While the more affordable ASUS Bamboo Collection notebooks came out last spring to the US market, today ASUS unveiled a refresh to the collection with powerful second generation Sandy Bridge Core i3 and Core i5 processors and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M graphics with 1GB DDR3 video memory boost performance. These are a slight update from the last-gen processors and the NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics. The U43SD will be available with 5,400 RPM and 7,200 RPM hard drive options and the choice of either a six- or eight-cell battery. These new models from the Taiwanese company also still feature the same elegant smoky brown bamboo exteriors, giving it quite the simplistic Japanese feel. If you’re looking for a powerful 14-inch laptop that also has the option of USB 3.0, look no further.  You will need to wait a little longer though as there is no date for availability yet. Enjoy the eye candy for now!