ASUS C90S Whitebook
Introduction and Specifications
When it comes to mobile computing, a major detractor for many enthusiasts is their limited ability to upgrade components. Typically, the hard drive and memory are readily accessible, but when it comes to graphics and other components, often times you are locked into the manufacturer's factory configuration or have to jump through hoops just to gain access to certain parts, let alone upgrade them. This can be a major strike against mobile computing, as many users prefer the upgrade potential of a desktop PC, knowing that their investment can be easily updated in the future if the need arises. Some user upgradeable options have begun to appear in the mobile space, however, like the product we'll be showcasing today, the ASUS C90S Whitebook.
The ASUS C90S is a notebook that you can't buy directly from ASUS. Instead, this model is marketed as a 'whitebook' to various retailers who can configure it in various ways. The unit can be purchased as a barebones system with no OS installed, or can come pre-configured with various flavors of Windows Vista and a myriad of hardware components. In fact, the C90S has been seen on the market in many forms, including a completely stripped-down configuration to being outfitted with all of the latest hardware it can support.
The biggest draw for a notebook of this nature is that ASUS designed it to be easily upgraded in the future. Through a smart layout and easy access, the C90S allows for complete upgrading, including Memory, CPU, Wireless Ethernet, Hard Drive, Optical Drive and Graphics. This is a notebook geared as a desktop equivalent with the flexibility to grow with future technology releases. In the pages ahead, we'll assess the upgrade potential of the C90S, from its access to components to usability and ultimately performance.
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| Processor & Cache Memory Supports Intel Core 2 Extreme processor up to X6800 4MB L2 Cache 2.93GHz 1066 MHz FSB Support Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium, Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate, Genuine Windows Vista® Business *Pre-installed Operating system varies in each region, some may not even have an OS pre-installed. Chipset Intel® 945 G Chipset + ICH7 Main Memory 2 SO-DIMM Sockets for Expansion Up to 3GB Support up to 3GB Dual Channel DDRII 533/667MHz SDRAM Video Graphics & Memory NVIDIA Mobile PCI Express Module up to GeForce 8600M GT 256MB/512MB Display Up to WSXGA+(1680x1050) Color Shine 15.4'' LCD Hard Drive Supports 2.5" 9.5mm SATA HDD 160GB: supports 7200RPM Thermal fan-control & multi-heat pipe thermal module Optical Drive 5.25" 12.7 mm 8X / 24x24x10x(max.), support DVD Combo, DVD Super-Multi, HD DVD and Blu-ray Drive Video Camera 2.0 Mega pixels rotate CMOS Camera with Face tracking function Card Reader 8-in-1 MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/MS/MS-Pro/MS-Duo/MS-Pro-Duo Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN Integrated V.92 MDC Fax/Modem w/ Azalia Ver 2.1 compliant 802.11 a/b/g/n Optional built-in Bluetooth® V2.0+EDR |
Interface 1* e-SATA Connector 1*HDMI 1* D-Sub VGA Port 1* Headphone-out Jack(SPDIF) 1* Microphone-in Jack 1* RJ11 Modem Jack 1* RJ45 LAN Jack 3* USB 2.0 Ports 1* TV-Out (S-video/Composite Video) 1* IEEE 1394 1*MCX connector for TV-RF 1*Express Card 34 / 54 Support Audio Built-in Azalia Compliant Audio Chip Built-in high quality speakers and 2 internal microphones KeyBoard 19 mm full size with MS-Windows function keys 2.5mm travel Vista K/B Start Button Hot Keys Power, Turbo Gear, Internet, Email, Touchpad Lock AC Adapter Output : 19V DC, 4.73A, 90W Input : 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz Universal Battery Pack & Life Li-Ion 6 cells 4800mAh 53W (removable) Smart Battery 2.5hrs Quick charge 95% (Power Off) / 4hrs (Power On) Dimension & Weight 14.4 x 10.5 x 1.3~1.7 inch 6.8lbs (with Battery) Supplied Accessories Built-in Bluetooth V2.0+EDR Finger Print Recognition TV Tuner (optional) Carrying bag |
