Asus launches trio of U Series slimline laptops

New models offer performance boost and light monitoring technology

Asus has revealed UK pricing and shipping details for the three new laptops in its U Series, originally unveiled in early May, which boast performance gains, light monitoring technology and elegant design.

Two of the new notebooks, the U20 and U50/UX50, are based on Intel's consumer ultra low voltage (CULV) platform, which the firm said contributed to a set of laptops that were greener and more cost effective.

Contributing to the power saving abilities of the devices is Light-in-Motion, software that automatically adjusts the screen brightness depending on the ambient light in the current environment. Asus said that the backlit LED display requires 50 per cent less power compared with traditional LCD panels, and was free from mercury.

The screen has been designed to be as convenient to use as possible, according to the firm. "In brighter environments the screen brightness will increase to improve visibility whilst in lower light conditions (such as whilst travelling by plane) the screen will dim in order to reduce the glare on the users' eyes to provide excellent usability and safety," Asus said.

Asus was also keen to play up the U Series as "thin and light". The U20 is the lightest model weighing in at 1.78kg, while the U50 measures 21.6mm at its narrowest point.

Other features include a webcam, Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth connections, Express Gate V2 quick boot-up tools, 4GB RAM memory and up to a 500GB hard drive, and a Windows operating system. While in a video demonstrating the ASUS U Series notebooks Asus talked up their "elegant hinge design, butterfly wing inspired profile, brilliant backlit keyboard [and] exquisite shimmering glitters".

Pricing for the U series starts from £799 for the U20 and £999 for the U50/UX50. Both models will be available next month. Pricing and availability for the final unit, the U80, is yet to be confirmed.