Hands-on review: Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook

Alongside the Carbon Fibre X11 Ultrabook, Gigabyte has revealed the more conventional 14-inch Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook. Blending dedicated graphics with an impressive list of components, this laptop will need to overcome relative obscurity to challenge the current crop of Ultrabook big-hitters.Taiwanese company Gigabyte might be better known for producing laptop components than the laptops themselves, but there's little left out from the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook's lineup. Packing Intel third generation processors, both Core i5 and Core i7 models will be available. The sample we were shown was also boasting 8GB RAM and Nvidia GeForce GT640M discrete graphics. Despite these impressive specifications, the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is prevented from overheating during performance by a race car-inspired dual air vent system. Storage consisted of a 128GB SSD, but Gigabyte has employed the common dual storage space system and included an HDD that will go up to 1TB on the top-tier model. This means you get the fast boot-up required of an Ultrabook without compromising on storage.Re-enforcing this machine's credibility as a gaming/multimedia platform is the HD+ screen resolution. The 1600 x 900 pixel count won't match the likes of the Asus Zenbook Prime or the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, but it's a step in the right direction. The laptop we inspected at launch had a matt screen, going a long way to soaking up the reflections of the bright overhead lights; this could be a real benefit if you're planning to use it outside or in a brightly lit office.We weren't given a chance to test the speakers on the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook, but the inclusion of THX TruStudio ProTM technology should result in a very decent sound. When coupled with the graphical muscle and storage space of this machine, we expect film buffs to be more than happy with this Ultrabook. Usability looks to be a highlight as well – several useful features have been included to make day-to-day computing easier, especially to those who aren't particularly tech-savvy. Next to the power button is an extra hot key that launches the Gigabyte Smart Manager, giving you a simple dashboard in which you can tweak settings. Similarly, press and hold the right-click button beneath the touchpad and you get an update on the battery status via the LED light across the front of the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook.Aside from extra features, the basics also seem to be in place. The isolation-style keyboard is well sized, and the keys felt firm when we tested them out. The added backlight helps aesthetically, but also means you can type away in low-light conditions. The touchpad has a rough textured surface that differentiates it from the brushed metal of the palm rest. Of the four USB ports on the Gigabyte U2442, two of them were the faster 3.0 format, enabling you to transfer data with compatible devices 10 times as fast as over a USB 2.0 port. Other connections were as standard, with HDMI, Ethernet and a 3.5mm headphone jack all present and accounted for.One thing we weren't able to confirm was battery life. The representative from Gigabyte explained to us that it would manage a full day at the office on a single charge, but we'll be putting this to the test when we get a review sample in.The 14-inch Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is a more accessible Ultrabook than the smaller Gigabyte X11, and should make a bit of a splash for the Taiwanese company when it lands in the UK in September. Suggested pricing for the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is £1,020 (around $1,615), lining it up nicely with other top-end Ultrabooks on the market. However, with the lack of brand awareness, expect suppliers to drop the price somewhat, which could make this a real bargain. Stay tuned to TechRadar for our full Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook review, coming soon.See more laptops and netbooks Add comment 'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee.Our guide to the best new computing gear:PlusAll Windows 8 coverageOS X 10.8 compatibilityWindows 8 vs Windows RTMore reviewsIFA 2012 Solid laptop hybrid takes the form factor to new highs IFA 2012 It's a laptop with an extra screen in the lid IFA 2012 Trying to make Windows 8 into a top tablet platform Offering all the apps you've already seen in Google Play IFA 2012 Tablet, monitor and computer combined Tutorial The app formerly named iCal is great for keeping you organised Opinion Macs don't get viruses? Flashback proved that wrong Why keep all your data on one Mac or iPad? Updated Everything you need to know about Windows 8 tablets View the original article here