Taiwanese notebook PC vendor Asustek Computer has already slated its upcoming 1.25 kilogram, battery-friendly U2E notebook for the next week's launch in Taipei. The new laptop will sport sexy leather wrapped exteriors, adorned by tasteful metal accents.

The U2E notebook is a member of the Stylebook family that was introduced back at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Stylebook is one of the most important product lines as far as ultra-portability and business orientation is concerned. The notebooks will be covered in both white and black leather-clad versions.

The laptop is as impressive under the bonnet as its leather exterior. The system is powered by Intel's latest Penryn-based Core 2 Duo processors, with an ATI HD 2400 256MB dedicated graphics chip to complete the picture. The system also sports 1 GB of Intel Turbo memory and a 11-inch LED-backlit LCD display working at a maximum resolution of 1400x900 pixels. The whole laptop is optimized for power efficiency, as LED backlights use about 10-15 percent less power than the CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) devices, that are implemented in most of the mainstream notebook PCs.

The system stores its data on a 32GB solid-state drive that also increases the battery life, although its capacity is extremely reduced for the nowadays' multimedia requirements. The ultra-portable notebook also features fingerprint biometric security, an 802.11a/b/g/n wireless card, and Bluetooth connectivity for synchronizing the laptop with mobile devices.

The laptop also comes with Asustek's Smart Logon Face Recognition Technology, that allows the notebook's legit owner to log on by simply placing their face in front of the built-in web camera.

Asus refused to disclose the estimate retail price for the business U2E ultra-mobile notebook until the next week's launch. Although the company refused to say which markets will be first hit by its new product, it is expected that the laptop will be first available in Asia and Europe.