ASUS Notebook Brand Models Explained

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The goal of this guide is to give a quick and dirty explanation of the plethoric notebook models ASUS offers. While some forum veterans may already know this knowledge, most whom are new to the ASUS branded notebooks will probably be as confused as a freshman on his or her first day in high-school.

So let's get on with it. Currently, ASUS differentiates their notebooks into six categories; Business, Gaming Powerhouse; Multimedia Entertainment; Special Editions; Superior Mobility; and Versatile Performance.
Since customizable notebooks are not offered directly from ASUS, a particular notebook series will often have multiple SKUs/models which reflect the different internal hardware specifications. For example, the G73 series gaming notebook has: G73JH-A1, G73JH-A2, G73JH-X1, G73JW-A1, G73JW-3DE, and G73SW-A1. All of these listed notebooks will have the same G73 chassis, but will differ in one or more of the following hardware/features; hard drive capacity & speed, processor speed, RAM capacity, display resolution, interface ports, warranty terms & length.

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These notebooks range from 13"-15" and offer added security and reliability protection for business users. Such features will include one or more of the following: TPM support, fingerprint reader, smart card access, Intel Anti-Theft Technology, Computrace Lojack, spill-proof keyboards, anti-shock hard drives, anti-glare displays, and/or docking capability. All come with a 3-year global warranty.

The Business series include: B43, B53, B80, P42, P50, P52, P81, PL30, and PL80. Older Business series include the V1, and V2 series

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The Gaming Powerhouse notebooks are tailored to meet gamers' requirements. These notebooks comprise of powerful graphics & processing power and are often designed with flamboyant aesthetics. While most Gaming Powerhouse notebooks (especially the newer models) will have support for dual hard drives and four RAM slots to house a max of 16GB of memory, a few models even include a 3D-capable display for experiencing 3D game play. Sizes range from 15" to 17" displays.

The Gaming Powerhouse series include: G50, G51, G53, G60, and G73. Previous models include the F3, G1, G2 and G70 series

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ASUS puts a great deal of focus on audio and visual aspects in their Multimedia Entertainment notebooks. In the past, ASUS often used higher quality Altec Lancing speakers and high definition displays to push for a better multimedia experience. Nowadays, a whooping 11W, 32mm Bang & Olufsen speakers and 720/1080 displays take on the multimedia department. With the new B&O speakers, users can utilize SonicMaster technology which ASUS claims it can optimize acoustic performance from the ground up, reproduce sounds and music with wider range and better accuracy. Multimedia Entertainment notebooks are often equipped with a mid-range graphics card. Sizes range from 14" to 18" displays.

The Multimedia Entertainment series include: N43, N53, N61, N71, N73, N82, NX90 (also under the Special Editions category), X71, X77. Older Multimedia Entertainment series include the N50, N51, N80, N81, M50, M51, M60, M70 and W90 series

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Special Edition notebooks are usually priced higher due to added refinements and/or designs to target the luxury notebook market. Some are collaborated with another high-profile company such as the Lamborghini car manufacture to provide further uniqueness and high-profile styles. Sizes range from 13" to 18" displays. Some older generations include 12" displays.

The Special Editions series include: Bamboo (U33Jc, U43Jc, U53Jc), NX90, VX5 and VX6 series. Older Special Editions include the VX1, VX2, VX3, and U6V Bamboo series

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As the name suggests, Super Mobility notebooks emphasize on high portability. Thin, light and high battery life are the primary factors in this category. Depending on the series, most will use an Intel i3 or i5 processor. Previous generations have used ultra-low wattage processors in order to preserve battery life. Most Superior Mobility notebooks will have either integrated graphics or an entry-level graphics processor. Sizes range from 13" to 15" displays.

The Superior Mobility series include: U30, U31, U33, U35, U36, U41, U43, U45, U53, UL20, UL30, UL50, UL80, UX30, and UX50. Older Superior Mobility series include the U1, U2, U3, and U6 series

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In layman terms, ASUS' Versatile Performance notebooks are mainstream and budget notebooks emphasizing value. As a matter of fact, these notebooks are so "valued" that ASUS did not even bother making video advertisements hence the lack of video for this section. Most come with an Intel processor, but those with AMD processors are usually priced more competitively. Depending on the model, Versatile Performance notebooks will either have an integrated graphics or a low-mid level graphics processor. Sizes range from 14" to 17" displays.

The Versatile Performance series include: A42, A52, A72, F6, F83, K40, K42, K50, K51, K52, K61, K62, K70, K72, X42, X52, and X72, series. Older Versatile Performance series include the F50, F80, F81, and Pro61 series.

 

Fantastic, I recommend ASUS to all my friends and a link to this post will save me a lot of hassle. Great job. This should be linked on the ASUS site!

 

Yeah, even I get confused at times. Asus doesn't make it any easier when they decided to rename the N series to the X series for the European market yet in the US we can find both N and X series notebooks.

 

Wow David. That's a great breakdown of all of the different series offered by ASUS. That's going to be helpful in the future.

 

Excellent work, David!

 

very nice roundup must be sticky

 

Nice posting, very informative.
This should help others decide which to buy.

 

Finally I can tell which one is which lol

 

fantastic, it gives a good explanation about theit models, but I miss one information about ASUS, and that is does all the models provide HD screen and a crystal clear picture quality?

 

Almost every Asus laptop 13" or greater will come with at least a 720 display (1366 x 768)