Asus Debuts 18.4" "Polished Aluminum" Laptop
This 18.4" desktop replacement features a big display flanked by relatively gargantuan speakers
Anyone remember the Dell XPS M2010? That 20-inch "laptop" from 2006 seems like the inspiration for the Asus NX90, an 18.4" desktop replacement with a "polished aluminum" finish that was featured yesterday at COMPUTEX 2010.
We're not really sure why anyone would want their computer to have a shiny aluminum casing, which attracts fingerprints like bees to honey. But clearly the NX90 is designed for an audience, with its relatively large 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display, slot-loading Blu-Ray drive, and Bang & Olufsen speakers. The two trackpads on either side of the keyboard seem suited for multiple users, but also create the potential for bitter fights over mouse pointer control.
Processor options include Core i5 or i7 running Intel's HM55 chipset. The main DDR3 1066 MHz memory is expandable up to 12GB, while the discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 335M with 1GB of VRAM should provide enough power for decent gaming. With relatively advanced connectivity via the two onboard USB 3.0 ports (complementing the two USB 2.0 counterparts), we're also assuming the NX90 will come equipped with WiFi-N and Bluetooth.
The laptop first debuted at CES 2010, with an estimated price of $2,499 for the base configuration. Yet the Asus rep on hand couldn't give us information regarding mass market availability, so stay tuned for updates.
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Ugly. Probably crippled with Windows too. No thx.
Glossy!!! Of course as useful as with high gloss screens, which this one seems to have too! Buy it for looks, and then put it away so nobody touches it. ;-)
That's a lot of fingerprints
It looks luxurious and cool but thats about it...
I thought these Aluminum casings have problems with heat issue
Yuck, I'd spend most of my time cleaning all the fingerprints so I don't care what the specs are, I'd never get anything done on it.
The speakers on the side MUST GO.
I'll take my m17x.
Pretty lacking looking if you ask me
It looks luxurious and cool but thats about it... I thought these Aluminum casings have problems with heat issue
In general, aluminum is a great conductor of heat, so usually helps, not hurts.
Ugly. Probably crippled with Windows too. No thx.
How about you get lost?
I'd buy this if it was in carbon fiber instead.
How about you get lost?
Agree
Up next, 24 Carrot Gold and then on to Platinum!
Fingerprint smudges are ugly.
Sexay
Should come with a warning label for OCD people
Up next, 24 Carrot Gold and then on to Platinum!
nah we can skip all those and go straight for solid cut artificial diamond case
still waiting on them to bring out cases we were promised with heat pipe radiators in the lid of the case...
Looks like "Dumbo" with those speakers on the side... if you're serious about sound, yer wearing "cans" anyhow.
Ugly. Probably crippled with Windows too. No thx.
I know you're just trolling, but I'm gonna go ahead and walk into your game.
Ugly? I like it, but then again, it's a matter of taste.
Crippled with Windows? Windows 7 is a fine OS that should do just well on a high-end laptop like this one. Anyway, if you were as 1337 as you seem to think you are, you would disregard the OS and install one of your choice.
To get back on topic : I like the speakers. They must sound way better than the little tweeters laptops usually have. They also serve a double purpose of protecting the side ports when the lid is closed. Aluminium is light and must also be good to spread the heat. The main drawback here are the fingerprints marks. Just like my stainless steel fridge.
The target audience must be doctors, serial killers or botanists... anyone who wear gloves. First person to invent printfree brushed aluminum gets the money (and patent), go!
I'm betting that this is just a show piece and not actually going to be released.
How do ideas this stupid ever make it into capable hands? You don't need to make a prototype to know that a polished aluminum casing is dumb. And who in the world thought it a great idea to have multiple track pads and put none of them in an actual convenient place to use? Was the goal from the start to make the most annoying laptop ever? Victory I assume because this has to be one of the dumbest laptop designs I have ever seen. I would be embarrassed to have my company name attached to that abortion of a computer.
I think the two trackpads are provided to accommodate both right and left handers rather than keep it in the middle.
If they're going to copy Apple they could at least do a better job in terms of the quality of the product. That thing looks cheap.
If they're going to copy Apple they could at least do a better job in terms of the quality of the product. That thing looks cheap.
How is this even remotely related to Apple? People need to stop trying to mention them in every single article.
"The two trackpads on either side of the keyboard seem suited for multiple users, but also create the potential for bitter fights over mouse pointer control."
.... or for multitouch two hand control...
I shudder to think how much it'll cost with Bang & Olufsen speakers in it. But besides that I quite like it. Shame it's so glossy. A brushed aluminium finish would be much better... but hey, I can buy fine grade sandpaper can't I?
Hmm, polished aluminum and a price high enough for 2 gaming laptops. Atleast it looks pretty
.
So when it folds up you have two voids on the bottom where the speakers are? Thats dumb. Cut off the speakers, lower the price, matte screen (would look good too against shinny aluminum), and maybe I would buy it.
Damn that's such a shame. Why would you build an otherwise up-to-date laptop but then throw in some crappy GT335 which can't even play decent games on anything other than low settings? Considering you can get a G73 with a HD 5870 for $1199 (granted, no bluray), why the hell would you pay $2500 for this crap?
Hey i like it. But i cannot afford it.