ASUS Announces ZenBook UX305 Ultrabook Starting at $699

[btarunr]

ASUS today announced the elegant and powerful ZenBook UX305, which is the world's slimmest 13.3-inch ultraportable laptop at 0.48-inch thin. The UX305 weighs 2.6lbs and features crisp and vibrant in-plane switching (IPS) anti-glare displays. Powered by the all-new Intel Core M processor for seamless multitasking and standard solid state storage, the UX305 is the ultimate ultraportable laptop for discerning users. Up to 10 hours of battery life gives users true all-day computing.

A wedge-shaped design crafted from solid aluminum and enhanced with diamond-cut highlights gives the ZenBook UX305 a sleek look while a new obsidian stone color finishes the elegant design. The award winning ZenBook UX305 is the recipient of a 2014 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP) and also included in the Good Design Best 100 list, which is a selection of products receiving special recognition from the jury of industry experts for their exceptional and forward-looking designs.



The ZenBook UX305 also recently received the prestigious 2015 iF Design Award, an award globally recognized as a seal of quality for products that excel in specific criteria including design quality, degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics and more. An independent jury of 50 experts from all around the world assesses products and selects the most notable ones as the winner.

Super-slim elegance with gorgeous new color
A refined new shape that incorporates the DNA of the classic ZenBook gives the UX305 a subtle new wedge design with elegantly-tapered and smooth diamond-cut edges that emphasize the sleek ultra-thin chassis. The full-size ergonomic keyboard features an improved layout for comfortable and accurate typing coupled with a large responsive touchpad that supports Smart Gestures for precise control of Windows 8.1.

Continuing the long-established ZenBook tradition of combining performance with luxury, the gorgeous UX305 ultraportable, which weighs only 2.6lbs, is available in a sophisticated new Obsidian Stone color with ZenBook's signature spun-metal finish with its Zen-inspired concentric circle pattern.

Powerful productivity with all-day battery life and full connectivity
The ZenBook UX305 is powered by the all-new Intel Core M processor, a remarkably power-efficient processor that effortlessly delivers smooth performance for any task. Combined with 8GB of RAM and an ultra-fast 256GB SSD, the UX305 delivers impressive all-around performance. The screaming-fast SATA 6.0Gb/s SSD - which is up to six times faster than a traditional hard disk drive - tears through file-intensive office productivity tasks with ease. Applications instantly load while boot time is significantly reduced on the ZenBook UX305.

The advanced ASUS thermal management design removes the need for cooling fans to make the UX305 fast yet completely silent while remaining cool at all times. ASUS IceCool technology ensures the palm-rest area remains below body temperature at all times for maximum user comfort.

A lithium-polymer battery and power-efficient components makes the UX305 perfect for busy on-the-go professionals with up to 10 hours of battery life.

Despite its slim design, the UX305 offers full connectivity options with three SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, offering data transfers that are up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. One of the USB 3.0 ports supports ASUS Charger+ technology for rapid recharging of mobile devices. A USB Ethernet adapter is bundled with the UX305 for simple wired network connectivity when wireless is unavailable.

Stunningly displays
The stunning ZenBook UX305 features two 13.3-inch in-plane switching (IPS) display options for wide viewing angles, including a matte Full HD (1920x1080) that provides amazing images and an optional QHD+ (3200x1800) multi-touch display for extremely sharp visuals. QHD+ offers five times the resolution of standard HD displays for an extraordinary pixel density of 275ppi for crisp, vivid and life-like images and video.

Incredible Sound
Incredible sound has always been a highlight of the ZenBook family and the UX305 is no exception. ASUS SonicMaster audio with ICEpower technology from Bang & Olufsen produces deep bass, rich mids and crystal-clear highs. The easy-to-use AudioWizard software has five presets optimized for different audio sources to always enjoy the ultimate listening experience.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS ZenBook UX305 (Model: UX305FA-ASM1) with matte Full HD display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD is available immediately in the US at MSRP $699. The UX305 with QHD+ display will be available at a later date. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Big_Vulture]

What CPU? What GPU?

 

[Caring1]

The Core M is a small range, so it will be from

Intel® Core™ M-5Y10c Processor
(4M Cache, up to 2.00 GHz)
HD Graphics 5300

Possibly up to
Intel® Core™ M-5Y71 Processor
(4M Cache, up to 2.90 GHz)

 

[HeyHoney]

The Core M is a small range, so it will be from

Intel® Core™ M-5Y10c Processor
(4M Cache, up to 2.00 GHz)
HD Graphics 5300

Possibly up to
Intel® Core™ M-5Y71 Processor
(4M Cache, up to 2.90 GHz)

Hi, I thought it was M-5Y10, not M-5Y10c ?

 

[Caring1]

Hi, I thought it was M-5Y10, not M-5Y10c ?

They are the first iteration of that Processor so not likely to be utilised in a new Laptop fresh from production.
It is possible though depending on existing stock levels.

 

[HeyHoney]

They are the first iteration of that Processor so not likely to be utilised in a new Laptop fresh from production.
It is possible though depending on existing stock levels.

Thx, you may be right as I just saw that the model sold by Microsoft store has a 5Y10c (it's called UX305-USM1 Signature Edition, I guess it's the same hardware as UX305-ASM1 )

 

[ZoneDymo]

But will it have a non-overclockable Nvidia gpu?

 

[lemonadesoda]

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX305/specifications/

 

[HeyHoney]

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX305/specifications/

Here in Europe official specs are the same and early buyers say UX305 do have M-5Y10 procs, but Asus told a french blogger that there will be 5Y10c models. I'm not sure that the new model will have a different name though, and that's a bit weird because it's difficult to imagine that there will be no perceptible improvement (otherwise Intel would not have stop M-5Y10's production I guess)

 

[Caring1]

From what I can tell there will be no noticeable difference in processor speed or ability, only the integrated graphics have been boosted in the "C" variant by 200MHz:http://ark.intel.com/compare/85234,83610

 

[HeyHoney]

From what I can tell there will be no noticeable difference in processor speed or ability, only the integrated graphics have been boosted in the "C" variant by 200MHz:http://ark.intel.com/compare/85234,83610

You're right, but maybe there will be some other little improvements too. It seems that 5Y10 suffers from a little bug, so in low-energy mode clock speed is stucked to 800 MHz for monothreaded tasks and benchmarks showed also quiet significant throttling for QHD+ model

 

[Nordic]

But will it have a non-overclockable Nvidia gpu?

Look how thin that thing is. I would not overclock a gpu in something that thin.

I also highly doubt it will have anything but an intel gpu built into the cpu die.

 

[Chaitanya]

But will it have a non-overclockable Nvidia gpu?

Why the hell would one want to overclock a mobile GPU? heat output will be enough to fry users legs or hands, and the toll it will take on battery will make the notebook absolutely useless as a mobile workhorse. I dont get what the whole fuss is about nvidia disabling overclocking on its mobile parts, its a smart decision anyways.

 

[Easy Rhino]

yea sure it looks nice, but how is the trackpad and keyboard??

 

[MikeMurphy]

Am I the only one who isn't happy with the thinner = better theme? I'd love to see a larger 90Whr battery, a port for access to two DRAM slots, an M.2 slot and a WiFi card. Upgradeability is wonderful.

I'd also like to see substantial cooling on the Core M to enable sustained boost clocks when the extra power is needed, and silent operation when it's not. Is this too much to ask?

Give me a reason to replace my circa 2009 ASUS UL30VT. The factory overclocked C2D SU7300 CPU was brilliant. Switchable graphics was a plus. I still get more than 12 hours of battery life on it. The kicker? Sustained load single threaded performance is in Core M territory. All we get now is "thin".

 

[MikeMurphy]

Why the hell would one want to overclock a mobile GPU? heat output will be enough to fry users legs or hands, and the toll it will take on battery will make the notebook absolutely useless as a mobile workhorse. I dont get what the whole fuss is about nvidia disabling overclocking on its mobile parts, its a smart decision anyways.

For better performance.

 

[newtekie1]

For better performance.

It also doesn't really make that big of a difference on heat either.

 

[theonedub]

Am I the only one who isn't happy with the thinner = better theme? I'd love to see a larger 90Whr battery, a port for access to two DRAM slots, an M.2 slot and a WiFi card. Upgradeability is wonderful.

I'd also like to see substantial cooling on the Core M to enable sustained boost clocks when the extra power is needed, and silent operation when it's not. Is this too much to ask?

Give me a reason to replace my circa 2009 ASUS UL30VT. The factory overclocked C2D SU7300 CPU was brilliant. Switchable graphics was a plus. I still get more than 12 hours of battery life on it. The kicker? Sustained load single threaded performance is in Core M territory. All we get now is "thin".

The SU7300 was a great little CPU, enjoyed mine until it found a new owner. Weight is something nearly everyone is concerned with, at least if you're actually mobile with your laptop versus using it as a desktop replacement. I had a SU7300 Ultra Portable and it was pretty heavy to take back and forth, even this Zenbook UX32VD I have now is getting to be a pain to have to carry around daily.

Completely agree on the cooling front though. I want to be able to not have to worry about throttling, so a switchable active cooling solution would be nice. My only experience with a fanless design is with the Dell Venue 8 Pro's BayTrail SoC, and heat does become a factor.

Right now I need something extremely portable and something like this or even the T300 Chi is what I am looking to buy next.

 

[Nordic]

Am I the only one who isn't happy with the thinner = better theme? I'd love to see a larger 90Whr battery, a port for access to two DRAM slots, an M.2 slot and a WiFi card. Upgradeability is wonderful.

I'd also like to see substantial cooling on the Core M to enable sustained boost clocks when the extra power is needed, and silent operation when it's not. Is this too much to ask?

Give me a reason to replace my circa 2009 ASUS UL30VT. The factory overclocked C2D SU7300 CPU was brilliant. Switchable graphics was a plus. I still get more than 12 hours of battery life on it. The kicker? Sustained load single threaded performance is in Core M territory. All we get now is "thin".

I want a thin 11.6in laptop, but I would also like what you describe as an option.

 

[Over_Lord]

This looks like a delicious laptop. Would love to pick up the base model for only $699.

Notebookcheck.net has a review of the model with a 3200 x 1800 panel. Costs 999 euro. Check it out, for those who are interested.

 

[newtekie1]

Am I the only one who isn't happy with the thinner = better theme? I'd love to see a larger 90Whr battery, a port for access to two DRAM slots, an M.2 slot and a WiFi card. Upgradeability is wonderful.

I'd also like to see substantial cooling on the Core M to enable sustained boost clocks when the extra power is needed, and silent operation when it's not. Is this too much to ask?

Give me a reason to replace my circa 2009 ASUS UL30VT. The factory overclocked C2D SU7300 CPU was brilliant. Switchable graphics was a plus. I still get more than 12 hours of battery life on it. The kicker? Sustained load single threaded performance is in Core M territory. All we get now is "thin".

If you don't want thin, don't look at or read news about Ultrabooks.

Personally, I want something that is at least reasonably portable. It sounds like you want a "portable" workstation, they do make those.

 

[MikeMurphy]

If you don't want thin, don't look at or read news about Ultrabooks.

Personally, I want something that is at least reasonably portable. It sounds like you want a "portable" workstation, they do make those.

Why all the negativity? My point is, thinner is not always better. There is a balance to strike between thin, heat dissipation and battery volume.

I don't want a bulky portable workstation.

 

[Fourstaff]

Why all the negativity? My point is, thinner is not always better. There is a balance to strike between thin, heat dissipation and battery volume.

I don't want a bulky portable workstation.

There are a lot of laptops out there which caters to whatever your balance is. This one does not.