Asus presents the ultra-thin 14.8mm UL30Vt notebook

Asus' ultra-thin notebook is only 14.8mm, yet it still contains a discrete GPU

Asus.com is currently displaying a detailed preview of their new notebook, the UL30Vt. A video of the elegantly designed machine, demonstrates its thinness, and provides a summary of its features. Whilst the notebook is aesthetically appealing, any interest in the machine should be heightened by its various customisable specifications and unusual features. Consequently, the UL30Vt, like the rest of the UL range, should attract a wide range of potential buyers.

The ultra-thin notebook, which has an attractive, brushed aluminium finish, is fitted with an integrated Intel GMA X4500MHD and an NVIDIA GeForce G210M. Following the other notebooks in Asus' UL range, the UL30VT allows users to switch between the two GPUs depending upon their power saving requirements. This feature, called 'ASUS GraphiX Boost' is an excellent, innovatory tool, because battery life can be preserved at whim, by switching to the integrated GPU.

Asus is also offering 'unlimited all-day computing with up to 12 hours battery life', which is made possible by 'ASUS Power4 Gear Technology'. This apparently 'facilitates the deployment and usage of power according to the users' preferences in relation to the specific tasks that they need to perform.' It is through this feature that users turn off certain hardware devices, like the discrete GPU for example, in order to preserve battery life.

The UL30Vt is fitted with relatively energy-efficient DDR3 memory, instead of DDR2 memory. Battery life is also conserved by the UL30Vt's use of an Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300, which ASUS claims can 'provide the best multitasking performance while using less energy.'

It seems that users who wish to use graphically rich applications or games can enjoy such software with the UL30Vt, or temporarily sacrifice performance to have the equivalent battery power of a netbook. As well as the benefits of activating the discrete GPU, users can further augment the machine's power via another useful facet, namely 'the ground-breaking ASUS Turbo33 Technology, which integrates both hardware and software to enhance system performance by up to 33%.' 

The UL30VT has a 13.3" screen (1366 x 768), which means it is not only very thin, but is very portable, weighing just 1.5kg. Those concerned by the small screen can always plug this into a larger display, using the HDMI port. To see the rest of the specifications, please take a look at the following list, as displayed on Asus.com:-

·         Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU7300 : 1.4 GHz or Intel® Celeron® Processor SU2300/743 : 1.2 GHz

·         Operating System:     Windows® 7 Ultimate, Professional, Home Premium, or Home Basic

·         System Memory: DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 4GB SDRAM

·         Display: 13.3" HD (1366x768) Color-Shine (Glare-type)

·         GPU:  Embedded Intel® GMA X4500MHD & NVIDIA® GeForce® G 210M with 512 MB VRAM- switchable graphics

·         Hard Drive: 2.5" 9.5mm 5400 rpm SATA (250GB, 320GB or 500GB)

·         Card Reader: 4 in 1 card reader, SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro

·         Video Camera: 0.3 Mega Pixel web camera

·         Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN: Intel® WiFi Link 1000, Integrated 802.11 b/g/n, Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.1+EDR (optional), Atheros AR8132M 10/100Mb, Azureware NE785H (optional)

·         Interface: 1 x Microphone-in jack, 1 x Headphone-out jack, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert, 1 x HDMI

·         Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, Altec Lansing® speakers, SRS Premium Sound

·         Keyboard: 30.2mm size

·         Battery: 4 cells: 2200 mAh or 8 cells: 4400/5600 mAh

·         Dimensions: 32.2 x 23.3 x 1.48~2.46 cm (W x D x H)

·         Weight: 1.50 kg (with 4 cell battery)

Asus also includes an optical mouse with the package, which is a useful addition for most users. Asus have not yet confirmed a release date, it's possible that it will be available soon, perhaps in time for the holidays, when laptop sales may increase before and after the festive season. Whilst Asus haven't revealed a price either; I suspect the UL30Vt will cost a little more than the similarly equipped ASUS 13.3” silver UL30A-A2 notebook. The UL30A-A2 currently costs $774.95 including shipping, at Amazon.com. 

The UL30Vt appears to be a very versatile machine, with powerful specifications, it should appeal to customers seeking power, portability and long battery life – which are three qualities I think almost every customer wants in a notebook. Asus have a wide range of notebooks at very low prices, and if the UL30Vt is not the exception to this pricing policy, it should do very well.