asus zenbook u500vz ultrabook

Asus Zenbook U500VZ Detailed: The Next Super Ultrabook

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by

Jeff
in

If you think the Asus Zenbook Prime is one of the best out there, think again. Asus has unveiled another Ultrabook, this time more powerful and fully loaded with features that will make you drool, the Asus Zenbook U500VZ Ultrabook. If you ask me, this is one B.A.M.F. Ultrabook. The Asus Zenbook U500VZ is powered by the latest 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor, paired with GeForce GT650M and features a huge 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display.

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asus zenbook u500vz ultrabook

If you don’t like Ultrabook because they have limited storage capacity, or not so good display, then the Asus Zenbook U500VZ will make you want one. Its storage capacity ranges from 128GB/256GB up to 512GB Solid State Drive (via dual SSD setup 2x 256GB). Unlike its Zenbook predecessors, the Zenbook U500VZ has a huge 15.6-inch display. And not just any display, it’s a Full HD IPS display that offers a more vivid, sharper and better display compared to the previous models. It also features Bang and Olufsen ICEpower speakers for its audio.

The Asus Zenbook U500VZ, like its little brothers, has an aluminum body. It carries the “Zenbook look and feel”. Asus has also included the numeric keypads and all the keys are backlit. On the right side of the Zenbook U500 you can see the 3.5mm audio socket, SD card slot, another USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort and a mic port. On the left side is a full size HDMI connectors, an Ethernet Socket and two USB 3.0 ports.

Since its GPU is powered by a GeForce GT650M, the Zenbook U500 can easily be turned into a mobile gaming unit. A piece of hardware that most Ultrabooks doesn’t have. It is expected to run on the latest Windows 8 operating system.

Asus Zenbook U500VZ Specifications

Operating System: Windows 8
CPU: 3rd Gen Intel Core i7 Quad Core Processor
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT650M 2GB GDDR5
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS at 1920×1080 Screen
Storage: 2x 256GB SSD or 128GB SSD + 500GB HDD
Audio: Bang and Olufsen ICEpower speakers
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, Mic, 3.5mm port, memory card reader
Dimensions: 19.7mm thickest down to 6mm

The Asus Zenbook U500 is definitely a kick-ass Ultrabook packed with cutting edge specs. It’s definitely a must have Ultrabook and I’d definitely want one. But I’m sure this Ultrabook will have a hefty price tag.

Asus Zenbook U500VZ Price and Availability

As of to-date, Asus did not disclosed any information regarding its price. But based on the specifications it is built with, it will definitely cost more than the Asus Zenbook Prime. Asus did not also disclosed its released date, but most probably this Ultabook will be released once the Windows 8 is officially released.
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Comments

26 responses to “Asus Zenbook U500VZ Detailed: The Next Super Ultrabook”

  1. Nicolas Avatar
    Nicolas

    Hi there!

    I saw there was a little mistake in the Specs.
    The U500VZ has not 2 USB 3.0 ports but 3 (2 left and 1 right).

    Super excited about this “Ultrabook”!
    Needed a strong laptop that will be able to give a punch, this one’s a no-brainer.

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Thanks for the correction Nicolas! ^_^
      I am excited about this too. I’ll start saving for this

      Reply
  2. Will Avatar
    Will

    It looks like nice laptop. Although its not really an ultrabook to me, but it’s portable. With i7 3612qm, gt 650m 2gb gddr5, 8 gb ram, 2 hard drives in raid 0, and a full hd Ips screen, this is a powerful laptop. I am quite worried about the heat and battery life. The CPU and the GPU could run very hot. And the battery life maybe short due to powerful specs. I’m sure this is going to be expensive especially with the 2 256 gb SSd.

    It’s a beautiful laptop with lots of power! I really want it, but I’ll stick to my bulky laptop for a while. There may be a new generation of ram and processors in 2013 or 2014. I think it’s a really great laptop if it doesn’t have any heat problems and has good battery (min. 6 hours from full charge).

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Ultrabooks like these are usually engineered to eliminate heat as much as possible. Also you don’t need to wait for 2013 or 2014 to come for the new generation CPU or RAM. Every now and then new models of CPU or RAM are being released. You just need to buy the latest model that your budget permits you.

      Reply
      1. Will Avatar
        Will

        I guess you’re right. I think I could use this laptop for 5 years before I need some upgrades. I’m currently looking for a portable laptop for college. Would bringing a 15″ laptop to school look awkward? I really like the asus ux32vd. Full hd Ips 13″, dual core ulv, and gt 620m. Although hdd is not solid state, I could upgrade it and ram as well. The u500vz is probably the bigger and more powerful version of the ux32vd. I would like to see the u500 and try it when it gets to the stores. Thanks for your reply too.

        Reply
        1. jeff Avatar
          jeff

          For school I think 15″ would be too big unless you are into graphics or editing. But for word processing I think a 13″ would do. It would be also helpful if you could buy lightweight laptop (ultrabook) since carrying heavy stuffs wouldn’t be to good for your shoulder or back.

          Reply
  3. Nicolas Avatar
    Nicolas

    Any extra information for us?
    It’s been some time now, since I last heard something from this laptop.
    Only attention for Asus products are those new tablets and stuff.

    Too bad 🙁
    What’s the release date, price, etc. ?

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      No new info yet. I’m still looking into this. I am also excited about this product.

      Reply
  4. joe Avatar
    joe

    When will this thing be out?? also will it be touchscreen? i can see this on the asus website but there is no mention of when it will be out… please advise.

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      No words yet joe.

      Reply
    2. Nicolas Avatar
      Nicolas

      I don’t think this thing will have a touchscreen.
      It’s just a beast laptop/ultrabook.

      Reply
      1. jeff Avatar
        jeff

        Yes most probably its not a touch screen

        Reply
  5. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Not sure but it looks like the website is saying it will be touchscreen. http://zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/?c=touch
    And it shows on tiger direct that pre order is $2,500
    http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4978570&CatId=4935

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Hi Sarah
      That’s not the U500VZ. The U500VZ is part of Asus Zenbook Touch series and will run on Windows 8.

      Reply
  6. Jody Avatar
    Jody

    I’ve had my eye on this since it was first previewed as a business/gaming portable for my wife. Xoticpc.com has had it on “pre-order” for a couple weeks. Today it evidently is available. Xoticpc.com does good work and they’re legitimate ( I customized a G74 about a year ago with them). They call this the ASUS UX51VZ-DH71. The base price is $1939 with no bells and whistles. It’s a cafeteria-style website and they offer many extras in configuration. CPU upgrade to i7-3940 is another $1030. The display is upgradable as well to “95% NTSC Color Gamut” for $165. The default SSD configuration is “Dual 128 GB SSD – SATA II”. They don’t say WHAT SSD this 128 GB SATA II is and that I find curious. There are 37 SSD upgrade options (32 SATA III and 5 SATA II) that range from $200 – $2050 for a pair. I intend to buy one but it won’t be the decked-out all bells and whistles version. I priced that one out at $ 5686. A little over-the-top for my budget.

    Reply
  7. Nicolas Avatar
    Nicolas

    Seems that the U500VZ won’t be available in Europe (except some countries like Denmark) untill mid-January 2013.

    This is a statement made by ASUS Italy just earlier today.
    I can’t wait this long so I’m skipping this machine and going for a Sony VAIO S series.

    Reply
    1. Bobbing Rabbit Avatar
      Bobbing Rabbit

      Does not make sense to release a high-end and dear product in January because most people are broke. The run up to Xmas would be better.
      Anyway, the U500VZ (8Gb/256Gb/non-touchscreen version) has been released across most of the EU (Check amazon.de amazon.fr and usual Dutch sites like paradigit.nl)

      Reply
  8. Jody Avatar
    Jody

    The price continues to go up every time Xoticpc is checked – now the base is $2430. It appeared on newegg.com today for $2500 with no extras – just the minimum DDR3 and SSD x2. BTW, that whole stack of SSD options is gone from Xoticpc – it’s down to SSD x2 @ 256GB each SATA III. Still costs a bundle.

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      what specific model did you saw?

      Reply
  9. Maira Avatar
    Maira

    The site does say it’s touch. Any ideas when it’s gonna be available for purchase?

    http://zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Maira, the Asus Zenbook Touch is the touch version. Please visit this for more touch ultrabooks -> https://whatswithjeff.com/top-10-must-have-touch-ultrabooks/

      Reply
  10. Ankit Garg Avatar
    Ankit Garg

    Hi there.

    I am from India. I am an engineering student.
    Can you update me with the availability of this ultrabook. I have searched like a lot, but nowhere I could find a release date. Even your blog was updated last year. Its been three months now, but still I am not able to find any link which shows release date and pricing, specially in India.
    I’ll be very grateful.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Hi Ankit, I don’t about in India, but it’s already available here.

      Reply
  11. J.P. Avatar
    J.P.

    A few questions:

    – What is the battery life of this laptop?
    – Would you recommend this laptop for university or would I be better off with another ultra book in the Asus line?
    – Is this available in New Zealand?

    Reply
    1. jeff Avatar
      jeff

      Hi JP,
      I haven’t personally reviewed this unit yet.
      What do you mean for university? Student or professor use.
      Right now, I can’t recommend this product since I don’t have a 100% detailed knowledge and personal experience with the Zenbook UV500VZ. But I am eying on the Asus Vivobook S550. It looks more promising.

      Reply

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