The first thing that came to mind when we tore the Asus UL80Vt from its box was this: "Hmm, this seems familiar." Turns out, the UL80Vt isn't all that different on the surface than the 13.3" UL30A that we reviewed back in September, but just because Asus' latest is another model in the expanded UL range doesn't mean that this machine is just another me-too option. In fact, we'd argue quite the opposite. While many computer manufacturers are trying to force consumers into certain segments (netbooks, gaming notebooks, ultraportables, etc.), Asus is opting to broaden the spectrum and provide more "middle ground" choices. The UL80Vt is a perfect middle ground machine; it splits the difference between a 11" to 13" ultraportable and a 15" to 16" multimedia machine. But just because it's designed for a segment of consumers in dire need of more options, is it really one worth buying?
Asus UL80Vt Thin-And-Light Notebook Review
Marco Chiappetta
Marco's interest in computing and technology dates all the way back to his early childhood. Even before being exposed to the Commodore P.E.T. and later the Commodore 64 in the early ‘80s, he was interested in electricity and electronics, and he still has the modded AFX cars and shop-worn soldering irons to prove it. Once he got his hands on his own Commodore 64, however, computing became Marco's passion. Throughout his academic and professional lives, Marco has worked with virtually every major platform from the TRS-80 and Amiga, to today's high end, multi-core servers. Over the years, he has worked in many fields related to technology and computing, including system design, assembly and sales, professional quality assurance testing, and technical writing. In addition to being the Managing Editor here at HotHardware for close to 15 years, Marco is also a freelance writer whose work has been published in a number of PC and technology related print publications and he is a regular fixture on HotHardware’s own Two and a Half Geeks webcast. - Contact: marco(at)hothardware(dot)com
