Asus has expanded its Zenbook laptop line in more ways than one with the announcement of the U500VZ, a large model with a 15-inch screen and full numpad. Featuring an Intel Core i7 processor as standard, the U500VZ offers a number of customization options, with users able to choose between dual SSDs with a capacity of up to 512GB or a combination of a 128GB SSD and a 500GB HDD.

At the top end of the spectrum, the U500VZ's on-board graphics can be replaced by a Nvidia GT 650M card, turning the device into a capable gaming machine — measuring 0.78 inches at its thickest point, it's certainly more portable than a lot of the gaming-focused laptops on the market. Asus has not revealed any details on pricing or availability, but the U500VZ is likely to hit shelves soon after the release of Windows 8 in late October.