One of the drawbacks of the ultrabook category is the lack of robust power under the hood. Since these notebooks are meant to be super slim they feature ultra low voltage processors to keep them from getting too hot. That also results in lower performance than non-ULV chips.

Intel’s ULV chips have come a long way in the past couple of years and made it possible for ultrabooks to deliver performance beyond good enough for mainstream users.

However, those of us who want a really portable machine that can also kick butt when it comes to processing video and images or maybe even playing a game or two have to look beyond ultra at the moment.

That won’t true for much longer. According to Fudzilla, Nvidia’s Kepler class of GPUs will be in some of the second generation ultrabooks.

This means users will get the benefit of a discrete graphics card but won’t have to sacrifice long battery life. This new class of GPUs will come with Optimus technology, which switches between integrated and discrete graphics automatically when needed.

Fudzilla’s sources say that Acer and ASUS will be in on this deliciousness, and Liliputing points out that the IdeaPad U410, coming in May, is supposed to have GMA 610 graphics.

If this does happen, ultrabooks will get a nice boost in performance. It’s not likely to be so great that you’ll be zooming through Batman: Arkham City at 100fps. However, if you’re a mobile professional who does some graphics work, it may mean the difference between going with an ultrabook or going with a heavier, bulkier system.

The Kepler class of chips will begin shipping in April, so we won’t see ultrabooks with switchable graphics until the spring or summer.

Switchable Graphics Coming To Ultrabooks Soon? is a post by K. T. Bradford from Notebooks.com.

If you ever want to know which graphics card your Apple MacBook Pro is using, then gfxcardstatus is the perfect utility. The MacBook Pro has what is called switchable or dynamic switching graphics.  When your system needs a lot of graphics processing power for things like video encoding, picture editing or especially gaming, the computer switches from lowered powered integrated graphics to higher powered discrete graphics.

The difference between integrated and discrete graphics is power – both consumption and horsepower to get work done. Having dynamic switching graphics is like being able to open the computer and put in a different graphics card for different scenarios, except you don’t have to dissect your MacBook Pro. A high-powered gaming card is for more intense applications like Photoshop or Call of Duty. Integrated graphics are for ordinary applications like Microsoft Word and a Twitter client. From an automotive analogy think of dynamic switching graphics as switching to four-wheel drive when driving off-road and two-wheel drive for driving around town. The benefit is higher power when needed, but lower power consumption on the integrated graphics for ordinary tasks.

It is nice to know when the higher powered discrete graphics card is being used. gfxcardstatus is a lightweight utility that runs in your menu bar and tells you exactly when that happens with on-screen notification. It is a free app which you can get from the developer’s website.

The app will run in the background and any time the computer switches it will give you an onscreen notification (see above and below). In addition, if you would like to manually switch the computer between the two, you simply click the menu icon. The drop down menu gives options including selection of the Intel only, AMD or NVIDIA only or Dynamic Switching, which is the default for the MacBook Pro and lets the computer decide automatically.

There are preferences which allow you to tell it to set the graphics card to the less battery hungry integrated graphics when your computer is unplugged or to automatically turn on the more powerful discrete graphics card when you are plugged into power. This can increase performance when plugged in and increase battery life when unplugged. You might want the latter when you are running low on battery life but can’t plug-in.

If you are noticing the computer switching to power-hungry discrete graphics and can’t figure out what application might be causing this, the app will give you a list of which programs cause the switch from the drop down menu. They will be listed in the menu section that shows which card is used. This is very handy for trying to see what apps are draining your battery.

gfxcardstatus Features:

• Easily switches between graphics card options
• Display which card is being used
• Notifications use growl
• Lightweight
• Free

How to Tell Which GPU Your MacBook Pro is Using and Manually Choose Your GPU with gfxcardstatus is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Lenovo IdeaPad V460 is a business notebook that shares many features with the consumer IdeaPad Y460, like switchable graphics but comes in a business friendly metal case. Overall this is a sturdy, durable and well equipped notebook but it falls short in a few areas including battery life and mousepad usability.

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Quick Specs: The V460 is a 14″ metal cased 4.8 pound business notebook which as tested has a 2.27 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB hard drive and switchable graphics powered by a NVIDIA GeForce 310M with 512MB RAM.

Who is this Notebook For?

The Lenovo IdeaPad V460 is a metal cased business class notebook that comes with a fingerprint reader, USB portlocker and data encryption to provide security and ease of use to small business user who may not need all the trappings of a ThinkPad. The switchable graphics give this business notebook a bit more power than you will find on the ThinkPad Edge notebooks.

Build and Design

The Lenovo V460 is an incredibly well-built notebook, coming close to the feel of a ThinkPad and the build quality is much higher than the consumer IdeaPad line. Thanks in large part to the metallic design that covers the lid and makes up the case of this notebook it feels sturdy and able to handle the rigors of the road. The case and the display are both solid showing little to no flex under stress and the center of the notebook doesn’t offer give indicating a solid structure throughout. This notebook is one of the most solidly built devices I have had the pleasure of using and the night and day difference in build quality switching between the V460 and the Y460 or almost any consumer notebook is impossible to miss.

Screen

The screen offers a reasonable amount of tilt and though it does not go flat like many business notebooks do it does go back enough for a comfortable viewing angle while typing in numerous positions. As for brightness the V460′s 14″ display is more than bright enough at full brightness and usable for text and web work at half to three-quarter brightness without any loss of utility. The display is glossy which limits the use in outdoor settings and is a surprising choice but the gloss factor is low compared to many consumer models which helps with bright overhead lights.

Mouse and Keyboard

The keyboard is very usable but instead of the island or chiclet style that many manufacturers are using, the V460 has a traditional style that is almost a mix of a traditional style. The keyboard is still very usable for a its style likely due in large part to the extra space between keys that is noticeable when compared to many consumer notebook keyboards. In all a very usable keyboard that is also surprisingly quiet, save the space bar, when you consider how responsive the keys are. There was no flex or mushiness in the keyboard.

One annoyance is that the Fn key is where you’ll find the Ctrl key on most notebooks and unlike the ThinkPad line which allows the user to swap these easily the IdeaPad doesn’t appear to offer this option. For diehard Lenovo users this may not be an issue but even after several weeks it was hard to adjust to the movement of a key I use so often. The rest of the key placement is where you would expect and of standard size.

The mousepad on the V460 was originally one of the most annoying I had ever used but a software update and tweaking the settings made it better, though there were still some issues when trying to make a precise movement such as selecting a specific block of text. After using for a week or two I was able to get a better feel for the mouse but you will still want an external mouse for long work sessions.

One highlight was the textured surface of the touchpad that made the surface usable even with a damp fingertip which is good news for people working in a hot office or who just set down a perspiring glass of iced tea. One final note is that this is not a multi-touch mousepad like many commonly available on notebooks today so you’ll need to use a dedicated scroll section.

Processor and Performance

The IdeaPad V460 is a well equipped notebook and in our tests we found that the Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with switchable graphics, was able to handle pretty much any task we threw at it. From surfing the web and working in PowerPoint to editing pictures and video this machine delivered. When we enabled the NVIDIA GeForce GPU we could even play a game like Far Cry 2 on the low setting without any trouble; which is not something we would normally expect to find on a business notebook such as this.

When editing video with the NVIDIA CUDA enabled GPU turned on we could render a video in a matter of minutes, three and a half to be exact, that would take significantly longer on a standard system.

Unfortunately the user is required to switch between graphic modes unlike many of the new switchable systems, like Optimus, that automatically detects when to use the battery saving integrated graphic and when to switch to the more powerful dedicated GPU.  Instead of automatically switching the GPU is controlled by a small switch on the front of the computer which, when flipped, can switch the GPU in 5-20 seconds, during which the screen will flicker. While an intelligent switching solution would be nice, the user still retains control and can choose power or battery life depending on their current needs.

Audio

While the V460 isn’t packing Dolby certified sound like many consumer models it does have a decent set of speakers that can fill a room without distorting or sounding tinny. This will come in handy for presentations, catching a show on Hulu or playing a game using the GeForce GPU.

Heat and Noise

In our tests the V460 maintained a usable temperature during various tasks including the palmrest and the bottom of the notebook which is good news if you plan to use this notebook on your lap in an airport or in the car. While the fan was running for most of the use it was not loud enough to be distracting or even audible in most settings.

Battery

The battery life of the V460 was very low. Even when using the integrated graphics for web surfing and editing office documents we were only able to achieve 2 hours and 36 minutes of battery life with the screen at two-thirds brightness. With the NVIDIA GeForce 310M enabled, editing a video, battery life dropped to 1 hour and 37 minutes. For a business notebook we would have expected the battery life to last longer, preferably over the 4 hour mark when using the integrated graphics.

Connectivity

Like many business notebook the V460 has a good number of ports to handle peripherals and external storage; but it is missing an eSata port.

Closeup of GPU and Wireless switches

Software and Business Features

The IdeaPad V460 is a small business notebook and as such it comes with software and extra features to make it easier for a small business owner to handle security and backups. For security, the Lenovo Security Suite is a collection of tools like the built-in fingerprint reader and Portlocker software, which prevents unauthorized USB devices from being used to steal information, to secure your computer in an easy to configure manner. The V460 also features a hard drive drop sensor to protect your hard drive from damage during a fall and an easy to use back up system that can be used to make a system backup to an external hard drive for safekeeping.

Value

The all metal construction, security features and the GPU/CPU combo offer a very powerful machine for around $899 configured closely to the review unit we have. Even with the touchy mousepad and low battery life this notebook does provide a tempting combination of power and durability for the price but if you don’t need all of the extras and want to save some money you should look at the ThinkPad Edge Line which offer the traditional pointer and better keyboard, though they do lack the small business security features.

Conclusion

In the end the IdeaPad V460 offers a tempting packaged for small business users who need the ability to switch to a higher power GPU, security features and want a durable design that should last longer than a consumer notebook with similar components.

Pros:

• All metal case
• Powerful processor and switchable graphics
• Fingerprint reader and small business software

Cons:

• Battery Life
• User must switch Graphics Mode
• Mousepad was troublesome during precise pointing

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Detailed Specs:

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Review: Business on the Outside, Graphics Inside is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The HP Pavilion dv6z represents a hard to achieve notebook package — a quad core processor, a large screen, durable body that is thin enough to slip into a backpack discrete switchable graphics for under $800. That’s not to say the HP dv6z is perfect but it does offer significant value and style.

HP Pavilion dv6z Quick Specs:

The HP Pavilion dv6z comes with a metal alloy case that houses a 15.6″ HD HP Brightview LED backlit screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution,  an AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor P920, 3GB DDR3 RAM, a 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive and a 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 switchable graphics solution.

Who is this Notebook For?

The HP Pavilion dv6z is a great fit for users who want power and a big screen but also want a notebook that is portable and affordable. The dv6z as configured would be a good fit for students who want one notebook to handle web browsing,  homework, video and image editing as well as entertainment and mild gaming. Though this notebook is slim, the battery life limits it from being the best option for an on the go professional or small business owner.

Build and Design

The HP Pavilion dv6z was one of the notebook lines refreshed this summer by HP in a move that saw metal alloy lids and cases gracing the entire Pavilion line. These new cases don’t just prevent fingerprints, they add to the overall durability and build quality of the notebook. The dv6z felt very durable during use with no flexing or bending of the screen or case when we tried to stress it. The hinges also felt sturdy and kept the notebook closed when you shut the lid.  When compares to a last generation HP dv6 this notebook is slimmer and felt noticeably sturdier.

HP Pavilion dv6z hands on

Screen

The screen on the review unit was glossy, but not so bad that we couldn’t use it in an office with florescent lights, in a coffee shop near a window or even in the car. It isn’t one that you would want to use outside on a daily basis but so long as there is something between you and the sun it is usable.

The screen on the dv6z tilts back enough to be usable in many situations whether on a table or on your lap and when it comes to brightness; the brightest setting was sufficient for use while working or watching a movie and when set a lower brightness to save battery the notebook was still usable for text based work or web browsing. Screen quality was good with no dead pixels, uneven backlighting or light leaks.

Mouse and Keyboard

The keyboard on the HP dv6z, like the rest of the refreshed Pavilion line, is a chiclet or island style keyboard that is easy to use with decent feedback and key spacing. The keyboard was not mushy nor did it flex during extended typing sessions which heavy typers like myself will appreciate. The keys are not as good as those we saw on the ThinkPad edge but are on the upper end of consumer notebooks.

One thing we didn’t like was the inclusion of a function row of keys to the left of the keyboard where you would normal find the Tab, Caps Lock, Shift and Ctrl keys. These keys launch various pre-defined programs and will take some serious adjustment to handle. After 2 weeks with the machine I was still consistently opening the calculator instead of hitting Shift.

Most users will appreciate the switch in function keys that rest above the keyboard though. Instead of needing to hit function to adjust volume, brightness etc. you can just hit the corresponding key. If you need to use a function key like F7, you can use the Fn key and press F7. If you prefer to have the function row work as F1 – F12 by default you can turn this on in the BIOS.

The Mousepad is large and generous which again mirrors the new trend on HP Pavilion notebooks of incorporating the mouse buttons into the mousing surface. The large touchpad can be pressed at any point and will make a clicking noise, but  the clicks only register as left or right when your finger is in the bottom section of the mousepad.

This style of mousepad is ultimately one that users either love or hate, but after a week of use and turning palm check up higher the mouse was usable.

Processor and Performance

When it comes to processing power the HP Pavilion dv6z we tested is packing the power in the form of a quad-core AMD Phenom II processor. In testing the notebook it was able to handle video editing using Sony Vegas software without any issues as well as handle some gaming we threw at it thanks to the switchable graphics solution that will automatically switch between the high-end graphics when plugged in and the integrated solution when unplugged to save on battery life. You can also control this manually if you need more graphics horsepower when you are unplugged.

While the dv6z was able to handle many processor intensive tasks we threw at it there were still the occasional hang up while using Chrome with many windows and tabs. This issue did not occur when using Internet Explorer, but is worth noting.

Audio and Speakers

The Dolby Advanced Audio and Altec Lansing speakers go a long way towards keeping the dv6z out of the muddy and tinny sounds that seem to surround many notebooks these days. For music or movies in a small room the speakers are sufficient and provide an enjoyable level of volume without distortion. That said if you are going to be pumping out the tunes for a small gathering or sharing a movie with more than one other person you will want to connect the dv6z to external speakers.

Heat and Noise

Surprisingly even though the dv6z has a Quad-core processor heat was not a problem. Even during extended use the palmrest and bottom of the notebook did not reach uncomfortable temperatures. Noise was also not an issue while using the dv6z.

Battery

The Battery life of the HP dv6z can vary by a large amount depending on what you are doing and whether or not you have the dedicated graphics solution running. While editing a video with the higher power graphics turned on the notebook lasted just over two and a half hours but when relying on the integrated graphics for standard web work the notebook could hit the four hour mark. It would be great to see a longer battery life, but given the power this notebook is packing it is a trade off you may be willing to make; especially at the pricepoint.

When configuring, you do have the option of selecting between a 6 cell battery high capacity 6 cell battery and an oversized 9 cell battery. For users who need to be away from outlets for extended times the $60 upgrade to a 6 cell battery and a 9 cell battery is a good deal.

Connectivity

Software

The Hp dv6z comes with a standard assortment of software in Windows but it also offers the HP QuickWeb instant on OS that lets you browse the web, use Skype and a few other web related apps. Until using this tool I wondered who had such an urgent need to get something done that they couldn’t wait for Windows to load, but during my time with the dv6z I came t appreciate this feature. After shutting down the notebook at a local coffee shop I received a text message asking me to update a project I was working on that is inaccessible from the mobile browser. I was able to use the QuickWeb environment to quickly wrap up the task in the time it would have taken to load Windows and start Chrome.

Value

The HP Pavilion dv6z is a value notebook and it offers a users looking for significant processing power and switchable graphics a good value for their money.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, even though the keyboard layout takes some getting used to and the battery is just OK, the fact that you can get a durable body, Quad-core processor and switchable graphics in a system that can handle anything from web work to video editing makes this notebook stand out in sea of competing 15.6″ notebooks.

Pros:

• Quad Core at an affordable price
• durability
• switchable graphics

Cons:

• Battery life
• Issues when running Chrome

HP Pavilion dv6z Gallery:

HP Pavilion dv6z Detailed Specs:

HP Pavilion dv6z Review: Quad Core at Bargain Price is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

As part of the most recent refresh to the popular Pavilion line of notebooks HP has released the HP Pavilion dv6z, an AMD powered notebook that includes a sleek looking metal alloy lid. The new HP Pavilion dv6z includes switchable graphics with an island style keyboard and starts at $579.

HP loaned us a review unit equipped with the AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor P920 and decked out in a black cherry lid to see what the HP dv6z can do.

After a few days with the device you can find our first impressions of the HP dv6z in the video below.

In short, the notebook felt very durable and the keyboard was easy to use with a generous trackpad below it. In the first few days of use it is worth noting that the keyboard and mouse may take some adjustment due to the row of function keys to the left of the keyboard and the new buttons incorporated mousepad style. While the processor was able to handle video editing and some gaming we noticed a few hangs or slow downs when the using multiple Chrome windows which is something we will be looking at closer.

We’ll be posting a full review of the HP dv6z shortly with more details on this back to school notebook from HP.

HP Pavilion dv6z Specs: Starts at $579.99, as configured $799.99

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• AMD Phenom (TM) II Quad-Core Mobile Processor P920 (1.6GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
• 3GB DDR3
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon (TM) HD 5470 switchable graphics
• 15.6″ diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Display (1366×768)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• HP TrueVision Webcam + Digital Microphone
• Wireless 802.11b/g/n Card
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)

HP Pavilion dv6z Hands On Video is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Rene Haas is the General Manager of Notebooks at NVIDIA

In the past, consumers were forced to prioritize notebook performance or battery life, as one feature typically suffers significantly in order to accommodate the other. You could have long battery life from an underpowered notebook, or all the GPU power you desired from a notebook without extra long battery life.  As of today, those days are behind us.

A new technology for notebooks called NVIDIA Optimus is available today on systems from Asus. Just as a Hybrid car chooses between the gas-powered and electric car engine on-the-fly and uses the most appropriate engine, NVIDIA Optimus technology does the same thing for graphics processors.

NVIDIA Optimus is a game changer for the notebook PC industry. It intelligently and seamlessly manages graphics performance while extending battery life to provide the best notebook PC experience.”

- Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, a pioneer of the graphics industry and a leading analyst

NVIDIA Optimus optimizes the mobile experience by letting the user get the performance of discrete graphics from a notebook, while still delivering great battery life. Optimus accomplishes this by automatically and seamlessly selecting the right graphics processor for the job between an NVIDIA discrete GPU or Intel integrated graphics.

Older technology called switchable graphics helped address the performance/battery life balance, but there were still several issues. Switchable graphics was pioneered by NVIDIA about 2 years ago and quickly adopted by other graphics companies. With switchable graphics, users have the advantage of having access to discrete and integrated graphics. However, they are required to manually switch between the two display adapters. Switching also often requires shutting down applications that are running and sometimes requires rebooting the system.  Also, with switchable graphics often users do not know or remember what state their notebook is in. The result:  users get frustrated and rarely switch.

Switchable graphics is a great idea in theory, but in practice people rarely switch between integrated and discrete GPUs.  The process is just too cumbersome and confusing.  Some buyers wonder why their performance is so poor when they think the discrete GPU is active, but, unknown to them, it isn’t.  Optimus fixes what is broken with switchable graphics.”

- Roger Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, one of the computer industry’s best-known market intelligence analysts

Optimus offers notebook users a far better user experience.  Optimus is automatic. Optimus determines the best processor for the workload and routes it accordingly, with the decision being entirely transparent to the user.

Optimus is switchable graphics done right.  No toggles, no reboots, no thinking.   Finally, there is an optimized notebook solution that painlessly gives notebook users both the performance they want and the battery life they need.”

- Rob Enderle, President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, one of the most influential technology pundits in the world

With more and more processing being done on the GPU, the significance of Optimus becomes increasingly more important.  GPU Computing is the use of the massively parallel architecture of the graphics processing unit (GPU) as a computational engine that can be programmed with high level languages and APIs. We already have a great roster of applications that run on the NVIDIA CUDA architecture that consumers love. In fact, video is the killer application for the GPU, and a number of new video applications are able to tap into the computing power of the GPU thanks to CUDA.  Adobe has added support for GPU computing to their popular CS4 Suite, Flash 10.1 and their Mercury Playback Engine.

NVIDIA Optimus is designed to work in ways consumers expect hardware and software to work together, it’s simple and seamless. We worked closely with NVIDIA to enable Adobe Flash Player 10.1 to take advantage of GPU acceleration whenever possible.  As a result, consumers get the benefit of maximum battery life and the best multimedia experience when browsing the web.”

- David Wadhwani, general manager & vice president, Platform Business Unit, Adobe, which is redefining business, entertainment and personal communications by setting new standards for producing and delivering content

ASUS N61JV with NVIDIA Optimus

Notebooks with NVIDIA Optimus technology will be available shortly, starting with the Asus UL50Vf, N61Jv, N71Jv, N82Jv, and U30Jc notebooks.

We are all hands-on-deck to bring this innovative new technology into the consumer market.  NVIDIA Optimus is a unique approach that solves the problem of users having to choose between systems and graphics performance versus extended battery life. ASUS’ powerful multimedia N series and the thin and light UL series notebooks will adopt this new technology, and in doing so provide our users with powerful multimedia enjoyment at home or on-the-go.”

- P.C. Wang, Corporate Vice President & General Manager, Notebook Business Unit System Business Group of ASUS

Optimus is new and is a level beyond switchable graphics.  Optimus is able to automatically give users the performance they need while also maximizing battery life, transparently, and with zero effort.  It just works.

The genius of NVIDIA Optimus is in its simplicity. One can surf the web and get great battery life and when one needs the extra horsepower for applications like Adobe Flash 10.1, Optimus automatically switches to the more powerful NVIDIA GPU.”

-said Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, a pioneer of the graphics industry and a leading analyst.

For more information on NVIDIA Optimus technology, side by side videos and additional details, visit http://www.nvidia.com/optimus.

Optimus Makes it Simple is a post by Rene Haas from Notebooks.com.

ASUS has just announced the ASUS UL30Vt, a sleek 13.3″ Notebook, that offers an impressive mobile computing experience in a less than an inch thick brushed aluminum shell.

The ASUS UL30VT notebook can be configured to with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, Up to 4 GB of DDR3 RAM and up to a 500 GB hard drive spinning at 5400RPM.

The UL30Vt also has the ability to switch between a battery friendly embedded Intel GMA X4500MHD graphic card and a more powerful NVida GeForce G 210M graphic card with 512MB of Video RAM.

The ability to switch between graphic cards gives you the choice between an hour of battery life and enjoying the power of the Nvidia graphics card. So if your World of Warcraft obsession has brought about a low battery indicator you can switch to the integrated card and finish your spreadsheet with a few minutes to spare.

Speaking of battery life the UL30vt claims 12+ hours of battery life, made possible by the ASUS Power 4 Gear technology incorporated into it. Power 4 Gear uses power wisely based on your preferences and current work as well as lets you turn off specific pieces of hardware to save battery life.

In addition to all of these features the ASUS UL30Vt also uses, “Turbo33 Technology” to enhance system performance by up to 33%. This is accomplished by using both a hardware and a software solution and it claims to offer a performance boost noticeable when playing videos and performing other multimedia activities.

From the looks of it the UL30Vt is going to deliver a better experience than the current UL series notebooks and look sexy while doing it. Keep in mind, that even with the switchable graphics you still won’t want a UL series notebook if you use resource hungry applications.

Despite the use of terms like, “Turbo33″ and “Power 4 Gear” that remind me of the stickers on my first 486 SX desktop, ASUS may have a real winner on their hands. In fact, if this notebook had backlit keys, you might see me trading in my netbook.

There is no current information available on pricing or release, but it wouldn’t be unheard of for the UL30Vt to start around the $700-800 range that the current Asus UL30 sits in.

ASUS UL30Vt Specification:

Additional Images of the ASUS UL30Vt:

ASUS UL30VT offers an “UnLimited” Notebook Experience is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.