When COMPUTEX Taipei 2010 kicked off earlier this week, the organizers were quick to point out that the Taiwanese technology industry was shifting. It still produced core hardware and components, but more and more, they are looking at the design and innovation of end consumer electronics.
Asus has long since involved itself through this entire spectrum, including a huge range of personal computers. So, what did the tech giant have to offer in the realm of notebooks, netbooks, and other portable goodies? Let’s find out.
Going Light with Asus U Series
If you prefer thin and light designs, look no further than the U series of notebooks from Asus. Perhaps the most notable member of this group is the Asus U33 Bamboo Collection. Shown here, this notebook makes use of the sustainable bamboo material for its lid cover and wrist rest area.
It offers pretty good performance too, with Intel Core i3/i5 processors, up to 4GB of DDR3-1066 RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 310M (1GB) graphics, USB 3.0, and the Super Hybrid Engine for optimal performance and battery life.
Getting beyond the bamboo, you can get the “regular” Asus U-series laptops in your choice of 13-, 14-, and 15-inch variants (U35, U45, and U52, respectively). They offer similar specs, like Intel Core processors and slim designs.
Entertain Me with Asus N Series
More into entertainment with big sound and high-def video? Then you’ll want to shift your attention to something like the Asus N73 notebook. While you could use a media player connected to an HDTV, a notebook is much more portable.
The Asus N73 has a 17.3-inch HD+ 16:9 LED backlit display, up to Intel Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of DDR3-1066 RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT350M graphics, up to 640GB hard drive, and a Blu-ray combo drive.
As with the U series, the N series comes in different sizes too with the N53 and N43. All three units have embedded webcams that have a small sliding shutter for “privacy” mode.
Portable Home Theater with NX Series
As entertaining as the N series may be, they pale in comparison to the Asus NX series. With the NX90, for instance, you can expect audio performance co-created by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower and Asus SonicMaster Premium.
See those full height speakers flanking the 18.4-inch full HD (1920×1080) display? Yeah, that’s what they’re talking about and — based on my experience with it in the testing room — these speakers are loud.
You’ll also notice that the trackpad has been moved from the regular wrist rest area, replaced by a polished aluminum. Instead, there are dual trackpads on either side of the keyboard. Asus says this makes for a more natural (almost DJ-like) user experience. The NX90 should sell in the $2,000 range later this year.
Eee PCs with Style and Touch
Some people may tell you that the netbook is obsolete, especially with alternative devices like smartphones and the Apple iPad. Asus doesn’t think so, since the Eee PC brand is still alive and kicking.
Take the Asus Eee PC 1008P KR, for instance. Even more style conscious than the Eee PC Seashell line, this collection comes by way of “Plastic Poet” Karim Rashid. The wavy texture on the lid will certainly set you apart from the other folks at the coffee shop. Expect it in pink or brown.
Do you remember the Gigabyte M912? Asus does that kind of thing too with its Eee PC Touch line. The Eee PC T101MT is a multi-touch tablet netbook PC with a 10.1-inch display, Windows 7, 1GB/2GB DDR2 RAM, optional Bluetooth 2.1, and PenWrite technology for smooth handwriting.
Attacking Apple with Eee Pad?
Do you want an alternative to the iPad? Asus wants to approach this market too with no fewer than two different offerings. Shown above is the bigger of the two: the Asus Eee Pad EP121. Running on Windows 7 Home Premium, this tablet has a 12-inch display, Core 2 Duo processor, hi-def stereo speakers, Flash support, embedded webcam, and multitasking.
The Eee Pad EP101TC features a 10-inch display and works with Windows Embedded Compact 7. Interestingly, it uses an NVIDIA T20 processor to go with its 512MB DDR2 RAM and 16GB/32GB/64GB solid state drive. It has HDMI-out via the docking port too.
Asus Sight, Sound, and Performance
I’ve always been a fan of Asus hardware when it comes to notebooks and netbooks. The performance is usually there and the design is typically attractive, but the notebook brand doesn’t really get the same kind of attention in North America as it does in Asia. Offering HD+ displays, multitouch interfaces, Bang & Olufsen audio, and even “Plastic Poet” artistic input, Asus certainly has a lot to offer to the mobile computing market. Be sure to hit up the gallery on the next page to see more good stuff from Asus.
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COMPUTEX 2010 – Asus Notebooks, Netbooks, and Tablets – Photo Gallery
