ASUS U Series Bamboo Collection Owners Thread (U33JC/U43JC/U53JC)

I think, if memory serves, your wireless card is, like most of ours, under & to the side of the HDD. Remove the HDD plastic panel on the bottom and then remove the HDD. Can you see the top 1/4" edge of the wireless card with its two antenna leads plugged in? If so, unsrew the two screws holding it in. Then pop off the antenna wires gently. The wireless card should just pop up (like the RAM does) and can then be removed.

Yep. See HERE.

"The bottom of the notebook includes a single access plate for the RAM, wireless card and the hard drive. "

 

Thanks Quatro, but unfortunately, the underside of the U43 looks a bit different. There is a single small door for the memory, and a larger one for the hard drive. The wifi card doesn't seem to be easily accessible.

Looks just like this.

http://images.anandtech.com/doci/3730/asus-u30jc-26-bottom-noparts_575px.jpg

 

Yep. That's what the others looked like (UL30, U35/45/33/43). GenTech showed photos of how they accessed it (waaaay back in this thread). The U35 was too thin and the card couldn't be lifted up so they had to disassemble the U35 to get to the card.

The U33 (& U43 by extension) was thicker-bodied and the card could be lifted up & removed.

The card is not under the HDD. Rather, you remove the HDD, then up along the long SIDE of the HDD slot (an opening in the black plastic along the length of the side of the HDD slot), where you can see the green motherboard, the top of the card pops out a bit. The body of the card is under the housing, not the black plastic under the HDD.

Look again. You should see it. The top will have the two tiny antenna wires clipped onto it plus two screws holding it down.

Ignore the RAM slot. It's not there.

Here's a photo by GenTechPC of that area on the U35Jc:



Again, the card is impossible to remove on the U35Jc w/o disassembly, but it is EASY to remove on the U33Jc (meaning, I'm assuming, also the U43Jc ... but the bottom of the U43 may be different than the U33. Let us know).

 

I'm starting to wonder if Asus actually intends to market the U33jc in the US. I have had one on order since August, and every couple of weeks they delay their shipment to the resellers by another couple of weeks. After a while, it makes me skeptical. Luckily, I haven't been in a huge hurry, and I am working with an excellent vendor, Ken at Gentech, who has done a good job of keeping me informed as to the latest word from the company. But, still.... If anyone has any ideas on this, I'd be interested to hear them. Should I go ahead and switch to the U36jc? I really liked that USB3 port on the U33jc and the snazzy bamboo, but is it worth this runaround from Asus? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

After two days I already see a little bit of wear on the touchpad. Has this happened to anyone else? It's only visible at an angle in direct light, but the wear is definitely there.

I used hand sanitizer fairly often... I wonder if hand sanitizer reside on my hands is rubbing off on the bamboo and eating away the finish.

 

I have an U33JC with a SSD (Crucial C300). I can confirm that the "Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver" found on Asus's website will cause problems if you have a SSD. SHE would crash/freeze my system. In addition, the driver will slow down your SSD by 20%. During installation, DO NOT install that driver if you have a SSD and your system will be fine. During that troubleshoot time, I did not try sleeping my system.

Update: The newest intel rapid storage technology driver (10.0.0.1046) from intel appears to be ok for SSD too. No freezing/bsod from SHE, no performance degradations in terms of speed. Don't use the irst drivers from Asus.

I don't know how similar your laptop is to the U33JC, but after removing the hard drive, the wifi card was very easy to get to. Took 5m.

I have had my U33JC since September. I don't notice any wear on my touchpad, other being shiny (but that is true for every one of my laptops I have ever owned, from finger oils). The keyboard has amazing been not attracting oils though.

 

What would be the advantage of upgrading to the 6200 wifi card over the 1000bgn?

 

I upgraded mine because I needed the 5Ghz band. The 1000bgn has 2.4Ghz N-only.

 

Does anyone here have wifi connection issues when coming out of sleep? When I do, it shows the wifi is connected but it can take up to a minute before I can actually load a webpage. My old computer would work right away...just gets annoying always having to wait for the internet every time I close the lid.

 

Watch your blue HDD light when you come out of sleep. Does the HDD light blink? For how long is it active (busy)?

You may not be waiting for the internet but for your processor & HDD to be free.

My U30Jc takes about 10 sec coming out of sleep for the HDD to settle down and to load a new web page.

 

Sorry Quatro....I forgot to mention I bought the u43jc...no blue light....white one...not that it matters anyways. I don't think it has anything to do with loading a page though cause it can be 1-2 minutes of waiting for the internet to turn on. What is really odd to me is that my msn will sign in and tell me how many emails I have but then I cannot open any webpage for a while after....almost like the internet turns on for a couple seconds, then off for a minute or two and then it runs normally. I will have to do some more investigating like seeing if it happens from both sleep and hibernating or just one. It is very frustrating waiting for a page to load that long in this day and age...

 

Schizz, I do not have that problem in the original or upgraded intel wifi card on my U33JC. Try updating the intel drivers and/or playing around with the Power Option's wireless adapter setting's power saving modes.

 

Oh, the U33/43's use a white indicator light like the Mac's! Nice!

The U30Jc & UL30 use an odd blue light ... perhaps to be different from the Mac. Glad they got over it.

 

Thanks for the replies guys....I reinstalled the intel drivers and the internet works right from the get go....great news!! Thanks guys. One small thing though if anyone knows how, is that there is a window that opens when I awake my computer from sleep that asks if I want to turn the wifi radio on. The internet works right away if I leave it or if I choose no...but takes a minute if I choose yes....not a big deal, but every time I sleep my computer this message reappears. Anyone know how to get rid of it? thanks again!

 

The updated intel rapid storage technology driver from intel appears to be ok for SSD on U33JC, intel_rst_10.0.0.1046. NO freezing/bsod with SHE, no performance degradations.

 

I uninstalled my version of Intel RST drivers but I'm still getting the problem, and I can't find the latest drivers on the Intel website. (The newest one they have listed is 9.0.0.1014.) Since Windows Restore has fixed the problem before, I'm thinking that it's a program or some bad drivers somewhere, but does anyone think that there is a chance that it might be a hardware thing?

 

Updated drivers for IRST: intel drivers pour Raid/Sata/Ata/Ahci

 

I recieved my U43 really like the system much more then the u45jc. Started checking updates on the Asus site and noticed that the latest bios is 214 and my notebook came loaded with 215 but the date is older than the 214 on the site strange.

 

Hello all, my first post here!

I've been looking for the U33Jc for a couple weeks, can't find it in stock, any advice on well known etailers?

TIA!

 

hello,
sorry for the dam question but how can i switch the video adapter from intel to nVidia? on asus u43jc. Thx.

 

ASUS U33JC-A1 13.3" Notebook - Bamboo. ASUS U33JC-A1

ASUS Bamboo U33JC A1 - Core i3 2.4 GHz - 13.3″ - 4 GB Ram - 500 GB HDD

 

thanks a lot! btw do you know if this will fit a 2.5" SSD?

 

Yes it will.

 

Sombody has a solution for it?

 

The last time I saw this issue in someone else's notebook, it was because they needed to update their Intel HD IGP driver (latest appears to be 8.15.10.2226.) Weird, I know. You'd think it would be an NVIDIA issue, but they reinstalled the latest Intel HD driver and then they were okay.

Also, they needed to be sure and have "Intel Management Engine" installed (or reinstalled). You can find both over at the ASUS driver page for your model.

The IME is under "Others" in the list and the Intel driver under VGA (but only the 8.15.10.2202 version. You have to go to the Intel Support site to find the latest 8.15.10.2226 for the Intel HD Graphics.)

Try reinstalling those too and see if that helps (without uninstalling anything).

If not, uninstall the Intel IGP driver & reinstall it and see what happens.

 

Does anybody know what the bios version 2.11 is good for. Just checked the Asus download page today and saw that there is a new version.

 

ASUS seems to rarely state what each BIOS update is for. Unless you're having problems, I wouldn't flash the BIOS.

 

Is there a list of memory that are compatible with the Super Hybrid Engine? I remember reading a while back that SHE is picky with memory.

 

Not to hijack your question but in addition, has anyone put a faster speed in their laptop? Is it stable for you and what kind?

I just put 8GB of GSkill 10666/DDR-3 1333 in; the laptop moves like lighting for regular use but each time it goes into sleep and wakes up, I get a dump

 

Well, your U33Jc is rated for DDR3 1066MHz (PC3-8500) RAM. The "faster" DDR3 1333MHz (PC3-10666) RAM should run fine at the slower 1066MHz speed. Hopefully that's not causing you any problems. Of course, this memory in your laptop won't really be faster. BUS speed is BUS speed. It will still run that 1333MHz memory at the laptop's 1066MHz speed. Perhaps it's the amount: 8GB?

Is it just happening awaking from sleep? What about coming out of hibernation?

 

Yeap, I realize the 1333 versus 1066, the ram (8gb) was a gift (who was I to refuse??)...what I've discovered is that if I have the easy over-clock mode set to extreme...this is when I get page fault and win 7 dumps coming out of sleep mode....but just to test a theory in my head...I set the easy over-clock to "standard"...since then the system has not done any dumps nor does it have an issue coming out of sleep mode....I don't use hibernate...but in the last hour and a half that I've done this, no issues....so I'll see what I can find out

 

If you want to troubleshoot, also try to uninstall SHE. I remember reading a while back that with Asus netbooks that run SHE, it was very picky about memory. Maybe by putting the oc to standard, in a since you disabling SHE.

 

Thanks,
Did what you advise me, step by step, still getting the same error.
Do you have something else?
Thx.

 

Is your BIOS updated? IE, the U33JC had an updated bios that had some VGA fix that may have allowed Nvidia driver updates.

 

My U43Jc is up to date with bios version 2.15.

 

Hello, I recently received my Asus U53jc and I am very happy about it ! However.. I am wondering the same question too. Does anyone know what kind of lock will work with this laptop?

Thank you for you time!

 

Once in a while my U33JC doesn't want to hibernate. It reboots instead of going to hibernation. Has anybody the same problem?

 

I'm having the same problem as ileshem. Can't update my U43Jc to the new optimus driver because of "incompatible hardware". I'm also on 215 as it came with the laptop. I've tried different combinations of Intel HD drivers and GeForce drivers but to no avail...

 

Thats weird I have the 43 and have Zero issue with updating the nvidia driver at least the 260.99. Did you choose the advance and do a complete uninstall install?
Also no issue with the intel driver and I also have bios 215.

 

I did a BIOS update on my (brand new) U33JC from 209 to 211, and at the end of the updating process, the computer went dead. Now it will not respond to anything. Is there a way to bring my notebook back to life?

 

Oh my. Sorry to hear that. Which method did you use to update? I don't have any good ideas to bring it back, good luck.

 

I tried to update with Easy Flash, as described in this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/174395-bios-update-guide-asus-notebooks.html#sec:easyflash

I already called Asus Support. They were quite helpful, and provided me with a free return via FedEx. Let this be a warning to you all: No BIOS updates! (I updated, because my last computer fried when I did not update.)

 

Sorry to hear that. I used winflash because I heard that a lot of people had problems with easyflash. I think your only chance is to return it to Asus for repair. Hope it will be fast.

This is the warning for easyflash in the thread that you mentioned:
Caution! Users of newer ASUS laptops (N71JQ, for instance) report that, at least when using the EasyFlash method, placing the BIOS file on an NTFS harddrive partition and then updating from there results in a failed flash and a "bricked" computer. So, please DO NOT place the BIOS file on a harddrive partition when using EasyFlash, but use a USB key instead, and for safety make sure it is formatted using FAT and not NTFS. The guide will be updated to reflect this change.

 

AARGH! I did not read that! I saw the table of contents, clicked "option a", and thus unintentionally skipped the warning. Does anybody have any experience with Asus repairs? Are they reliable? Does it take long?

 

What program did you use to flash the BIOS? EasyFlash (from within BIOS) or ASUS' WinFlash?

I'm very sorry to hear this bad news.

Oh, I see. Actually, this was discussed at length and repeatedly in the U35Jc thread. Several tried to flash their BIOS using the internal EasyFlash from within BIOS. Many of them failed, as yours did.

Everyone who used ASUS' WinFlash seemed to have no problems.

That can't help you now, but thankful that ASUS will take care of it for you ... but just to say for the future, I've flashed numbers of times using WinFlash and never had a problem. Others have said the same. It is not necessary to tell others NO BIOS updates. Sometimes, they are actually needed. Rather than fear them, learn what works.

In the old days, the safest flash was from the DOS prompt booting up on an external disk. But in these days, I can't understand how a BIOS flash from within the BIOS itself is very safe (I suppose it loads it in RAM first). From within the BIOS means it is overwriting itself.

It used to be that flashing from within Windows was the least safe, but I'm just saying I have flashed with WinFlash perhaps at least 10 times and never once had a problem. But I can point you to several on this forum who have had bricking results by flashing with EasyFlash.

I've read the EasyFlash update thread ... and I don't mean to disagree, but my experience here has not been good with EasyFlash reports, and that was from those who followed the instructions, or so it seemed (eg where was the flash file stored that you used to update your BIOS? On an external flash drive or on your HDD? I hope it was on a flash drive for safety. Oops. I see that you didn't use an external flash drive for the update file. Perhaps this is why the others were having problems).

But I repeatedly find those who have used WinFlash to have not had any problems (when all extra programs & AV were off before updating.)

Just sayin'.

BTW, ASUS repairs, even from the US, seem to take a while. I've heard everything from 3 weeks to 3 months.

 

The netbooks my wife and I own (and owned) are (were) all Asus models. When I updated the BIOS for these machines, I always used WinFlash, and never had any problems. That is why I could not believe it at first, when my computer went dead after a BIOS update.

I was just joking. My last computer fried, because I did not update the BIOS. When I could not find out what the new BIOS version was for, I wanted to be on the safe side. I found the update thread, unintentionally skipped the warning by clicking "option a" on the table of content, and it said "the safest way".

I agree. Like I said, I never had any problems with our netbooks. What is AV?

I guess, that is okay. Not three months, but a few weeks. I still have my old laptop, I did the BIOS update only after I backed everything up, and I do not have anything pressing coming my way for a while.

 

Does anyone know which, if any, Intel WiMax card will install and be accepted by the bios in this series computer? If not which Intel Advanced N card model number would be an improvement over the stock card?

Also, will the motherboard and bios accept a I7 quad core in place of the dual core?

Thanks for any help you cam give!

 

Anti-Virus

 

Hey guys first time poster here, Ive been looking to buy a new laptop since October when my crappy dell got stolen and haven't been convinced by any laptops out there until I saw the U33jc.

I run my own business which works within the architecture industry but is more of a web based business so the laptop needs to run creative programmes like Photoshop, Auto CAD and 3D studio Max. Has anyone had experience of using these programmes on the U33 and how smoothly do they run.

Ive heard complaints about the screens viewing angles are they really that bad or is it only a minor issue? I know in the uk the U33 model weighs 1.9kg is the adapter heavy? anyone know its weight?

Im also thinking of buying my laptop from the store you mentioned (13yren) did you end up buying from there and were they any good.

Thanks for any replies, it would also be nice to here some updates and reviews of what people think of their U33s

 

Hi Bob. I can't answer your other queries, but concerning the screen, yes the viewing angle and light bleed are pretty bad or perhaps pretty typical, IMO.

The screen is essentially the same in all of ASUS' recent 13-inch UxxJc series.

So hop on over to AnandTech and read their detailed analysis of the U30Jc's LCD screen HERE.

The long & short of it? He describes it as YALLD: "Yet Another Lousy Laptop Display".

HERE is AnandTech's take on the U33Jc's LCD screen.