The supposed gaming laptop is a quality device for business and work
When we first laid hands on the all-new ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550ve, we wondered to ourselves ''since when did Apple's MacBook Pro come in a shimmering navy blue?" Similar to Apple's MacBook laptops, this machine came in a complete aluminium casing with silver trimming on the edges, a fine touch to the overall appearance of this 1.8kg bad boy.
Compared to its predecessor, the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX501vw, this latest MacBook challenger definitely comes with a better build quality. The all-around rigidness of the machine assures users that they are not carrying around a play thing but a laptop ready to perform. This however, does not hide the fact that it is not perfect. There is still a fair bit of flex on the top panel and keyboard deck that may make you question the solidness of the product. Nonetheless, with a reasonable thin bezel and well crafted hinges, we are off to a pretty decent start.
For the ease of this review, let us jump into four things that makes the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550ve a worthwhile consideration:
4. The Variety of Connecting Ports
Remember when Apple replaced all USB 3.1 Type-A ports with the Thuderbolt 3 USB-C ones when they launched the most recent MacBook Pro? Users had to frantically search for an affordable external adaptor to continue using deivces requiring the usual USB port. For the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550, fret not as there is a comprehensive set of input and output ports available, including: two USB-C, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, a HDMI, a DC-Jack, an audio jack and a MicroSD card slot.
With this array of connectivity options, there will be no need to trouble yourself to get any additional adaptors to stay connected with your various devices. The only minor qualm is the choice of including a MicroSD card slot over the generic SD card slot that is more widely used. Thus, users who wish to pick up the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550ve will have to keep in mind to change their SD cards to micro ones!
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