I'm going to only list differences between the laptops in the
pros/cons sections:
Apple Macbook Air - 13" Screen - $1699.00 (this price includes all
upgradeable options)
Weight: 1.35kg
Pros
- Its a mac
Cons
- It has a proprietary connector for the monitor (called Thunderbolt),
and only Apple monitors support it (27" Monitor = $999.00)
- No network connector built into the laptop, only wireless (but there
is an adapter you can get)
- Two USB port built into the laptop (but you CAN use a USB hub to
have more, click http://goo.gl/KZKUy to see a picture of one)
- Graphics are "just" enough for video and movies, but not heavy
graphics work or 3D.
Asus Zenbook - 13" Screen - $1999.00 - Link: http://zenbook.asus.com/au/
Weight 1.3kg
Pros
- It looks almost exactly like the Macbook Air (seriously go look)
- It uses standard connectors for connecting to external displays (monitors)
- One of the two USB ports is USB version "3.0" (alot faster for
devices you might connect to it, like a hard drive)
- Comes with additional adapters for free
Cons
- Keyboard is not backlit (no illumination behind the keys) - issue if
typing in the dark
- No network connector inbuilt (But USB adaptor comes free with the laptop)
Dell XPS 14z - 14" Screen - $1599.00 - http://www.dell.com/au/p/xps-l412z/pd
Weight 1.87Kg
Pros
- Faster processor
- Larger screen (+1 inch)
- Double the memory (8Gb not 4Gb)
- Dedicated graphics card
- Comes with wired network connector built in
Cons
- Slight lower screen resolution (crispness)
- Not as THIN and sexy (checkout the picture to see the difference)
- Similar battery life
Notes
- Both the Apple Air and the Asus Zenbook have exactly the same
graphics card, same memory, and same CPU (processor)
- Both the Apple Air and the Asus Zenbook laptops will have about the
same battery life (they reckon up to 7 hours, I would factor about 5-7
depending on use)
- The primary difference between the AIR and the ZENBOOK is Mac OSX
versus Microsoft Windows, and what software you will want to run on
them. Microsoft Office is available on OSX.
- The Dell is still quite light (under 2kg), just not relative to the
Apple Air or Zenbook (by 400 grams)
Koobs Thoughts and Scores (Gold, Silver, Bronze Medal style)
--------------------------------------
- You listed Weight (1), Battery Life (2), and watching Videos/Movies
(3) as the top priorities.
Weight:
-Asus Zenbook: 1.3kg (Rank: 1)
-Apple Air: 1.35kg (Rank: 2)
-Dell XPS 14z: 1.98kg (Rank: 3)
Battery Life:
-Apple Air: 5-7 hours (Rank: 1)
-Asus Zenbook: 5-7 hours (Rank: 1)
-Dell XPS 14z: 5-7 hours (Rank: 1)
Watch Movies:
-Dell XPS 14z: (Rank: 1)
-Asus Zenbook: (Rank: 2)
-Apple Air: (Rank: 3)
Multiple Things at the same time:
-Dell XPS 14z: (Rank: 1)
-Apple Air: (Rank: 2)
-Asus Zenbook: (Rank: 2)
Need a good graphics card
-Dell XPS 14z: (Rank: 1)
-Apple Air: (Rank: 2)
-Asus Zenbook: (Rank: 2)
3 x USB ports
-Dell XPS 14z: (Rank: 1)
-Asus Zenbook: (Rank: 2)
-Apple Air: (Rank: 3)
Short Answer
----------------------
If you're going to choose between the Air and the Zenbook, get the Air
- Its cheaper, and they're performance will be almost identical
(identical specifications)
- The additional connector flexibility you get with the Zenbook is not
worth 300 dollars
- I've read a couple of mixed reviews on the zenbook (just about they
keyboard sensitivity) - Note: this is not gospel, or they may have
fixed it.
Otherwise:
- If 400 grams of additional weight is not a big deal, OR
- You think a 13" screen might be a WEE bit too small, OR
- You will sacrifice extremely thin for more performance
Get the Dell XPS 14z.
Enjoy