Besides the usual features, the ASUS W5F also nicely includes extras such as an integrated optical drive and Webcam. However, it is quite pricey considering alternatives from other vendors boast a similar feature set.

12.1-inch portables used to have to sacrifice features like an integrated optical drive to shave off the kilos. However, the ASUS W5F not only manages to keep its DVD drive, but also incorporates a 1.3-megapixel Webcam for easy video conferencing. Though its performance and battery life are on par with competitors like the ThinkPad X60, the ASUS is a little pricey considering the Dell XPS M1210 offers a similar feature set with an option to incorporate a discrete graphics card.

Design
With a footprint of 275 x 235 x 29.5mm, the ASUS W5F offers a portable computing solution in a sleek white body. At only 1.8kg (with battery), it nevertheless manages to integrate an optical drive and a swivel Webcam which are missing in lighter machines like the ThinkPad X60. Comparable models include the Lenovo 3000 V100 and the slightly heftier Dell XPS M1210, with both offering similar feature sets, but the latter's video card option promises superior graphics performance.

The W5F holds a 12.1-inch widescreen transflective display, and offers a complete array of connectivity ports, though it does not include security features such as fingerprint sensors as it is not a business-centric portable. There is, however, a lack of multimedia control buttons, with only a Wi-Fi switch, volume control wheel and power maximizer key present. Fortunately, sitting next to the Webcam are controls to mute the microphone as well as to access the zoom and image capture functions. The images, however, are sub-par compared with the Dell XPS, turning out pixelated pictures.

Features
For a notebook, the single speaker bar under the display is able to provide surprisingly good audio quality, and the unit even offers a digital S/PDIF jack for hooking up to high-end stereo equipment. Otherwise there is little to recommend in terms of connectivity options over the Lenovo 3000 V100 or Dell XPS. It has three USB 2.0 ports, a mini-FireWire and ExpressCard slot. It must be noted that the latter is only ExpressCard /34 compatible, which means the ASUS will be unable to use larger expansion cards based on the /54 standard.

A 4-in-1 memory card reader completes the package, handling formats such as SD/MMC, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro standards. Network connectivity includes the ubiquitous 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi adapter and a Bluetooth radio. Modem and Ethernet ports are also available for those who prefer a wired connection.

The 12.1-inch widescreen LCD is based on the glossy transflective technology, which increases brightness without adding power-draining backlights, but, in return, demands that you deal with distracting reflections under bright conditions. The display is powered by the Mobile Intel 945 GM Express chipset, an integrated video card solution which is less powerful than discrete cards (like the Nvidia GeForce Go 7400, offered as an option to Dell XPS M1210 machines) but which is more economical in terms of power consumption.

The full-sized keyboard is comfortable, suitable for long typing marathons. The touchpad, however, needs a little more work, lacking dedicated scroll zones for easy surfing and navigation of long documents. The fact that the buttons are flush with the palm rest doesn't help matters any. Fortunately, the integrated DVD Super Multi is the Asus' saving grace, and puts an end to situations where you're unable to read a presentation CD because you left the external optical drive at home.

Performance and battery life
For AU$2799, the ASUS W5F comes with a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor and 512MB system RAM. Based on a similar unit tested in our CNET US Labs, it scored 235 on the MobileMark 2005 benchmark test, which is comparable with a similarly configured ThinkPad X60 and higher than a Core Solo-enabled Toshiba Portege M500 running at the same clockspeed.

Service and support
ASUS offers a two-year limited global warranty with all its notebooks. Should a problem occur with the unit, you can send it to any ASUS service centre around the world and get it repaired using the warranty card. For users who travel overseas often, having a global warranty is important. However, the ASUS service overseas centres should be checked for accessibility. ASUS Web site provides software support and updates as well as a notebook hotline number (1300 278 788).

Asus W5F
Company: Asus
RRP: AU$2799

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