4. Dual Core In The Ultra-Portable Asus W5F

The Asus W5F includes an Intel 945GM chipset and a Core Duo CPU.

Asus loaned us its W5F, which is an ultra-portable laptop with a 12.1" widescreen display based on the 945GM Express chipset. It also loaned us an older unit, the W5A, which is based on the Centrino platform (915GM Express chipset).

The designs of the two units look as much alike as two peas in a pod. This applies to the quality and appearance of their cases, which we find to be very good, as well as inclusion of both a 26-Wh standard battery as well as a 53-Wh high-capacity battery (in the United States, however, the 53-Wh battery is optional). Those who want even more battery life can buy a nine-cell, super-high-capacity battery rated at 78 Wh. But the super high-capacity battery is also big and bulky, and weighs more than one pound (nearly 500 g) all by itself.

When closed, the W5F presents a nice appearance.

The only visible difference on the outside of the two units is found on the right side of the case. While the W5A has a PCMCIA slot, the W5F has an Express Card slot instead. The W5F has an optical audio output (SPDIF) jack, while the W5A does not.