asus Zenbook UX31

Equipped with a 1.7 gHz Intel Core i7 processor and 4gB RAM, the device, like MacBook Air 13, has 256gB SSD. It runs Windows 7 and in the PC mark test it scored an average at 4077, while in 3D mark it mustered a passable 3696. The battery is a real stunner as it lasted an impressive 6 hours in the BatteryMark test, which is why it has made it to this category. overall, it is a stunning ultra-book with brilliant sound quality, display and build. But, ports have been generously endowed in it. Not only, it includes the regularly used uSB 2.0 port, headphone, microphone jack, built-in card reader, mini VgA, micro HDMI port, uSB 3.0 but also includes an Ethernet port, a rarity in many ultra-books including Macbook Airs.

The keyboard will generate mixed response from users as the big size and smooth surface will make typing fun and at the same time the absence of backlighting pushes it behind MacBook Air 13. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures with distinct right and left mouse buttons on it. Its complete reliance on SSD for storage, like the Macbook Air, does compromise on storage capacity but with 2 sec of wakeup time and 20 sec of bootup, one has no reason to complain. It is light and measures 12.8x8.78x0.12 inches and weighs 1.3 Kg.

Bottomline: Zenbook is the one of the slimmest ultra-books after Macbook Air, making it an ultimate traveller’s choice. It has more ports than Macbook but comes at a similar price.