S7. I’m tired of light silver. I agree that the power button placement could be an issue.

    Too bad Acer is so tight lipped on actual specs . Hopefully that means it’s early enough to change the color, add a full SD slot, a better keyboard layout and keys.

  38. DavidC1 says:

    My votes are:
    -Asus Taichi
    -Transformer Book
    -Acer Aspire S7

    For the S7, I like the white color, it makes it look very clean and unique compared to silvery-white so common in many thin and light/Ultrabooks.

    Also for the size, they look pretty small. For the 11.6 inch they are verging into UMPC territory: http://www.engadget.com/photos/acer-11-6-inch-aspire-s7-ultrabook-hands-on/#5062556
    http://www.engadget.com/photos/acer-13-3-inch-aspire-s7-ultrabook/#5062423

  39. Chris says:

    Chippy :
    What info are you looking for?
    In Europe I can see this info: 5 model numbers already in retailers hands. Looks like 2-4 weeks. Prices available.
    UK Site with European info.
    http://skinflint.co.uk/eu/?in=&fs=asus+UX31A
    I’ll write this info up.
    Chippy

    An official computex-info would have been great :(
    Like “Hey.. this is the real final version of our new UX31A” and, of course, availability / pre-order on amazon :P

  40. vjachi says:

    To be honest I expect S7 for the Christmas season. S5 was showed in January and still without any idea when will it be available so I really don’t expect S7 soon…

  41. Mauro says:

    I hope you can change the buying advisor.

    I need battery first and more than 5 hour, please.

    I also think that Intel and his customers are going nuts again.

    I don’t want just a lighter version of a Notebook. I want something that last, in real life, for 8 hours.

    I don’t know if I ‘ll have to wait till Trinity comes out, because right now the only one that satisfy my need is the transformer prime, unfortunatly its just android for the time being

  42. lowel says:

    The Acer S7 advertises an “up to” battery life of 9 hours for the 11.6″ and 12 hours for the 13″. Hopefully, the real world life isn’t too far off. I’m personally interested in the 11.6″ version it has small bezels for an 11.6″ and a yet to be confirmed battery life.

  43. Andres says:

    Chippy,

    Thanks for all the Computex effort, was quite impressive!!

    I’m almost sure that the UX32VD-R4002V or similar is the one I’m looking for. I’m an architect and don’t really have much time for gaming to be honest. Although I don’t use my laptop for heavy rendering I do need it to work on 3D models. I’m wondering if the new Ivy Bridge GPU should be enough, or if I really need the GT620 or something better…

    I read the review in Notebookcheck and I’m a bit concerned with overheating under heavy usage (had this problem with an HP and my current Toshiba). I’d really appreciate if you check on this issue in your next reviews of ultrabooks with dedicated graphics!

    Looking forward for your review of the series 9, if it has a good graphics performance it might be a good option to consider.

  44. XMAN says:

    May I ask why LG is the last. They have the 1gen of ultrabook which is Z330 and Z430 boot up in 10sec.

  45. MP says:

    For me, it’s still between ux31a (possibly ux21a) and Series 9. The taichi looked fun, and the book liked very nice indeed but I just recently had to get an ipad for work so having another “pad” seems unnecessary.
    Still waiting for those bad boys show up. I’d like to se thorough tests of them both before I decide.

  46. robert says:

    im in the same position either the new samsung 9 or zenbook prime .. which do you prefer ? it seems the zenbook i7 sandybridge with 256 will cost as much as the samsung i5 sandybridge with 128 .. in this cause the zenbook seems the better deal, no?

  47. vjachi says:

    Series 9 13″ ivy is 1299$/Euro(like air) and 15″ is 1399$/Euro for 3GB RAM and 1499$/Euro for 8GB RAM.

  48. MP says:

    I don’t know, Robert. I like the Series 9’s design, slim bezel and option of 8Gb of RAM. I like the ux31a’s IPS high res screen, brand and sound. For me it will probably boil down to pretty basic things like fan noise, sound quality, keyboard, SSD speed etc. I really have no clue about any of these things, so I’d have to wait until there’s a comprehensive test for both of them. I’m probably leaning slightly towards ASUS, but it’s only by a slight margin.

  49. Jet says:

    I still like the Zenbook Prime…my biggest concern is 4GB memory limitation and price of ultrabooks with 256GB SSD. My current laptop’s performance (HP) is bottlenecked because of memory (I have 4GB). I’d hate to see a i7 processor performance be limited by 4GB of memory. To me this memory limitation is a hole that other competitors will exploit. ASUS needs to close this hole in their offering. The new Toshiba doesn’t have this limitation…I think they can go to 12GB…Somebody in ASUS Product Management needs to address this issue in future systems or they will lose many sales to the competition. I have to give ASUS kudos for addressing many of the criticisms in the UX31.
    This is the one of the only remaining holes they need to address…well and a better price would allow them to dominate the market.

  50. cwcwfpfp says:

    Yup. In my opinion 4GB is already starting to feel restrictive. I’m not asking for my ultrabook to get me 100fps on Crysis 2 or anything; I just want it to competently multitask.

    Early reports also indicated that they will be using the Sandisk SSD, which was a bit disappointing. However, according to this forum posting by the Anandtech SSD reviewer, that may change: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2250962

    Just to further nitpick, I don’t mind borrowing from Apple’s effective design elements, but when you copy their ineffective ones too it’s going a bit too far. In particular, I strongly dislike the lack of dedicated left/right trackpad buttons. Also wish there were dedicated page up/down, home, end, and volume keys. There has to be a way to incorporate those things while maintaining their desired aesthetic.

    Don’t get me wrong, I still think this will be the best 2nd generation ultrabook out there. These slight imperfections taken together do keep me from immediately buying this as soon as it comes out though (referring to the UX31A).

  51. robert says:

    Looks like the zenbook prime 128 ssd models are already
    available or close to available for order on some german shop sites while the 256 ssd versions are set to be available from the end of june hmm samsung series 9 is available too i am looking much forward to chippy reviewing the new samsung 9 this week:)

  52. lukman says:

    ux32vd available in my place for rm2999..if converted it near usd999..

  53. JimboToronto says:

    What formfactor is the old-fashioned mechanical HDD?

    Can it be replaced with an SSD without voiding the warranty?

  54. david pines says:

    Where are the “page up/down” in Taichi 21?

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