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Asus Unveils Gorilla Glass-Topped Zenbook Ultrabooks

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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BERLIN–Asus today unveiled its newest flagship ultrabooks, the Zenbook UX301 and UX302.

The Windows 8-based devices include the signature Zenbook metallic "spun" metal, but also add a layer of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3 for a heavy-duty high-gloss finish.

The Zenbooks include fourth-generation Intel Core processors. Buyers can select the high-end 28W Core i7-4558U dual-core, which "makes light work of even the most demanding applications," Asus said, while the optional 512GB RAID0 SSD storage "turbo-charges performance even more." There's also a choice between Intel Iris graphics or Nvidia GeForce GT 730M graphic with Optimus technology, as well as a 1,920-by-1080 Full HD display or one with a 2,560-by-1,440 WQHD resolution.

With the Zenbook UX301, you also get 802.11ac Wi-Fi for high-speed wireless data, as well as USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0.

All models feature a backlit keyboard with automatic light level control and large multi-touch touchpads with full support for Windows 8 gestures. They also come with SonicMaster audio technology "for rich and detailed sound" with video, music and games.

The Zenbooks will come in what Asus calls Moonstone White (above) or Sapphire Blue. Pricing and availability were not released.

For more, check out PCMag's review of the Asus Zenbook Prime Touch, which came out earlier this year for $1,100, as well as the pricier Asus Zenbook UX51Vz-DH71.

Meanwhile, Asus also unveiled the X102BA, a Windows 8-based ultraportable laptop with a 10.1-inch 1,366-by-768 display. It runs a 1GHz AMD A4-1200 processor and includes AMD Radeon HD Graphics. The X102BA will come bundled with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013, and will be available in four colors: white, black, hot pink, and ocean blue.

For more, check out the slideshow above and the IFA photo blog below.


About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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