ASUS @ CeBIT 2009
ASUS had so much to showcase in CeBIT 2009 that they had to be situated in a different hall from most other PC Component vendors. Join us as we showcase the very newest and very best of what ASUS has to offer. From the expanding Eee series to unreleased products like the Intel P55 boards, there's something of interest for everyone.
Introduction
ASUS has so much to showcase that they couldn't take up a big enough spot in Hall 21 where most other PC component vendors are located. Instead, they took up a bigger and much more spacious location a few blocks away in Hall 26. And indeed it looked like ASUS had temporarily shifted itself to CeBIT with their staggering size, amount of products on showcase and the many booth executives stationed there. So to capture all of what's happening over at the ASUS booth, here's a dedicated article for a more focused view.
Here's the huge Hall 26. Mind you that there are nearly 40 halls in total at the Hannover Fairgrounds, so it can be quite a walk to get from one place to another - just some info to give you a sense of scale of the entire CeBIT expo.
Here's the ASUS booth within Hall 26. The entire space occupied by ASUS is many more times than what you can see here, so we couldn't capture it all.
ASUS also held their press conference earlier today to highlight their past year's key achievements, new products showcased in this year's CeBIT and their direction moving forward. To make it easier to follow through, we'll cover all of what ASUS has to offer and say via a product segments. So let's start off with their successful Eee family:-
The Growing Eee Family
The Eee Top PC ET1602 all-in-one nettop system was everywhere at ASUS booth. In a way, it was to showcase its versatility and able to blend in anywhere for various usage needs.
The white version actually looks better and more classy than the black version we reviewed late last year.
And the Eee Top PC is soon to be available in larger sizes like 20-inch and 22-inch versions too. Specifications aren't released yet, but it's likely to remain similar to the original version.
Here's the recently launched ASUS Eee PC T91, a mini-notebook tablet if you will. They aren't the first to do so for the mini-notebook segment, but it's certainly looking more elegant. Using the similar Intel Atom platform (but using the less power hungry Z520 processor), it sports a 8.9-inch LED backlit resistive touch panel, 1GB DDR2, 16GB flash memory storage, expandable to 16GB more via SD cards and 20GB more via ASUS' Eee Storage online. Other specs include an array microphone, 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN, 0.3MP webcam. Comes with Windows XP Home OS. The keyboard however needs improvements in our trial usage. If that were bettered, it this mini notebook tablet would be a joy to use.
The Eee PC T91 even comes with an optional GPS and TV-tuner options. Seen here is a demo of the portable system equipped with a GPS module.
If an 8.9-inch screen is a tad small for you, there's also a 10-inch version of the T91 which is known as the T101H. Specs are somewhat similar except that it uses an N270 Atom processor, a better 1.3MP webcam, a Chiclet styled keyboard (though we can't say it's better) and has a 160GB HDD and comes with 10GB on of online storage from ASUS Eee Storage. It weighs in at 1.25kg versus the smaller sibling's 0.96kg.
There were also several more Eee PC mini-notebook variations, but the more prominent ones were the Eee PC 1000HE and Eee PC 1008HA. The Eee PC 1000HE boasts of 9.5 hours of battery life, a new Chiclet keyboard and the faster Atom N280 processor. The Eee PC 1008HA however is a 1-inch slim mini notebook which has a very pretty seashell themed pearl-like casing top. Internally however, it remains similar to the rest of the Eee PC troupe. Too bad this wasn't seen in the flesh, but it should be available within a month or two.
More Eee with Eee Keyboard PC, Eee Station and Eee Videophone
Just when you thought the Eee branding would end with what we've seen so far, ASUS is extending it to other forms and in fact wants to embrace this as a whole new brand separate from the ASUS brand. After all, the Eee branding stands for Easy, Entertaining and Exciting.
Just when you thought the Eee branding would end there, ASUS is extending it to other forms. Meet the Eee Station PC NAS. Powered by an Atom platform (which you should've guessed), it has 2GB of DDR2 memory, 512MB of Flash ROM, takes in a pair of 3.5-inch hard drives (up to 2GB max total capacity), and is able to configure them in RAID 0, 1 and JBOD. It is also equipped with slot-in DVD writer and a 802.11n MIMO AP router. All in, it's a centralized solution for file storage and sharing with unattended content downloading capability.
Note that it even comes built-in with a small 3.5-inch touch-screen display for managing the storage subsystem. The rear of the unit has a DVI output, four USB ports, four LAN ports, one WAN port and the usual audio outputs.
And here's the highly talked about Eee Keyboard PC. Yes, it is a fully functional PC (using the Atom platform again) in the form of a keyboard and a 5-inch touch screen.
Here's ASUS Chairman Johney Shih introducing the Eee Keyboard PC.
While you would think what purpose would a keyboard PC with a tiny screen serve, he explained that this the Eee Keyboard PC would make for an excellent media center extender. Think about it - why do you want to get a separate a wireless keyboard set for HTPC needs and an MCE device when you can have it all in one unit on the keyboard and let it be your ultimate media controller. This will be a handy device to interact with your home theatre equipment - provided that they are all wireless ready. This little gadget is using wireless HDMI standard.
Here's a close-up of the Eee Keyboard PC in operation. Notice the Windows XP OS? The 5-inch touch-screen can be difficult to use in the usual Windows environment as it's screen is too small.
Here's another look at the model manipulating the touch-screen display.
However, once you bring on the customized UI, navigating and utilizing the Eee Keyboard PC is much more easy.
A final shot of it being utilized by the model. You can tell that the unit is very slim, modern and chic. (okay, the same can be said of the model too).
And here we have the Eee Videophone AiGuru SV1. ASUS claims that this is the world's first PC-free videophone for Skype. It has a 7-inch display, webcam and is Wi-Fi capable for unlimited face-to-face video calls. You could say that this is a simple all-in-one video conferencing solution.
And here's the AiGuru U1, a Skype phone for the Eee PC. Other specs are as indicated.
ASUS Lamborghini VX5 - Luxury Notebook
Building on their relation and co-branding with Lamborghini for their luxury notebooks, here's another powerhouse to add to their portfolio, the new VX5!
And here's where it draws its inspiration.
Here's another view of the super car looking gorgeous in white.
This is bottom-view of the notebook and it looks like it has a decent-sized subwoofer.
A view of the same notebook in black.
Here's the beauty opened up. It sports a 16-inch Full HD resolution screen (with a 2.0MP webcam), which is powered by a GeForce GT 130M with 1GB video memory. The platform powering the entire unit is an Intel P45M chipset with a Core 2 Quad processor, 4GB DDR3 memory and is one of the first notebooks to be equipped with a 1TB solid state hard drive! Weighing in at 3.3kg, this entertainment luxury notebook is slated to be out in the first half of the year and will certainly cost more than 2,000 Euros (we couldn't get a specific number at this point of time).
Here's a close-up of the notebook's keyboard and touchpad.
It even has a Blu-ray Combo optical drive.
The New U and UX Series Notebooks
Johney Shih introduced the new U and UX series of notebooks during the press conference. Sporting a classy illuminated keyboard and touchpad and light sensor for automatic visual adjustment, these notebooks are a looker. The UX series goes one-up and introduces a frameless LED backlight panel!
Here's the handsome U-series notebook. Specs aren't yet confirmed but what we do know and saw was that it comes in three sizes.
Seen here is one of the smallest sizes handled by the pretty model at the press conference.
Here's how the cool touchpad looks like. These lights interact with your touch input on the touchpad.
New Gaming and Entertainment Series Notebooks
The G71G is part of the newer range of gaming notebooks from ASUS. Highlights include a Core 2 Quad or Duo processor, supports up to 12GB memory with 3 DIMM slots, 17-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) screen (and secondary two-line display for auxiliary use) driven by a GeForce 9800M GS 512MB. Powerful for gaming, but this weighs a staggering 4kg.
The G50Vt is a similarly configured gaming notebook but with a 15.4-inch WSXGA+ screen, high-speed Core 2 Duo processor options, dual DIMM slots and a 2.0MP webcam. It clocks in at 3.3kg, but the specialty of this notebook is that it has an optional configuration with a 15.6-inch 3D LCD panel. This was however not shown on display but when we spoke to the product executive, he mentioned that it's slated to be available in this first half of the year but availability could be limited to certain regions only. The 3D screen will not require the use of special glasses so that should be interesting (and reminds us of the Zalman 3D monitors).
9 aspect ratio, a GeForce 9400M G platform with integrated graphics, a variety of Core 2 Duo processor options, DVD and Blu-ray drive options and weighs in at 2.85kg. Its overall styling however reminds us very much of a HP.
Now for the entertainment series of notebooks. The M70Vn is a powerhouse in audio and video entertainment. This 17-inch WUXGA screen equipped machine boasts an Altec Lansing audio subsystem, Dolby Home Theatre certification and a GeForce 9650M GT graphics module for great audio and video performance respectively. Other highlights include Intel's Turbo Memory technology with 2GB NAND flash option, 1TB hard drive subsystem and a Blu-ray drive.
Here's a close-up of its multi-function trackpad.
Here's another variant of the multimedia control interface on another M-series entertainment notebook.
Concept Notebooks
ASUS also reminded us of their WEPC initiative in 2008 whereby you design it and ASUS builds it. Community driven and user-driven efforts these days play a big role these days and this outlet by ASUS gives this group of people their recognition and fulfills their needs.
Here's an example of how basic design concepts like this ...
... can turn into practical products of the future.
Yet another example.
And here's an actual concept PC that's been built for usability testing. This particular 'Flat Sharing' model would have multiple touch-screen displays and a multi-user interface all on the same notebook. The multiple displays can be flipped like a book.
An example of the multi-user interface as envisioned by ASUS.
Further concept design for the multi-user UI.
Here are more concept designs of folding notebooks taking cue from origami; this one has a working name called Airo. It's raised keyboard design improves cooling and typing comfort.
This one is inspired by Origami and is named Pure Fold. Look quite a bit like a paper folder. When do you think these will come true? We think it will be many more years, but it is a possibility, at least seeing that ASUS is actively building these prototypes for trial.
New Motherboards from ASUS
We've all seen quite a force of motherboards released by ASUS at the end of last year, but they still have more from where that came from. Here's an Intel X58 chipset based microATX motherboard, the Rampage II Gene. It's quite likely the first Core i7 board in this form factor. Full functional I/O outputs, dual PEG slots and 6 DIMM slots - we think ASUS has pulled out the best of engineering to create this powerful little board.
Those who haven't thought of investing in a Core i7 yet, how about a Core 2 based Intel P45 machine with the Maximus II Gene microATX motherboard?
The ASUS M4A79 Deluxe is an AMD 790FX + SB750 platform motherboard that is AM3 ready, but still uses DDR2 memory. Features include an 8+2 phase power design, ASUS EPU and TurboV for easy overclocking settings.
The M4A78T-E uses an AMD 790GX chipset and is both AM3 and DDR3 ready. Features include an 8+1 phase power design, ASUS EPU and Turbo Key for anytime pre-assigned overclocking.
This M4N82 Deluxe motherboard may sound like a brand new board with an NVIDIA nForce 980a SLI chipset, but not if you consider that this chipset is actually a re-branded nForce 780a chipset. Sounds like 'good-old' NVIDIA marketing. Features of the board include, 3-way SLI, an 8+1 phase power design and TurboV for easy overclocking settings.
New Motherboards from ASUS (contd.)
This the ASUS P7U Pro motherboard and it uses the yet unreleased Intel P55 chipset, which will eventually support the unreleased Core i5 processors in the second half of the year. The rear-I/O looks quite empty and may even feature some form of extreme cooling. As you can see from the DIMM configuration, the new CPU will support up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory.
One step lower, the P7U motherboard is also an Intel P55 chipset based board, but forgoes the secondary PEG slot.
Here's a close-up of the new LGA-1156 socket for the Core i5 processors.
And here's a concept motherboard cooling technology that's built for extremes. Called Marine Cool, it uses a ceramic and metal thermal module to cool the motherboard rear (shown to the left of the board). This rugged cooling module even has an on-board UPS for backup power! The board itself sports fancy cooling techniques and has failover memory to automatically switch over in case the primary memory gets susceptible to errors. Overall the board seems to have several redundancy measures and might probably appeal to the army or industrial purposes rather than for end-user deployment.
New Server Motherboards
Supporting the Core i7 processor and the upcoming workstation Nehalem processor, this Intel X58 motherboard is built for workstation needs and is named P6T7 WS Supercomputer. Using dual NVIDIA NF200 chips, it supports SLI and CrossFireX. The board has 7 PEG slots, four operate at x16, while three more operate at x8. Besides the onboard SATA storage, there's also dual SAS RAID capable ports and dual eSATA RAID capable ports thanks to Marvell's controller chips integrated.
The ASUS Z8NA-D6 motherboard is the first dual LGA-1366 socket motherboard in a standard ATX form factor. Based on the Intel 5500 chipset and the ICH10R Southbridge, this board supports the latest Intel Xeon 5500 processors
For extreme memory configurations, this ASUS Z8PE-D18 uses the Intel 5520 chipset for up to 18 DIMM slots configuration that supports up to 144GB of registered memory! The board is also optimized for virtualization with VMDq supported.
ASUS Graphics Card Highlights
Utilizing a new generation of Matrix cooling, this is the ENGTX260 Matrix. This GeForce GTX 260 graphics card supports dual clock speeds for 2D and 3D usage and automatically adjusts them and the fans for optimal operation. Its 3D clock speeds are 601/1296/2000MHz DDR.
Apparently, there's even one based on the Radeon 4870 but we didn't spot one at the show.
Here's the EAH4870X2/HTDI/2G graphics card sporting a custom tri-fan cooler. According to ASUS, this model is up to 24 degrees cooler than the reference Radeon 4870 X2 design. Clock speeds are 750/3600MHz DDR.
This is the TOP edition of the ASUS GeForce GTS 250 we recently reviewed. This edition is clocked at 775/1950/2360MHz DDR.
We also saw ASUS showcasing their new series of graphics cards called Formula with another unique cooler design. However, no specific models were released yet.
But we managed to get close-ups of the new cooler variations.
Here are the key highlights for the new Formula based coolers.
Other ASUS Peripherals
ASUS also had a special HTPC corner showcasing their solutions contributing to the HTPC ecosystem such as their IGP motherboards and sound cards.
Of special interest to us is their Xonar HDAV1.3 sound card solutions; notice the slim-profile card? That's a new entry and is the Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim.
It has specs which are almost similar to its bigger brother. Note that the slim version is PCI and not on a PCIe interface. Still this is good news for HTPC needs.
It has dual HDMI ports - one for input and the other for output.
Here's the rest of the Xonar sound card series
Other ASUS Peripherals (contd.)
Called the databank, this is a 128GB external SSD storage from ASUS.
We caught ASUS demonstrating their 120Hz Double-Frame Drive technology in their upcoming and unreleased monitor. Not even LCD sized are confirmed and neither can we confirm if this is compatible with NVIDIA's new 3D glasses.
1 maximum contrast ratio, 5ms display response, uses Wreless USB technology. It will not require any other cable besides power. This is still a prototype and won't be confirmed until later when Wireless USB is more prevalent.
Behind this wireless LCD monitor, we found two antennas embedded that communicates with its host sending in the video signals wirelessly
ASUS joins the 1KW PSU club with the G-1000HA PSU. It is 80 PLUS certified and has five dedicated +12V power rails.
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