Question 1

Can I use an external cd drive?

Accepted Answer

You could use any external CD/DVD player or writer as long it has a USB connection. I personally use the slim drivers that do not require power adapter. Just search for the following keyword on newegg or any other site (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=usb+slim+dvd&N=-1&isNodeId=1) usb slim dvd

Question 2

Will this run Office 2010 Pro?

Accepted Answer

I'm running Office 2013 Pro on it right now.  Windows 8 will run Office 2010. One issue to consider is 32 bit vs. 64 bit. This Asus S500CA is installed with the 64 bit OS. You can run the 64 bit Office, or you can check with Microsoft about their software (WOW64) to run 32 bit office on 64 bit OS. Google "Microsoft office 2010 32 bit Windows 8 64 bit" and you should find a link to their info regarding Win 7, you should check to see if it still applies to Win 8.

Question 3

Can I get this with windows 7 instead of 8. What is the cost difference?

Accepted Answer

This is a touchscreen operating system with built in physical machine dynamics based on the Windows 8 platform and performs much like your smart phone to navigate around your aps and programs.  It basically eliminates a mouse for the most part and I do my work faster.  I myself, prefer Windows 7 Pro and would love for the I/O (Input/Output) interface from the screen module to translate well with Win 7 but I doubt it will with the TS's I/O ability to call up menus graphically correct. I haven't try this so I can't discuss if it works or not. Try the Microsoft tech chat rooms on the subject. Many manufactures have in the past and will probably offer you a Win 7 downgrade for a small fee or just purchase the a copy of the desired Win 7 version and load it up over the Win 8 yourself.  On my last purchase of a ASUS notebook, I installed a new hard drive and did just that.  When I sold it, I reinstalled the Win 8 drive and reused the SSD in my new ASUS you're asking about. I prefer SSD to mechanical drives in my notebooks and always use the originals as backups.  On the other hand, there are plenty of powerful Ultrabooks that are not touchscreens and would be perfect in a Win 7 environment bypassing the new tech touchscreen added cost.  Then put your money to more RAM, HHD capacity, or some other enhanced feature to meet your need.  I hope this helps you on your decision.

Question 4

I would add 4 gb of RAM. What would be the cost? Is it possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes this unit it's upgradeble to 8GB, it runs on DDR3 1600, and the cost is anywhere from 36.99 to 70.00, depends on brand and where you buy it from, check this link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007609%20600000399%20600000410&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

Question 5

is there a separate graphics card??

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure I understand your question.  The graphics are built-in to the laptop using an Intel graphics card HD 4000 according to the specs.  You can't change that as far as I know.  But you will not need to purchase any graphics card for the machine to work.

Question 6

Does it have IPS display?

Accepted Answer

I don't know how to tell by looking at the monitor. The manual only describes it as a high definition display. It does look nice and the touch screen feature works well.

Question 7

How many slots are available for RAM, and what is the max amount of RAM that it can handle?

Accepted Answer

There is 1 user accessable slot for upgrading the total system ram to 8GB, but you can only install up to 4GB of usable ram in that slot. 4GB is built into the motherboard and is not user replaceable. The board supports a total of 8GB, so putting more than 4GB in the slot is useless and a waste of your money.

Question 8

What is the max size of Ram this ultrabook can handle?

Accepted Answer

I definitely thought that I read this in the spec, but now can't find it...
Anyway, the laptop has 4GB permanently attached to the motherboard, and has an additional (initially empty) slot that can support up to 4 more GB for a total of 8 GB max RAM.

Question 9

how do I activate the ASUS cloud storage?

Accepted Answer

It is right in the product page for this notebook. One of the features in buying this product, 32 gB for 3 yrs, complimentary ASUS cloud storage, I need to know how to activate it.

ASUS has their own cloud service. SkyDrive is 7gB, but not what we're talking about

Question 10

Looking to see if someone has actually upgraded the ram on this unit. Seems to be a lot of conflicting ideas of the amount of ram that the system will be able to use. Would just love a straight answer before I consider ordering extra ram.
?

Accepted Answer

I upgraded to 8 gigs, and it was pretty easy to upgrade (just take off the screws and the bottom, and drop in the ram)  
it has 4 gigs built into the system board, and it has one expansion slot, so to keep things symmetrical, 8 gigs looks to be the max.

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