Asus Zenbook 3 launches at Computex 2016 -- on paper, the hardware's better than a MacBook. It'll have a faster processor, bigger display, lighter case, more storage, and a lower starting price.
But it's still a Windows PC at heart. In IT Blogwatch, bloggers love to circulate.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Cleaning Echo-Golf…
What’s the craic? Devindra Hardawar takes a short, hard look, saying it's thinner, lighter and faster than the MacBook:
ZenBook 3...its flagship ultraportable...announced today at Computex, clocks in at just 2 pounds and...0.46 inches thick [which is] remarkable when you consider just how insanely thin and light the previous model was. [And it] edges out Apple's svelte MacBook, which weighs 2.03lbs and is...0.52 inches thick [yet it has] a larger 12.5-inch display.
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Unlike the MacBook, the ZenBook 3 won't be under-powered. ... You'll be able to configure it with an Intel Core i7...16GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD. ... The ZenBook 3 packs in a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port...and it should last around 9 hours of typical battery life. ... There's also a built-in fingerprint sensor with Windows Hello.
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From what I can remember, though, the MacBook's keyboard simply felt better. ... The ZenBook 3 will start at $999...you can add a Core i7 processor, 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM for $1,999.
What just happened? Jamie Condliffe says Asus Just Announced a MacBook Clone:
[It's] a super skinny new MacBook rival. ... Asus has taken a fairly drastic approach to slimming down the new version.
Will it set the world on fire? Microsoft's Mollie Ruiz-Hopper really-hopes so—ASUS announces new Windows 10 PCs:
These devices offer a wide variety Windows 10 features to take advantage of. ... They’re incredibly thin and light, making them perfect for working from anywhere.
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[It] will be available in...Royal Blue, Rose Gold and Quartz Grey. ... A special 2-phase anodizing process...create[s] stunning golden highlights on the diamond-cut edges. [It] will be available...this Summer.
Any more speeds 'n' feeds? Here's Ian Cutress—ASUS Announces the Zenbook 3:
Computex is already a whirlwind of announcements even for day zero. ... No release date was placed, but the specification list and feature set puts it squarely in line to compete.
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Featuring a full Core i7-6500U...15W Skylake-U processor means that the memory is limited to LPDDR3 [and] 1.35V rather than 1.2V, but the faster 2133 MT/s memory should assist...speed. [It] will have a 40 Wh battery, which ASUS rates for 9 hours...but offers Quick Charge 3. [Asus claims] 60% battery charge in 49 minutes.
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ASUS didn’t specify release dates. ... Pricing is yet to be finalized.
Compare and contrast with Tuesday's MacBook Pro rumor. rogifan did:
I do find it curious though that Apple gets knocked for its obsession with thin and light yet when a competitor releases something that's thinner/lighter it doesn't draw the same criticism. This device only has one usb-c port yet all the tech articles so far are just drooling over the fact that it's thinner than the MacBook (I guess thin is a good thing now).
And Finally…
How to Wash the World’s Biggest Passenger Jet
Watch it quick, before BA’s soulless social team take it down! [hat tip: CIHY]
You have been reading IT Blogwatch by Richi Jennings, who curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites… so you don’t have to. Catch the key commentary from around the Web every morning. Hatemail may be directed to @RiCHi or itbw@richi.uk. 
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