Asus shows off Android Netbook and CULV laptops

Darius Chang | Jun 02, 2009

PC maker Asus was spotted demonstrating an Eee PC at the Computex Taipei tradeshow that bears little resemblance to the current crop of Netbooks. Instead of an Atom chipset, this minilaptop runs off a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with an Android OS (pictured).

While some may ask why all the bother with a Netbook that can't run their favorite Windows applications, having a smartphone operating system actually has several advantages. For one, since the machine sips so little power, it need never be turned off but can remain in standby mode and be turned on instantly. Moreover, emails and updates can continue to be received without having to switch on the display, saving loads of power while increasing productivity. Mobile broadband connectivity also allows the unit to remain online without relying on wireless hotspots. And despite the low-power Snapdragon processor, this machine can run 1080p videos smoothly, a feat which still eludes most current Netbooks.

The Taiwanese company also chose Computex Taipei to announce its first Intel CULV-based laptops. Based on the Core 2 Duo SU9600/SU9400, Core 2 Solo SU3500/SU3300 and Pentium SU2700 processors, these machines not only have slimmer profiles than their full-powered cousins (thanks to the low thermal signature of the chips), they are significantly cheaper as well. Two models were showcased at the event, the 13.3-inch Asus UX30 and the 15.5-inch UX50V.

The Asus UX30 competes with the likess of the recently launched MSI X-Slim X340, with a 1.6kg heft and a thickness of only 23mm. Based on the Centrino 2 platform with integrated video processor, this machine does not sport an internal optical drive. The UX50V has a similar chipset as its smaller sibling, though this model sports a slot-in DVD writer as well as a discrete Nvidia GeForce G105M graphics card. At only 28.6mm thick, the UX50V is one of the thinnest in its class.

Pricing and availability of the new Asus machines are not provided at press time.

Filed under: Notebooks
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