Any point in a Zenbook now?

sjt269 · 14 Oct 2012 at 18:09

Hey all,

Specifically, what I'm wondering is whether there's any point in buying an Asus Zenbook now with the Win8 hybrid tablet/laptop devices just around the corner. I know there's always something new on the horizon, but this is a fairly substantial new release and it's one worth considering.

Following on from my other thread about a cheap travel laptop, it transpires that I've been able to find more money in my budget and I could just about justify the Asus Zenbook UX32A (13.3" and HDD), or possibly the UX21A (11" and SSD) though this one is discontinued and hard to find, though I've got a source that claims to be able to get their hands on a few. The thing is, is it worth spending £650 on something that's almost perfect but not quite when the new devices might be a more polished revision of what's already out there? The tablet-based devices are lighter, more portable, better battery life etc etc and seem pretty interesting.

Basically, I need something with full-fledged Windows, so I think that rules out RT-based tablets - are all the hybrids/tablets set for an October 26 release RT based or are some proper Windows? I no longer need to buy immediately, so I can hold off, but I'm wary that the UX21A is already rather hard to find and the UX32A might go the same way soon. I'd been hoping for their prices to drop, but it seems more likely that they'll just be discontinued, so if I want one, I should probably grab it soon.

Anyone got anything to add?

Thanks,
Steven

kevy1986 · 15 Oct 2012 at 17:08

I'm in the same boat as you, really like the look of the zenbook and definitely want one, i'm not quite sure when to buy tho. I see they have a version ASUS UX32-VD which comes with NVIDA gfx and full 1080p screen but they have decided not to release in the UK

Do you think it would be best to wait until after the 26th of October and see what happens with prices and the new Win8 laptop releases ? I wouldn't mind a touch screen zenbook.

sjt269 · 15 Oct 2012 at 18:50

See, I've no real interest in a touch screen model other than for portability and battery life, but the Zenbook already looks good on both counts. I'd also prefer something with an i5, like the Zenbook but which I'm not sure most of the initial tablet releases will have, but I'm hoping they might drive the price of the Zenbook down a little. Waiting is a gamble, but I hope it'll pay off.

I'm not very well informed on new release schedules though, so perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me will be along soon.

Monkey Puzzle · 16 Oct 2012 at 17:21

kevy1986 said:
I'm in the same boat as you, really like the look of the zenbook and definitely want one, i'm not quite sure when to buy tho. I see they have a version ASUS UX32-VD which comes with NVIDA gfx and full 1080p screen but they have decided not to release in the UK Do you think it would be best to wait until after the 26th of October and see what happens with prices and the new Win8 laptop releases ? I wouldn't mind a touch screen zenbook.

FYI there's anotber zenbook in the works;- the u500 (though I beleive they're releasing it with another name) that's 15", 1080p, gt650 gpu and 2x ssd (not sure if you'll be able to put a standard 2.5" drive in the 2nd bay), though it's ljsted on their site at $1950...