We checked UX51Vz with the quad-core 2.1GHz
Core i7 processor, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD disk which is created by SanDisk.
These specifications provide good performances result system, most of which
defeated the Windows 8 systems that we have tested up to now. For instance, in
the ATTO disk test, this ultraportable brought the maximum reading speed of 908
MB/s, and writing speed of 567 MB/s. These super-fast I/O speeds just stand
behind Acer Aspire S7 among the computers that we recently checked. UX51Vz took
12 seconds to cool-boot into Windows 8, and the navigating of Start Screen and
background generally seem fast and smooth.
As being
advertised by Asus, UX51Vz is a multimedia laptop with GT650M chip from Nvidia
and a 2 GB dedicated memory along with the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000.
In the synthetic graphics test of 3DMark06 and 3DMark11, it left other systems
with integrated graphics far behind and also worked well when we played some
games through Steam. When we run games like Mafia II, the actions seemed to be
smooth and frame rate fluctuated from 40fps to 60fps. That is a stable number,
although the fan is obviously burdened by the workload. Just after few minutes
of demo, the whirring started and the machine became warmer.
The machine packs an eight-cell 70WHr
battery, and when we ran our battery test (looping a locally stored video on
loop with display brightness set to 65 percent), it lasted five hours and 15
minutes. (ASUS rates the system for a slightly longer five hours and 38
minutes.) We've seen many, many Windows 8 devices with touchscreens turn in
very short runtimes, and given that the UX51Vz doesn't pack a touch display, we
expected it to offer better longevity. Plus, this 15-incher could fit in a
bigger battery.
The
machine packs an eight-cell 70WHr battery
The machine packs 8 cell 70 WHr battery,
and when we carried out the battery test (looping a local stored video with the
brightness of 65%), it lasts 5 hours and 15 minutes. (Asus evaluated the system
would last 5 hours and 38 minutes). We have seen many Windows 8 devices with
touchscreen that have very short battery life, and because of the fact that
UX51Vz does not use the touchscreen, we expected it to have longer battery
life. Moreover, this 15inch laptop can assembly a bigger battery.
Asus UX51Vz (Core i7-3612QM 2.1GHz, Nvidia GT650M
graphics)
·
PCMark7: 4,877
·
3DMark06: 14,267
·
3DMark11: E3809/P2395/X750
·
ATTO(the fastest disks): 908MB/s (reading); 567MB/s (writing)
Acer
Aspire S7 (Core i7-3517U 2.4GHz, Intel HD 4000)
·
PCMark7: 5,011
·
3DMark06: 4,918
·
3DMark11: E1035/P620/X208
·
ATTO(the fastest disks): 934MB/s (reading); 686MB/s (writing)
Lenovo
IdeaPad Yoga 13 (Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz, Intel HD 4000)
·
PCMark7: 4,422
·
3DMark06: 4,415
·
3DMark11: E917/P572
·
ATTO(the fastest disks): 278MB/s (reading); 263MB/s (writing)
Dell
XPS 12 (Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz, Intel HD 4000)
·
PCMark7: 4,673
·
3DMark06: 4,520
·
3DMark11: N/A
·
ATTO(the fastest disks): 516MB/s (reading); 263MB/s (writing)
Software and warranty
The
accessories
The UX51Vz is also affected by the
bloatware epidemic which seems to affect almost Windows 8 computers, although
Asus did apply some resistances here. The pre-load applications primarily
comprise utilities labeled Microsoft, for example, the Fresh Paint utility, the
60 days demo, SkyDrive and Skype, with some special applications of Asus. You
will find the Asus Install, a store that helps installing drivers and programs
– only for pre-selected apps like Cyberlink Power2Go. Asus Calculator and the
measurement converter utility are also available. In addition, there is Asus
Tutor that helps the users to get familiar with the new terrain of Windows 8.
Asus packs with one-year warranty, which
includes accidental damage warranty and 24/7 technical support.
Configuration options and competitors
Asus
Zenbook Prime design
We checked Asus Ux51Vz-DH71, which has the
Core i7-3612Qm 2.1 GHz processor, 8GB RAM, Nvidia GT650M graphics and 256GB SSD
disk. This configuration will make you spend $1,949 and surprisingly, it is the
basic price. The rich can spend another $2,399 for purchasing the UX51Vz-XH71,
which runs the Windows 8 professional and has two 256 GB SSD disks. Before we
expand the playing field to other companies, it is considerable that Asus
provides different Zenbooks which have touch-enable screens. The 13 inch
Zenbook Prime Touch will be launched in this month, and a touch-enabled 15 inch
model will come later.
If 15 inch screen is your favorite, Sony
VAIO series 15 is another choice that has similar configuration. With $1,700,
you will have CPU Core i7 2.2 GHz, 12GB RAM(!), 256 GB SSD disk and Nvidia
GeForce GT640M graphics. Like UX51Vz, E series 5 has the IPS display with the
resolution of 1,920x1,080 (also non-touch), although this system weighs 4.42
pound and is thick enough to include an optical drive. There is also Spectre XT
TouchSmart 15 inch of HP, which has the IPS 1080p touchscreen. The price tag of
$1,569 offers you the Core i7 CPU, 128 GB SSD disk and a full version of Adobe
Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements. However, the trade-off here is the
integrated Intel Graphics 4000 instead of Nvidia chips that are set in the
systems of Asus and Sony.
If your eyes are not blurred seeing the
price tag of UX51Vz, you can consider the MacBook Pro 15 inch with Retina
screen. It offers Core i7 CPU 2.3 GHz, 256 GB SSD disk and removable Nvidia
graphics with $2,199. Its advantages here are the excellent screen and
exceptional battery life – although without the Windows 8, it would be a big
minus for some people.
Conclusion
Do you dare purchase an UX51Vz? Maybe; it
packs with many senior accessories with a good-looking package and a
comfortable keyboard. However, there might be some disadvantage. They could be
reasons enough to excuse for this passing the system up. The computer has a
hyper-high price, especially when considering the humble battery life and
non-touch screen to interact with Windows 8. If those shortcomings still not
discourage your willing to pay, UX51Vz is the most powerful ultrabook that you
can have.
Its reference price is $1,949.
Advantages
·
IPS 1080p screen provides excellent view angle
·
Good design and comfortable keyboard
·
Exceptional performance
Disadvantages
·
Humble battery life
·
Too expensive
Good
design and comfortable keyboard
|
Specifications
·
CPU: Intel Core i7 – 3612QM
·
RAM: 8GB
·
Hard drive size: 256 GB
·
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GT659M
·
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n
·
Bluetooth: 4.0
·
Weight: 4.6 pound
|
