Upside: One thing we took away from the Asus W5Fe was being able to cheat at cards. We're not quite sure how this works--because as a notebook it's quite obtrusive--but in Asus's promotional video James Bond caught a guy cheating using W5Fe's SideShow feature, so it must be possible. Would a Bond lookalike lie?
...

Read first take of the Asus W5Fe »

First Take

Upside: One thing we took away from the Asus W5Fe was being able to cheat at cards. We're not quite sure how this works--because as a notebook it's quite obtrusive--but in Asus's promotional video James Bond caught a guy cheating using W5Fe's SideShow feature, so it must be possible. Would a Bond lookalike lie?

SideShow is a new feature of Windows Vista that enables users to use a second screen--in this case one mounted on the outside of the laptop--to display information like a Windows Media Center menu.

This is all very nifty, but what we also didn't expect was the diminutive nature of this laptop. It's an ultraportable, and weighs a very toteable 1.7kg with the default three-cell battery.

The main screen is a 12.1-inch widescreen, while the auxiliary display is a 2.8-inch with a four-way navigation control and off switch. It comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo T5600, a gig of RAM, a fairly roomy 120GB hard drive, and a 1.3MP Webcam. The price is reasonable for a device of its type at S$3,298 (US$2,348.67).

Downside: Does the world need a SideShow display? We're sure this feature could be more useful for business users than consumers as it allows people to leave the lid closed--and therefore to be less obtrusive--but still allow access to functions such as email.

Battery life could also be an issue, as a three-cell typically gives less than an hour of charge, and having to run two screens would mean even less.

Outlook: While the SideShow looks cool, it remains to be seen if many would actually use it. Yet, despite this, the W5Fe is a stylish, compact notebook that would likely suit professionals and home office users alike. Bond wannabes need not apply.

Rate It Now

Rating guidelines

Asus W5Fe (Core 2 Duo T7200 Processor 2.0GHz, 1.5GB RAM)

Rate this product:
1 - Abysmal 2 - Terrible 3 - Poor 4 - Mediocre 5 - Average 6 - Good 7 - Very good 8 - Excellent 9 - Spectacular 10 - Perfect

Need help? Read our guidelines for what each number rating represents.

Submit your opinion

User Reviews

JackBauer

 View profile
 Send mail

how can they put in 3 cell battery?

Apr 29, 2007

Rating: 3 out of 10 (Poor)
Pros: huge HD space
Cons: lousy battery life
Opinion:
I really cannot understand why they put in a 3 cell battery to power 2 screens. what where they thinking?

 

See all user opinions »

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

Latest Downloads

What's Hot