Log In  or  Join
Triangle-netbar
FLASH DANCE!
Share comparison:
start over
Verge score: 7.1 Verge score: 7.0

Sony updated its 2011 VAIO Z ultraportable with an option for Intel's newly-released Core i5 and i7 processors. Other than the inclusion of a gold color and processor change, this high-performance ultraportable remains the same as its predecessor. It still utilizes a unique external Power Media Dock which, when connected via a proprietary Light Peak USB port, gives the computer access to a discrete AMD GPU (a Radeon HD 6650M) and an optional Blu-ray drive.

Description

The Zenbook UX31A is the direct replacement of the UX31, though don't be fooled by the similar product names, this is a serious upgrade we're talking about. Ivy Bridge processors from Intel and matte screen options will be available with the highest spec offering 1920 x 1080 resolution on a 13.3-inch IPS display.

The ASUS Zenbook UX31 is a 13.3-inch ultraportable laptop. The device features either an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor, an SSD with up to 256GB of storage and 4GB of DDR3 RAM. For connectivity, there is one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port as well as Micro HDMI and Mini VGA ports. It rivals the MacBook Air in thinness and features a combination of brushed and polished aluminum.

  • Status: Available
  • Price at launch: $1,949.99

Availability

  • Status: Available
  • Availability date: June 2012
  • Price at launch: $1,149.99
  • Status: Available
  • Price at launch: $1,099.99
  • Alias: VPCZ22UGX/N, VPC-Z22, VPCZ22, VPCZ2290X CTO

Also Known As...

  • Alias: UX31EDH72, UX31EDH53, UX31EDH52, UX31E-DH72, UX31E-DH53, UX31E-DH52
  • Laptop type: Ultraportable
  • Width: 13 inches
  • Depth: 8.27 inches
  • Thickness: 0.66 inches
  • Weight: 2.57 pounds
  • Color: Gold / Brown, Black

Hardware

  • Laptop type: Ultraportable
  • Width: 12.8 inches
  • Depth: 8.78 inches
  • Thickness: 0.71 inches
  • Weight: 2.87 pounds
  • Color: Silver
  • Laptop type: Ultraportable
  • Width: 12.8 inches
  • Depth: 8.8 inches
  • Thickness: 0.71 inches
  • Weight: 2.86 pounds
  • Color: Silver
  • Operating system: Windows 7

Software

  • Operating system: Windows 7
  • Operating system: Windows 7
  • Screen size (diagonal): 13.1 inches
  • Display surface: Matte
  • Backlight: LED
  • Resolution (X): 1600 px
  • Resolution (Y): 900 px

Display (base)

  • Screen size (diagonal): 13.3 inches
  • Display surface: Matte
  • Technology: LCD
  • Backlight: LED
  • Resolution (X): 1600 px
  • Resolution (Y): 900 px
  • Screen size (diagonal): 13.3 inches
  • Technology: LCD
  • Resolution (X): 1600 px
  • Resolution (Y): 900 px
  • Size (diagonal): 13.1 inches
  • Backlit: LED
  • Resolution (X): 1920 px
  • Resolution (Y): 1080 px

Display (max)

  • Size (diagonal): 13.3 inches
  • Technology: IPS LCD
  • Backlit: LED
  • Resolution (X): 1920 px
  • Resolution (Y): 1080 px
  • Type: Chiclet
  • Backlit: Yes
  • Number pad: No

Keyboard

  • Type: Chiclet
  • Backlit: Yes
  • Number pad: No
  • Type: Chiclet
  • Number pad: No
  • Type(s): Trackpad
  • Multitouch: Yes

Mouse

  • Type(s): Trackpad
  • Multitouch: Yes
  • Type(s): Trackpad
  • Multitouch: Yes
  • CPU brand: Intel
  • CPU family: Sandy Bridge
  • Model: Core i5-2435M
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 2.4 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 3 GHz

Processor (base)

  • CPU brand: Intel
  • CPU family: Ivy Bridge
  • Model: Core i5-3317U
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 1.7 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 2.6 GHz
  • CPU brand: Intel
  • CPU family: Sandy Bridge
  • Model: Core i5-2557M
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 1.7 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 2.7 GHz
  • Brand: Intel
  • Family: Sandy Bridge
  • Model: Core i7-2640M
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 2.8 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 3.5 GHz

Processor (max)

  • Brand: Intel
  • Family: Ivy Bridge
  • Model: Core i7-3517U
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 1.9 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 3 GHz
  • Brand: Intel
  • Family: Sandy Bridge
  • Model: Core i7-2677M
  • Cores: 2
  • Clockspeed: 1.8 GHz
  • Turbo clockspeed: 2.9 GHz
  • Graphics type: Switchable
  • Integrated GPU brand: Intel
  • Integrated GPU model: HD Graphics 3000

GPU (base)

  • Graphics type: Integrated
  • Integrated GPU brand: Intel
  • Integrated GPU model: HD Graphics 4000
  • Graphics type: Integrated
  • Integrated GPU brand: Intel
  • Integrated GPU model: HD Graphics 3000
  • Base RAM size: 4 GB
  • Max. config RAM size: 8 GB
  • RAM type: DDR3
  • Base RAM speed: 1333 MHz

Memory

  • Base RAM size: 4 GB
  • RAM type: DDR3
  • Base RAM speed: 1600 MHz
  • Base RAM size: 4 GB
  • Options: RAID 0 (SSD)
  • Base drive type: Flash (SSD)
  • Base drive capacity: 128 GB
  • Max. config SSD: 512 GB
  • Card reader: Yes
  • Card reader support: SD, Memory Stick Duo

Storage

  • Base drive type: Flash (SSD)
  • Base drive capacity: 128 GB
  • Max. config SSD: 256 GB
  • Card reader: Yes
  • Card reader support: SD, MMC
  • Options: Flash Memory (SSD)
  • Base drive type: Flash (SSD)
  • Base drive capacity: 128 GB
  • Max. config SSD: 256 GB
  • Card reader: Yes
  • Card reader support: SD, MMC
  • Optical drive type: External
  • Compatible media: DVD Super Multi, BD Combo, Blu-ray burner

Optical Drive

  • Speakers: 2
  • Audio brand: Dolby Home Theater v4

Audio

  • Speakers: 2
  • Audio brand: Bang & Olufsen ICEpower
  • Speakers: 2
  • Audio brand: ASUS SonicMasterTechnology HD Audio, Bang & Olufsen ICEpower

Webcam

  • Video resolution: 720p
  • Effective pixels: 0.3 megapixels
  • Ambient light: Yes
  • Biometric scanner: Yes

Sensors

  • Ambient light: Yes
  • USB: 1
  • USB 3.0: 1
  • Ethernet: 1
  • Ethernet type: 10/100/1000 (Gigabit)
  • HDMI: 1
  • 3.5mm headphone: 1
  • Docking connector: Yes

Port options

  • USB 3.0: 2
  • Mini VGA: 1
  • Mini DisplayPort: 1
  • Micro HDMI: 1
  • 3.5mm mic / headphone combo: 1
  • USB: 1
  • USB 3.0: 1
  • Mini VGA: 1
  • Mini DisplayPort: 1
  • Micro HDMI: 1
  • 3.5mm mic / headphone combo: 1
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Wi-Fi options: 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a
  • 802.11n frequencies: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
  • GPS: Optional
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Bluetooth version: 2.1 + EDR
  • Wireless video: WiDi
  • Carrier options: Verizon Wireless, Sprint, AT&T
  • 3G: Optional
  • CDMA: Optional
  • GSM: Optional

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Wi-Fi options: 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a
  • 802.11n frequencies: 2.4GHz
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Bluetooth version: 4.0
  • Wireless video: WiDi
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Wi-Fi options: 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b
  • 802.11n frequencies: 2.4GHz
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Bluetooth version: 4.0
  • Trusted platform module: Yes

Security

  • Trusted platform module: Optional
  • Size: 4000 mAh
  • Chemistry: Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)
  • Removable: No
  • Quoted time: 6 hr

Battery

  • Size: 50 Wh
  • Chemistry: Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)
  • Removable: No
  • Quoted time: 6 hr
  • Removable: No
  • Quoted time: 7 hr
Power Media Dock, Noise-cancelling earbuds

Bundled Accessories

Gigabit ethernet to USB 3.0 dongle, Mini VGA to VGA dongle

Benchmarks

  • PCMarkVantage: 13128
  • 3DMarkVantage (GPU): 3316
  • The Verge Battery Test: 5 hours and 46 minutes
  • PCMarkVantage: 6692
  • 3DMarkVantage (IGP): 1574
  • Just Cause 2: 3.69
  • The Verge Battery Test: 5 hours 31 minutes
tracking_pixel_5345_tracker tracking_pixel_5351_tracker