Asus unveils new 17.3-inch multimedia laptops

Asustek today revealed two new laptops on its official site, the K73E and the K73SV. Both laptops will be 17.3-inches and feature Intel Sandy Bridge processors.

Interestingly, the two laptops are very much alike inside and out. Both will have processor options of a 2.10GHz Core i3-2310M, 2.30GHz Core i5-2410M, or a 2.00GHz Core i7-2630QM. In terms of features, the laptop is expected to run cooler near the keyboard surface with what Asus calls “IceCool Technology.” Both models, however, are conspicuously missing USB 3.0 ports.

The sole difference so far between the laptops will be the included GPU. The K73SV will have the relatively powerful Nvidia GeForce 540M with up to 2GB VRAM while the K73E will have integrated Intel GMA HD graphics.

Take note, however, that these laptops are not the ones Asus displayed at CeBIT earlier this month. Although all these laptops will be 17.3-inches with Sandy Bridge processors, the laptop displayed at CeBIT was the G74SX, which will be a very high-end 3D ready notebook.

Prices and availability for the K73E and K73SV are currently nowhere to be found. Fortunately, the full specifications are available on the product website, so here is a brief and quick rundown of the specs:

• Windows 7 Home Basic up to Ultimate
• 17.3-inch 1600x900 resolution LED backlit screen
• Up to 8GB DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM
• Up to 750GB HDD, 5400RPM or 7200RPM
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 0.3MP web cam, 3-in-1 card reader, 4x USB 2.0, HDMI 

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