ASUS launched its new ZenBook 3, what it claims to be the “two times faster than MacBook.” The company’s new ZenBook 3, announced at Computex, an 11.9-millimeter device it is calling the “the world’s most prestigious laptop.
The ZenBook 3 will feature the company’s highest screen-to-body ratio of any of its laptops — 82 percent. That screen is 12.5 inches, and it is coated in gorilla glass. The body of the laptop has a full-size keyboard, a glass-covered touchpad, and a fingerprint reader which supports Windows Hello to make logging in possible without needing to type in your password.
Unlike the MacBook, the ZenBook 3 won’t be under-powered. At the top end, you will be able to configure it with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 gigabyte of RAM and a 1 terabyte PCIe SSD (which should be faster than a typical SATA drive). The display is covered in Gorilla Glass 4, and it is looks like Asus was also able to slim down the bezel (now the screen covers 82% of the laptop’s front). The ZenBook 3 packs in a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port for charging (which it says can juice the laptop’s battery up to 60% in 49 minutes), and it should last around 9 hours of typical battery life. As for cooling, Asus says it is developed the “world’s thinnest” fan at just 3mm. There is also a built-in fingerprint sensor with Windows Hello support.
The new ZenBook 3 will start at $999 with a Core i5 processor, 4 gigabyte of RAM and 256 gigabyte SSD. Stepping up, you can get it with a 512 gigabyte SSD for $1,499, and you can add a Core i7 processor, 1 terabyte SSD and 16 gigabyte of RAM for $1,999. ASUS is not talking about availability details yet. We will definitely be paying attention to this ultraportable.