Bulletproof build
The packaging is somewhat ostentatious, underscoring ASUS' intent to position the U-series as a premium line.
Whip it out and the glossy plastic lid is wonderfully reflective. It looks good and, surprisingly, is reasonably resistant to smudges and marks.
First impressions are good; the build quality is excellent, as befits a premium ultra-mobile laptop. ASUS doesn't use any exotic materials on this range. Rather, it's well-manufactured plastic all around.
Looking at the very front, the twin Altec Lansing speakers produce a tinny sound which is far more reminiscent of netbooks' than of quality high-end notebooks'. They're disappointing for big-name speakers, lacking bass and clarity.
Espoused as an ultra-portable notebook, the U20A is thin, but not startlingly so, measuring 27.5mm - over one-inch thick - at its narrowest point, rising to 29mm in the middle.
Swing it around one-quarter and there's the regular gaggle of ports and vents. HDMI seems to be a must these days, and VGA provides analogue connectivity.
The CPU vent spews out a steady stream of air when the U20A's under full load. The noise from the fan is acceptable, and as the laptop doesn't have an option for integrated graphics, noise shouldn't be an issue.
As is the norm these days, there are no ports at the back, with the movement of the hinge precluding the use of them.
