While checking out the new, super-slim U36Jc, we also spotted the new U31 and U41 laptops as well: these aren’t quite as thin (19mm), but are still under an inch (25mm) so there’s not a huge difference.
The 31 and 41 part of the name relate to 13.3″ and 14″ chassis sizes, although both use 16:9, 1366 x 768 resolution, on lower power LED backlit displays.
With the same standard voltage, mobile Core i3/i5 CPU options between all sizes, ASUS has again successfully shoehorned mainstream laptop hardware to an very-thin chassis, creating the best choice around for those who need portability and performance.
In addition, other common hardware across all three include ASUS’ Super Hybrid Engine, 6/8 cell battery options, 802.11n Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet. Apart from size, the main difference between the U41JF and both U31 laptops is the fact that the U41JF manages to fit an Nvidia graphics card and DVDRW drive as well.
More specifically the U41JF uses the extra space to cram in an Nvidia GeForce GT 425M with 1GB of dedicated DDR3 memory, which also means the U41 has power saving Nvidia’s Optimus technology too. Not to be left out, the U31s have upgraded Altec Lasing speakers, and the U31F specifically has 3G/3.5G support too, but will be only available in some countries that want it. If you do want one with 3G then, best fire an email to your local ASUS office and get nagging for one!
Leaving the techy stuff aside for a moment, there’s the popular chiclet keyboard and a metallic looking palm rest, while the small strip between keyboard and monitor has an attractive textured look too. Finally, the glossy black bezel around the LED backlit monitor does well to blend itself in with the display.
Like the U36Jc, these three should also be available within the next few weeks as well.