Unlike Zenbook Prime (UX31A) which reproduces the essential features, this Asus Ultrabook takes a dedicated GPU (GeForce GT 620M) and a hybrid storage system. A little thicker and heavier, it is also (and especially) less...

If you are Ultrabooks eye and you regularly read PCWorld.fr, you've probably scoured our tests Zenbook UX31E (first generation Asus Ultrabook) and more recently, the Zenbook UX31A model of high- range, updated with success, which earned him receive 5 stars. Today, it is a test Zenbook UX32VD we offer, providing an additional alternative in the range Zenbook second generation.

Needless to resume presentations from the beginning, as we focus on what differentiates these two models, to see which of UX31A or UX32VD deserves more your interest. As we have said, the Prime Zenbook is a great product, but it is expensive. In its high-end, one we tested with Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3517U and 256 GB SSD, it is proposed in the vicinity of € 1,450 list price. A € 1,169, the Zenbook UX32VD adopts the same CPU, same amount of RAM (4GB) and even adds a dedicated graphics card to a GeForce GT 620M know with Optimus technology (to automatically switch on the HD 4000 iGPU to any task not worthy to use the GeForce, and thus make valuable savings).

However, it must settle for a hybrid storage system. Farewell performance 256 GB SSD, here it comes coupled to a disk 500GB platters spinning at 5,400 rpm with 24 GB of NAND flash soldered to the motherboard, all managed by the Intel RST. Of 441-332 MB / s read and write in CrystalDiskMark (incompressible data), so it descends to earth with speeds of the order of 106-108 MB / s. And if the SSD cache to load Windows in less than 25 seconds cold, while accelerating the application load the busiest, the machine is necessarily less reactive, which is affected also the results of some practical tests.

Screen and finishing copies

This point on the storage back to the machine that benefit once again a great aluminum frame. Input Dell DFNCH Battery attributes are almost perfect (nice backlit keyboard and touchpad responsive and accurate wide), while the integrated display is the same: a matte IPS panel impressive 1920 x 1080 pixels, perfectly readable, offering a Delta base color average of 3.2, with a measured maximum brightness at 358 cd / m². The contrast is striking, although of course we can do better (and less bright) after application of a suitable calibration profile.

After manipulation, we realize that the chassis is not exactly the same. Indeed, the difference is difficult to detect in the first manipulation, but UX32VD is a little thicker, the lower shell is more rounded. It is played with a few millimeters, since the Prime Zenbook between 3 and 17 mm thick at thinnest point thicker profile, while this UX32VD ranges from 5.5 to 18 mm, taking a more rounded shape. Nothing serious, however, the Zenbook is thin and nice to handle. Fortunately, this overweight is confirmed on a scale almost negligible difference of 65 grams, 1.48 Kg Power supply socket on which can deliver up to 65W is still small, and practice.

The analysis of all components of the machine made, there are a few other differences were invited to the party. The BATEL80L6 Battery  is slightly smaller (46 Wh 49 Wh against), and the connection is different. The micro-HDMI gives way to an HDMI output and classical entitled to three USB 3.0 ports (two on the Zenbook against Prime). For the rest, there is always the mini-VGA adapter included with the Combo 3.5mm jack port and memory cards.

Best in the game, less reactive, a little less self-

Furthermore the reactivity and storage size, what are the differences between these two machines broadly similar recorded in our synthetic tests and practices? The conclusions are logical: the Prime Zenbook UX31A advantage of its SSD to scrape a few seconds all the common tasks and calculation, while UX32VD leverages its dedicated GPU to stand out in the game, at the cost of autonomy a hair down, even when the GeForce is not requested (see battery size). We did not test to compare the autonomy of portable game, but we find that in Diablo 3, the battery drains in less than 2 hours away from a power outlet.

Given these parameters, it is better to opt for a UX32VD or UX31A? It may be silly to say, but the daily handling, line a little more svelte and the Prime Zenbook responsiveness give an advantage to the mobile worker. However, draw on the finishes that are copies of the entire range. As for what the game will get the UX32VD preference of those who would gain some FPS, priced at longer loads. It is rather disappointing that level since opting for a GeForce GT 620M is not really a wise choice. Compared to the 4P887 Battery integrated in the processor, it can certainly earn on average 50% performance in games, and make it playable titles old enough under the best conditions, but still no launch Crysis 2 DirectX 11 smoothly (especially not in native resolution). Given the resolution of the screen, Asus should provide a configuration-based GeForce GT 640M new generation already more efficient (see Test Acer Aspire M5).

Yet if one is satisfied with a strict price / performance ratio, indicators tend to turn to for this UX32VD. To see what everyone prefers to focus: a few more FPS in games or a faster disk. Outsider, it must also reckon with the Prime Zenbook UX31A equipped with a 128GB SSD and a Core i5-3317U. An interesting compromise to 1149 €. In all cases, it is impossible to make a bad choice with this range Zenbook really successful.

A hair thicker and heavier, a little less autonomous, but slightly better in game and especially cheaper, UX32VD Zenbook is an excellent choice in the world of Ultrabook, since aluminum frame has a very successful , a display of the highest quality and top finishes.