Asus Debuts 18.4" "Polished Aluminum" Laptop

This 18.4" desktop replacement features a big display flanked by relatively gargantuan speakers

Anyone remember the Dell XPS M2010? That 20-inch "laptop" from 2006 seems like the inspiration for the Asus NX90, an 18.4" desktop replacement with a "polished aluminum" finish that was featured yesterday at COMPUTEX 2010.

We're not really sure why anyone would want their computer to have a shiny aluminum casing, which attracts fingerprints like bees to honey. But clearly the NX90 is designed for an audience, with its relatively large 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display, slot-loading Blu-Ray drive, and Bang & Olufsen speakers. The two trackpads on either side of the keyboard seem suited for multiple users, but also create the potential for bitter fights over mouse pointer control.

Processor options include Core i5 or i7 running Intel's HM55 chipset. The main DDR3 1066 MHz memory is expandable up to 12GB, while the discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 335M with 1GB of VRAM should provide enough power for decent gaming. With relatively advanced connectivity via the two onboard USB 3.0 ports (complementing the two USB 2.0 counterparts), we're also assuming the NX90 will come equipped with WiFi-N and Bluetooth.

The laptop first debuted at CES 2010, with an estimated price of $2,499 for the base configuration. Yet the Asus rep on hand couldn't give us information regarding mass market availability, so stay tuned for updates.