X-bit labs

ASUS U3S: Two Notebooks in a Single Case (page 3)

Category: Mobile

by Alexander Britvin

[ 03/16/2008 | 10:26 AM ]

Exterior Design and Ergonomics

The U3S resembles ASUS’ U1F model but is larger. The lid is made from a robust magnesium-aluminum alloy and covered with piano lacquer. The lid surface can serve as a mirror if you keep it clean – the black glossy surface gets soiled and dusted just too easily.

Well, you can prefer the white version of the U3S that doesn’t look dirty after you touch it.

The internal color scheme is the same as on the outside: the leather trimming around the touchpad is white in the white-colored version of the notebook.

There is no lid lock here. The elements that keep the notebook closed or fix the lid at the desired angle are located in the screen hinges. There is a jutting metallic piece at the front of the lid to help you open the notebook up.

The display hinges are hidden in the tube that stretches the entire width of the notebook.

The notebook can be unfolded by a large enough angle, yet not by a full 180 degrees.

The hinge tube accommodates all the notebook’s indicators together with various buttons and ports. Two instant-launch buttons (Power4Gear eXtreme and Splendid) are placed near the left display hinge together with a microphone port.