NetbookShow

What happens if you take the Asus UL30, scoop out the insides and replace the Intel CULV processor with an Atom chip and NVDIIA IOn graphics? I have no idea, but the folks at Phecda have done the next best thing by producing a UL30 clone called the Phecda P13.

The notebook has a 13.3 inch, 1366  x 768 pixel display and the same case design as the original Asus UL30A, although the keyboard looks lke it was ripped from an Acer Aspire notebook.

But while the Asus UL30 shipped with a 1.3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 CPU, the P143 has a 1.66GHz Intel Atom D510 dual core processor and NVDIIA ION 2 graphics. It comes with 2GB of DDR2 memory and runs Windows 7.

There are just two (fairly major) problems. First, the 2450mAh battery probably won’t provide very much run time. And second, the laptop is unlikely to show up anywhere outside of China anytime soon.

Amazon is taking pre-orders for the Asus UL20A-A1 laptop for $589.99. The laptop will be available to the public on Thursday, October 22nd. This will be the first 12 inch laptop from Asus featuring an Intel CULV processor. It’s similar to the Asus UL30A in many respects, but it has a smaller screen, less RAM, and a smaller hard drive. It also gets slightly less stellar battery life.

Here’s a rundown of the specs:

* CPU: 1.3GHz dual core Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
* Display: 12.1 inch, 1366 x 768 pxiels
* OS: Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
* RAM: 2GB (4GB max)
* Storage: 250G (5400rpm)
* Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi
* Webcam: 0.3MP
* Battery: 7.5 hours

The price is close to $200 higher than Acer Aspire 1410, another thin and light Intel CULV-powered laptop. But the Asus UL20A has a dual core processor and a longer-lasting battery.

In related news, Amazon is now taking pre-orders for several different versions of the Asus UL30A, which is the company’s 13.3 inch model. All of the new configurations will ship with Window s7. The good news is that while there are still models that will sell for closed to $800 (with Windows 7 Professional or with 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive and a 16 hour battery!), Asus is also offering a lower priced option for $680 with Windows 7 Home Premium, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a 12.5 hour battery, and a Core 2 Duo processor.

The ASUS UL30A is a 13.3-inch ultraportable laptop powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 CULV processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM,Intel GMA 4500 graphics, a 500GB SATA HDD. The laptop comes equipped with Bluetooth, WiFi b/g/n, 3G modem, 0.3-megapixel webcam and the runtime of the ASUS UL30A is up to 9hours. The ASUS UL30A also supports a multi-gesture touchpad, Altec Lansing speakers and SRS Premium Sound.

The laptop runs on Windows Vista Home Premium (32 bit) OS.