ASUS U30JC-A1 13.3-Inch Laptop (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To set the context: I have a two year old Dell desktop, a 4 year old Dell Latitude D400 (12" screen with INtel Pentium M), and a 1 year old Dell Mini 9" (Intel Atom). Like many, I no longer use my desktop, and the D400 was getting a bit long in the tooth. The Mini I found useful for taking on travel but was agonizingly slow for daily use with a very cramped keyboard. Even the D400 choked on multiple websites on occasion and multitasking was a chore. Of course, neither laptop had discrete graphics.
This new laptop has changed everything. To be fair, I would probably be raving about the better experience on any current laptop compared to the older Latitude. However, I really do think the U30JC, even though it's under $1000, is on the cutting edge. It sports Intel's new Core i3, the successor to the Core 2 Duos (still around at good deals), and Nvidia discrete graphics. Critically, Nvidia's Optimus allows for seamless switching to the integrated graphics when power saving is an issue.
I have not really taxed the computer yet and I will update the review down the road with thoughts on more heavy duty performance and battery life issues. But I imagine a number of folks are considering this model and would find initial thoughts helpful.
1) The build quality is very nice. The brushed metallic exterior and lack of plastic except on the screen bezel minimizes fingerprints. Very solid and looks great.
2) I prefer matte screens but the glossy screen in regular indoor conditions is great. I can see this be annoying in very bright light, however. Definition and video quality are leagues better than what I'm used to or have seen before in sub-$1000 laptops.
3) Performance is awesome on my limited trials. Hulu, youtube, multiple websites, quicken, windows media player. Everything pops up so quickly and the platform has no issue with lots and lots of multitasking. No stuttering, no lagging.
4) I really like the programmability and adjustability of everything. For example, maybe this is a Win 7 feature, but I really like the ability to assign "hibernate" to the power button.
5) This is definitely not a thin and light ultraportable. It's a bit heavier than my D400 and bulkier because of the bigger screen. I am still going to travel on work with the Dell Mini. It would be OK for students but I think it's too big (and performance overkill anyway) for most business travelers. I am viewing this as a desktop replacement and because I'm not going to be using this as my primary movie viewer or gaming platform, I really think 13" is where I want to be at.
6) Battery life seems to be excellent. I have not put a video on endless loop to max out the battery (and you can read technical reviews that are now popping up). HOwever, just having the laptop idling and using it periodically throughout the day, it was lasting a looong time.
7) I am not a huge fan of the chiclet keyboard and prefer the regular keyboards with more travel and contours. However, I can see that this would be easier to clean and it's not a bad typing experience. I don't find the layout strange in any way.
8) I really hate touchpads (one reason why I stuck with Dell and its pointing stick). I found this touchpad hard to use and not uniformly sensitive, especially on the left side. This could be a slightly fiddly unit or could be my lack of experience. In any event, I am going to use a mouse. (Lack of integrated bluetooth on this laptop is a demerit).
9) very quiet, didn't run very hot in my limited testing.
I found the whole Asus package to be stripped down and bare bones, which I actually liked. I didn't think there was a ton of bloatware compared to other companies. The box was very small and spartan and there is no manual (it's on the desktop). Some of the built-in Asus utilities are not fully explained. Most of the Intel/Nvidia and random stickers come off easily to provide a very clean, elegant look.
Overall, I believe now (and will update with additional thoughts) that this is a spectacular value. Yes, there are things that I would like changed, but I am very happy with the machine standing alone and then compared to the price point, it's awesome.
Update: After a few weeks of usage, I definitely affirm my initial positive review. This went on a coast to coast business trip. Battery life was phenomenal (I still haven't fully drained but it was lasting for hours off the cord when just doing basic businessy-web stuff). Traveled very well and was not as heavy to lug around as I expected. (although it is slightly heavier than it appears).
One of my keys popped out (my fault) and so I had my first encounter with Asus support. The support was fine and they are shipping me a new keyboard under warranty. So I am satisfied with my limited interaction with Asus US support. Speaking of the keyboard, I still am not in love with it. The chiclets slightly squeak sometimes and the limited travel does take some getting used to. But I can imagine some folks would prefer this kind of layout (very similar to Macbook).
Having the optical drive definitely came in handy for installing some software.
Finally, the glossy screen has turned out to be less annoying than I anticipated. Almost all of my usage has been indoors and not in bright sunlight. I would not recommend writing a novel in a sunny coffee shop, however.
The balance of this (performance, value, battery) is really perfect for me.
Update 2 (May 28 2010):
One slightly disconcerting development that I post so that others can be aware. In general, I almost always hibernate my laptop. On certain occasions, when awakening, the screen does not power on and the cooling fan starts blowing very hard. I press power for several seconds to shut down. When powered back on, most of the time it actually comes back to the hibernation point (in a few times, it did a hard reset).
I have seen this comment from a couple of other people. It does not appear to affect functionality.
The other slightly annoying thing is that sometimes the screen flickers for a second... especially at the beginning of a computing session.
My only slightly educated guess is both of these issues are related to the growing pains of Optimus and switching between the GPUs. Probably needs to be a driver update in the future.

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Optimized Performance for up to 9.5 hours of Unplugged Mobility The sleek 13.3-inch U30Jc has incredible features that go far beyond the capabilities of standard entertainment notebooks. Start smart with it\'s all new Intel® Core™ i3 processor thatis smarter and faster with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology for enhanced multitasking.Plus, the U30Jc features NVIDIA® GeForce™ graphics with NVIDIA Optimus™ Technology that seamlessly transitions between powerful NVIDIA graphics and Intel embedded graphics to give you smart visual performance or battery-savings when you need it. At less than 4.5-pounds and only 1.5-inches thin, its unique and lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere you go. With full HD playback capability and HDMI connectivity, you can easily enjoy the big screen experience on any HDMI-ready HDTV or home theater setup. Here are a few more reasons why you should be consider the ASUS U30Jc as your next mobile warrior notebook:


Key Features
Up to 9.5 hours of battery life for all-day unplugged freedom1 (Learn more)
The new Intel Core i3-350M dual core processor gives you smarter multitasking performance(Learn more)
Thin and light design only 1.5-inches thin and dressed in brushed aluminum for on-the-go portability (Learn more)
13.3-inch HD LED-backlit widescreen for crisp visuals that don\'t compromise battery life (Learn more)
NVIDIA GeForce 310M Graphics 512MB DDR3 VRAM delivers great HD entertainment performance(Learn more)
NVIDIA Optimus Technology automatically and seamlessly transitions between powerful NVIDIA graphics and energy-efficient Intel onboard HD Graphics to suit the task at hand(Learn more)
4GB DDR3 RAM for increased multitasking speed (Learn more)
High-speed wireless N networking (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz) (Learn more)
SuperMulti DVD drive to enjoy your favorite movies where you want (Learn more)
HDMI output for easily streaming HD video and audio to a compatible HDTV or external display (Learn more)
Altec Lansing speakers with SRS Premium Sound for resounding acoustics (Learn more)
Multi-touch trackpad lets you intuitively navigate through web pages, documents, and pictures (Learn more)
Chiclet keyboard for increased typing precision and comfort (Learn more)
Express Gate for instant access to internet, music, Skype, and more in seconds
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit for a faster and more reliable operating system (Learn more)
Eco-friendly EPEATand Energy Star certified
2 year global warranty and 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty (Learn more)

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Latest in Mobile Graphics Technology
Achieve More, for Longer
Compact and Brilliantly Crafted
The Next Generation of Intel Processors
The Complete Multimedia Package
Increased Productivity
ASUS Makes Your Windows 7 Experience Better
ASUS 360 –Comprehensive Care Package Included
Relax, You\'re Covered With ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty
What's in the Box The entire U30Jc-A1 package contains a warranty information card, notebook, AC Adapter, and 8-cell battery pack
U30Jc-A1
AC Adapter
8-cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit HD display (1366 x 768)
CPU: Intel Core i3-350M Dual Core Processor (2.26 GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA Optimus-Enabled: NVIDIA GeForce 310M with 512MB DDR3 VRAM + Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Wireless Data Network: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 4GB DDR3-1066 DRAM (up to 4GB)
Storage: 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
Optical Disc Drive: DVD Super Multi Double Layer
Camera: 0.3 Megapixel
Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers with SRS premium sound
Microphone: Digital Array Microphone
Card Reader: : 1 x 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MMC+/MS/XD)
Input/ Output: 1 x HDMI output,1 x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF support),1 x Microphone-in jack,1 x VGA port/ Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor,1 x RJ-45 LAN Jack,3 x USB 2.0 ports
Battery: 8 cell 5600mAh battery (Up to 9.5 Hours)
Dimensions: 13.12 x 9.52 x 0.8 ~ 1.2 –inches (W x D x H)
Weight: 4.8 lbs with 8 cell battery
Color: Silver *GeForce 310M compared to Intel Integrated GM45 1Estimated maximum battery life test was done in ASUS Power4Gear battery saving mode with Mobile Mark 2007. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions. 2 For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers "ASUS" brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: "Built on ASUS," "ASMobile," "Powered by ASUS," the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by CircuitCity in Canada. Limit of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met. 3 One incident covered per notebook. 4 Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models.Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images. Celeron, Celeron Inside, Centrino, Centrino Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel Viiv, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, Viiv Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. † Internet access required. Free TV content varies by geography. Some content may require additional fees.

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ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook with 6 Hours of Battery Life - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I first reviewed the Asus 1201N in January 2010 (see my Amazon review for that netbook), I stated that it was the best netbook on the market. A lot of time (in the consumer electronics world) has passed since that review, and Asus has released the upgrade to the 1201N, in the form of the 1215N. Does the 1215N take the crown from the 1201N, and is the 1215N the best netbook available today (September 2010) on the market?
In a word, YES! The major gripe about the 1201N was of course the limited battery life, approximately 3.5 hours on average. Even though I primarily used my 1201N near an electrical outlet, there were times when I had to go portable with it, and the short battery life was painfully insufficient. Asus has upgraded both the processor and the graphics technology for the 1215N. The processor is the desktop grade Intel D525 1.8 GHz dual-core processor, a step-up from the dual core Atom 330s powering the initial 1201N. While I would've liked to see Intel's new N550 dual core Atom processors on the 1215N instead, the D525s are more than sufficient. I suspect that Asus will release their next version of the 12XXN series with some sort of new lower power dual core processor and graphics technology.
Note, the N550 processors are a new generation of 1.5 GHz low power dual core processors, and suffice it to say, the days of single core N450 type processors are quickly disappearing. Asus has announced a 1215P netbook, which is equipped with the N550 but NO Nvidia ION2 technology, and relies solely on Intel's GMA3150 integrated graphics solution, which is increasingly antiquated when used as a standalone. The 1215P is intended as an upgraded to the previously poorly received 1201PN, and while it will have an improved battery life, it will have difficulty handling games and high definition 1080P media.
CPU wise, the general variety of the dual core powered netbooks on the market presently are as follows; D525, N550, AMD Athlon II Neo K325.
Base on clockspeed only, the general order of CPU ranking is as follows;
D525 > N550 > K325
The Athlon IIs are powerful adversaries, but according to other online reviews, suffer from poor battery life, on par with that of the original 1201N, ~ 3.5 hours. Such Athlon II Neo equipped platforms include the 11.6" Dell Inspiron M101z (K325) and the Acer Aspire One (K125). But a Dell M101z with Neo K325, 4GB of RAM, and 320 GB HDD will cost you $579; $100 more than the 1215N, and with its poor battery performance, is really just a faster 1201N.
The N550s are found on platforms such as the HP Mini 5103 and are good low power competitors to the D525s, but are crippled because they appear to be bundled with the Intel GMA 3150s. A comparably optioned Mini 5103 and Crystal Broadcom HD Chip will likely run into the $500-$600 range. And the Mini 5103 only has a 10.1" screen.
Where does that leave the D525 then? While the desktop/nettop chip is quite powerful, Intel has intentionally embedded some features which limit the maximum potential of the 1215N. The D525's embedded memory controller limits usable RAM to 2.8 GB, meaning that it is probably NOT advisable to purchase the 4 GB version of the 1215N. The RAM runs in single channel mode only, and the D525 is limited to 32-bit addressing, which may render installation of 64-bit Windows 7 moot. However, don't let these nitpicks drag you down; they are limitations you might want to consider if you're extremely critical about your netbook, but for the average user like myself, they don't bother me, since I'm not interested in using the 1215N as a 64 bit powerhouse.
Asus has paired the D525s with the Nvidia Ion 2 graphics solution, which gives the 1215N comparable battery performance to the lower power N550 matched with integrated solutions, an incredible feat. The Ion 2 used in the 1215N comprises the G210 GPU with integrated GMA3150, and when combined with Nvidia's Optimus switching technology, allows use of the G210 for intensive gaming sessions, while using the low power GMA 3150 for more mundane tasks. The result is a battery life nearly double that of the 1201N. The Ion2 uses all 16 cores of the GT2XX chip and is clocked at 475 MHz. The original Nvidia Ion is comparable to a 9400M, and the Ion 2 is roughly 60% faster than the Ion. However, there is a potential bottleneck, again due to intentional limitations from Intel. The Ion 2's potential is hindered by Intel refusing to share its DMI interface with Nvidia, forcing the Ion 2 to operate on the PCI-e 1x lane, where it cannot operate at full bandwidth. Again, like the caveats with the D525s, this is a limitation you might want to consider if you're extremely critical about your netbook, but for the average user like myself, they don't bother me and the effects aren't noticeable. Make sure you use the latest Nvidia drivers, otherwise the Optimus switching may not turn on correctly.Enough about the history and theoretical considerations of the 1215N. How does the 1215N look, operate, and compare to the 1201N?INITIAL THOUGHTS/DIFFERENCES WITH 1201N: The biggest and most welcome change from the 1201N is the new matte top lid. This helps tremendously in preventing your netbook from becoming a fingerprint magnet. The black matte lid still acquires some fingerprints, and I'd recommend the silver color as the way to go. Amazon does not appear to sell the brown and red colored variations at this time, and I assume those also have a matte finish. The wrist rest has a semi-glossy appearance, and picks up some grease, albeit much less than the 1201N. The SD card reader has been moved from the right side (1201N) to the left side (1215N).
The keyboard appears to have the same layout as the 1201N; some users complained of keyboard flexing, but I didn't notice any flexing. In fact, it seems to have much less flex than the 1201N and seems quite rigid. The 1215N's keyboard is a pure chiclet style; whereas the 1201N's keyboard was contained in a plastic well, the 1215N's keys are raised above the base surface of the netbook. This does not appear to cause any functional differences, but the visual difference is apparent when compared with the 1201N. The 1215N also features a sturdier power button, which feels of higher quality.
The trackpad is no longer dimpled, and this makes the mouse cursor significantly easier to move around. The same one-bar button selector is used (as found on the 1201N, which I actually liked), but the one-bar could've benefited from a matte finish as it picks up fingerprints easily. I strongly prefer the new trackpad on 1215N; navigation is significantly easier now.
The hard drive is only a 5400 rpm spec model, but I found it to be as quiet as the one on the 1201N.
Lastly, the web-camera has a shutter that protects it when not in use; the resolution is the same as that of the 1201N.
I was disappointed to find that the package did not come with a Windows 7 Home Premium installation CD. Didn't I pay for the CD?!BLOATWARE: Unfortunately, like the 1201N, the 1215N also comes pre-installed with a lot of bloatware. It seems a bunch of random wireless card software programs are installed, even though some of those wireless cards aren't even installed into the machine! The bloatware is easy enough to remove though; just remove them under the remove programs tab in Control Panel.GRAPHICAL PERFORMANCE: I tested the 1215N against my 1201N. I achieved a 3DMark06 benchmark score of 1583 (CPU Score 811) on my stock 1201N. By comparison, 3DMark06 on the 1215N achieve a score 1100 points higher, 2692! Playing a 1080P media file on the 1201N using the CoreAVC codec required 60% CPU utilization. Playing the same 1080P media file on the 1215N using the CoreAVC 2.0 codec required just 16-20% CPU utilization!!
BATTERY LIFE: So far, I'm eking out around 5-6 hours of battery life on light to moderate usage.GAMING: I haven't had a chance yet to extensively test gaming capabilities of the 1215N, but from what I've read, the 1215N can handle the following games;
Starcraft 2 @ 15-20 fps, 1280 x 720 pixels, medium settings (various youtube videos confirming this)
FIFA 2010 @ 20 fps, lowest resolution and details
Call of Duty: Modern Wafare 2 @ 30 fps, provided there aren't a lot of scripted scenes/characters.
World of Warcraft @ 45 fps, 1366 x 768 pixels, low details
Left 4 Dead @ 20 fps, 1366 x 768 pixels, low details
Half-Life Episode 2 @ 28 fps, 1280 x 720 pixels
Also, bear in mind that since the Ion 2 is relatively new, not many games are supported yet. Make sure the drivers are up-to-date. If you overclock the 1215N, assuming it is overclockable, then higher framerates and performance may be possible. Note, I am not suggesting or advising anyone to overclock their machine.PROS/CONS: PROS
-Great performance for the price
-Ion 2 battery saving graphics
-Fast processors
-12.1" size with 1366 x 768 resolution
-Solid build quality
-New matte lids minimize fingerprint collection
-Comes with Windows Home Premium (rather than Windows Starter)CONS
-2.8 GB usable RAM limit
-RAM runs in single channel mode only.
-No USB 3.0 capability on US models for now (though this doesn't bother me since I don't have any USB 3.0 devices anyway, and by the time 3.0 devices become mainstream, Asus will have released another netbook by then).
-No Bluetooth (though this doesn't bother me since I don't use BT with my netbooks,...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook with 6 Hours of Battery Life - Black

HD-enhanced Entertainment with NVIDIA Optimus Technology With more HD content available now than ever before, you need a netbook that can keep up with the pace. The Eee PC 1215N has both the performance and mobility to meet the call. It features the new Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor, Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics, and a stunning 12.1-inch HD display to give you all the power needed for on-the-go HD enjoyment. And with NVIDIA Optimus Technology, the Eee PC 1215N intelligently switches between NVIDIA ION graphics and embedded graphics to optimize battery life without compromising performance. Add in the LED-backlit display and ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you can stay unplugged up to 7 hours between charges.1 Along with long-lasting mobility, it has a compact, scratch-resistant design that fits nicely in carrying cases and backpacks – ideal for both long trips or day-to-day errands. The Eee PC 1215N is also one of the select few with HDMI connectivity. So when you feel like super-sizing your HD movies, simply connect to an HDTV and enjoy Full 1080p HD visuals and up to 8 channel sound. What's more, you get a total of 750GB of hybrid storage – 500GB of ASUS WebStorage2 and a spacious 250GB hard drive – to store, share, and back up your music, videos, and other valuable data. The Eee PC 1215N comes with full-size chiclet keyboard, stereo speakers, high-speed wireless N, 2GB of DDR2 memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium. Awards Received Editor's Choice – Laptop Magazine 9 out of 10 – Maximum PC 92%, Must Have Best Features Award – Tweak Town 4 out 5 editor's rating – PCMag.com 4 out of 5 stars – CNET editor's rating

Key Features
12.1-inch LED-backlit HD display for HD-quality visuals wherever, whenever (Learn more)
Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor for energy-efficient multitasking (Learn more)
Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics for a premium mobile HD experience (Learn more)
NVIDIA Optimus Technology instantly switches between powerful NVIDIA and energy-efficient Intel graphics to save battery life without compromising performance (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine maximizes battery life up to 7 hours between charges1 (Learn more)
HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs and compatible external displays (Learn more)
High-speed wireless N for unplugged surfing (Learn more)
750GB Hybrid Storage: 250GB hard drive plus 500GB ASUS WebStorage2 (Learn more)

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Power with Enhanced Battery Life
Immersive Multimedia
Comfort On-the-Go
Your Portable Internet Companion
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources,3 readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. We tirelessly strive to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. We also back our commitment with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUS Global Warranty4
Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing netbooks:

1 year global warranty
6 month battery warranty
24/7 tech support
Free 1-way standard shipping

What's in the Box
Eee PC 1215N
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card

Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Display: 12.1-inch LED-Backlit WXGA display (1366 x 768)
CPU: Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor (1.8 GHz)
GPU: Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology
Wireless Data Network: WLAN 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
Memory: 2GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM slot (expandable to 4GB)
Storage: 250GB 5400RPm hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage2
Camera: 0.3 megapixel with security lens cover
Audio: Hi-definition stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC, Microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input / Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks (Headphone & Mic-in)
Battery Pack: 6 cell battery (up to 7 hours2)
Dimensions: 11.54 (W) x 8.11 (D) x 1.06~ 1.30 (H) inches
Weight: 3.22 lbs
Color: Silver, Black

All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images. 1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007 in reader mode. 2 Complimentary one-year 500GB ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details. 3 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html 4 ASUS reserves the right to exclude certain SKUs; check with your retailer to confirm coverage of specific models. Valid for notebooks purchased in the US and Canada only. For complete details, please visit: usa.asus.com/event/ASUS360.

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ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This netbook has the footprint of an iPad, but it is about an inch thick at the thickest point. I thought the tapered design would be a hindrance, but it actually makes the netbook easier to pack away in my backpack. You will want a case for it because it looks like it will easily pick up scratches and dents if left to tumble around in a crowded bag.
As a result of the high performance features of this netbook, the battery life suffers a bit. I can easily get 6 hours when only browsing the internet and doing office work, but if I watch videos I get about 2.5 hours. A word of warning: don't let flash apps sit idle in the background, they will drain the battery.
The ten inch screen is bright and clear. It has a matte finish which is superior to the glossy screens so commonly used because they look good on the sales floor. The screen could stand to be more evenly backlit. The unevenness is more pronounced in dark applications (and movies) and won't be noticeable in bright rooms or with most desktop applications. The resolution is adequate for most web web sites and office 2007 can be displayed with no issue (over-sized ribbon and all). If you are an older individual, you may need reading glasses to read the screen since the fonts do look a little small.
The keyboard and touchpad are among the standout features of this netbook. The keyboard has a visually appealing chicklet design and is adequately sized for comfortable typing with my average sized hands. I came to this netbook from a desktop replacement laptop with a very large keyboard and the learning curve has been short. The touchpad is also much more spacious than that of competing netbooks and is about 3.5 inches diagonally (about the size of an iPhone screen). It also supports multi-touch gestures making acts like scrolling and zooming easier.
Performance is another place where this model really shines. The dual core processor makes it feel almost as zippy as my core 2 duo laptop. I can run MS Office and Google Chrome without problems. I am considering a ram upgrade but the default 1 gig has served me well so far. The Nvidia Ion graphics allows me to watch Hulu and Netflix without any apparent lag even when in full screen.
A quick word on Windows 7 starter; the only feature you will really miss compared to home premium is the ability to change the background (the default is innocuous but quite boring). A free program called "Oceanis Change Background" solved my problems and saved me from a $70 upgrade.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black)

Embrace mobile computing in style with the new ASUS Eee PC 1015PN. The 1015pn packs the latest ATOM CPU from Intel, the Dual Core N550, which consumes less electrical power yet has more processing power than its predecessors, allowing the 1015pn to get up to 9.5 hours of battery life. Dedicated graphics from the NVidia Ion 2 graphics processor provide stutter-free viewing of HD content, and an HDMI port provides a convenient connection to a TV or LED monitor. With built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, users can stay connected wherever they go. The 92%-scaled ergonomic keyboard and Multi-Touch touchpad make it a breeze to type and navigate through content. The 1015pn's 250GB hard drive and 500GB of free webstorage provide a wealth of storage and backup capabilities. The 1015pn also features a chiclet keyboard for added style and comfort. This item comes with a global warranty.

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ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this as a replacement for a Dell 1720. As I study computer and electrical engineering, I'm very familiar with the internal components of electronics. This is a very well made notebook. Most of my friends and colleagues find the notebook very attractive and distinctively ideal. But, aesthetic taste differ from person-to-person and can only be merely objective. So, what is really important, are the numbers in between that motivated this to be my final choice. And, I'm glad I did 100%.
Processor Core i5 450M
This is currently the SECOND HIGHEST SCORING DUAL CORE MOBILE PROCESSOR, according to PassMark's website. The first being the Core i7 620M, which cost roughly twice as much and only provides a 10% improvement. Very smart on ASUS's behalf, because the majority of programs only utilize two cores. This means that most people buying a quad core will only use half of the potential of their CPU. Whereas, this processor doubles the amount of pathways for the dual cores to use. In short, the processor optimizes both cores by having twice as many streams and acts like a quad core ALL OF THE TIME. And, this doesn't even include the 12-way associative 3MB of L3 cache. GREAT NOTEBOOK PROCESSOR. PERIOD
RAM
Most people don't really understand RAM or How it woks. So, I'll keep this simple. Your CPU has a core speed. You RAM has a core speed rating. When both of these are the same speed, your computer is termed "synced." A very very important thing. If your computer is not synced, some of the data is lost in the transmission and has to be sent again. Making it slower than originally intended. This computer is synced perfect, so DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY FASTER RAM. It will be a waste of your money. The latency is 7-7-7-20 and as good as you can buy for 1333.
USB 3.0
I bought this with every intention of getting the most out of USB 3.0. I felt really disappointed in the performance for a few reasons. Some are my fault, and I'll explain. Intel has said they will not support USB 3.0 on their boards. They are waiting for LightPeak to replace all current standards. While this is a smart business move for Intel, the rest of us are left with the consequences. The only way USB 3.0 can be used with an Intel processor is through the use of third party controllers. These are not nearly up to the speeds of the AMD boards. I own a Super Talent Supercrypt 32GB that I planned on using for clean installs, but you need to install the drivers after installing the OS for USB 3.0 to work, $#!}. So, USB 3.0 can only be used for AMD board clean installs. And, to make matters worse, the drivers are slow. I can hit about 96MB/sec on the U43Jc, but on an AMD board I get about 230MB/sec. I should have researched a little more, but hopefully, I can save some of you time. DON'T LET THIS BE THE DECIDING FACTOR FOR BUYING THIS COMPUTER. All Intel based notebooks will suffer from the same problem, and AMD processors aren't nearly this good. If it's a problem, wait for LightPeak.
Switchable nvidia 310M
By knowing how to use this, you can increase you battery life. Just hit the button in the upper-left corner, and you will switch to the onboard graphics card, simple. This card is not made for extreme video games, but CASUAL games can be played with ease.
Display 1366x768
This is one of the brightest and clearest screens I've seen. Some people might complain about the resolution, not being high enough, but do you really need more resolution on a 14" screen?? NO
Bluetooth
Absent in this model. Have never used it before, so it wasn't a factor for my decision.
Keyboard
A chicklet style keyboard that is almost identical to a MacBook Pro. I like it.
DVD Drive
I guess people still use these things. Anyways, it contains one of the best made for notebooks, a Matshita UJ89A2S.
Bloatware
Almost all PC computers come with this nowadays. Just download Revo uninstaller and remove what you don't think you'll use. Search Google for Asus Bloatware guide for information.
Camera
I believe all computers come with, pretty much, the same camera. Until someone starts putting Carl Zeiss lenses on these things, there all the same to me.
Audio
Audio is on the low end, but most loud notebooks go loud and sound distorted. If audio is really important to you, you probably think all notebooks sound horrible. Cure: Buy a pair of Klipsch Image S4. Simple the best affordable headphones available.
Coupon
I'm mentioning this now, because this severely affected the final part of my review,but since it was part of the original price, I included this in the review. I purchased this for $999, and received a $150 Amazon gift card. This made all the difference in the world. I know computer speed "bottlenecks" in certain areas. The biggest area is the hard drive. While the U43Jc-X1 comes with a Seagate Momentus 5400rpm, the Crystal Disk Mark I scored was around 90MB/sec. Faster than most, but I wanted this notebook to fly. So, I used the coupon to order a 64GB Crucial RealSSD C300. Best upgrade for any computer in the world.
Battery Life
Most people are getting close to 6 hours, and I concur. After changing the hard drive, I was getting closer to 8 1/2. Huge improvement. Everything else increased immensely too. My cold boot time is around 13 sec. Microsoft Office Word 2010 opens in 1 sec. No exaggeration. Shutdown is between 3-5 sec. Everything else opens immediately, and I have a longer battery life.
Heat
The most important fact for determining notebook reliability, longevity, and build construction. This product is so well made that I RARELY HEAR THE FAN EVEN TURN ON. This means the computer doesn't get hot enough for it, although I am speaking after the SSD install. This is a sure sign of a solid build construction.
Overall
This is a quality computer with some of the best components on the market. Asus gives a 1 year accident warranty. Meaning you can drop it in the pool and get a new one. Hard to beat. You'll be hard pressed to find something of this caliber at this price, not to mention you'll stand out in the crowd. Just remember, sometimes, "It's what's on the inside that counts." ~proverb

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life)

Inspired by Nature. Designed for Style. Drawing on the symbolism of bamboo as a durable renewable resource, the sophisticated U43Jc bamboo notebook with a 14-inch HD LED-backlit display combines distinguished aesthetics with premium technology. The stylish U43Jc-X1 bamboo shell reduces the use of plastic material by up to 15%, and enhances a brushed-aluminum interior. Sleek and user-friendly, this mobile phenom blends powerful yet energy-efficient technology to deliver an astounding 10 hours of battery life between charges.1 Its power-saving ability is due to the system-optimizing ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, and to NVIDIA Optimus Technology that switches between powerful discrete graphics and efficient embedded graphics, providing sufficient power for the task at hand. The U43Jc-X1 complements its power with convenience by incorporating SuperSpeed USB 3.0, for up to 10 times faster transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0.2 The U43Jc-X1 features the Intel Core i5 processor, 14-inch Slim-Type LED-backlit HD display, high-speed Wireless N connectivity, 4GB DDR3 system memory, 500GB hard drive, 2.0MP webcam with lens cover for added security, multi-touch trackpad, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

Key Features
Distinguished bamboo texture cover for a unique style and touch that uses 15% less plastic (Learn more)
Up to 10 hours of battery1 life for all-day unplugged freedom (Learn more)
14-inch Slim-Type LED-backlit HD display with 1366 x 768 resolution for high-quality visuals
Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Turbo boost Technology for smart multitasking performance (Learn more)
NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics 1GB DDR3 VRAM for excellent HD-quality visuals for games, media, and more (Learn more)
NVIDIA Optimus Technology for automatic and seamless switching between powerful NVIDIA GeForce graphics and battery-saving integrated graphics engine (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine innovatively saves battery life and boosts performance (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 charges compatible devices faster and delivers up to 10 times faster transfer rates than previous generation USB 2.02 (Learn more)
Intel WiDi HD Wireless Display3 technology makes it easy to wirelessly stream HD content to your TV or external monitor (Learn more)

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Distinguished Bamboo Aesthetic, Comfortable Style
Optimize Your Visual Experience
Powered to Last
Enhanced Connectivity
The Most Reliable Windows OS
ASUS 360 – The Most Comprehensive Care Package
ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW)
F9 Key for Quick Recovery
What's in the Box The entire U43Jc-X1 package contains a warranty card, U43Jc-X1 Bamboo Notebook, and AC Adapter
U43Jc-X1 Bamboo Notebook
AC Adapter
Warranty Card
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Display: 14-inch Slim-Type LED-backlit HD display (1366 x 768)
CPU: Intel Core i5-450M processor 2.4GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 310M 1GB DDR3 VRAM + Intel HD graphics
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1066MHz (up to 4GB)
Wireless Data Network: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Intel WiDi HD Wireless Display technology
LAN: 10/100/1000 RJ-45
Storage: 500GB 5400RPM hard drive
Optical drive: Super Multi
Camera: 2.0Mp
Input/ Output: 1 x HDMI port 2 x Audio jack 1 x RJ-45 1 x VGA port 2 x USB 2.0 port 1 x USB 3.0 port
Battery: 8-cell 5600mAh (up to 10 hours1)
Dimensions: 13.54 x 9.4 x 1.2–inches (W x D x H)
Weight: 5.15 lbs (with 8 cell battery)
Color: Brown
All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images. Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners\' benefit, without intent to infringe. 1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows XP Home is measured with MobileMark 2007. 2 All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 3 Intel Wireless Display requires a compatible laptop, TV adapter, and a TV with HDMI or composite A/V input. 4 Your portable ASUS products contain hazardous materials. While they pose no risk to you during normal use, they should never be disposed with other wastes. ASUS provides a free take-back service for recycling your ASUS products. Our electronics recycler will provide competitive bids for recycling non-ASUS products as well. If you have products for recycling, visit http://www.metechrecycling.com/asus-business.htm for more information on this program. 5 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com\'s Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109 ). 6 For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers "ASUS" brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: "Built on ASUS," "ASMobile," "Powered by ASUS," the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by Circuit City in Canada. Limit of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met. One incident covered per notebook.

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