Asus laptop gets auto-switch Nvidia graphics

The latest Asus laptop can switch automatically between discrete and integrated graphics

Asus has launched its first laptop with Nvidia's Optimus technology, which is designed to balance performance and battery life by automatically switching between discrete and integrated graphics functions whenever necessary.

Available now, the Asus N61JV is styled as a multimedia entertainment system with a 16in high-definition screen, Altec Lansing speakers and SRS Premium Sound. It is based on Intel's 2.27GHz Core i5-430M processor with 4GB DDR3 memory, 500GB hard drive and Blu-ray combo drive.

But the headline feature of the new system is the Optimus graphics technology, which uses a combination of hardware and software to switch automatically and seamlessly between an Nvidia graphics processor (GPU) and the integrated graphics in the motherboard chipset, based on the application being run.

Some existing laptops already support switchable graphics, but these rely on the user to manually change modes and often take several seconds to complete the transition, according to Nvidia.

Optimus uses a driver to detect when the user launches games or other graphics-intensive software, and switches to the Nivdia graphics. Conversely, if it recognises that the workload does not require the power of the GPU, it shuts this off to conserve power and extend battery life by using the integrated graphics.

The Nivida GPU, in this case a GeForce GT325M with 1GB of dedicated memory, uses the display buffer of the integrated graphics rather than switching between multiple video outputs.

Thanks to Nvidia's Optimus technology, users can be reassured that the N61JV is using only as much power as it needs to at any one time, which can extend the battery life beyond previous limitations placed upon a multimedia powerhouse, according to Asus.

The Asus N61JV is available through retailers for a suggested price of £949.