Asus Zenbook Prime in the flesh, first impressions

Asus Philippines today launched their second-generation ultrabook called the Zenbook Prime. Asus claims it is the first notebook to use a full HD 1080p IPS LCD display.

While the previous models of the Zenbook were using backlit LED panels, the new Zenbook uses an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

Imagine the IPS display of the new iPad 3 used in an ultrabook — that’s really crisp, super clear and very wide viewing angles. If you’re using the Zenbook UX21, which is the one I have, the difference in the screen resolution is miles away.

Asus also listened to folks and added a backlit keyboard with the new Zenbook Prime. They engineering on the keyboard was also improved so individual keys are higher, giving you more tactile feedback and less typing errors.

The trackpad was also remodeled to be smoother and way easier to use. I really hated the trackpad on the old Zenbook but the new one feels like it’s much closer to the one in the Macbook Air, in terms of sensitivity and performance.

While the exterior design of the Zenbook Prime is still the same as the old model, the upgrades done were mostly in the interior. That includes the new Ivy Bridge processors, faster SSD and boot times.

The only bummer news is that Asus will only be bringing the high-end variant of the Zenbook Prime. That means you will only see the Zenbook Prime UX31A in stores this June. The variant will have a Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD and a 13.3″ IPS LCD with resolution of 1080p.

The estimated retail price for that when it comes out is about Php69,995USD 1,193INR 101,115EUR 1,136CNY 8,686.