Laptops Arena

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), a leading provider of high-performance notebook computers, today announced a new laptop line up, the V2 series, a true mobile wireless laptop.

ASUS V2 is ideal for business travelers on the go without adding extra pounds while keeping the sleek professional outlook. With personalized security feature, docking station connectivity as well as the latest 3G module, users can enjoy a dynamic high-speed computing experience in style.

Asus V2 Specifications:

* Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology
- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T5500/T5600/T7200/T7400/T7600
- Mobile Intel® 945PM Express Chipset
- Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection

* Genuine Windows® XP
- Genuine Home
- Genuine Professional

* 900/1800/1900MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE
* 2100MHz WCDMA/HSDPA
* DDR2 533/667MHz, up to 2G
* 14" WXGA ColorShine/WXGA+ /WXGA+ ColorShine, ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology
* ATI Mobility™ Radeon™ X1450 DDR2 256MB, 512MB HyperMemory™
* SATA 80/100/120/160 GB
* 3M Pixel web-cam
* 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth™ V2.0+EDR
* 3x USB 2.0, 1x port for Docking Station, 1x u-DVI, 1x TPM, 1x Fingerprint Reader, Instant Fun PLUS
* 34.1 x 24.5 x 2.9-3.6cm, 2.3kg

No word on pricing or availability.

Via asus.

We're seriously hoping that massive bulge on the lid isn't going to remain (for long), but we're just happy enough that someone -- namely Asus -- is prepping to launch a SideShow laptop.

Granted, it'll be first thing next year alongside the Vista release at CES (i.e. when we were all expecting SideShow laptops to be revealed) but still.

Expect PortalPlayer and other hardware "gadget" (widget, damn it!) businesses to hop on the gravy train all the way to auxiliary display-town.

Via engadget.

The Asus company has set off to explore the field of tablet PCs for the very first time and yet we can call the first one a success.

ASUS R1F can be described best by the 13,3'' widescreen LCD, Core Duo, 2GB DDR2 memory and an attractive finish. It's going to deliver not only all the benefits of its pen-responsive screen, but also performance that exceeds demands of the office work.

ASUS R1F is made from grey plastic and decorated by silver components. The buttons and sliders have a metal look and together all this makes a very nice design. The fabrication is fine, the only negative is that the plastic can be squeezed a little around the monitor.

It feels a little unusual to find almost all the I/Os on the rear side of the appliance. On the left side there is the hot air exhaust, ExpressCard bay, a pen storage slot, a power button and right behind that is the AC connector slot. On the right side there is only a card reader (MS, MS Pro, MMC, SD) and an optical unit in a bay you can also use to plug in another battery. This can be easily removed by using a switch on the bottom of the laptop followed by pulling the unit out. There's only a display panel button on the front side and all the rest of ports is on the back.

Read full review here.

ASUS, a leading provider of high-performance notebook computers, today announced its fist two notebooks designed for mobile gamers.

Based on the latest Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology with advanced graphic solutions, the G1 and G2 revolutionize the way games are played: blistering speed and true-to-life video and audio performances - on the go! Available in two sizes, 15.4" and 17", the widescreen notebooks are display design details that elevate the overall gaming experience, including an OLED instant display, side/ front speakers, hotkey highlights, and sidelights.
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To offer the best total gaming experience, ASUS has designed two notebooks that carry design details designed specifically for the gaming experience inside out.

The LCD cover with special in-mold decoration design not only gives the notebook an instant game machine identity that stands out from generic notebook designs, but also makes the surface more resistant to paint chipping.

With Direct Flash sidelights, gaming spirit is shared when DirectX 9 support is activated for intense moments. Get a boost and bring the game on anywhere!

G1 & G2 Gaming Notebook Series Specifications:
Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology
- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7600/T7400/T7200/T5600/T5500
- Mobile Intel® 945PM Express Chipset
- Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Genuine Windows® XP
- Genuine Home
- Genuine Professional
- Genuine Media Center (G2)
DDRII 533/667MHz, up to 2GB
15.4" WXGA/WSXGA (G1)/ 17" WXGA (G2); Color Shine LCD
ASUS Video Intelligence Technology
NVidia GeForce Go7700 512 Physical VRAM (G1)
ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1700 512 MB Physical VRAM (G2)
SATA 80/100/120/160 GB HDD
DVD Super-Multi, Light Scribe
Built-in 1.3M pixel webcam
ASUS Direct Flash+ ASUS Direct Messenger
10/100/1000, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth V2.0+EDR (optional)

Via asus.

Asus is a brand that is becoming increasingly well established in the UK. Like its competitors such as MSI, it has branched out into areas such as notebooks with great success. This isn't really that surprising as Asus has been an OEM manufacturer for many company's notebooks for many years.

In the past few months I've looked at a couple of other notebooks in the Asus range, such as the W3J and earlier the ultra-portable W5F. The F3JP is a larger affair, but to compensate it's also more powerful, packing Intel's very latest chip, the mobile version of Core 2 Duo. It also features slightly beefier graphics that the W3J with an ATI X1700 rather than X1600 and Asus actually bills it as a gaming notebook. Whether this is true we'll find out.

The display has a rather large bezel and the top and bottom but there is the 1.3 megapixel, 640 x 480 webcam that's located at the top. This is a feature that I always like to see, as it enables you to stay in touch without having to worry about any external cameras and trailing wires. A microphone is located next to this and a small yellow light illuminates when the camera is active.

While the screen itself is only ok, I like the keyboard immediately. Having a larger laptop might mean more weight but the added size makes for less cramped keys. They're well spaced out but the individual keys themselves could be larger and there are gaps between them and it is possible to catch the edge of a key as you type.

Read full review on trustedreviews.