User Update: I am the first confirmed user of this laptop (checkout the first page of this thread), so Im gonna give a brief update after using it for almost 10 months.
My specs: UX305fa, updated to w10, 4gb ram, 128gb ssd, 5y10, purchased early march 2015
Pros:
-Screen is perfect for me. Good size, good resolution (sharp but no need for ridiculous scaling or battery consumption), Matt
-Battery life: amazing battery life on idle and low power usage (typing word docs etc). Can get over 10 hours. It had never entered hibernate due to low batt before.
-Keyboard: Good spacing, rather shallow key travel but has a springy feel when u type feels quite shiock
-SSD: Fast enough for everyday use (reads:450mbps)
-USB ports: 3 of them (i use all of them)
Cons:
- The main con I have is that the screen does not open wide enough. It opens up to 130 degrees, and I often have to open it to the max which can not be enough. But the IPS viewing angles are good at least
- Battery life: Battery life is average under load. Watching a 480p video off my ext hdd, screen life is stated at around 5 hours according to the battery meter
- Processor is not fast enough: I say this with caution, because IT IS fast enough for my everyday use. It only shows its weakness under wanton multitasking, which then again the 4gb ram might be to blame
-Laptop body is unable to cope with extensive load due to overheating: The UX305 is passively cooled. Under 100% CPU usage at 30c ambient temp, CPU begins to thermal throttle below 2ghz frequency after around 10 minutes. CPU temps drop from 70c to 60c due to throttling. Frequency hovers around the 1.3-1.5ghz mark.
- Laptop is very thin. I notice theres a very slight bend on the base after using for 10 months. Probably because I frequently carry it around with one hand holding the edge. Estimate the bend to be 1 degree, not visually noticable, but when placed on a surface, can push the side down by a little bit to make it flat.
- The laptop props itself onto 2 little metal feet when the screen is opened. I think thats a design flaw as they couldnt fit the screen within the thin body. I personally dont like that as I feel uncomfortable pushing the laptop down onto its screen hinges.
- speakers are weak
Other thoughts:
- No need for asus customer service so far
- w10 works perfectly fine
Conclusion:
I am listing down alot of cons because this is a long term usage review. Any pros would have already been mentioned by other reviewers and they all stand.
I would not give this laptop up for anything else, except perhaps the new core m3 version.
Wish mine had 8gb of ram, but back then singapore dint sell it.
Once you go passive cooling, its hard to go back. It just feels to right to have a laptop that is completely quiet and still.
This review was typed on this laptop.
Cheers
