There is an art to becoming Zen. It takes years and years of practice. Quiet meditation, peaceful contemplation, and—according to Asus—use of their flagship Ultrabook.

The UX32VD Zenbook Prime was released in the second quarter of 2012, as an update to the already-popular UX31E.

Here are some of the most calming features of the UX32VD:

• 1.9 GHz Intel Core i7 processor
• Nvidia GeForce GT 620M dedicated GPU
• 1920 x 1080 LCD with IPS
• 4 GB (2 GB upgradable) RAM
• 500 GB HDD stock with 24 GB SSD cache

In addition to a slick Ultrabook, Asus throws in a whole bag of goodies with the Zenbook:

• Envelope-style laptop sleeve
• Stylish power adapter with a machined face
• Mini VGA-to-VGA adapter
• USB-to-ethernet adapter
• Small pouch to carry the adapters

Given the laptop's $1300 price tag, Asus managed to have none of these items look or feel cheap.

Despite being a formidable Ultrabook in its own right, the Zenbook is often criticized for its thickness.

All things considered, the "bulging waistline" of the Zenbook isn't all that considerable. When compared with a MacBook Air, it's only a few millimeters thicker at the spine.

The only markings indicating that this is indeed the newest Zenbook is the model number on the bottom of the laptop.

The UX32VD comes standard with a hotkey for "Super Performance Mode," initiated by hitting Function+Space.

• We can't help but think that the logo is reminiscent of certain super-performing Olympic runners.

Everyone likes a well-connected Ultrabook, and the Zenbook is not a disappointment.

• Three USB 3.0 ports
• Combo SD, SDHC, and MMC reader
• Audio out
• Mini VGA port
• HDMI out

Sadly, the display adapter is not the same as the mini display adapter used by Apple, so defecting parties can't use their existing adapters with the Zenbook. But good news—Asus was kind enough to include the mini VGA-to-VGA adapter with the computer, thus allowing you to spend your extra dough on iFixit tools.

The stylish aluminum lower case is held in place with twelve T5 Torx screws. The cover itself is not the same quality you'd find in an Apple product, but we applaud Asus' use of non-proprietary screws.

• We love Torx screws. They provide large amounts of surface to transfer torque, they resist cam-out much better than many screws, and they're common.

The first component to come out is the battery. Point for repairability!

The screws on the outer case were Torx, but the eight screws holding down the battery are good-old Phillips #0. Interesting choice, Asus.

Pulling out the battery delivers us special bonus components: the left and right speaker assemblies that are adhered to the sides of the battery.

The 7.4 volt, 6520 mAh battery in the UX32VD weighs 280.5 grams, accounting for approximately 20% of the Zenbook's weight.

• By comparison, the battery in the 13" MacBook Air is approximately 22% of the Air's total weight, at 300 grams.

This Zenbook sports a 48 watt-hour battery, a smaller battery than the previous year's model, but a solid contender with other similarly-sized laptops.

• 2011 Zenbook UX31A: 50 watt-hours
• Macbook Air: 50 watt-hours
• Acer Aspire S5: 34 watt-hours