Posted on Tuesday, August 24 2010 @ 21:35 CEST by Thomas De MaesschalckDeveloped in conjunction with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower, the ASUS SonicMaster standard delivers the most advanced multimedia features available for laptop PCs. The new N Series from ASUS is the first ever range of laptops to address the problem of sub-standard audio on portable PCs. Two new Intel Core i5 models are available, 15.6" and 17.3" screens, and both combine superior audio technology with eye-catching designs. Each new model also features the latest NVIDIA GeForce 400M 3D chipset with Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance.
A superlative Sound Standard
Realising that people spend up to a third of their day using multimedia devices of some description and that most laptops fall short in delivering high-quality audio, ASUS went back to the drawing board.
Working with its own 'Golden Ear' team and the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen ICEpower innovations house, ASUS focused on ways to develop natural sound that wasn't compromised by the constraints posed by laptop computers, but instead capitalised upon them. The result represents a new standard in laptop audio — ASUS SonicMaster.
SonicMaster isn't a gimmick, but a new professional audio certification programme for portable computers. SonicMaster-compliant laptops like the new N Series incorporate large speaker chambers, more powerful amplifiers and extensive software processing to deliver breathtaking audio fidelity.
Multimedia mastery
Superlative audio is only one facet of the new N Series' multimedia mastery. The NVIDIA GeForce 325M and 400M Fermi-based 3D graphics chipsets provide excellent DirectX 11 performance, complete with hardware-acceleration for silky smooth HD video playback.
ASUS Video Magic technology further enhances image quality by expertly upscaling SD content and automatically enhancing image quality.
Combined with LED-backlit screens with a zero dead pixel guarantee, the new N Series are laptops that are a feast for the eyes - and ears.
Pricing and availability
The ASUS N Series N53 and N73 will be available UK-wide from a number of retailers and etailers including Comet, Micro Anvika, Selfridges and Amazon. Prices start from £649.99 SRP inc VAT.
Product Specifications:
Processor Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz - 2.933GHz) or Core i3-370M (2.4GHz) OS Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit Display 15.6" HD TFT (1366 x 768, Color-Shine) Graphic Card NVIDIA GeForce GT325/415M, 1GB dedicated graphics memory with NVIDIA® Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance Storage 320GB/500GB (5400rpm) Memory 4096MB (2048×2) DDRIII 1066 RAM Optical Drive Blu-Ray Combo Wireless 802.11 BGN Webcam Yes Numeric Keypad Yes Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Keyboard 19mm full size 88 Key with MS Windows function keys, Numeric Keyboard Card Reader 7-in-1 (SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, XD, Smart Media, mini SD w/ adapter, MS-Duo) Interface 1 x VGA port 1 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x e-SATA/USB2.0 Combo 1 x LAN RJ-45 jack (10/100/1000MBit) 1 x HDMI (1080p support) 2 x Audio Jacks (Headphone, SPDIF/MIC-in) Kensington Lock Audio Audio designed by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower Integrated microphone ASUS SonicFocus audio technology Battery Li-Polymer 48WH (6 cells: 4400mAh) Dimensions & weight 391 x 266 x 30.5-40.5 mm; 2.9Kg Warranty 2 year global collect & return Price £649.99 - £999 (SRP inc VAT)
N73JN
Processor Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz - 2.933GHz) OS Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit Display 17.3" HD+ TFT (1600 x 900, Color-Shine) Graphic Card NVIDIA GeForce GT325M, 1GB dedicated graphics memory with NVIDIA Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance Storage 640GB (2 x 320GB, 5400rpm) Memory 4096MB (2048×2) DDRIII 1066 RAM Optical Drive Blu-Ray Combo Wireless 802.11 BGN Webcam Yes Numeric Keypad Yes Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Keyboard 19mm full size 88 Key with MS Windows function keys, Numeric Keyboard Card Reader 5-in-1 (SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, XD) Interface 1 x VGA port 1 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x e-SATA/USB2.0 Combo 1 x LAN RJ-45 jack (10/100/1000MBit) 1 x HDMI (1080p support) 2 x Audio Jacks (Headphone, SPDIF/MIC-in) Kensington Lock Audio Audio designed by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower Integrated microphone ASUS SonicFocus audio technology Battery Li-Polymer 48WH (6 cells: 4400mAh) Dimensions & weight 420 x 287 x 36.7-40.5 mm; 3.4Kg Warranty 2 year global collect & return Price £1,099 (SRP inc VAT)
Source: TPU
