Back at the IFA show last September, Asus (TPE: 2357) gave the world a first look the Zenbook UX305 its super thin and light notebook that’s gunning for the Macbook Air.
As of Monday this notebook is available for order, for a rather affordable price of $699. The UX305 is powered by the Intel Core M processor. The entry level model features a 13.30-inch 1920×1080 display, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 720p HD webcam, micro HDMI output, three USB 3.0 ports, and Windows 8.1. Asus says that a model with a QHD display that has a resolution of 3200 by 1800 pixels is coming later, with exact pricing and availability to be announced at a later date.
The entire computer comes in at 2.6 pounds and 0.48 inches of thickness.
“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,” Asus said in a press release. “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.
While the lack of a quad-core chip on the base model might make it seem underpowered, the UX305 is very competitive on a pricing level. The Macbook Air, which it is up against comes in at $200 more while other thin and light notebooks from manufacturers like Lenovo (HKG:0992) start in the $1000 range.
