14 DAY TRIAL // The netbook business is doing really well, and ASUS is certainly one of the companies most aware of the market potential. However, although boasting several Eee PC models and even more rumored to come along the way, ASUS is also among the leading manufacturers of fully-fledged notebook systems, with some ambitious expectations of surpassing big players such as Lenovo or Dell.
This is probably one of the reasons why it continues to update its notebook offering with new models, coming to take advantage of the latest in portable computing technology. The most recent release, the B80A notebook, is said to have been designed for corporate users, as part of the company's line of business laptops.
The notebook itself is a 14.1-inch Core 2 Duo-powered system that is built using Intel's GM45 Express chipset, and delivers several necessary features in a form factor that weighs 2.46kg (equipped with 6-cell battery). The system can be configured with several Intel processors, including T9400/T5850/ P8600/P7350. It can deliver up to 4GB of DDR2 800MHz memory, and equipped with a high-capacity 320GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive, or a fast 250GB 7200RPM drive. Other features include a built-in 1.3MP webcamera, a DVD Super Multi optical drive, integrated Bluetooth and wireless 802.11n connectivity.
Other features, which are likely to meet the requirements of business users, include a built-in fingerprint reader and TPM-level security, and a HDMI interface. The keyboard is spill-proof (can support up to 50cc of liquid) and has built-in LED lighting, enabling users to continue to work with ease even when in badly illuminated environments. Details regarding the notebook's battery life or other options have been resumed to a mention of the 6-cell battery.
Unfortunately, the Taiwanese manufacturer has left out the details regarding the notebook's pricing and availability, so there's no telling if it will become available on stores shelves before the end of the year.