14 DAY TRIAL // Asus continues to expand its notebook portfolio with new models based on Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, the latest such device to join the party being the compact and ultra-thin U36SD, which includes dedicated graphics built by Nvidia.
The notebook is designed around an LED backlit 13.3-inch display with a native resolution of 1366x768 and is powered by Intel's second-generation Core processors.
Users have the option of choosing between various Core i5 and Core i7 parts, going all the way up to the i7-2620M.
This fast Intel processor includes two computing cores clocked at 2.7GHz (3.4GHz maximum Turbo), can process up to four threads simultaneously, packs 4MB of Level 3 cache memory and also sports an Intel HD 3000 integrated GPU.
In Asus' notebook, this is seconded by an Nvidia GeForce GT 520M discrete graphics card with 1GB of GDDR3 video buffer and support for Nvidia's Optimus graphics switching technology.
In addition, the Asus U36SD can also be configured to feature up to 4GB of DDR-1333 system memory, a 2.5-inch hard drive with a maximum capacity of 640GB or an 160GB SSD, but the ultra-thin 19mm profile hasn't allowed the Taiwanese company to install any sort of optical disk drive.
Connectivity options include 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI video output, as well as support for Intel's WiDi wireless video streaming technology.
The audio system sports Dolby certification and users will also find a 0.3MP webcam and a multi-format memory cards reader on the specs list. Including the 8-cell battery, that is standard for the Asus U36SD, the notebook weights approximately 1.6Kg.
Asus has already started to sell these laptops in some parts of Europe, in Italy the price of the U36SD starting at 799 Euro, including VAT. (via Notebook Italia)