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ASUS U30JC-A1 13.3-Inch Laptop (Silver)

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Brand: Asus
Category: Personal Computer

Buy New: $1,079.60
as of 9/10/2010 10:42 PDT details

Seller: Techno Intelligence
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

19 reviews
Sales Rank: 1068

Color: Silver
Media: Personal Computers
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: Yes
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Type: Intel Core i3
Processors: 2
System Memory: 4
Memory Type: SODIMM
Hard Drive Size: 320
Graphics RAM: 512
Display Size: 13.3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.8
Dimensions (in): 13.1 x 9.5 x 1.2
Legal Disclaimer: We do not in any way represent that any part we sell is legal to possess in your jurisdiction. Check with you local authorities to ensure it is legal for you to possess before buying!

MPN: U30JC-A1
Model: U30JC-A1
UPC: 884840589792
EAN: 0884840589792
ASIN: B0036ZEANO

Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days

Features:

•	Intel Core i3-350M Processor (2.26 GHz)
•	NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M Graphics Engine with 512MB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM with NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology
•	4GB of DDR3 1066MHz DRAM (2GB x 2 slots), 4GB Max; Wireless 802.11 b/g/n
•	320GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System
•	13.3-Inch HD (1366x768) LED Display; 0.3MP Webcam; HDMI Port; 8 cell 5600mAh battery

Accessories:

Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 3-User

Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Home Premium to Professional]

ASUS 13.3-Inch Precision Notebook Sleeve

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 EPEAT and Energy Star certified
2 year global warranty and 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty (Learn more)

Learn More

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.

Check Out Other ASUS Notebook Computers and Accessories

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Its slim and sleek design makes it the perfect accessory for your U30Jc-A1.

ASUS Crosslink Cable
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Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 1-5 of 19

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No CONs August 15, 2010
John Durkee (Hunt, TX, USA)
This is the best laptop, maybe the best computer, I have ever owned. I have about 6 weeks time on it, and there are no flaws.

This computer was an experiment for me. For medical reasons, I needed to be able to work with a laptop instead of a desktop (it's a complicated and personal story). So, I bought this machine with the idea that I could learn to write (that's what I do) on a machine with a full-sized but compact keyboard and a 13 inch screen. I had been using a keyboard with a separate numerical keypad and a 28 inch flatscreen monitor. This machine doesn't have a separate numerical keypad, which is one reason why I bought it.

The keyboard is easy upon which to type. Yes, I wish the keyboard was backlighted as the Apple laptop keyboard is, but I knew it wasn't when I bought it. But it is better than any Microsoft or Logitech unit I have used. Smooth, sharp, accurate.

The screen is a joy -- good viewing angles and quite bright.

The built-in sound system is quite good for a laptop, and with earphones all sorts of adjustments are possible.

I had been afraid of Windows 7 as I had done Vista and had returned to XP. But Windows 7 works like you think it should, every time. Things are easier to find and use.

You can read the specs, and they will tell what I found -- this is a fast capable machine. I wish it had Intel Wireless Display technology, but I didn't know about that when I bought it.

One can easily turn off the touch pad so that you can touch-type -- a problem I have had with other notebooks and netbooks. I have bought a refurb Logitech notebook mouse which works off a USB port.

This is now my main machine and I am very pleased with it. I have no clue about battery life because I don't take the machine of mains power.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent laptop July 31, 2010
Nihsanka
This laptop is good for all purposes. You can play games, work on digital video compilation software, high end computing software. It will perform excellently. Battery life is also very good.

4 out of 5 stars

Great feature set, but annoyingly buggy. July 22, 2010
Jason (Chicago, Israel)
My desktop died, so I decided to finally take the plunge and buy a laptop for my day to day computing. This is the first laptop I have owned. I read all the reviews out there and shopped around quite a bit before I decided on buying this one from Amazon.

Pros:
-Amazing feature set for multimedia. The HDMI out alone has made this notebook worth the purchase. I have this guy hooked up to my HDTV at least a few days a week to watch Hulu, Netflix, and DVD's. 1080p out. The assortment of ports on here as well makes hooking this guy up to pretty much any other device a breeze.

-Sleek design. This notebook looks professional and slick. Feels pretty sturdy as well. The glossy screen is sharp and doesn't have as much glare as most screens of this type. The keyboard is very easy to type on as well.

-Portability. This thing is amazingly thin and light. Just throw it in a bag and go. Incredibly easy to carry. The impressive 6-8 hour battery life with multitasking helps in this department as well.

Cons:
-Extremely buggy. I am not sure if this is just Windows 7 growing pains or a problem with the laptop, but I've had the notebook a month now and a few times a week something will throw a bug. Got a few blue screens, problems with the graphics card drivers, and unexplained windows update problems. I have seen all these problems in reviews or on forums as well, so it leads me to think its more than just my unit. Anytime windows updates I have to disconnect the battery and power cable for a bit after the restart to get the laptop to even turn back on. I have been unable to find a fix for this yet, but the other problems I have. As this happens at least once a week with the updates it is rather annoying. If I wasn't as tech savvy, I would probably return the laptop because of this and get a xp downgrade able machine. Also, the main reason I didn't give this notebook a higher rating.

-BLOATWARE! Enough said, this thing ships with a ton of it.

-Graphics performance is less than advertised. I use the notebook mostly for internet, multimedia, and light office work, but occasionally I like to play games on there. The graphics card cannot even handle Plants V. Zombies or other light games. The screen will freeze up and the fps will slow down considerably even with light gaming on lower settings. Don't buy this laptop for gaming.

Overall I am happy with this purchase. Amazon had it for cheap and delivered it quickly. Feature set is great and it handles what I need it to. Ready to go right out of the box and performs well in most areas, but the bug problems I have seen make me a little apprehensive and have become annoying already.

3 out of 5 stars

Test: U30JC vs. 13.3 inch Mac... July 9, 2010
Ziggy Stardust (NYC, NY USA)
4 out of 11 found this review helpful

I purchased this computer having high expectations --- excellent battery life, optimus technology with a video card (512mg) and an optical driver.

My experience with laptops is de minimus (I've extensively used PC desktops and researched laptops on the net and in the stores --- hands on). Therefore, I also picked up a 13.3 inch MacBookPro (Core Duo 2.4) to compare it to --- if approximately equal, I would keep the Asus. If the Mac were much better, I would keep that. Comparing one to the other would also give me a laptop benchmark for each.

I was rooting for the Asus as it was cheaper, had Windows, and an i3. It is also cheaper.

Comparison:

Build quality and aesthetics --- the Asus looks good but is not a "PC" MacBookPro. It's not solid aluminum, the keys do not feel as solid, the Apple has a back-lit keyboard, the Apple is slimmer and better looking, etc... still, the Asus did pretty well here.

Screen --- fairly big difference. Both are unfortunately glossy, the Asus unusually so (glare!). Moreover, the Apple had better, richer colors. And resolution to the naked eye was better. Of course, the Apple screen blows most laptop screens away (the best I've seen is the Sony Z 1600 x 900 low gloss screen). This was a moderate negative issue for the Asus that I need to fix or the computer might be going back.

Processors --- hard to compare the i3 2.26 vs. the core duo 2.4 (different downloads as one is a Mac and one a PC). I assume the Asus is slightly better here. Still, the Apple seemed just as fast (perhaps they are very close and Apple's operating system did not require as much computing power as the Windows 7 machine).

Batteries --- important to me and a strength of both machines. Neither lasted the advertised 10 hours. Both machines did well here but Apple definitely has a longer lasting battery.

GPUs and "entertainment" --- I tested both machines with You Tube videos (such as Toy Story 3 previews). There was a BIG difference. The Apple played videos back well and the Asus was much too dark. The Asus was almost unwatchable. I assumed the 310 card was used by Optimus but this did not help. I tried many different things --- I changed the battery life setting from normal to entertainment and then to gaming. I was very surprised at this performance. The Mac uses a 320 card all the time so no switchable graphics but the card is somewhat higher end than the discrete Asus card (310); however, the Asus has 512mg of dedicated memory and the Mac does not. This was a GAME breaker (if I cannot fix it or figure it out that is). Perhaps Optimus is not yet a mature technology, the card is defective, the high gloss somehow caused a problem, or I just could not figure out how to make sure the NVIDIA card was being used on the u30jc --- Optimus should have switched over, especially when I put the machine in first entertainment and then gaming mode. Both machines were maxed out with regard to brightness and resolution. This triggered a call to Asus tech support.

Reliability --- both machines worked reasonably well; however, the Asus was a bit buggy and took forever to turn on (made worse by Windows updates?). For example, once I abruptly lost Internet Explorer and it closed with an error message. (I compared both machines with Firefox installed.) Worse, I found a small NVIDIA icon on the bottom of the Asus; click once and it says OPEN NVIDIA. No matter what I did, this icon would not open. And I could find no other reference to NVIDIA and switching cards (I was thinking of trying the videos with the 310 permanently engaged). Perhaps I missed it.

Sound quality --- both did well for laptops. Apple was just a bit louder.

Crapware --- none on the Apple; at least some on the Asus. Of course, some of the Asus technology might be useful (such as FastBoot).

Hard drives --- slight edge to the Asus; 320gigs vs. 250gigs. Both at a slow 5,400.

Internet --- both were fine (as was the Airport Extreme).

Customer Support --- win for Apple but not as straight-forward as one might think. I called Apple to help me set up an Airport Extreme --- quick and superb support. Not rushed at all and the Apple person knew his stuff/product and was in the U.S.
I called Asus to find out why the video looked so bad and to find out how to find info on NVIDIA and, perhaps, change the Optimus settings. The rep. tried to help and made a suggestion (I was recharging the battery) but did not know the product as well as the Apple guy did. I suspect the call was to India but that's fine with me. Both reps answered the call quickly. Asus does have two advantages --- Apple has only 90 days of phone support and Asus has a full year. Additionally, Apple support is only available from 9 to 9 while Asus is 24 hours. Overall, a good showing for both companies.

Warranty --- don't have a winner yet. Apple gives 1 year of coverage while Asus may give 2 and includes 1 year of accident coverage. Apple's extended warranty also extends the phone coverage to three years. However, it costs a whopping $249! Apple's only sure advantages here is the presence of Apple stores and a large, active community on the net. (Note: There are many complaints on the net about Asus warranty service and few on Apple service --- caveat emptor?)

Price --- a BIG win for Asus. I was able to get one for $879 on Amazon. The Pro is $1,199 ($1,099 if one shops around). One can add in the Apple Care for $249 and it is not even close! Kudos to Asus. This is one reason I really want the Asus to work out for me. Apple's prices are B.S. in my opinion.

Overall, the Apple is much better than the Asus in several important ways that are outlined above. If the video cannot play correctly I have a lemon or Apple is that much better. (I will call Asus again once the battery recharges and have the machine in my hand as I am hopefully successfully walked through the video issue and how to find/change Optimus settings). The Apple screen is much better,too. But the Asus, as noted, is MUCH cheaper. A difference in Asus' favor with regard to price is an i3 vs. a Core Duo 2.4. Apple scores with better workmanship (all aluminum), back-lit keys, a slightly better video card, a better form factor, blue tooth and, perhaps, something else of import that escapes me now.

Summary:

If things stay as they are the Asus must go back. I want the Asus to "win" but, so far, the Apple is that much better.

Three stars from a laptop newbie. Both machines were fairly easy to figure out (Win 7 is new to me and the Mac OS is very new to me). With a few exceptions, both machines work well. But, as noted, the Apple is better --- two stars better (or a bit less due to the price difference.) The Asus needs a better screen and may have relatively poor graphics and/or less battery life (e.g., this would be particularly so when the Asus is in Entertainment or Gaming mode --- the screen gets brighter and presumably the discrete video card is engaged).

So far, I cannot recommend this for a purchase given the Mac's advantages. The Sony Z is interesting but costs a mint! Perhaps the T410 with its i5 at approx. $899 would work for me. Toshiba sells an interesting i5 for about $799 (excellent but a lot of plastic).

UPDATE: A week later and the Asus is in transit going back; I had to send it soon or it was "mine." Still have the 13 inch MacPro. I did call Asus before returning it and found the NVIDIA control which allows me to force the use of the discrete NVIDIA card or the integrated card. I checked the boxes for the NVIDIA card. Video improved --- it was satisfactory and closer in quality to that on the Mac. I kept the Mac as it seems better built, better supported, holds its value and the Asus high-glare screen was too much for me. In all ways, the Mac screen was better and this is important to me as it's what I look at much of the day. With the price difference, however, this Asus is not bad. I wish the Mac had the 3.06 found in the iMac as this flies on models I've tried in the stores.

Just my opinion and preferences. Two good machines.

UPDATE: Superb return service provided by Amazon; it's why they are the best!

5 out of 5 stars

Great computer for great price July 8, 2010
Anthony B. Cisneros
Key Points:

i3 processor - This thing is great! It keeps the computer running smoothly through heavy multitasking along with 4gb of DDR3 RAM.

Power4Gear - This program helps manage the power settings and really helps keep your computer unplugged for hours (I have gotten around 7.5 on minor web surfing [meaning wifi is on] and simple program use). The only problem I have is that in battery saving mode the wallpaper changes to a preset white ASUS one and the bottom taskbar goes into hide mode. This would be fine, except most of the time when I go back into high-powered gaming mode they stay the same. It really isn't much of an issue, just a personal preference.

Screen - The size is good enough to do anything you could want, including moderate gaming. Unfortunately, other reviewers are correct about it being surrounded by a really shinny black plastic that reflects EVERYTHING. The screen also has acceptable viewing angles, though it does lose colors extremely easily...just don't watch a dark movie with three people crowding around.

Keyboard - It is nicely sized and the chiclet keys are a nice touch. The right shift button is miniature though.

Touchpad - Multi-touch gives this a great high-end laptop feeling. Two fingers to scroll and three fingers to right click; it is easy to get used to, though it is so natural I forget what to do on other single-touch laptops. Unfortunately, the pad and keyboard are extremely close so every once and a while I accidentally click a link I don't mean to or move my cursor somewhere I don't want. The button is left and right click, depending on the side you choose to click, though it is fairly stiff - luckily it doesn't ever have to really be used.

Nvidia - This is the great part. Nvidia Optimus works wonders and keeps the computer performing beautifully. I have had success with Crysis on medium settings. Unfortunately, Medieval Total War crashed every time I tried to use it, but I think that is Windows 7's problem because for about 1/2 a large battle the computer performed beautifully.

Design - For what it is, it is pretty sleek. The screen is thin (feeling around the seam, you can pull apart the two pieces of plastic, but it doesn't seem likely to come apart naturally) and the single vent on the left makes sure your legs don't burn. The glued on aluminum pieces give it a nice touch and serve to hide fingerprints better than many black-top laptops (though the sun can reveal dust and fingerprints easily).

Ports - Good enough. The optical drive is theoretically essential considering they present this laptop as containing moderate gaming promise [because CD hacks are illegal, I believe...]. There are enough USB 2.0 ports for most anyone's needs, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port that I have yet to try out. There is also a media card reader in the front (the only thing up front besides speakers and indicator lights) that comes with a blank to keep dust out, which is nice. Unfortunately, there are no USB 3.0 ports or EX card readers, but they aren't essential.

Web-cam - works. It's only .3mb, so not much to say here.

Speakers - These have a somewhat hollow sound, but considering they are only up front they are decent. The volume is also acceptable, capable of being heard from a good distance and certainly capable of filling a room.

Computer Lock - Exists. This tends to be standard, but every once and a while computers don't have them and you're left keeping them in your pocket for fear of having them stolen. Just thought I would mention it since I didn't see it advertised anywhere (maybe I'm unobservant).

Hopefully This Helps!