14 DAY TRIAL // Asus' U-Series notebooks have recently welcomed two new redesigned 14 and 15 inch models in their ranks, which are powered by Intel second-generation Core processors, and sport the same ultrathin design and high build quality as their predecessors.
The new laptops are called the U46 and U56 and both of these measure less than 1-inch in thickness while being powered by standard voltage Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors.
Users have the option of choosing from three such Sandy Bridge chips, including the Core i3-2310M, the Core i5-2410M and the i5-2520M, which can be paired with as much as 8GB of system memory.
Various hard drive options are also available, ranging in size from 320GB to 750GB, and two of the listed models come with a spindle speed for 7200RPM for faster data access.
As far as graphics is concerned, the standard models use the integrated Intel HD 3000 GPU, but select laptops can also be configured to feature Nvidia's GeForce GT 540M discrete graphics card with as much as 1GB of GDDR3 video memory in the U46SV.
The rest of the specifications list is pretty much standard for this type of notebook design, with features ranging from a built-in 0.3MP webcam and HDMI output to optional Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, but it's important to note that, unlike other manufacturers, Asus has even included a Super-Multi DVD drive.
Another interesting addition is the support for USB 3.0, as both the U46 and U56 come with two such ports.
Users interested in purchasing one of Asus' newly introduced ultrathin laptops will also be glad to know that three battery options are available, ranging from the standard 4-cells 2950mAh to an 8-cells 5900mAh option that can provide up to 10 hours of use.
All of these components are housed inside an elegant chassis with durable spun aluminum covers, thin screen bezels, and optional soft-touch palm rests.
Asus hasn't provided us with any information regarding the price or the availability of these new U-series notebooks.