New ASUS N Series Laptops and SonicMaster Propel Laptop Audio to a New Level

[btarunr]

Developed in conjunction with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower, the ASUS SonicMaster standard delivers the most advanced multimedia features available for laptop PCs. The new N Series from ASUS is the first ever range of laptops to address the problem of sub-standard audio on portable PCs. Two new Intel Core i5 models are available, 15.6" and 17.3" screens, and both combine superior audio technology with eye-catching designs. Each new model also features the latest NVIDIA GeForce 400M 3D chipset with Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance.



A superlative Sound Standard
Realising that people spend up to a third of their day using multimedia devices of some description and that most laptops fall short in delivering high-quality audio, ASUS went back to the drawing board.

Working with its own 'Golden Ear' team and the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen ICEpower innovations house, ASUS focused on ways to develop natural sound that wasn't compromised by the constraints posed by laptop computers, but instead capitalised upon them. The result represents a new standard in laptop audio - ASUS SonicMaster.

SonicMaster isn't a gimmick, but a new professional audio certification programme for portable computers. SonicMaster-compliant laptops like the new N Series incorporate large speaker chambers, more powerful amplifiers and extensive software processing to deliver breathtaking audio fidelity.

Multimedia mastery
Superlative audio is only one facet of the new N Series' multimedia mastery. The NVIDIA GeForce 325M and 400M Fermi-based 3D graphics chipsets provide excellent DirectX 11 performance, complete with hardware-acceleration for silky smooth HD video playback.

ASUS Video Magic technology further enhances image quality by expertly upscaling SD content and automatically enhancing image quality.

Combined with LED-backlit screens with a zero dead pixel guarantee, the new N Series are laptops that are a feast for the eyes - and ears.

Pricing and availability
The ASUS N Series N53 and N73 will be available UK-wide from a number of retailers and etailers including Comet, Micro Anvika, Selfridges and Amazon. Prices start from £649.99 SRP inc VAT.

Product Specifications:

• Processor Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz - 2.933GHz) or Core i3-370M (2.4GHz)
• OS Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
• Display 15.6" HD TFT (1366 x 768, Color-Shine)
• Graphic Card NVIDIA GeForce GT325/415M, 1GB dedicated graphics memory with NVIDIA Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance
• Storage 320GB/500GB (5400rpm)
• Memory 4096MB (2048×2) DDRIII 1066 RAM
• Optical Drive Blu-Ray Combo
• Wireless 802.11 BGN
• Webcam Yes
• Numeric Keypad Yes
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Keyboard 19mm full size 88 Key with MS Windows function keys, Numeric Keyboard
• Card Reader 7-in-1 (SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, XD, Smart Media, mini SD w/ adapter, MS-Duo)
  Interface 1 x VGA port
• 1 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x e-SATA/USB2.0 Combo
• 1 x LAN RJ-45 jack (10/100/1000MBit)
• 1 x HDMI (1080p support)
• 2 x Audio Jacks (Headphone, SPDIF/MIC-in)
• Kensington Lock
• Audio Audio designed by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower
• Integrated microphone
• ASUS SonicFocus audio technology
• Battery Li-Polymer 48WH (6 cells: 4400mAh)
• Dimensions & weight 391 x 266 x 30.5-40.5 mm; 2.9Kg
• Warranty 2 year global collect & return
• Price £649.99 - £999 (SRP inc VAT)

N73JN

• Processor Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz - 2.933GHz)
• OS Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
• Display 17.3" HD+ TFT (1600 x 900, Color-Shine)
• Graphic Card NVIDIA GeForce GT325M, 1GB dedicated graphics memory with NVIDIA Optimus technology for outstanding power source-optimised graphics performance
• Storage 640GB (2 x 320GB, 5400rpm)
• Memory 4096MB (2048×2) DDRIII 1066 RAM
• Optical Drive Blu-Ray Combo
• Wireless 802.11 BGN
• Webcam Yes
• Numeric Keypad Yes
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Keyboard 19mm full size 88 Key with MS Windows function keys, Numeric Keyboard
• Card Reader 5-in-1 (SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, XD)
• Interface 1 x VGA port
• 1 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x e-SATA/USB2.0 Combo
• 1 x LAN RJ-45 jack (10/100/1000MBit)
• 1 x HDMI (1080p support)
• 2 x Audio Jacks (Headphone, SPDIF/MIC-in)
• Kensington Lock
• Audio Audio designed by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower
• Integrated microphone
• ASUS SonicFocus audio technology
• Battery Li-Polymer 48WH (6 cells: 4400mAh)
• Dimensions & weight 420 x 287 x 36.7-40.5 mm; 3.4Kg
• Warranty 2 year global collect & return
• Price £1,099 (SRP inc VAT)

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[MrAlex]

That list is messed up down at the bottom...you might wanna fix that

 

[Easy Rhino]

SonicMaster isn’t a gimmick, but a new professional audio certification programme for portable computers.

i.e. gimmick

 

[Batou1986]

i.e. gimmick

i love reading these press releases some manufactures just make me laugh with that crap, calling something a standard that is only a standard recognized by themselves really isn't a standard now is it.

BUT if its half as good as there screens and whatever that display mode software the use is called, you know the one that lets you hot switch between modes like Sports, Movie, Game, etc it will be nice.

 

[Black Haru]

i.e. gimmick

yeah, that's what it looks like. however, I will say that the sound on my G73 is pretty impressive (not that I ever use it)