Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 Review
The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580, with its groundbreaking ScreenPad, promised a revolution in laptop usability. It aimed to bridge the gap between laptop and tablet functionality. This review delves deep into its performance, design, and overall user experience, examining whether it lives up to the hype. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 boasts a sleek, premium design. Its aluminum chassis feels robust and durable, resisting bending and flexing even under significant pressure. The slim profile makes it highly portable, although it’s not the lightest laptop on the market. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, offering good key travel and tactile feedback. The trackpad is spacious and responsive, although some users might find the integrated ScreenPad slightly intrusive.
The display is a stunning 4K UHD panel, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. The viewing angles are excellent, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. The bezels are relatively thin, maximizing screen real estate. However, the glossy finish can be susceptible to glare in bright environments. The overall build quality is exceptional, reflecting Asus’ commitment to crafting high-end laptops.
ScreenPad Functionality and Usability
The ScreenPad, a secondary touchscreen below the main keyboard, is the standout feature of the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580. It can function as a traditional touchpad, but its true potential lies in its ability to run various applications and widgets simultaneously. This allows for multitasking and improved workflow efficiency. However, the learning curve can be steep for some users. It takes time to get accustomed to navigating and utilizing its functions effectively.
Asus has incorporated several useful features into the ScreenPad, including a customizable Quick Controls panel, allowing for quick access to frequently used applications and settings. The ScreenPad also supports hand gestures for intuitive navigation. Its integration with certain creative software is a significant advantage, allowing for more efficient editing and multitasking. However, not all applications are compatible with the ScreenPad, limiting its overall utility.
- Supports various applications and widgets.
- Offers customizable Quick Controls.
- Integrated hand gesture support.
- Not all applications are fully compatible.
Performance and Specifications
The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 offers impressive performance thanks to its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. The specific configuration varies, but most models feature an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. This combination allows for smooth multitasking and excellent gaming capabilities, though not at the highest settings for demanding titles. The RAM and storage options also vary, but generally offer ample space for both applications and files.
The laptop handles demanding tasks with relative ease, such as video editing and 3D rendering. However, prolonged intensive use can lead to noticeable heating, especially around the keyboard area. While the cooling system is generally effective, it struggles under extreme workloads. The battery life is adequate for everyday tasks, lasting around 6-8 hours on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. This is slightly lower than some competing laptops in the same price range.
Processor and Graphics Performance
The Intel Core i7 processor delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card provides adequate power for gaming and video editing, but users expecting top-tier gaming performance at maximum settings should consider higher-end options. The combination of these components ensures smooth operation even with multiple applications running concurrently.
Storage and RAM
The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 offers a range of storage and RAM options. Solid-state drives (SSDs) provide fast boot times and quick application loading. The RAM capacity varies, impacting multitasking performance. Higher RAM configurations are recommended for users who frequently run multiple applications or engage in demanding tasks like video editing.
Connectivity and Ports
The ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 provides a comprehensive selection of ports, catering to a variety of connectivity needs. This includes USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 is a significant advantage, enabling high-speed data transfer and connection to external displays. The placement of the ports is generally well-considered, although some users might find the placement of certain ports slightly inconvenient.
Audio and Speakers
The audio quality on the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 is surprisingly good for a laptop. The speakers provide clear and reasonably loud sound, suitable for casual listening and watching videos. While they may lack the depth and richness of dedicated speakers, they are more than adequate for everyday use. The audio output is balanced, with good clarity across the frequency range.
Software and User Experience
The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 ships with Windows 10 pre-installed. The user experience is generally smooth and intuitive, although some pre-installed bloatware might require removal. The inclusion of Asus’ own utility software enhances the overall experience, but users can choose to uninstall these applications if desired. Overall, the software integration is well-executed and does not significantly impact performance.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 is a point of contention among users. While it performs adequately for average daily usage, power users will find the battery drains relatively quickly under heavy workloads. The charging time is reasonable, but not exceptionally fast. The power adapter is fairly compact and portable, which is a plus for frequent travelers.
The Asus ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 is a powerful and versatile laptop with a unique selling point: the innovative ScreenPad. While the ScreenPad’s functionality is still evolving, its potential for increased productivity is undeniable. The laptop’s build quality is excellent, and its performance is more than adequate for most users. However, potential buyers should consider its limitations, such as battery life and potential overheating under heavy load. Despite some minor drawbacks, the ZenBook Pro 15 UX580 remains a compelling option for users seeking a powerful and stylish laptop with unique features; It’s a solid choice for creative professionals and power users alike.
