Final thoughts, rating, and awards
The all-new ASUS U-series laptops are designed around Intel's CULV (consumer ultra-low voltage) platform. The reviewed U20A uses a single-core Pentium SU2700 that's mated to a GS45 chipset and integrated X4500MHD graphics. Fleshing out the specification, the laptop has a bright, clear 12.1in screen, 320GB hard drive, 3GB DDR2 memory, DVD ReWriter, and ships with Vista Home Premium.Superb build quality, an excellent keyboard and screen, and better-than-average battery life are the standout features for this ultra-portable laptop that etails for £799. ASUS is going up against some established competition with such an etail price, such as the Intel Core 2 Duo-toting Samsung P210, priced £150 lower.
We could justify the ticket price if the U20A sported a thinner, sexier form-factor, but at almost 2kg with the six-cell battery and over an inch-thick chassis, it becomes rather generic despite its lovely looks - kind of akin to a supermodel at a Victoria's Secret show.
Intel's CULV platform makes sense if positioned in 12.1in laptops costing, say, £499. ASUS goes for the high-end of the scale and whilst the U20A is undeniably aesthetically pleasing, the company doesn't do enough to warrant an £800 outlay for a laptop when a not-so-glitzy, thinner and lighter CULV notebook, with similar specifications, can be had for £270 less. The U20A's steal at £500, absolutely, but merely average at £800.
HEXUS Rating
We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
The rating is given in relation to the category the component(s) competes in, therefore the laptop is evaluated with respect to our 'high-end' criteria.
ASUS U20A laptop
HEXUS Where2Buy
TBC.
HEXUS Right2Reply
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