A new line of CULV notebooks was just revealed by the folks from Asus, with 4 different models ranging from the small UL20A with a 12.1 inch screen to the 15.6″ inch UL50A. However, we’re only interested in the smaller versions, the UL20A and the UL30A, as both have the potential to become quite good competitors for the upper level netbooks like the Samsung N510 or the Acer Aspire 1410 .
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Update: Here’s my full review of the 12 inch Asus UL20A , with details on features, specs, pictures and best places to shop for it online.
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The UL20A comes with a Glossy display ( 1366 x 768 px resolution ) and will pack quite a few different hardware options. You will be able to choose from the 734 Celeron, the Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 or the Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300, along with an integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics solution, up to 4 GB of RAM and hard-drives up to 500 GB. Al these in a pretty compact body with a nice aluminum finish that measures 296mmx210mmx25.1mm~30.9mm and weighs around 3 pounds .
The bigger UL30A is very similar to the Asus UX30 we tested earlier this year as it comes with a 13.3″ display and similar specs to the ones above, but with the option of the even better SU9400 dual core CPU and an integrated 3G module. It weighs the same, around 3 pounds, but it’s a lot thinner, measuring 322mm x 232mm x 14.8-24.2mm. Also, it provides better battery life and is more affordable. More about the UL30A can be found in my thorough review here.
Asus UL30A and Ul20A – powerful netbook competitors
Both devices will come with Windows Vista and the option of a free upgrade to Windows 7. Not sure when they will enter the markets, but should pretty soon. Let’s hope that battery life and prices would be good enough, cause if they will, these mini laptops (especially the UL30A) might just get on the top of my wish-list . Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on one of these pretty soon and I’ll come back with more details then.
Asus claims that the unlimited series will do 12+ hour battery.
Which one of the models is capable of this?
Christian, i hope you’re aware that what a producer claims is not real. I’m not sure what will the UL20A bring, cause it’s not available yet, but the UL30A claims that can last for 12 hours. From my tests, you won’t be able to use it for more than 9 at best. Most “on paper” autonomy numbers are given with screen towards minimum brightness, no Wi-fi and without running any apps. So, you can see why they are not realistic.