ASUS Introduces ZenBook 3 That Will Start At $999

Posted on Jul 6 2016 - 4:00am by Daniel Fisher

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.

ASUS-Zenbook

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.