Asus sonic powers new premium notebook

NX90 front view. Speakers are located on both sides of the monitor.

Asus has introduced its premium audio-centric notebook for consumer and business use.

The NX90, launched at a press event at The Entertainment quarter in Moore Park, was co-designed by David Lewis, owner of renowned Danish boutique audio systems maker, Bang & Olufsen, and sports a sleek aluminium finish.

It was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Expo 2010 in January and uses Bang & Olufsen’s ICEpower along with a number of software and hardware features known collectively as SonicMaster technology.

“NX90 is for our top elite customers at maybe around the 35-45 age groups,” Asus technical marketing representative, Derek Chang, said. “Maybe a boss would like some designer product and would want this notebook to showcase in a home, living room or in an office.”

The objective of the NX90 is to solve the three main sound problems facing traditional notebooks: Feedback noises, low volume and weak bass. Asus attempted to do this using SonicMaster technology.

It has larger sound chambers situated on the sides of the notebook. The vendor claims they are significantly larger than on similar notebooks by competitors.

Audio samples were played from the NX90 and from an older ASUS notebook. The NX90 demonstrated noticeable clarity although there was some noise distortion when it was played at high volumes.

Better vocal quality means conference calls can be held with clearer audio quality.

Another unique feature on the notebook is the dual touchpad, located on the left and right-hand side of the keypad. It is intended to be used with Asus’ rotation desktop software to accommodate for two-handed navigation.

It is suggested the two touchpads can be used to utilise a digital DJ deck.

The NX90 is distributed by Altech, Ingram Micro and Synnex.

Recommended retail price is $2999.