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.
The U41JF
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.
U41JF ports
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.
U41JF LED backlit display
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.
Nick Holland
Nick Holland – Portability and PC gaming are essential to Nick’s life. He’s enjoyed the latter since a very young age – eschewing consoles for customizability of a PC (with the finest backbones like the Asus P3B-F and A7V133) and the feel of a keyboard and mouse. As soon as he could afford a notebook he got one and things have rolled on from there into sleek DTRs (desktop replacements) netbooks, smartphones and he’s already eyeing up the latest tablets while trying to think up an excuse to own one. After writing about all things tech for several years it is only natural he sought to join the already awesome TiS team.