So I just got my new work computer on Tuesday... a brand spanking new ASUS Zenbook Prime !

The configuration of my Zenbook Prime is:

- Intel Core i5 3317 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- 128GB SSD
- 13" 1600x900 LCD

Yes, that's right... Since I'm in Taiwan right now, I can't get a FHD IPS LCD with i5 Zenbook Prime.

The only Zenbook Prime / UX32VD Zenbook that has a FHD IPS LCD is the i7 version and it costs around $1670 !!!!! The icing on the cake is all other UX32VD Zenbooks and Zenbook Prime models except the one I have and the top end i7 version are all 720p 1366x768 resolution screens. So... basically most of the newer Zenbook / Prime models in Taiwan have inferior LCDs compared to the previous generation.

The best part of this whole crappy situation is that the configuration that I have was advertised by ASUS as having a FHD IPS screen in the original brochure, but ended up only having a 1600x900 screen.

Anyways, enough ranting. Let's get down to the nitty gritty about this new laptop.

Overall Rating: 7.7/10

What I liked about the laptop:

- It's sooooo thin ! It's not much bigger than a 8.5" x 11" piece of paper.
- Battery life so far has been quite good. I can quite easily get 5 hours, possibly even 6 hours with normal use.
- It has a overall nice high quality feel.
- The backlit keyboard is a nice touch to the laptop.
- The charger is nice and small, making it easy to carry around.
- For the size of the laptop, the speaker are very nice.
- It's very nicely packaged, and includes accessories such as a sleeve, a pouch for accessories such as the USB to Ethernet Adapter and VGA adapter. It's very similar packaging to their Transformer tablet, and is definitely a nice touch to the overall notebook buying experience.
- The multi touch gestures are quite nice, and ASUS includes a tutorial on how to use them. Definitely a nice touch if you like using gestures.

What I didn't like about the laptop:
- The keys on the keyboard do not have a very sturdy feel to it. When typing, there is some play while typing, and is probably similar to the Inspiron 14z that I use at home.
- So many dongles ! Yes, I know that the laptop is very thin, and isn't thick enough for a VGA port, Ethernet port, or possibly a HDMI port, but it's a nuisance to carry around these dongles and can easily get lost or damaged. I'm sure for most people this isn't a problem however. I can live with the VGA port and USB to Ethernet adapter, but it definitely would have been nice to have a full size HDMI connector, and maybe a third USB port.
- The area around the touch pad has some flex if you push on it a little bit. For normal use it's fine, but just something I noticed as I was using the laptop.
- The touch pad is VERY annoying. It tends to jump quite easily when I am typing and accidentally hit the touch pad. I have tried changing settings and installing different drivers as mentioned on various webpages, but I still can't get used to the touch pad.
- A lot of bloatware is loaded on it. I would recommend using a program like PC Decrapifier, or better yet, reloading Windows if you have the time to do so.

I already kind of knew that there would be some things I would not like about this ultra book since most ultra portables or ultra books will have to compromise on certain things. Considering the size and portability of this laptop, I think ASUS has done a good job.

Thanks for looking, and feel free to ask any questions !