Asus and Nvidia collaborate on 3D Vision laptops

 

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By Mike Jennings

Posted on 30 Nov 2009 at 10:45

Asus has joined forces with Nvidia to debut two 3D laptops, which are the first in the world to use Nvidia’s 3D Vision technology.

The two models couldn’t be much further apart in terms of specification: the G51J is a gaming machine that boasts an Intel Core i7 Mobile processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M GPU along with all of the usual mod-cons, including a full HD screen and Blu-ray drive.

The second, the UL50VS, is powered by a low-power Intel CULV processor and will be shipped with a more modest specification, which includes an Nvidia GeForce GT210M graphics chip, a 15.6in screen with native resolution of 1,366 x 768 and an alleged 12hr battery life.

While the G51J should be powerful enough to handle most of the 400 games that have 3D Vision "inherently built in", Asus' CULV-powered UL50VS won't have the grunt needed to deliver a top-class gaming experience.

Ben Berraondo, Nvidia PR manager for the UK and Northern Europe, admitted that the lesser laptop would be limited to “photos and Blu-ray films”, with only “mainstream, undemanding games” able to be run in either 2D or 3D using the laptop’s GPU.

Nevertheless, he claimed that 3D Vision "really adds to the [user] experience" and was a step above what has already been seen in 3D laptops, such as the Acer Aspire 5738DZG 3D. Berraondo said that while rival products had been “fun to look at” and “easy to use”, they hadn’t “delivered the 3D that’s available right now [with 3D Vision]”.

Speaking at the launch of the new products, Asus Marketing Specialist John Swatton said that the laptops would deliver “a truly immersive experience in 3D” and confirmed that both PCs would be released “mid-January”, although he wasn’t able to provide details on price.