I wonder why almost every PC and smartphone manufacturer wants to ape Apple's products. I don’t mean it in a bad or a good way but if everyone takes the same path, it would be a boring world. Having said that let me say Asus Zenbook 3 is the best a laptop has got so far.
What’s the best a Windows laptop can get? What is thinner and lighter than a Macbook? What leaves behind a Macbook in performance?
Asus Zenbook 3 is all of the above and more. A almost perfect combination of design and technology, so far, Asus Zenbook 3 makes you wonder at the sheer brilliance a laptop can get. Having said that, it does have its set of flaws and some glaring ones at that.
Super Light Weight Weight is around 2 pounds, and dimensions are 0.46-inches thick, it's both thinner and lighter than Apple MacBook which is 0.51-inches and 2.03 pounds. According to Asus, Zenbook is made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, which it says is 40 per cent stronger than what's typically used in laptops.
Stunning Performance Interestingly, Zenbook 3 is a technology feat. Apple had cut some components to make the Macbook light and thin. Zenbook comes with a processor without compromises, the best it can get. Intel Core i7 gives a superb performance, in fact a stunning one at that.
Fast Charging Battery The fast charging is through USB-C Port and works really well. You can charge an empty battery upto 60 per cent in 49 minutes. On full charge it works around 9 hours
Design The sleek design in an all metal aluminium case actually gives the Macbook competition. The Rose Gold complexion makes the ultrabook look like a piece of art.
No USB Ports Are laptops for working or vanity and validation? Asus needs to understand that someone who buys a Asus Zenbook is buying it to work. There isn’t a single USB port besides the USB-C Port for charging. I did manage to transfer my files using USB-C convertor but have we really reached a stage where we can do without USB ports?
PricingThe latest pricing I checked at the time of writing this article was at Rs 1,64,999 for Zenbook 3. I don’t see the value on offer for that price. Even if it’s available at around Rs 1,50,000 as suggested on the case, the value just isn't coming for that.
Keyboard The keyboard is so basic. Forget backlit or other fancy stuff even typing on the keyboard takes time to get used to it.
If you sit in the corner office and want an ultrabook that looks super sleek that you can show off at presentations this one is for you. Or if you are obsessed with super performance, the Core i7 processor would give deep levels of satisfaction. For the rest who need a great working ultrabook, which means a great keyboard and USB ports too, this one isn’t for you. Overall Zenbook 3 does set a benchmark for laptops.
Guest Author
Puneet Mehrotra is an author and columnist who loves inspiring people and writes on business and technolog
