ASUS ships N53, N73 with Bang and Olfusen, Optimus tech
updated 01:40 pm EDT, Tue August 24, 2010
ASUS, Bang & Olufsen bring new N-series notebooks
PC maker ASUS has teamed up with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower to create two new notebook PCs in its N-series, and meet ASUS' SonicMaster standard. The 15.6-inch N53JN and 17.3-inch N73JN sport Core i5 processors along with NVIDIA graphics cores that support Optimus switching, including the 1GB GeForce GT 325M and the still unannounced 415M. The N53JN alone can be had with a 2.4GHz Core i3, while the optional 2.4GHz Core i5 is shared with the N73JN.
The N53JN has a 720p resolution display, and otherwise gets a 320GB or 500GB hard drive preloaded with Windows 7 Home Premium. It gets 4GB of RAM, and a Blu-ray drive is an option. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR and a webcam are also accounted for. A six-cell battery powers the system.
The N73JN has a 1600x900 resolution and sports twin 320GB hard drives, though they are 5,400RPM units. Windows 7 Home Premium is standard, as is 4GB of RAM, with a Blu-ray drive an option.
The ASUS N53 ships in the UK this November, with prices starting at the equivalent of just over $1,000, tax-inclusive. The N73JN begins at the equivalent of $1,700 though when it ships is unknown. A release in North America hasn't been revealed for these PCs, although most ASUS notebooks reach at least the US.
