Need to purchase a new laptop for work - comparing ASUS Zenbook and MSI Summit
Need to purchase a new laptop for work - comparing ASUS Zenbook and MSI Summit
Hello, I am planning to purchase a new laptop for professional use. I am currently working as a Web Developer (Java/Js if relevant).
I have two models in mind, but I’m unsure which one is the best choice:
One is the Asus Zenbook 14X, featuring an OLED display with high resolution (90Hz), compact size (14 inches), lightweight (1.4Kg), solid build, and a suitable keyboard layout—either a Ryzen 5800H or an i7 1165G7.
The other is the MSI Summit E16FlipEvo, offering 32GB RAM, a 16-inch display with high resolution (120Hz), and a fingerprint reader—useful given the frequent authentication needs in my work environment.
Below are the links for more details.
For further guidance, refer to the answers on the relevant discussion thread:
1. What is your budget?
Up to 2200€
2. What notebook size are you evaluating?
Up to 16 inches
3. What screen resolution is required?
Minimum 2K with a refresh rate of at least 90Hz
4. Do you require a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
The more portable, the better
5. What battery life is essential?
At least 4 hours
6. Will you use games with your laptop?
Not my primary goal, but it could be a deciding factor if it’s the only difference between the two
7. What additional tasks will you perform with your laptop?
Web development and browsing, managing multiple IDEs and browser tabs (I often use 14 or 15GB RAM, mainly running Java and Node applications)
8. What storage capacity do you need?
At least 512GB, but ideally 1TB is preferred. An SSD is essential
9. Please share the links to specific retailers you’re considering.
Here are the options I’m looking at:
https://www.fnac.com/PC-Portable-Gaming-...194851/w-4
Asus Zenbook AMD:
Ordinateur portable Portable ASUS UM5400QA-KN008T OLED Numpad | Boulanger
Ordinateur portable Portable ASUS UM5400QA-KN008T OLED Numpad au meilleur rapport qualité/prix ! Livraison Offerte* - Retrait 1h en Magasin* - Retrait Drive* - Garantie 2 ans* - SAV 7j/7
www.boulanger.com
Asus Zenbook Intel:
https://www.fnac.com/PC-Portable-Asus-Ze...274876/w-4
10. How long do you intend to use your laptop?
1-2 years
11. What type of optical drive do you require? DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc.?
Not necessary
12. Could you mention the brands you prefer and those you dislike, along with your reasons?
As long as it supports Windows or Linux
13. In which country do you reside?
France
I was considering the same idea, if I chose the Zenbook 5800H it would be the best option. Wouldn't the lower TDP of the Intel actually improve battery performance under heavy use? Also, do you think the RAM difference between 16GB and 32GB wouldn't have much impact?
Zen 3 offers good efficiency, making it suitable for light to moderate use with acceptable battery performance. However, the 'H' series processor consumes more peak power. A model centered around the 5800u (15w variant) could provide a balance, maintaining strong performance while conserving power when battery is low. Personally, I prefer an H series laptop for CAD tasks, as intensive work can quickly drain the battery. If I do heavy processing, I always connect it to a power source. For those prioritizing battery use, the higher performance option is better, though it won't boost power on a U series unit due to cooling limitations. Upgrading RAM and SSD is straightforward and affordable, so focusing on CPU, GPU, and display/storage components makes the most sense. Note that some budget models may have soldered storage, which could be a concern, but this isn't common outside MacBooks. It's worth verifying if such an upgrade is possible online.
You're absolutely correct, choosing the better CPU and screen combination appears to be the optimal choice. It seems that for certain models in the ZenBook series, the RAM is soldered with just one slot, making upgrades unlikely.