If business notebooks aren't your bag, but you're not about to succumb to Apple's temptations for some stylish computing, Asus may have the answer.
The Taiwanese computing giant last week unveiled a range of notebooks, with the stars of the show being the new Bamboo and NX90 premium models. Both models sport the latest Intel and NVIDIA innards, but each is aimed at a slightly different user.
Asus points out that the Bamboo, so named for the material used in its construction, is for users who want to lead a 'lifestyle of health and sustainability' - or LoHaS, as the marketing material awkwardly makes it known. To that end, Asus highlights that, compared to wood, bamboo is plentiful, requires less time to reach maturity, and dies off naturally after a few years. It also claims that the use of bamboo in these models, even though it's only cosmetic, reduces plastic use by up to 15%.
Keeping with the green theme, the Bamboo models boast some of the latest power-saving technologies, and even the recyclable packaging is made from bamboo pulp. Available in either a 13- or 15-inch form factor, all models have tasty aluminium and bamboo trimmings, chiclet keyboards, SRS surround sound and anti-glare LED-backlit displays.
The NX90, on the other hand, is a premium, no-holds-barred entertainment notebook, or rather, lugbook - its 18.4-inch screen won't endear it to those who value portability.
With input from award-winning designer David Lewis, sleek lines and sexy curves hide its heft. The glossy widescreen display is flanked by a set of speakers that stick out beyond the keyboard platform, with the lid closed, but for good reason: the entire sound system is from B&O ICEpower. Asus claims this audio setup is capable of quality equal to home theatre arrangements, though it'll obviously lack the outright punch of a dedicated speaker system. We'll have to reserve our judgement until we've given it a listen.
Uniquely, the NX90 features a trackpad on either side of the keyboard. Asus claims this is to make it easier to use for either left- or right-handed people.
Inside, users can opt for a range-topping Intel Core i7 processor, up to 12GB of RAM, a 1.5TB hard drive and a slot-loading Blu-ray drive.
Estimated pricing for the NX90 is R25 999. Prices for the Bamboo 15-inch model start at R11 999.
Share