ASUS Zenbook UX31LA-DS71T 13.3″ Multi-Touch Ultrabook Computer (Silver)

The Zenbook UX31LA-DS71T 13.3″ Multi-Touch Ultrabook Computer from ASUS takes portability to the next level. With a super slim profile of 0.7 inch and a weight of just over 3 pounds, this ASUS Zenbook was built for ultimate mobility. While thin and lightweight, this ASUS Zenbook is far from fragile. It has a spun aluminum lid with precise-etched concentric circles to match its silver hairline chassis for a solid build and stylish design.

The 13.3″ widescreen display is backlit with LED lamps, which brighten faster, use less power, and conserve more battery life than their CCFL counterparts. The screen is also a capacitive touchscreen so you’ll be able to utilize all the multi-touch gestures incorporated into Windows 8.1. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution. The resolution allows the Zenbook to play Full HD 1080p content natively without upscaling or letterboxing. You can also output video to an external display via the micro HDMI or Mini DisplayPort.

The system is powered by a dual-core 4th generation Haswell 1.8 GHz Intel Core i7-4500U processor. It also has 8GB of DDR3L RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, a multi-format media card reader, 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an integrated webcam, and microphone. There are also built-in Bang & Olufsen ICEpower speakers with SonicMaster audio technology.

Windows 8.1 is the installed operating system. Windows 8.1 improves the user experience of Windows 8 with several additions and changes. The Start button returns, but has two limited core functions. A left click takes you to the redesigned Start screen featuring tiles that update in real-time. A right click brings up an advanced menu where you can access the Device Manager, Control Panel and more. You will also be able to boot directly to the traditional desktop screen instead of the Windows 8.1 Start screen. Windows 8.1 provides a unique user experience that differs from previous versions of Windows.

ASUS Zenbook

Dual-Core 4th-Gen Haswell Intel Core i7 Performance

The Zenbook houses a Haswell Intel Core i7-4500U processor. Its dual cores can reach a stock speed of 1.8 GHz. The processor can also be overclocked up to 3.0 GHz, thanks to Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology. The fourth generation Haswell processor uses low voltage, which provides better battery life. With a dedicated 4MB L3 cache, 8GB of DDR3L RAM, and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, you’ll be able to push the dual cores into 4 virtual cores for quick and efficient multitasking.

13.3″ Full HD LED-Backlit Touchscreen

With an emphasis on touch navigation in Windows 8.1, the Zenbook utilizes the multi-touch gestures with its 13.3″ capacitive touchscreen. You’ll be able to swipe, tap and zoom your way around the Start screen with ease. The display features a 16:9 aspect ratio and has a Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution, powered by integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400. You can also output video to an external display via the micro HDMI or Mini DisplayPort.

802.11ac Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.0

The Zenbook supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which provides a high-speed connection to your home or office wireless network. Building on the foundation of 802.11n Wi-Fi, the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard can provide higher data transfer speeds, greater coverage, and reduced latency than its predecessor. There is also Bluetooth 4.0 technology for connecting to Bluetooth-compatible devices, such as a wireless mouse.

Ultraportable Design

Measuring just 0.7″ thin and a weighing 3.1 pounds, the Zenbook was built for ultraportability. Built with finely crafted aluminum in unitary construction, the Zenbook has a unique spun design on the lid with precision-etched concentric circles and a silver hairline finish on the body.

Bang & Olufsen ICEpower Audio with SonicMaster Technology

The Zenbook features Bang & Olufsen ICEpower audio. It also features ASUS SonicMaster technology, which revamps the audio quality with sound balance and noise reduction. You’ll also be able to use volume and dynamic range to minimize distortion and boost sound performance. The resonance chamber design and materials of the built-in Bang & Olufsen ICEpower speakers coupled with ASUS SonicMaster technology provide you with an immersive listening experience.

USB 3.0

The dual USB 3.0 ports can reach a data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0. The USB 3.0 ports are also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.

Backlit Keyboard & Multi-Touch Touchpad

The chiclet style keyboard is backlit so you’ll be able to use the Zenbook in low-lit environments. The wide 16:9 touchpad utilizes multi-touch gestures that can be used with Windows 8.1.

Multi-Format Media Card Reader

With a multi-format media card reader, the Zenbook can utilize Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro), and xD-Picture Cards.

Windows 8.1

The Return of the Start Button

After many requests from Windows users, the Start button makes its triumphant return in Windows 8.1. While it may not be exactly the same as its predecessor in Windows 7, the Start button has two core functions. A left click on the Start button will take you to the Windows 8.1 Start screen featuring live tiles. A right click on the Start button brings up an advanced menu where you can access the Device Manager, Control Panel, Network options and more.

Boot Directly to the Desktop

Windows 8.1 gives you the choice of booting to the Windows 8.1 Start screen with live tiles or booting to the familiar desktop screen of Windows 7. Users can also boot directly into an app or app view if they choose to.

To the Cloud

With Windows 8.1, when signed in using your Microsoft account, you’ll have instant access to your personal Start screen, themes, language preferences, browsing history, and browser favorites. You can also connect to services such as Microsoft Outlook, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and more.

Windows Store

In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse thousands of apps. Choose from the featured apps or grab one of the most frequently downloaded apps to see what all the hype is all about. You can also see how other people rate apps. For certain apps, you can try it out before you buy it, so you can make sure you absolutely want an app before you spend your hard-earned money on it.