7 ms·

The ASUS Zenbook UX305 Review

80 points by ismavis 12y ago

andrewfong 12y ago
Sort of off topic, but I'm kind of stuck with Lenovo Thinkpads thanks to my love of the Trackpoint, but we're a shrinking group and there are many, many tempting alternatives these days. Anyone know if there's any way to graft a Trackpoint onto other laptops?
- freehunter 12y ago
  You can buy a USB keyboard with a Trackpoint built in. Check Amazon. For putting one on a laptop without an external keyboard, I'm not sure how that would work.
  - dorfsmay 12y ago
    That's fine in the office, but not on the road...
    - freehunter 12y ago
      You're right. I offered the only solution I know of, but I'm not sure how an external Trackpoint would work for a portable laptop.
- dorfsmay 12y ago
  I'm the same, can't work without the track point, trackpads are inefficient if you type a lot. One of my colleague in the same situation ended up buying a Toshiba.
  - joshuapants 12y ago
    Unfortunately, Lenovo makes the best trackpoint hands down. Dell and Toshiba both offer models with one (I believe HP used to, but not anymore). Dell doesn't offer a middle mouse button on the models I've seen, which makes the trackpoint hideously inconvenient for scrolling. Toshiba does, but the trackpoint just doesn't feel as good as on Lenovo models. Lenovo won't get any of my money anymore after Superfish, though. The answer for me is to use the keyboard as much as possible. This is already possible in a large number of text editors, and there are a good number of browser add-ons that will allow you to control everything completely mouse-free. edit: corrected some spelling
  - r00fus 12y ago
    > I'm the same, can't work without the track point, trackpads are inefficient if you type a lot This is only true if your trackpad driver/software sucks. Good trackpads (like on Macs) are great at palm rejection and other heuristics to prevent these issues. Really good hardware has great software to complete it.
    - andrewfong 12y ago
      It's not a software issue; it's physiology. The inefficiency is that using a trackpad, even one with very good software, requires me to take one hand off the home row on the keyboard. With a trackpoint, I just move my finger about an inch.
      - dorfsmay 12y ago
        Correct, this is what I meant. Additionally, I find it more efficient to apply pressure to move the cursor accross the screen rather than the "put fingers down, rub, fingers up, move through the air" loop!
- buckbova 12y ago
  I just shell out for the thinkpad. Have a new carbon x1 on the way and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Yes it is twice the cost, but there are things to cheap out on and the things you use every day shouldn't be one of them.
  - bduerst 12y ago
    Using Carbon X1 right now (older version, not the newer one with the weird touch keyboard) and it's phenomenal. I've been trying to find an upgrade though, since it's several years old now.
    - dagar 12y ago
      The new newer X1 Carbon (3rd gen) fixed the keyboard. http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x1-carbon/ http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x1-ca...
      - notsony 12y ago
        Asus have a direct competitor featuring trackpoint and three physical buttons. Only problem is I can't seem to find its pricing or availability anywhere. https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial_Notebook/ASUSPRO_ADVANCED_BU201/ https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial_Notebook/ASUSPRO_ADVANCED...
        vinay427 12y ago
        In my experience with Dell and HP laptops, their versions of the trackpoint cannot match the smoothness of IBM/Lenovo's at all. Very noticeable difference that really ruins the experience for me. However, ASUS may have done better, not sure.
        andor 12y ago
        It's a bit cheaper than a Thinkpad, but the battery life is disappointing: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-ASUSPRO-Advanced-BU201LA-DT036G-Ultrabook-Review.131164.0.html http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-ASUSPRO-Advanced-BU201LA-D...
mladenkovacevic 12y ago
So basically a fanless, ultraportable, 13" laptop with an IPS HD screen that beats the 2014 Macbook Air on both performance and battery life, has more than one USB port and costs between $700 and a $1000. Seems like a winner to me.
- baddox 12y ago
  That price gets you the slower 800 MHz CPU and a 1080p display, but apparently they will soon be offering it with a 1.2 GHz CPU and a 3200x1800 display.
  - mladenkovacevic 12y ago
    You're right of course. It all depends on how capable Windows is on a 800 MHz machine with 1080p as compared to the new MacBook's 1.1 GHz - 1.3 Ghz CPU. Also how will battery life be affected when upgrading the Asus to a 1.2GHz and higher res screen.
    - baddox 12y ago
      I've seen not-so-good reviews for Windows PCs with the >1 GHz M chips in them (predating the MacBook announcement), so I don't have high hopes for an 800 MHz machine. I'm really wondering how much perceived performance Apple will squeeze out of their MacBook.
- drudru11 12y ago
  Unless this has great, zero-issues unix support, I'll have to pass. Is there a laptop like this that is supported by linux or any of the BSDs well?
  - mladenkovacevic 12y ago
    I don't think you'll get anything officially Linux "supported" unless you got for one of Dell's developer "Sputnik" laptops that comes with Ubuntu installed. But I have had no problems installing Linux on older Acer and Asus laptops (with very minor driver tweaks post-installation). I'm not sure, however, if that has changed for the better or for worse with newer Windows laptops.
barake 12y ago
Purchased the UX305 about two weeks ago for ~$630 (15% off at the Microsoft Store) with tax. I have nothing but good things to say about the hardware - screen, keyboard, and touchpad are A+, and I'm getting 8-10 hours working in Visual Studio 2013. Two things not covered in the review: HDMI port is 1.4, and the SD card reader is half-depth similar to Macs. The only issue so far is the touchpad gesture software crashing Chrome sometimes when pressing alt-D to select the address bar.
- nfoz 12y ago
  How is the keyboard? The "thin" craze seems to me that keyboards are all disappointing compared to small laptops that I own that are 5+ years old.
  - dxhdr 12y ago
    I agree. How does it compare to the Thinkpad chiclet keyboards? Those have to be the best laptop keyboards I've ever used. I'm loathe to purchase anything else just because of how important a quality typing experience is for me.
  - barake 12y ago
    Very similar to current MacBooks, if not a little bit crisper. Could do with a bit more travel just like most new laptops.
- imperialdrive 12y ago
  umm... I am surprised you, nor anyone else (yet) mentions the power key being right above the backspace key... I've turned off or put to sleep that stupid laptop so many times I went back to using my iPad 1st gen with bluetooth keyboard and RDP lol but seriously, how they can continually overlook what clearly is a flaw? if I've got this all backwards, please share the logic behind it
  - dangrossman 12y ago
    Hit the Windows key and type "power button" to open the power options control panel. Set "when I press the power button" to "do nothing". You can sleep/hibernate/shutdown from the start menu/screen, or automatically when you close the lid. I have a UX301. The first time I accidentally hit the power button while working, I disabled it.
tedunangst 12y ago
Where can I get one of these for 699?
- freehunter 12y ago
  Newegg seems to have it for that price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232393&cm_re=zenbook_ux305-_-34-232-393-_-Product http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232... Amazon's cheapest is $799 for some reason.
  - tedunangst 12y ago
    ah, cool. google "ux305 newegg" only returned a link for the ux31.
- cgjaro 12y ago
  Besides Newegg, it is also at $699 on Microsoft Store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ASUS-Zenbook-UX305FA-USM1-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.313303200 http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ASUS-Zen...
- hospes 12y ago
  It is sold out, but you can pre-order for $699 from Asus store here: http://store.asus.com/us/item/201502AM130000188 http://store.asus.com/us/item/201502AM130000188
franciscop 12y ago
> "ASUS has kept the styling consistent over the years" Well, they look completely different to me: 1. Zenbook UX31E http://www.techspot.com/images/products/laptops/org/1030632738_761952150_o.jpg http://www.techspot.com/images/products/laptops/org/10306327... 2. Zenbook infinity UX301: http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ASUS-Zenbook-Infinity-Ultrabook_1-580x370.jpg http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ASUS-Zen...
- ossreality 12y ago
  ... are you serious? Thats two different sides of basically the exact same chassis.
franciscop 12y ago
I will wait for the Skylake version, that should bring the best out of these beauties. I have the Ivy Bridge version (UX31) and I love it. When I bought it I wasn't sure if choosing it or Macbook Air, choose the Zenbook for its better resolution. Same thing is happening now.
nfoz 12y ago
I love laptops and follow the market quite carefully. But why is this here? I can understand the discussion about the new Apple Macbook, and the Google Pixel 2015, and the Dell "Sputnik" linux laptops. Because they all have some element that's a bit "out there" for discussion. This one... is just another laptop, there are many laptops on the market. Why not discuss this one instead? It's much more interesting IMO: http://panasonic.jp/pc/products/mx4h/ http://panasonic.jp/pc/products/mx4h/ The Panasonic MX4, only available in Japan, features: - 2.6lbs (same as this Asus), but it's durability-tested like it's a lightweight Toughbook, they have drop-test videos etc. - 1920x1080 touchscreen - Flips around to become a tablet (yoga), pen is included. - Advertised 12hr battery life, but there are two batteries: the one that drains first is hot-swappable, leaving you with a few hours of battery life for you to swap in a replacement. - An extra accessory allows you to charge your removed-battery from the wall via USB. So you can keep the laptop on battery forever, swapping them out and charging them. - More connectivity options than anything else: VGA, HDMI, separate mic/headphones, SD card, 2xUSB3, and physical wireless on/off switch - Physical touchpad buttons - Ample-size trackpad, and the keyboard buttons are advertised as a decent 2mm of travel distance (deeper than most small laptops nowadays) - Optical disc (blu-ray) drive. In that tiny form factor with exceptional battery, pen-included yoga-tablet, lighter-than-macbook-air durability-tested machine. Amazing!
- cwyers 12y ago
  If I had to guess: > The most amazing thing about the ASUS UX305 though is that the company has crafted an all-aluminum, thin, light, and capable Ultrabook for only $699. With this kind of price point, one would expect sacrifices to be made in the specifications, but that is not really the case at all.
  - stevenjohns 12y ago
    It was more or less the same with the last two generations, with the first generation only really suffering from a 'poor' keyboard.
- ossreality 12y ago
  Seriously, how do you keep posting this piece of shit with a low res screen and a god damn optical drive. I've never even SEEN a damn bluray before.
avargas 12y ago
The IPS matte is lovely. I have a touchscreen I impulsively bought and it can't face a source of light directly, or else it's unreadable.
avargas 12y ago
The IPS matte is lovely. I have a touchscreen I impulsively bought and it can't face a source of light directly, or else it's unreadable.
olso 12y ago
Could that CPU handle lets say WebStorm, postgresql, gulp, apache/nginx, laravel(php-fpm)/rails open all at once? Running on Ubuntu MATE I see boost up to 2GHz, so.. yes?
- rocky1138 12y ago
  If it can play games, it can definitely do what you're asking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agYxs3MwaQs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agYxs3MwaQs
- WildUtah 12y ago
  "WebStorm, postgresql, gulp, apache/nginx, laravel(php-fpm)/rails" I used to run all that stuff -- or its contemporary equivalent -- on a 400MHz single core laptop with 128MB of RAM. But that would be impossibly slow today. I wonder what changed.
- kyriakos 12y ago
  It should just fine. Webstorm has a hunger for memory but since you got 8gb with this laptop it will be fine.
Procrastes 12y ago
I bought this a couple of weeks ago. Works pretty well with xubuntu 14.04. I don't have it with me, so I will update this comment when I get home with specifics. Many of these may be xubuntu oddities more than general Linux issues. Issues so far: * wifi does not work out of the box (fixed: add /lib/firmware/iwlwifi-7265-8.ucode[1]). * top of windows disappear (fixed: turn off composition in Settings/Window Manager Tweaks). * most "special" keys do not work, (volume and mute work) * applications menu stopped responding. (still broken) Otherwise it's fine. Good battery life, and very lightweight. I hardly ever use the applications menu, and I generally use my desktop for a browser and terminal windows, so it works well for me. 1. https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/_media/en/users/drivers/iwlwifi-7265-ucode-22.24.8.0.tgz https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/_media/en/users/drivers/iwl...
SG- 12y ago
Ignoring the product which seems to be pretty nice especially for that price, I found the review which was mostly about showing charts and comparisons to be pretty poor. It seems some charts they've omitted models to compare, and they're comparing it to 1-2 year old models of competitors (no 2015 MBA, sometimes a 2013 MBP). It would have also been nice to see SSD benchmarks considering how Anand has typically pretty good at reviewing SSDs in the past.

80 points by ismavis 12y ago

Sort of off topic, but I'm kind of stuck with Lenovo Thinkpads thanks to my love of the Trackpoint, but we're a shrinking group and there are many, many tempting alternatives these days. Anyone know if there's any way to graft a Trackpoint onto other laptops?

freehunter 12y ago
You can buy a USB keyboard with a Trackpoint built in. Check Amazon. For putting one on a laptop without an external keyboard, I'm not sure how that would work.
- dorfsmay 12y ago
  That's fine in the office, but not on the road...
  - freehunter 12y ago
    You're right. I offered the only solution I know of, but I'm not sure how an external Trackpoint would work for a portable laptop.
dorfsmay 12y ago
I'm the same, can't work without the track point, trackpads are inefficient if you type a lot. One of my colleague in the same situation ended up buying a Toshiba.
- joshuapants 12y ago
  Unfortunately, Lenovo makes the best trackpoint hands down. Dell and Toshiba both offer models with one (I believe HP used to, but not anymore). Dell doesn't offer a middle mouse button on the models I've seen, which makes the trackpoint hideously inconvenient for scrolling. Toshiba does, but the trackpoint just doesn't feel as good as on Lenovo models. Lenovo won't get any of my money anymore after Superfish, though. The answer for me is to use the keyboard as much as possible. This is already possible in a large number of text editors, and there are a good number of browser add-ons that will allow you to control everything completely mouse-free. edit: corrected some spelling
- r00fus 12y ago
  > I'm the same, can't work without the track point, trackpads are inefficient if you type a lot This is only true if your trackpad driver/software sucks. Good trackpads (like on Macs) are great at palm rejection and other heuristics to prevent these issues. Really good hardware has great software to complete it.
  - andrewfong 12y ago
    It's not a software issue; it's physiology. The inefficiency is that using a trackpad, even one with very good software, requires me to take one hand off the home row on the keyboard. With a trackpoint, I just move my finger about an inch.
    - dorfsmay 12y ago
      Correct, this is what I meant. Additionally, I find it more efficient to apply pressure to move the cursor accross the screen rather than the "put fingers down, rub, fingers up, move through the air" loop!
buckbova 12y ago
I just shell out for the thinkpad. Have a new carbon x1 on the way and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Yes it is twice the cost, but there are things to cheap out on and the things you use every day shouldn't be one of them.
- bduerst 12y ago
  Using Carbon X1 right now (older version, not the newer one with the weird touch keyboard) and it's phenomenal. I've been trying to find an upgrade though, since it's several years old now.
  - dagar 12y ago
    The new newer X1 Carbon (3rd gen) fixed the keyboard. http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x1-carbon/ http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x1-ca...
    - notsony 12y ago
      Asus have a direct competitor featuring trackpoint and three physical buttons. Only problem is I can't seem to find its pricing or availability anywhere. https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial_Notebook/ASUSPRO_ADVANCED_BU201/ https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial_Notebook/ASUSPRO_ADVANCED...
      - vinay427 12y ago
        In my experience with Dell and HP laptops, their versions of the trackpoint cannot match the smoothness of IBM/Lenovo's at all. Very noticeable difference that really ruins the experience for me. However, ASUS may have done better, not sure.
      - andor 12y ago
        It's a bit cheaper than a Thinkpad, but the battery life is disappointing: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-ASUSPRO-Advanced-BU201LA-DT036G-Ultrabook-Review.131164.0.html http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-ASUSPRO-Advanced-BU201LA-D...

mladenkovacevic 12y ago

So basically a fanless, ultraportable, 13" laptop with an IPS HD screen that beats the 2014 Macbook Air on both performance and battery life, has more than one USB port and costs between $700 and a $1000. Seems like a winner to me.

baddox 12y ago
That price gets you the slower 800 MHz CPU and a 1080p display, but apparently they will soon be offering it with a 1.2 GHz CPU and a 3200x1800 display.
- mladenkovacevic 12y ago
  You're right of course. It all depends on how capable Windows is on a 800 MHz machine with 1080p as compared to the new MacBook's 1.1 GHz - 1.3 Ghz CPU. Also how will battery life be affected when upgrading the Asus to a 1.2GHz and higher res screen.
  - baddox 12y ago
    I've seen not-so-good reviews for Windows PCs with the >1 GHz M chips in them (predating the MacBook announcement), so I don't have high hopes for an 800 MHz machine. I'm really wondering how much perceived performance Apple will squeeze out of their MacBook.
drudru11 12y ago
Unless this has great, zero-issues unix support, I'll have to pass. Is there a laptop like this that is supported by linux or any of the BSDs well?
- mladenkovacevic 12y ago
  I don't think you'll get anything officially Linux "supported" unless you got for one of Dell's developer "Sputnik" laptops that comes with Ubuntu installed. But I have had no problems installing Linux on older Acer and Asus laptops (with very minor driver tweaks post-installation). I'm not sure, however, if that has changed for the better or for worse with newer Windows laptops.

barake 12y ago

Purchased the UX305 about two weeks ago for ~$630 (15% off at the Microsoft Store) with tax. I have nothing but good things to say about the hardware - screen, keyboard, and touchpad are A+, and I'm getting 8-10 hours working in Visual Studio 2013. Two things not covered in the review: HDMI port is 1.4, and the SD card reader is half-depth similar to Macs. The only issue so far is the touchpad gesture software crashing Chrome sometimes when pressing alt-D to select the address bar.

nfoz 12y ago
How is the keyboard? The "thin" craze seems to me that keyboards are all disappointing compared to small laptops that I own that are 5+ years old.
- dxhdr 12y ago
  I agree. How does it compare to the Thinkpad chiclet keyboards? Those have to be the best laptop keyboards I've ever used. I'm loathe to purchase anything else just because of how important a quality typing experience is for me.
- barake 12y ago
  Very similar to current MacBooks, if not a little bit crisper. Could do with a bit more travel just like most new laptops.
imperialdrive 12y ago
umm... I am surprised you, nor anyone else (yet) mentions the power key being right above the backspace key... I've turned off or put to sleep that stupid laptop so many times I went back to using my iPad 1st gen with bluetooth keyboard and RDP lol but seriously, how they can continually overlook what clearly is a flaw? if I've got this all backwards, please share the logic behind it
- dangrossman 12y ago
  Hit the Windows key and type "power button" to open the power options control panel. Set "when I press the power button" to "do nothing". You can sleep/hibernate/shutdown from the start menu/screen, or automatically when you close the lid. I have a UX301. The first time I accidentally hit the power button while working, I disabled it.

tedunangst 12y ago

Where can I get one of these for 699?

freehunter 12y ago
Newegg seems to have it for that price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232393&cm_re=zenbook_ux305-_-34-232-393-_-Product http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232... Amazon's cheapest is $799 for some reason.
- tedunangst 12y ago
  ah, cool. google "ux305 newegg" only returned a link for the ux31.
cgjaro 12y ago
Besides Newegg, it is also at $699 on Microsoft Store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ASUS-Zenbook-UX305FA-USM1-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.313303200 http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ASUS-Zen...
hospes 12y ago
It is sold out, but you can pre-order for $699 from Asus store here: http://store.asus.com/us/item/201502AM130000188 http://store.asus.com/us/item/201502AM130000188

franciscop 12y ago

> "ASUS has kept the styling consistent over the years" Well, they look completely different to me: 1. Zenbook UX31E http://www.techspot.com/images/products/laptops/org/1030632738_761952150_o.jpg http://www.techspot.com/images/products/laptops/org/10306327... 2. Zenbook infinity UX301: http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ASUS-Zenbook-Infinity-Ultrabook_1-580x370.jpg http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ASUS-Zen...

ossreality 12y ago
... are you serious? Thats two different sides of basically the exact same chassis.

franciscop 12y ago

I will wait for the Skylake version, that should bring the best out of these beauties. I have the Ivy Bridge version (UX31) and I love it. When I bought it I wasn't sure if choosing it or Macbook Air, choose the Zenbook for its better resolution. Same thing is happening now.

nfoz 12y ago

I love laptops and follow the market quite carefully. But why is this here? I can understand the discussion about the new Apple Macbook, and the Google Pixel 2015, and the Dell "Sputnik" linux laptops. Because they all have some element that's a bit "out there" for discussion. This one... is just another laptop, there are many laptops on the market. Why not discuss this one instead? It's much more interesting IMO: http://panasonic.jp/pc/products/mx4h/ http://panasonic.jp/pc/products/mx4h/ The Panasonic MX4, only available in Japan, features: - 2.6lbs (same as this Asus), but it's durability-tested like it's a lightweight Toughbook, they have drop-test videos etc. - 1920x1080 touchscreen - Flips around to become a tablet (yoga), pen is included. - Advertised 12hr battery life, but there are two batteries: the one that drains first is hot-swappable, leaving you with a few hours of battery life for you to swap in a replacement. - An extra accessory allows you to charge your removed-battery from the wall via USB. So you can keep the laptop on battery forever, swapping them out and charging them. - More connectivity options than anything else: VGA, HDMI, separate mic/headphones, SD card, 2xUSB3, and physical wireless on/off switch - Physical touchpad buttons - Ample-size trackpad, and the keyboard buttons are advertised as a decent 2mm of travel distance (deeper than most small laptops nowadays) - Optical disc (blu-ray) drive. In that tiny form factor with exceptional battery, pen-included yoga-tablet, lighter-than-macbook-air durability-tested machine. Amazing!

cwyers 12y ago
If I had to guess: > The most amazing thing about the ASUS UX305 though is that the company has crafted an all-aluminum, thin, light, and capable Ultrabook for only $699. With this kind of price point, one would expect sacrifices to be made in the specifications, but that is not really the case at all.
- stevenjohns 12y ago
  It was more or less the same with the last two generations, with the first generation only really suffering from a 'poor' keyboard.
ossreality 12y ago
Seriously, how do you keep posting this piece of shit with a low res screen and a god damn optical drive. I've never even SEEN a damn bluray before.

avargas 12y ago

The IPS matte is lovely. I have a touchscreen I impulsively bought and it can't face a source of light directly, or else it's unreadable.

avargas 12y ago

The IPS matte is lovely. I have a touchscreen I impulsively bought and it can't face a source of light directly, or else it's unreadable.

olso 12y ago

Could that CPU handle lets say WebStorm, postgresql, gulp, apache/nginx, laravel(php-fpm)/rails open all at once? Running on Ubuntu MATE I see boost up to 2GHz, so.. yes?

rocky1138 12y ago
If it can play games, it can definitely do what you're asking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agYxs3MwaQs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agYxs3MwaQs
WildUtah 12y ago
"WebStorm, postgresql, gulp, apache/nginx, laravel(php-fpm)/rails" I used to run all that stuff -- or its contemporary equivalent -- on a 400MHz single core laptop with 128MB of RAM. But that would be impossibly slow today. I wonder what changed.
kyriakos 12y ago
It should just fine. Webstorm has a hunger for memory but since you got 8gb with this laptop it will be fine.

Procrastes 12y ago

I bought this a couple of weeks ago. Works pretty well with xubuntu 14.04. I don't have it with me, so I will update this comment when I get home with specifics. Many of these may be xubuntu oddities more than general Linux issues. Issues so far: * wifi does not work out of the box (fixed: add /lib/firmware/iwlwifi-7265-8.ucode[1]). * top of windows disappear (fixed: turn off composition in Settings/Window Manager Tweaks). * most "special" keys do not work, (volume and mute work) * applications menu stopped responding. (still broken) Otherwise it's fine. Good battery life, and very lightweight. I hardly ever use the applications menu, and I generally use my desktop for a browser and terminal windows, so it works well for me. 1. https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/_media/en/users/drivers/iwlwifi-7265-ucode-22.24.8.0.tgz https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/_media/en/users/drivers/iwl...

SG- 12y ago

Ignoring the product which seems to be pretty nice especially for that price, I found the review which was mostly about showing charts and comparisons to be pretty poor. It seems some charts they've omitted models to compare, and they're comparing it to 1-2 year old models of competitors (no 2015 MBA, sometimes a 2013 MBP). It would have also been nice to see SSD benchmarks considering how Anand has typically pretty good at reviewing SSDs in the past.