ASUS LAMBORGHINI VX1 REVIEW
Although the mobile market is full of rather bland and painfully similar designs, there are a handful of notebook vendors which have created unique products to stand out from the crowd. Typically acting as the company's flagship notebook, these systems generally offer performance which is equally as impressive as their sleek designs and aesthetics. In similar fashion, ASUS has worked closely with the famed Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini to bring the new VX1 notebook to market. Blending the performance ideals of each company with the bold, unique and racy designs of Lamborghini, the ASUS VX1 offers a creative new spin on the thin and light notebook platform.
General
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Platform technology : Intel Centrino Duo
Windows Vista certification : Windows Vista Premium Ready
Built-in Devices : Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
Width : 13 in
Depth : 10.7 in
Height : 1.2 in
Weight : 5.7 lbs
Processor
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Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 / 2.16 GHz
Data bus speed : 667 MHz
Chipset type : Mobile Intel 945PM Express
Data bus speed : 667 MHz
Chipset type : Mobile Intel 945PM Express
Cache Memory
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Type : L2 cache
Cache size : 4 MB
Cache size : 4 MB
RAM
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Installed Size : 2 GB / 2 GB(max)
Technology : DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz
RAM configuration features : 2 x 1 GB
Technology : DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz
RAM configuration features : 2 x 1 GB
Storage Controller
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Storage controller type : IDE
Storage controller type : IDE
Storage
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Floppy Drive : None
Hard Drive : 160 GB - 5400 rpm
Storage Removable : None
Floppy Drive : None
Hard Drive : 160 GB - 5400 rpm
Storage Removable : None
Optical Storage
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Type : DVD±RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM
Type : DVD±RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM
Card Reader
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Card reader type : 4 in 1 card reader
Card reader type : 4 in 1 card reader
Display
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Display Type : 15 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution : 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+)
Display (Projector) / Widescreen Display : No
Color support : 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
Features : Color Shine, Crystal Shine, Zero Bright Dot
Display Type : 15 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution : 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+)
Display (Projector) / Widescreen Display : No
Color support : 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
Features : Color Shine, Crystal Shine, Zero Bright Dot
Video
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Graphics Processor / Vendor : NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache supporting 512MB
Graphics Processor / Vendor : NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache supporting 512MB
Audio
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Audio output type : Sound card
Audio output compliant standards : AC '97
Audio Input : Microphone
Audio output type : Sound card
Audio output compliant standards : AC '97
Audio Input : Microphone
Input Device(s)
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Input device type : Keyboard, Touchpad
Input device type : Keyboard, Touchpad
Telecom
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Modem : Fax / modem - MDC
Max transfer rate : 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications : ITU V.92
Modem : Fax / modem - MDC
Max transfer rate : 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications : ITU V.92
Networking
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Networking : Network adapter
Networking / Wireless LAN Supported : Yes
Wireless NIC : Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Data link protocol : Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Networking standards : IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0
Networking : Network adapter
Networking / Wireless LAN Supported : Yes
Wireless NIC : Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Data link protocol : Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Networking standards : IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0
Expansion / Connectivity
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Expansion Slots Total (Free) : 2 ( 0 ) x Memory, 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard
Interfaces : 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Infrared - IrDA
Expansion Slots Total (Free) : 2 ( 0 ) x Memory, 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard
Interfaces : 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Infrared - IrDA
Miscellaneous
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Features : Hot keys, Wake on LAN
Miscellaneous compliant standards : FCC, CCIB, JATE, CTR 21, ACPI 2.0,
Features : Hot keys, Wake on LAN
Miscellaneous compliant standards : FCC, CCIB, JATE, CTR 21, ACPI 2.0,
VCCI Class B ITE, FCC Class B certified
Power
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Power device form factor : External
Voltage Required : AC 120/230 V
Power device form factor : External
Voltage Required : AC 120/230 V
Battery
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Technology : 8-cell Lithium ion
Installed Qty : 1
Mfr estimated battery life : 4 hour(s)
Technology : 8-cell Lithium ion
Installed Qty : 1
Mfr estimated battery life : 4 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
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OS Provided : Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Software type : Drivers & Utilities
OS Provided : Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Software type : Drivers & Utilities
Manufacturer Warranty
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Service & support type : 2 years warranty
Service & Support Details : Limited warranty - 2 years, Limited warranty - Battery - 1 year
Service & support type : 2 years warranty
Service & Support Details : Limited warranty - 2 years, Limited warranty - Battery - 1 year
Taking a quick look at the specifications for the system, we find that the ASUS VX1 utilizes the vast majority of the fastest mobile hardware available. Here, we find complete support for Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors along with DDR2 memory, a dual-layer DVD burner, 160GB hard drive, and Intel's new 3945 802.11a/b/g wireless module. Perhaps the only component which could be seen as a potential chink in the virtual armor here is the inclusion of the GeForce Go 7400. This new GPU features 8 pixel pipelines and 3 Vertex engines along with support for NVIDIA's Turbocache memory technology. Although the GeForce Go 7400 is a higher performance variant of the GeForce Go 7300, it still represents the lowest tier of NVIDIA's family of mobile GPU's. Granted, the ASUS VX1 is a new entry into the thin and light mobile segment. However, we would have loved to have seen the engineers at ASUS shoehorn in a GeForce Go 7600 in the Lambo at the very least.
Conclusion:
As the fruit of a relationship between ASUS and exotic car manufacturer Lamborghini, the ASUS VX1 is designed to offer exceptional performance, stunning aesthetics, and solid reliability. Combining a vast array of the latest flagship mobile hardware, the VX1 is an impressive success in nearly every respect.
As is the case with the supercars produced by Lamborghini, the ASUS VX1 is a piece of hardware which many will lust over. Unfortunately, the notebook also carries the same price premium as the automobile with a price tag of roughly $2799. Regardless, the system does come with an impressive list of top-notch equipment including a blisteringly fast Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 processor, 2GB of DDR2-667 memory, a spacious 160GB drive, and an 8x Dual-Layer DVD burner. In addition, the system also utilizes a 15" SXGA+ LCD which comes with a Zero Bright Dot warranty from ASUS where the company will replace the panel should a single dead pixel crop up. All of this is encased in an extremely lightweight package which is finished with a quality mirror-like paint job that is sure to attract attention.
All told for the ASUS VX1, there is plenty to look at and praise. The system is surprisingly light at 5.6lb, putting the VX1 roughly on par or less than most 14" thin and light notebooks. Although pricey, the system comes with an impressive bundle including a high quality carrying case and a stellar Bluetooth mouse with matching leather mouse pad. In addition, the notebook's Zero Bright Dot warranty alleviates one major issue with notebooks as most cases of dead pixels result in the owner just having to live with it. With regard to performance, the ASUS VX1 has proven to be exceptionally fast in nearly all benchmark scenarios. Thanks to the sheer power of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR2-667 memory, the notebook is able to churn through even the most taxing desktop or content creation applications.
Looking at the ASUS VX1, the primary issue we have with the system is the fact that this notebook carries the Lamborghini emblem. Lamborghini automobiles have long been known for being absolute brutes in terms of performance. Practicality and compromises be damned, the engineers at Lamborghini would go to any extent to ensure their cars were always at the top of the performance charts. The cars are impossibly fast, they are painfully expensive, and their appearances have always been nothing short of breathtaking. With this in mind, one would logically expect a Lamborghini notebook to be a potent Desktop Replacement system which ran hot, looked outrageous, and offered record-setting performance in every possible category. Although battery life would be abysmal, carrying the system would be strenuous, the Lamborghini notebook would act as the pinnacle for the ultimate mobile performance. After all, someone who purchases a Lamborghini Gallardo is not looking for a daily driver to bring the kids to school. In similar fashion, the ideal consumer for a Lamborghini notebook should not be overly concerned with weight and battery life. Rather, in each case the ultimate goal is obtaining the fastest possible hardware money can buy and to turn heads. In this respect, the ASUS VX1 has seemingly missed its mark. The system has sub-par gaming performance and an aesthetic that seems impossible to link to any of Lamborghini's brilliant designs. Somehow, the aesthetic for the new ASUS-G2P we previewed seems much more aggressive and appropriate. Hopefully, the ASUS VX1 will not be the last attempt by ASUS to capture the magic of the "raging bull" as we are confident the company has the ability and know-how to make the proper system and do the Italian car manufacturer proud.
With such a pointed paragraph as above, it would be easy to walk away assuming we were not impressed with the ASUS VX1. However, we can assure you that the VX1 is an exceptional piece of hardware for everything but gaming. It is an excellent thin and light notebook that would be heralded with praise had it not featured the Lamborghini logo and such a high-price tag. For being the result of a joint effort between ASUS and Lamborghini, the VX1 is a bit of a disappointment. However, as a flagship level thin and light notebook for the professional on the go, the ASUS VX1 is an impressive system with spectacular performance. If you can live with the fact that the system won't afford serious gaming and are satisfied with the aesthetic, the ASUS VX1 is certainly a notebook which can handle any mobile duties you could throw at it. As a result, we are giving the ASUS VX1 a rating of "7.5" .
As the fruit of a relationship between ASUS and exotic car manufacturer Lamborghini, the ASUS VX1 is designed to offer exceptional performance, stunning aesthetics, and solid reliability. Combining a vast array of the latest flagship mobile hardware, the VX1 is an impressive success in nearly every respect.
As is the case with the supercars produced by Lamborghini, the ASUS VX1 is a piece of hardware which many will lust over. Unfortunately, the notebook also carries the same price premium as the automobile with a price tag of roughly $2799. Regardless, the system does come with an impressive list of top-notch equipment including a blisteringly fast Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 processor, 2GB of DDR2-667 memory, a spacious 160GB drive, and an 8x Dual-Layer DVD burner. In addition, the system also utilizes a 15" SXGA+ LCD which comes with a Zero Bright Dot warranty from ASUS where the company will replace the panel should a single dead pixel crop up. All of this is encased in an extremely lightweight package which is finished with a quality mirror-like paint job that is sure to attract attention.
All told for the ASUS VX1, there is plenty to look at and praise. The system is surprisingly light at 5.6lb, putting the VX1 roughly on par or less than most 14" thin and light notebooks. Although pricey, the system comes with an impressive bundle including a high quality carrying case and a stellar Bluetooth mouse with matching leather mouse pad. In addition, the notebook's Zero Bright Dot warranty alleviates one major issue with notebooks as most cases of dead pixels result in the owner just having to live with it. With regard to performance, the ASUS VX1 has proven to be exceptionally fast in nearly all benchmark scenarios. Thanks to the sheer power of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR2-667 memory, the notebook is able to churn through even the most taxing desktop or content creation applications.
Looking at the ASUS VX1, the primary issue we have with the system is the fact that this notebook carries the Lamborghini emblem. Lamborghini automobiles have long been known for being absolute brutes in terms of performance. Practicality and compromises be damned, the engineers at Lamborghini would go to any extent to ensure their cars were always at the top of the performance charts. The cars are impossibly fast, they are painfully expensive, and their appearances have always been nothing short of breathtaking. With this in mind, one would logically expect a Lamborghini notebook to be a potent Desktop Replacement system which ran hot, looked outrageous, and offered record-setting performance in every possible category. Although battery life would be abysmal, carrying the system would be strenuous, the Lamborghini notebook would act as the pinnacle for the ultimate mobile performance. After all, someone who purchases a Lamborghini Gallardo is not looking for a daily driver to bring the kids to school. In similar fashion, the ideal consumer for a Lamborghini notebook should not be overly concerned with weight and battery life. Rather, in each case the ultimate goal is obtaining the fastest possible hardware money can buy and to turn heads. In this respect, the ASUS VX1 has seemingly missed its mark. The system has sub-par gaming performance and an aesthetic that seems impossible to link to any of Lamborghini's brilliant designs. Somehow, the aesthetic for the new ASUS-G2P we previewed seems much more aggressive and appropriate. Hopefully, the ASUS VX1 will not be the last attempt by ASUS to capture the magic of the "raging bull" as we are confident the company has the ability and know-how to make the proper system and do the Italian car manufacturer proud.
With such a pointed paragraph as above, it would be easy to walk away assuming we were not impressed with the ASUS VX1. However, we can assure you that the VX1 is an exceptional piece of hardware for everything but gaming. It is an excellent thin and light notebook that would be heralded with praise had it not featured the Lamborghini logo and such a high-price tag. For being the result of a joint effort between ASUS and Lamborghini, the VX1 is a bit of a disappointment. However, as a flagship level thin and light notebook for the professional on the go, the ASUS VX1 is an impressive system with spectacular performance. If you can live with the fact that the system won't afford serious gaming and are satisfied with the aesthetic, the ASUS VX1 is certainly a notebook which can handle any mobile duties you could throw at it. As a result, we are giving the ASUS VX1 a rating of "7.5" .