Reddit mentions of ASUS UX305 13-Inch Laptop [2015 model]

Win10 certainly made some improvements in the battery life department, but the rMBP is still going to reign supreme there thanks to Mac OS just being better optimized for it. If you're looking for something comparable spec-wise to the 13" rMBP, but cheaper, look at the Asus UX305LA, or if you want something more durable and a similarly long battery life, check out the 14" Lenovo Thinkpad T450S, which you can get cheaper by signing up for a free "student & teacher account" here. I'm also a big fan of the XPS 13, though the price and specs are fairly similar to the 13" rMBP. If you want to go higher than 13", but still get a premium finish and good performance, check out the $1449 config of the new XPS 15. They manage to fit a 15" screen in the body of a 14" laptop thanks to the infinity display. A little out of your price range, but one of the best laptops on the market, and has a good GPU for most gaming.

I have been running Lubuntu on the Asus UX305LA and have been pleased with it. It has an aluminum build similar to the MacBook Air.

I was deciding between the Asus and the Dell XPS 13 and ultimately went with the Asus based on price.

Victorinox 8 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife which I got for my husband, we needed a better kitchen knife and this one was rated pretty well by america's test kitchen

Chooka rain boots I have thick calves and these rain boots are fantastic, they're a bit wide too so I can wear wooly socks with them.

My Asus laptop

This cat lounger my cats love, especially my chunky one

And my air purifier

If you really want to go light look at the ASUS Zenbook 305. I just got one and installed Linux on it with almost no issue. It was a little bit of work to get the wi-fi working during the install, but that's only because I was putting Debian on it and they don't include any non-free components on their standard install media so I had to figure out how to get it to load the binary firmware. A less stringent distro like Mint shouldn't even have that problem.

It's very lightweight, very thin, very powerful & has a beautiful screen.

What about this?

UX303UA for $850. It just went back up recently coming from $799. For $350 more you could get the UB which has double Memory, +4GB ram, dedicated GPU, and a jump from an i5 to an i7.

There is also the UX305 which is an older edition that only comes in gold. Not worth it IMO if you could get an even better one for $100 more.

If your budget is as high as $899, chances are that a lot of traditional laptops are also in your price range. I mean, just looking quickly on Amazon, I found this 13" Acer. It has the same RAM, a better processor, 4x storage, and the same integrated graphics core. I can't speak to build quality, but the screen is double-hinged, so you can use it as a (presumably very bulky) tablet. Or this one, which has a weaker processor (though still more powerfull than the Dell's) and with only a traditional clamshell design, but which is $100 cheaper. These aren't gaming laptops (though those are also in your price range), but they're also not underpowered.

Then again, the most expensive Dell CB13 is only $650 from their site, so I'm not sure where you got $899 from. Maybe you're not in the US? Nevermind, there's a second page that I missed.

I'd say that you should understand what you're getting into with ChromeOS. Stock, it's simpler and (arguably) more convenient than a Windows, Mac, or Linux box, but it's also more restrictive. Crouton works around those limitations, but now you're essentially running a second environment from within the first. And Crouton, great as it is, isn't perfect. For example, there's currently (unless it was recently fixed) a bug related to keyboards locking up while installing it.

I have a Pixel and am considering a Dell CB13 as well. (And honestly, if the Dell was around when I bought my Pixel, I probably would have gotten it instead.) But I started with a cheap Acer C720. I didn't spend a lot on a Chromebook until I knew that ChromeOS met my needs, though I still feel like I'm frequently running into things that it doesn't handle well. It might be useful to know what degree you plan to pursue. An English major might do just fine with a Chromebook, though I think I'd recommend something else to a Computer Science major.

I haven't used a Dell CB13 myself, but most signs point to it being an excellent device. The build quality is allegedly great, and the hardware is about the best you can get below a Pixel. I suppose that if ChromeOS doesn't pan out for you, you could always remove the write-protect screw and install a Linux distro on it.

I guess you have to decide how brave you are. Are you willing to take a chance and deal with the fallout if it doesn't pan out? Or would you rather walk the safe road?

That opens up a lot of options. I believe there are some Microsoft surface deals for the holidays going around. They look decent and are really portable. Convertibility into a tablet is also pretty awesome for a dorm room.

Your requirements are pretty low so there are too many options for me to list. Look for a SSD. Keep your CPU choice below an I5. Doubt you'll need more than 4 or 8 Gb of ram. You should be able to stay well within your budget.

On second tthought here is a laptop that I wanted to get on black Friday :D

ASUS Zenbook UX305LA 13.3-Inch Laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB, 256 GB SSD, Titanium Gold) with Windows 10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_DWZFwb1MD7PPV

Here is what you should look for:

• 1920x1080p display, preferably and IPS panel and not a TN panel (if you don't know the difference, then take a look at these two pictures: this is an IPS panel and this is a TN panel)
  
• Intel i5, a dual core. The performance between a dual core i5 and a dual core i7 is negligible. It's about 10% in some benchmarks and not worth the premium. Forget any laptops with AMD processors (even a higher end AMD quad core does not only perform worse than a dual core Intel i5, it also draws more power)
  
• 8 GB of RAM (or the possibility to upgrade it yourself to 8)
  
  The first Asus you linked would meet all these requirements. It wouldn't be a bad choice. Battery life will be around 6 hours.
  
  Here are some other alternatives:
  
  
• Asus ZenBook UX305LA: a bit over your budget, but it has a fast SSD.
  
• Dell Inspiron 13 7359: decent specs for $600.
  
• Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 L55W-C5357: if you want a bigger display and don't want to spend all of your budget.

One of these? If so, very nice!

I have one of these and it runs Kubuntu almost perfectly. The things to watch out for:

• Mine had no legacy mode bios so I couldn't install any distro that didn't work with EFI.
  
  
• I had to manually build the drivers to get the wifi working. As the little vivobook has no Ethernet port, I was lucky enough to have a wireless dongle that was recognised immediately.
  
  
• The trackpad is hyper-sensitive and doesn't have Linux drivers yet. It was recognised as a mouse so tweaking the mouse settings calmed it down a bit.
  
  

Hard to beat the value of the asus laptops at 700 or less:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ASUS-ZenBook-UX305CA-UHM1-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.328071300

if you want a little more oomph from the processor:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B013KKANTE/ref=sr_1_1_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452571356&sr=1-1&keywords=zenbook&condition=used

buy an open box from amazon warehouse to save some $$$.

Amazon has a thing to help find computers based on needs, that being said at first look something like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010SBAJDS/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_147ECL_2b1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-top-3&pf_rd_r=0EM0WYGQ2ZVN3539R6KJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2383875942&pf_rd_i=11392907011 would be a good option and give five hundred of the budget to buying an ssd. But it'd probably b better to look for a pc with two drive slots and put ssd in so it's also got storage.. hell http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PYYDMQ/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_147ECL_4a1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-top-3&pf_rd_r=0EM0WYGQ2ZVN3539R6KJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2383875942&pf_rd_i=11392907011 would work too. Or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013KKANTE/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_comp_LenToshC_1_i?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=0EM0WYGQ2ZVN3539R6KJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2359165242&pf_rd_i=11392907011 but those are just a few quick choices from Amazon's easy pc finder thing. The Asus looks pretty good, but yea, your requirements can b filled for less than 1000 USD pretty well

this asus zenbook would be a great option. or even this ASUS Zenbook UX305LA

I just bought the ASUS Zenbook UX305LA, and it's great. It's a metal build that's lightweight and durable. The i5 processor runs Fallout: New Vegas very well, and it also handles photo editing well.

The battery life is pretty damn good. I've read mixed things about the screen resolution, but I've been impressed even through photo editing.

I'm not a huge fan of the track pad. It's not very responsive, but it isn't awful. I could get used to it. I use a mouse, so it wasn't a concern of mine.

Here's a link to it on Amazon. It's $750. http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Titanium-Windows/dp/B013KKANTE.

If you have any questions about it, I'd be happy to answer them.

You can look for one of the older asus zenbooks without the dedicated gpu, these are very sturdy, and don't heat up kuch (just don block the air intake, goes for all laptops)

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Check this one (obviously try to find it used for cheaper)

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-UX305-13-Inch-Laptop-model/dp/B013KKANTE

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I have a few more questions (sorry). Will the K501LX be able to last three years under proper care? And how does this zenbook from amazon look in comparison? Will it be able to run all the games I want on high settings?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013KKANTE/ref=s9_al_bw_g147_i9?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=12W699C5DE0EFWMR5K3B&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2310878562&pf_rd_i=759498

There is this awesome dell inspirion, I'll grab the link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015P3SH9W/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Take the i5 as its $700 as you don't require an i7 for no gaming, and very demanding spreadsheets.

However if you can spring for the extra $100, please do as its a very good deal for an i7.

Another option:

This is an asus zenbook:

Contains an ssd which the other doesn't have I think.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013KKANTE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Try to avoid intel m-prozessors then, i would go for a asus ux303ua with a Skylake i5 and FHD-Touchdisplay.

I have the lb with i7 and 940m and the touchpad is perfect for my standarts.

If you want to get a cheaper one: the 305 has no backlight, a broadwell i5 and is non touch. If you want to get touch on it you habe to get a QHD display BUT it only comes with a core-m-prozessor and i really dont like those, because then you have a fanless cooling system and the cpu can get really hot when you use your laptop for a longer period.

Here are 2 links to both options:

303: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VHW24Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1450340762&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ux303ub&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2BKe3rTWGL&ref=plSrch thats the older broadwell option as i see now, also a option till the differenc is only in the cpu and this not very much

305: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013KKANTE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1450341193&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ux303ub&dpPl=1&dpID=51C1sNaz87L&ref=plSrch

Here is the mobile version of your link

I live in France but have found someone to bring me a computer from the US. I'm looking at the ASUS Zenbook UX305LA but there are other Zenbook models that could fit what you need. The reviews I've seen make it sound like a high quality product.

Looks very nice. Is the Intel Core M-5Y10 enough for programming/compiling. What can I expect for battery life? Also, how does it compare to the similar i5 Asus.

I just posted this is another thread, but...

There appears to possibly be a deal on a New-Like Used Zenbook 305LA for $535. On my amazon there is a 15% off coupon for all of the used zenbooks in my link. It says under each price "15% off. Discount taken at checkout." I'm not sure if it's targeted towards my account, or for everyone, or maybe for prime users only.

I think if the deal works for you it is definitely something to think about. Has a 1080p IPS display, great specs with a 5th gen i5 and 8gb ram, a good keyboard and decent trackpad, and a long 8-10 hour battery life.

Dell XPS 13 if you don't mind paying a bit over your budget.

This zenbook is also good. It's a similar size and is made out of aluminum, like the mac.

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Titanium-Windows/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1449198655&sr=1-1&keywords=zenbook

Honestly I shouldn't be so hostile to ASUS, it has a lot of bad wrap but you're right, I can always just mess with it and return it if I don't like it.

I'm currently eyeing the Zenbook UX305LA. Good specs, SSD, FHD, and USB 3.0. Also $200 off for Cyber monday.

What's your input?

Since you mentioned that you were going to be moving around often, I figured that you might prefer a smaller, lighter laptop. I generally recommend ultrabooks to people who want the performance and the portability in laptops. This one is gonna be one of the best bang for your buck laptop in the ultrabook category.

http://smile.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Windows-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452034840&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+ux+305

Here's another with a slightly better screen due to its really tiny bezels. I personally have this one and am loving it. They advertise 15 hours of battery life, but expect around 6 hours in real life use.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Dell-XPS-13-9343-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.312471000

If you're not concerned too concerned about portability, tall_trees's suggestion is very enticing, with the only downside being the absence of an SSD. However, I would highly recommend buying a laptop with an SSD as they are less prone to slowing down over time. HDDs consist of mechanical moving parts which use more energy and can degrade faster over time than SSDs which utilize flash storage and have no internal moving parts.

According to http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmark-List.2436.0.html it seems that the ASUS ROG which /u/detroyer recommended was, by far, the best performing cpu for the money (based off of it's vertical position in the hierarchy). Does anyone have any thoughts or comments about this interpretation? Similarly, how much weight should I place on their differential positions in the benchmark results?

Here is what I found:

• ASUS ROG GL551JW-WH71(WX)
  
• i7-4720HQ @2.6 – 3.6Ghz
  
• 4th gen, #42 on list/366 days since it's initial release
  
• -------------------------------------------
  
• Acer Aspire R14 2-in-1 14" Touch-Screen
  
• i7-6500U @2.5 – 3.1Ghz
  
• 6th gen, #126 on list/123 days since it's initial release
  
• -------------------------------------------
  
• Dell Inspiron 13 i7353 with an Intel i7
  
• i7-6500U @2.5 – 3.1Ghz
  
• 6th gen, #126 on list/123 days since it's initial release
  
• -------------------------------------------
  
• Dell Inspiron 13 i7353 with an Intel i5
  
• i5-6200U @2.3 – 2.8Ghz
  
• 6th gen, #155 on list/123 days since it's initial release
  
• -------------------------------------------
  
• Asus ZenBook UX305LA
  
• i5-5200U @2.2 – 2.7Ghz
  
• 5th gen, #176 on list/362 days since it's initial release

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i7559-763BLK-Full-HD-GeForce/dp/B015PYYDMQ/

and

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146DD02G/

and

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Windows-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE/

The first has a 960m, second is a bit cheaper and a 950m (still about as fast as a 860m I beleive), the last is my preferred amount of portability.

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=psdc_565108_t1_B00RY4X8A4

Obviously there's a few compromises as very few manufacturers are going to have identical hardware as another competitor's product, namely the 1080p vs 1600 monitors on the machines.

Honestly as a a guy with a 1440p monitor I feel that the resolution of the rMBP at that size (13 inches) is silly.

Thanks for the great reply. I know my post was mainly about programming, I decided to go for the [nicer model] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=psdc_565108_t1_B01578SQFU) because apparently the processor in the laptop I put in the OP has problems with Youtube on Google Chrome lol. I think $50 is a small premium for watching Youtube videos :)

I would strongly recommend either an Asus UX305 or Dell XPS 13:

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Windows-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE/

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-13-9350-laptop/pd?ref=PD_OC

why would you get this: http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air?product=MJVE2LL/A&step=config

over this? http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Titanium-Windows/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1450671349&sr=1-1&keywords=zenbook

it's better and lighter.

I just picked up this guy and love it. I only do photo editing in lightroom though. You can probably find an Asus with a little better specs for a little more.

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Titanium-Windows/dp/B013KKANTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448372594&sr=8-1&keywords=ASUS+Zenbook+UX305LA+13.3-Inch+Laptop

It's this one http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Generation-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

Edit: Wow! it went up $100 since I bought it. Guess I got it at the right time!

Oh hey - it looks like amazon.com has the UX305LA back in stock shipping to Canada.

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Yoga-Pro-Convertible-Ultrabook/dp/B00OVFGU36#productDescription_secondary_view_div_1457925837340

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Generation-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NJNE6AA/ref=psdcmw_565108_t2_B00HAMZVD2

I'd find more if it weren't late, but 1080p is the modern standard for anything that isn't low-end or a particularly large laptop screen. For monitors especially it's impossible to find a 720p one that isn't second-hand or refurbished.

http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305LA-13-3-Inch-Generation-Titanium/dp/B013KKANTE

For 1000 euros I would be happy to buy it and ship it to you.

I would recommend this Zenbook-UX305LA it comes with 13.3-Inch Full-HD IPS Anti-Glare Matte Display with an Ultra-wide 170° Viewing Angle.
Powerful 5th-generation Intel Core i5-5200U 2.2GHz (Turbo up to 2.7GHz) Broadwell.
8 GB RAM/ 256 GB Solid State Drive; over 10-Hours Battery Life(I think you got a winner on this one).
The unit weighs only 2.86 lbs, is less than .6-inch thin.(so it is ultra poertable ) the listing mention it has integrated GPU but it doesn't mention which type but this detailed review says it is HD Graphics 5500 and the good part it is under 1000 USD :D

Intel Core M-5Y10 will be enough for your tasks. When comparing both machines, the ASUS Zenbook UX305LA would do a slightly better job courtesy of it's slightly better processor. Its battery life is very good as well- it should easily last over 10 hours.