Asus W2V: DTR Notebook

Unlike a traditional desktop, a notebook is a very specialized system which typically excels in one particular area. However, there are usually design constraints that impede the system's performance in other areas. For example, at one extreme we have the ultraportable notebooks that are extremely light and easy to handle. In exchange for its convenience, these smaller notebooks generally lack the brute horsepower of a large desktop replacement notebook. With no additional space for intricate cooling solutions necessary to manage the latest and greatest GPU's and CPU's, these notebooks are heavily constrained with no apparent solution in sight. Those craving serious horsepower for gaming or taxing applications have a wide array of desktop replacement options to choose from though. Usually armed with a large widescreen LCD, the latest mobile GPU, and the fastest CPU the notebook can handle, DTR notebooks can keep pace with some of the fastest desktops available. Unfortunately, all this performance comes at a price and in this case that means excessive weight and an enormous amount of real estate on your desktop. Fortunately, with the launch of the W2V, ASUS has stepped up to the plate with a notebook that offers one of the best comprises between size and performance that we've seen to date.

Asus W2V Specifications

Weighing in at roughly 7.5lbs and having 17.6"x12.7"x1.1" dimensions, the W2V won't be mistaken for an ultraportable notebook anytime soon. However, once you glimpse the 17" widescreen LCD with Color Shine glare treatment and the elegant chassis design complete with subwoofer, the size and weight of the system appear much more impressive. For the size, ASUS has done an admirable job of squeezing in as much functionality and performance one could ask for.