Three months after Intel launched its Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors, we still haven't seen modestly-priced lightweight and ultraportable laptops that don't sacrifice power for battery life. While the somewhat expensive Editors' Choice Sony VAIO VPC-Z116GXS ($1,800 direct, 
) and Lenovo ThinkPad X201 ($1,625 direct, ) both come equipped with an Intel Core i5 CPU, affordable alternatives that run on these processors are woefully scarce. That's why the metal-clad Asus U30Jc-1A is a welcome addition to the market: It's 13 inches of pure muscle, running on a Core i3 processor and two GPUs—an Intel integrated chipset and an Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics card. And because it scored 8 hours of battery life and does all of this for a delectable price ($899 list), handing it the Editors' Choice in the mainstream laptop category is a no-brainer.
AsusTek Computer Inc.
http://www.asus.com
- Price as Tested: $899.00 Street
- Type: Gaming, General Purpose, Media, Value
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Processor Name: Intel Core i3 M350
- Processor Speed: 2.27 GHz
- RAM: 4 GB
- Weight: 4.7 lb
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Screen Size Type: widescreen
- Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 310M
- Storage Capacity: 320 GB
- Networking Options: 802.11n
- Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
