ASUS Zenbook UX51VZ-DH71 15.6-inch Ultrabook

Pros: Everything about this book feels about 98% Apple quality manufacturing.

There are actually TWO 128GB flash drives (in raid by default. I un-raided them for Linux and extra space).

Mint Linux and Sabayon Linux will install out of the box after you turn off RAID (press F-2 during boot and set RAID to AHCI in BIOS). Arch Linux took some work, but I might not have installed my USB key correctly, so installed Linux...to install more Linux =)

I love having fat hardware. This book is almost as powerful as the big GS75 gaming rigs from ASUS but has mobility about halfway between a Macbook Pro and a Macbook Air. I'm using it with full-disk encryption and it just flies. 10s boot time for XFCE on Arch.

Cons: Windows 8 is ATROCIOUS.


Nvidia does not support Optimus --yet-- on Linux, so you have to be pretty skilled to get it working with bumblebee/primus. Once I had configured all that, the battery life went through the roof, so it was worth it to me. With the backlight down and the Nvidia card turned off, laptop gets > 6hrs unplugged.

Other Thoughts: Use a Mint or Sabayon Live CD and try out Linux. Seriously, if you're stuck between Windows 8 and OSX, just get this and try out Mint Linux. When Ubuntu Linux decided to screw with their UI, a lot of the users did what users with choices do; they switched to Mint. Linux never abandons its users because it is created itself by the advanced users.

Pros: I researched for about a week before purchasing an ultrabook. I looked at everyhting, samsung series 9, lenovo, toshiba, acer.. Nothing comes close to this machine. First of all, the exterior finish is superb, brushed aluminum. The laptop feels very solid and sturdy. Th keyboard is one of the best keyboards ive ever typed on. It has a full numpad which makes it awesome for coding. Its backlit. Yes, this laptop is a lot of money but when you want something with this much ram, a solid state disk, and a dedicated card then you are looking at the 2000 dollar range. It's a worthwhile investment if you ask me. You can do anything with this laptop. The matte display is crisp and gorgeous. If you are looking for apple level build quality with performance that surpasses that, look no further. This Zenbook is at the top of the ultrabook food chain if you ask me. Also, newegg has this delivered to me within 1 day.

One last thing, for a 15 inch laptop this thing is suprisingly lightweight.


If you can afford it, and you want an ultrabook. Look no further.

Cons: None.