Asus Zenbook Arrives But can it Dethrone the MacBook Air?

The highly anticipated Asus Zenbook has arrived in the US, boasting all powerful features packed into a smooth sleek exterior that weighs almost nothing. Sound familiar? Well, the Zenbook encapsulates many specs similar to its prime competitor-the almighty MacBook Air-but priced $200 dollars cheaper how does it really measure up?

Both the MacBook Air and Zenbook UX21 & UX31 come concealed in a case less than an inch thin, their power and durability can easily outdo computers three times their size. Here is how they compare to each other.

The newest Zenbook is designed for people who are on the go and want fast and efficient computer access. The ultrbook runs on Windows 7 and comes with a large easy to use touchpad. It has an instant-on feature that resumes the system in 2 seconds and a stand by time of up to 10 days; ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih revealed in a private New York event on Tuesday. The Zenbook uses the latest Intel 2nd generation Core processors (optimized for mobile use), SATA Revision 3.0 solid state storage (SSD), Bluetooth V4.0 and USB 3.0. ASUS has also added USB Charger+ technology, which uses the powered USB 3.0 port to recharge portable devices in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

In the few months since Intel first unveiled this new type of device, ASUS has delivered an amazingly light design powered by the visibly smart performance of the second generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It's packed with the security, responsiveness, and other exciting features, that deliver on the promise of the Ultrabook, to offer the most complete and satisfying computing experience, said Tom Kilroy, Intel's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sales and Marketing.

The ASUS Zenbook UX21 at $999:

Processor: It runs on Intel's second-generation Core i5 2467M (Ultra Low Voltage)

Display: 11.6HD (1366X768)

Connectivity: Bluetooth V4.0; Wi-Fi b/g/n

Audio: Stereo speakers designed with Bang and Olfusen ICEpower Technology providing a wide sonic spectrum surround sound.

Ports and Connectors: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x combo audio/mic, 1x micro-HDMI, 1x mini-VGA

OS: Windows Home Premium

Web Cam: 0.3-megapixel

Battery Life: 5-hours plus (35-watt-hour); standby up to 7 days

Dimensions: 11.7″ x 7.7″ x 0.11-­?0.67″

Weight: 2.43-pounds

Accessory: sleeve and USB-adaptor for Ethernet (for free)

The Zenbook is slightly heavier and comes with a larger 13' screen UX31 but comes with a larger state drive, SD card reader and runs on Intel's Core i7 processor giving it a higher and faster overall performance.

Asus Zenbook UX31 at $1499

Processor: Intel's second-generation Core i7 2677M (Ultra Low Voltage)

Display: 13.3HD (1600X900)

RAM: 4GB DDR3

Storage: 256 GB SSD

Connectivity: Bluetooth V4.0; Wi-Fi b/g/n

Audio: Stereo speakers designed with Bang and Olfusen ICEpower Technology

Ports and Connectors: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x combo audio/mic, 1x micro-HDMI, 1x mini-VGA, 1x SD Card slot

OS: Windows Home Premium

Web Cam: 0.3-megapixel

Battery Life: 7-hours plus (50-watt-hour); standby up to 10 days

Dimensions: 12.8″ x 8.8″ x 0.11″-­?0.71″

Weight: 2.86-pounds

Accessory: sleeve and USB-adaptor for Ethernet (for free)

The MacBook Air-- 11 and 13 inch models-- also run on Intel's latest i5 and i7 processors reaching speeds of up to 1.8GHz giving the latest generation of MacBook Air twice the processing performance. MacBook Air also features the Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor, which enables a smoother video experience. Apple's latest thunderbolt ports gives you access to the fastest form of data transfer-almost 20 times faster than the USB 2.0. The MacBook Air's flash storage chip enables a fast start up and resume feature and the laptop has capabilities of staying in stand-by mode for up to 30 days. The new Air also delivers full stereo sound with speakers on both sides and comes with a battery life that lasts from between 5-7 hours depending on the model. The new MacBook Air 11-ince: 128GB is priced at $1199, is it worth the extra $200?