Asus Zenbook A Good Ultrabook?

Asus Zenbook UX21E and UX31E - Ultrabooks for Windows - Watch the Video

Asus Zenbook UX31

Ultrabooks are the Windows answer to the Macbook Air and will set the standards for the next generation of notebooks. The incredibly thin new Asus Zenbook comes in two formats the Zenbook UX 21E (with either i3, i5 or i7 processor) and the Zenbook UX 31E (with either i5 or i7 processor).

It was clearly inspired by the Macbook Air but has better specs and sells for $200 less and is also an improvement on the Acer S3 ultrabook.

It would also make a great Christmas gift for some lucky person ! Maybe me? (But only if I buy myself one :-(.)

Engadget says "as stunning in person as it is in the press shots." It's arguably faster than the Macbook Air, and battery life is comparable. "It offers the highest-res display we've seen in an Ultrabook and the sound quality is disarmingly good. .... For now this is the Ultrabook to beat."

PCMag says "The Asus Zenbook UX31-RSL8 is the clear leader in the nascent ultrabook category, with better overall performance and battery life than any competitor. It also has a brilliant display, superb sound, and solid construction"

Here are some sample specifications

Asus Zenbook UX21E

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
Intel Core i5-2467M
4GB DDR3
128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
11.6-inch HD display (1366 x 768)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 1.6 GHz A110
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 4 MB
RAM Type: SODIMM
Hard Drive

Size: 128 GB
Manufacturer: SATA
Type: Serial ATA
Speed: 7200 rpm
Sound

Speakers: Altec Lansing HD
Ports and Connectivity

USB 2.0 Ports: 1
VGA Video Out Ports: 1
Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 11.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 0.67 inches
Weight: 2.42 pounds
Power

Battery Type: Lithium ion
Wireless

Wireless Type: 802.11bgn

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
13.3" (1600x900) LED / i-5 2557M Dual Core (1.7GHz) / .78" Thin and Only 2.86ilbs Light
4GB DDR3 RAM / 128GB SSD / Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit) / 802.11BGN
0.3M Pixel / Bluetooth 4.0 / 1 USB 3.0 Port / 1 USB 2.0 Port / Micro HDMI Port
1YR Global Warranty / 1YR Accidental Damage Protection / 30-Day Zero Bright Dot / 24-7 Tech Support
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 1.7 GB Intel Core i5
Number of Processors: 2
RAM: 4 GB
RAM Type: SODIMM
Hard Drive

Size: 128 GB
Manufacturer: SATA
Type: Serial ATA
Graphics and Display

Graphics Card: HD Graphics 3000
LCD Native Resolution: 1600 x 900
Ports and Connectivity

USB Ports: 2
USB 2.0 Ports: 1
VGA Video Out Ports: 1
Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 12.9 inches, 8.9 inches, 0.78 inches
Weight: 2.86 pounds
Power

Rated Charge (normal use): 7 hours

More details from Amazon here

Tablets for Kids

Tablets for Kids this Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching one of the most popular ideas for Christmas presents for the kids is a tablet. There are a number of tablets for kids available. Prices start around $70 and go all the way up to the Apple iPad at $499. But is an iPad really meant for kids?

The two tablets made specifically for kids and which are reasonably priced given that kids are quite capable of breaking stuff are the uDraw Tablet ($70), the VTech InnoTab ($79)

uDraw Tablet

The uDraw tablet was originally launched in 2010 and intended for the Wii, it is now trying to break into new markets. Its latest version includes support for the PS3 and Xbox 360. It is ideal if you already have access to these consoles. The uDraw tablet allows kids to interact with games via its touch screen and stylus. It has motion controls, touch input, HD output, the uDraw tablet is a capable device for its price.
Touch Screen Creativity - the uDraw GameTablet responds directly to your touch.
Built-In Controller Functions - Xbox 360 and PS3 controls are integrated thus eliminating the need to dock a controller.
Tilt Functionality - Tilt, shake and jump through games with enhanced tilt and motion features.
Pressure-Sensitive Stylus - providing amazing freedom to bring your creations to the screen in detail.

VTech InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet

VTech's InnoTab tailors apps for kids via its 5-inch screen. It offers interactive e-books, learning games, and a range of other creative apps, it is a good tablet and the price won't break the bank.
5" color touch screen and tilt-sensor for educational gameplay
E-books, educational games, creative activities, learning apps and more available on cartridge
4 different media players e-book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player
64MB onboard memory and SD card slot for memory expansion
Learning toy connects to PC/Mac with included USB cable


Apart from these two you are left with the adult tablets that can be used by kids

Kindle Fire



Nook Tablet


Xoom Tablet