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

I used the application TwoFingersScrool for my two fingers scrolling. It's not as good as on my Macbook Pro but it does the job. Also I believe you can get the driver directly from Sypnapics which have the two fingers scrolling option.

 

Can anyone quickly tell me how much this weighs? What about the weight of the adapter? I'm considering this since it's currently only $600 after MIR.

Hey, sorry about the questions, but which wifi card does u33 have? What about the battery? I've seen various numbers pop up. Also, what's the real weight of this? I've seen too many different weights.

 

My u43JC keeps going into sleep mode or hibernate at random. When I select the option to sleep when the lid closes, it sleeps, and same thing for hibernate.

I am not closing the lid though. I will be in the middle of a task, such as taking a note in class, and the machine does one of the above actions. I have no idea what the cause is, and sometimes it sleeps within seconds of rebooting.

It happens in both Windows 7 AND Ubuntu (Wubi 11.04)


I'd really appreciate any help. This is beyond annoying.

 

anyone kinda annoyed by the trackpad. how it looks like its fading (ive used it for a week)

 

BTOtech.com built to order Notebooks Asus Customized - Customize System - they offer U43JC-C1 for $729, bought one a week ago from them.

 

Got my U33JC-A1 delivered on Friday. Uninstalled some of the preinstalled utilities (including the wireless control utility), but everything was working fine on Saturday evening for several hours and restarts after doing that.

Today I switched my wireless router to N mode (145 mbs is what it called it; this is the first N device I've ever had to try to take advantage of it). After briefly connecting, the wireless in the U33jc conked out completely. It no longer recognizes that it even has a wireless adapter. I've tried all manner of ways to reenable it (reinstalled the control utility, hitting the fn buttons, windows network troubleshooter, enabling it through the provided intel software, reinstalling drivers), to no avail.

Any other hints on what could be keeping it disabled? It acts for all the world like its just been turned off, like some kind of hardware/software switch needs to be prodded back into the on position, but I have no idea how, since I've tried all the obvious ways. Next step is a factory reset, I suppose.

 

U43JC-C1, anyone knows, which is actual working version of Intel Managment Engine besides MEI v6.0.0.1179?

 

I love to trackpad to be honest. The buttons are pretty stiff but I have almost no use for them anyway.

It's picking up oils from my fingers and looks shiny now. This makes it stand out from the rest of the bamboo (in a bad way). To make it all look a little nicer, I sprayed some lemon scented Pledge on a cloth and wiped all the bamboo down. Looks beautiful now, just gotta keep a polishing cloth near by.

 

Good idea, will try too!

 

I just received my new u33jc and I have a problem installing ie 9. When upgade from ie 8 to ie 9, no web page display on any web site. Anyone familiar with the problem?

Thanks in advance!

 

I ended up with a U43jc as a replacement from ASUS for another laptop and keeping this thing looking nice has been driving me nuts. They sent me a refurb, so it already had a small "halo" on the trackpad.

I think I finally found the answer!

After trying Pledge and assorted polishes, which seemed to make the problem worse, I ended up putting a few coats of Trewax Clear Paste Wax with carnauba on the bamboo surfaces. I had to put it on moderately thick and wipe it off fast, but now the bamboo is much more fingerprint resistant. It took me several tries to get it right, but I'm much happier now and the "halo" is also much less noticeable.

 

Kinda urgent issue - my U43F seems to have a very low overheating threshold, and it simply shuts down when getting a bit too hot, even with proper ventilation around the laptop. Sometimes I have to hard reset the laptop just to start it back up again.

Do I have a defective unit? Is this model known to have overheating issues?

 

I have the U43JC, but I have no such problems and I'd imagine the U43F would run cooler.

If you're not overclocking, which I assume you're not, I'd return it.

At what temps does it shut down? Running Furmark and Prime95 at the same time, my CPU (i5-450m) and GPU get up to around 75 max, which is well below the point it would shut down.

 

Just received my new U33JC-A1, and there is a horrible creaking noise coming from the center of the keyboard. Especially when you press the F,G,H keys or the bezel around those keys in the middle of the keyboard. It's not so noticeable during casual typing, but creaks loudly when those keys are pressed with moderate force or enthusiastically. I also notice the creaking when picking up the laptop from the base when my fingers are touching the removable service panel on the bottom. It seems there is too much flex in the keyboard and the service panel door and something is contacting or rubbing against something.

Is this keyboard creak normal? How do I fix it, our is it RMA or warranty service and replacement time already after only a few days? My UL30vt-A1 with similar chassis does not have this creaking noise in the keyboard.

 

I would return it, as my U43F does not have a keyboard creak. It's probably defective.

 

Excellent guide. I've two concerns. First, my understanding is that notebook network adapters often contain integrated bluetooth capability. Does this upgrade result in the loss of bluetooth? Secondly, my limited forays into laptop disassembly always produce loose panels on reassembly. Did you find any additional flex in the keyboard, for example, after this procedure?

Thanks

 

Hope I'm not too late to help you, but yes I too had the same problem. Go into your IE settings and then the Advanced Tab. Toggle that first check box to use the onboard video vs. the discrete GPU to accelerate your graphics. It fixed the problem for me!

Ugh, so nobody else has keyboard creak and flex near the F,G, and H keys but me? I removed the access panel on the bottom (where the RAM, etc live) and I could make the keyboard or chassis produce the same creaking noise with moderate pressure (either from above or below). The keyboard visibly flexes when I do this. I don't see a way to rectify the problem myself with strategic placement of foam padding, etc.

The other way to reproduce this creak is to pick up the laptop in this manner (as if you were moving it from a table top to your lap, etc.): With the lid open (as if still viewing), place your thumbs on either side of the trackpad, then slide your fingers underneath the laptop so that the edges of your PALMs are almost covering the inside edges of the speaker vents and your fingers are in the middle of the laptop bottom, slightly angled toward the center at a natural angle from your bent elbows. As you lift your laptop up, does anybody else's make a creaking noise?

 

Hi guys ... just got a new U43Jc-C1 from BH Photo. The computer is great except Im having issues with the touch pad. Its over sensitive at times and and non-responsive at others. Trying to use it one hand totally sucks but using two helps make it bearable.

Anyone else having these issues? Is there a fix? I hope so as I hate to have to return it.

 

I wish we could adjust the sensitivity. And I really miss the 2-finger scrolling of my UL30VT-A1. Some posts in this thread have suggested loading some newer Synaptic drivers (or even generic ones for pre-gesture trackpads), but I'm hesitant to overwrite what I have unless I know exactly what version(s) will work for sure. I suppose I could always roll back to a previous version (from Asus' website?) if I have trouble, but these days I don't have as much time for experimentation as I like.

Something else I noticed, the U33JT doesn't seem to recognize 5.0GHz Wifi networks (only 2.4 GHz). Is this everybody else's experience too, or just me (again)?

 

Ben thanks for the response. Mine is so bad that I cant use the comp for graphics work (which is the reason I bought it) as I need to use precise movements of the mouse when drawing or selecting. I use to to have a mac book pro but I hated having to buy both mac and pc versions (I use PC at work) software wise but now Im thinking of selling this and going back to a mac.

Someone told me to put a clear touch pad protector on it and that it would help make is smoother and work better. Anyone else try this?

 

So I compared my U33JC-A1's Windows Experience Index (4.4) with my older UL30VT-A1's index (4.9). What's dragging the U33 down is its "Gaming" and "Gaming graphics" scores. Those measurements include:

• Desktop performance for Windows Aero
• 3D business and gaming graphics performance

The U33 uses the Nvidia GeForce 310M with 1 GB of VRAM. While the older UL30VT-A1 uses the NVidia GeForce G210M with 512MB VRAM. I started to scratch my head and then while searching I found this in an online review:

WHY ASUS!!? WHY!!!!!

 

I went to Nvidia's website to update the video drivers. I let the automagic tool detect my hardware and it found 2 driver updates (one for Nvidia and one for Intel)

1. 275.33-notebook-win7-64-bit-international-whql.exe
2. 275.33-dektop-win7-winvista-64bit-english-whql.exe

It let me install the Nvidia one but curiously the intel one failed in the beginning of the installation because it didn't detect any compatible hardware. I wonder if the word "desktop" in the filename has anything to do with it.

Anyway, I re-ran the Windows Experience Index assessment and guess what, with the latest Nvidia drivers (and the OEM Intel drivers) my index got WORSE! Specifically, my "Graphics: Desktop performance for Windows Aero" dropped from a 4.4 to a 3.9?

I did a system restore, and it still only scored 3.9! (Looks like the Nvidia drivers didn't actually roll back.)

So now what? I am going to try to reinstall the drivers from the Asus site next. How is everyone else updating their drivers? I thought I read on here that people's scores increased with Nvidia driver updates.

[EDIT: I installed the lastest Nvidia drivers off of Asus website, redid the Windows Experience Index, and my score improved but still only went to 4.2 for Graphics. How do I get it back to the 4.4 from when it came stock? Or should I just load the latest Nvidia drivers again and not worry about the WEI score?]

 

Hi guys,

Just wanted to make sure, for the U43Jc-C1, can I upgrade the memory to 2 x 4Gb = 8Gb or is 4Gb the absolute max?

Thanks.

 

[EDIT: this worked!]

 

Yeap, you can - HM55 Chipset supports up to 8GB

 

Hi all,
Phew finally here. Far out trying to find the exact forum for Asus U43JC isn't fun. I sometimes hate Asus for giving their laptop models seemingly random model names.
Anyways I have a U43JC-B1 and am a noob so I hoped to get some answers from my betters. I have few complaints about the Asus except the build quality which leaves something to be desired in the keyboard flex and the give under the dvd drive (after switching from Dell I thought the only way was forward but Dell build WAS better).

My first question is how do I get Optimus or 'super hybrid engine' working again. My compy crashed straight out of the box and I had to system restore but the hybrid engine driver must no longer be working. I have asked Asus and they just send me to the support page, but there is no obviously named driver that I can find. Does anyone know the name of it? Could anyone possibly show me a complete list of drivers specifically for the U43JC-B1?

Second question is I enjoy top sounding music and the sound card is not all that great. There is a flash memory card slot in this model only. Is that not compatible with a PCMCIA slot card or express card? Meaning my only option is a usb external sound card?

Thanks truly for any help guys, greatly appreciated.

 

Is there a guide anywhere to disasembling any of these models. My U43JC's screen just got busted and I was looking to repair it myself. Or, has anyone had any experience sending it in for repairs? I am worried because I bought this a while ago on eBay.

 

Hello, saw your post and tried to install the Intel centrino advanced n 6200 in my ASUS u43 jc. The card was bad and the seller said he only had lenovo cards. Evidently there are different cards for different OEM's? Where did you purchase your 6200? I would also like to be able to use 5 g but having a tough time finding compatible card. ASUS refuses tomprovide a list of compatible devises. Thanks!

 

Hi,

I just upgrade my U43JC with Intel Advanced-N 6205. I shared the instructions here New Gears: ASUS U43JC: Upgrade Wireless Card

 

Hello !

I'm a happy owner of a U53JC-C1, and I had two questions :
- is there a more advanced BIOS than the one that loads when I press F2 at startup ? It's really annoying not being able to fine-tune everything
- the second question is somehow linked to the first : did someone try to install OS X Snow Leopard on a U Series laptop ? How did it go ?

 

Has anyone heard anything about an update to the U series bamboo collection? Engadget reported a couple months ago that there is an update in the works with Sandy Bridge processors and some other upgrades. It looks like it's being promoted on ASUS's website, but I don't see it for sale anywhere. Any ideas if/when this is going to be released, and how much it will cost?

 

tonymacx86 Forum • View topic - [Guide] 10.6.3 to 10.6.8 Asus U43jc, i5-450M,Intel HD,310M

 

Hello everyone. I'm looking to replace my optical drive on a U43JC-X1 with a SSD instead. Could anyone point me in the right directions on how to remove the DVD and what kind of sledge or adapter do i need to fit it in the old slot?

Many thanks

 

Hello. Is there any place I could get replacement for the cables inside the laptop. During some repairs I accidentally damage the one for the power button.

edit
I got this picture from user reallyfly post of him changing his wireless card to clarify the ribbon cable I need.

 

Hi everyone-

I'm about to sell a Asus Bamboo 15.6" U53JC-A1. I think it's a fairly rare laptop, so I wanted to post a message here to see if anyone would be interested in it before going to eBay. I originally purchased it from Amazon in November, 2010 after months of being on a wait list. It barely ended up being sold on Amazon and I don't think you can buy it elsewhere. I know the 14" is somewhat more common, but the 15.6" seemed very difficult to come by. I registered in around Christmas in 2010, so it's under ASUS's 360 warranty until Dec 2012, and still under the accidental warranty until Dec 2011. I originally purchased for $1,066.33. It is in like new condition and works great - but the girlfriend I purchased it for has since decided she'd prefer a Mac. Please send me an email at davepdc at gmail dot com if you are interested in purchasing. Thanks!

David

 

Has anyone noticed slower boot up times after installing 8gb of ram in the u43jc?

 

Flash to the newest version of the BIOS from Asus's site, and it'll be faster than ever.

 

I ghosted my bamboo (bloatware and all) in Linux - so i have a good copy, i prefer xp and usually run xp (at least as a multiboot). So question - has anyone run xp on this machine, not a VM, but true boot xp? If so how did you get around the blue screen on xp first stage install ?? I read asus HD's sometime dont have drivers loaded on HD, so anyone know where the drivers for the bamboo (WDC WD5000BEVT-80A0RT0) are available? thank you for your time

 

I've got a U33Jc and I just can't make GPU switching work. I installed the latest drivers for nVidia and Intel from asus website... and still the only program that activates nVidia GPU is the nvidia control window (I tried some genuinely 3d things, like portal (hl2.exe) and a nvidia direct3d SDK sample program: smoke.exe). All those had "use nvidia" in the nvidia control window, and I also tried right-click->run with nvidia on them, and they still happily use intel.

Any pointers how to fix this?

 

My U33Jc is starting to act up after a year of ownership. I just requested a RMA:-( It shuts off while booting, it freezes while booting and it freezes from time to time while in operation. I did 3 recovery installations and they didn't fix the problem.

 

I've just bought a U43JC X1 from the US. I have a couple of questions...

I have updated the bios using the latest one from the asus website. Since installing it I seem to have lost the settings to change "turbo" in the bios. It was there in the older bios.

Does anyone know how these machines respond to Throttlestop?

What sort of CPU speeds are you guys getting? I'm checking with CPUZ and when I turn that hybrid thingy turned off mine sits at 2.8mhz. CPUZ also states I have one core with two threads???

 

I previously was using a UL30A and now I am using a U33Jc as I gave the former away to a family member.

Although the U33Jc is speced higher overall (SU7300 vs i3 M 370) and both are running on 5600mAh batteries, I am finding the performance of the U33JC is sluggish compared to the UL30A.

Battery life is also noticeably poorer. Is there something I am not doing right?
Simple web surfing on the batt saving power setting gets me slightly more than 4 hours of juice. With the UL30A I could power through to about 6-7 hours without a sweat.

This seems to be in contrast with various reviews online that have the U33Jc running up to 10 hours (or at least 7) with regular use.

 

Hmmm, funny you should mention that. I just recently picked up a U43JC to replace my Ul80VT and have run into the same problem. I've done a clean install on the new to me U43JC (I bought it used) and have just updated the BIOS to 216. I'm not sure what's going on, I've installed all of the latest drivers on the ASUS webpage for this laptop, but when I go to run the Windows experience index, the darn thing freezes and is generally laggy. I've also recently upgraded to RAM to 8 GB but I don't know why that should have any effect. I may try putting the old 4 GB back in.....

 

OK, I did update the BIOS to 216 and this does seem to make a difference. I no longer freeze when running the Windows Experience Index. I tweaked some of the settings in the Power4Gear High Performance settings and turned on the Super Hybrid Engine. All of these things seem to have made a difference. I'm going to unplug and run in battery saver mode and will see how that goes. I don't expect it to get the kind of battery time that the UL80 does, but I'm hoping for maybe 6 hours....

 

Cool, let me know how it goes. I haven't updated the BIOS yet since there's no indication they tweaked power management. I was just a bit surprised (disappointed actually) that a newer laptop with a newer processor and similar specs otherwise doesn't seem to be any quicker yet has a shorter battery life... kind of regressive, isn't it.

Plus the rave reviews on Anandtech and other websites about the battery life in particular make me wonder if my laptop is the odd one out.

 

I tried to install the newest Nvidia drivers from the Asus download site for my U33Jc. The computer completely freezes upon windows start up and I have to reboot into safe mode and roll back to the old driver. Has anybody the same problem? I factory reset my computer to have a clean install but I have the same problem when I try the newest version of the nvidia drivers.

 

Hi.

I'm considering upgrading mine U43Jc's HDD to SSD. The choice is Intel, most probably 320 series.

Can anyone please confirm the following. Intel 320 300Gb comes in two heights - 7mm and 9.5mm. Which one should I look for?

Another question is Intel 320 vs Intel 510. The first is 3Gb/s, the second is 6Gb/s. Can you please confirm that there's no point in using the faster one as HM55 doesn't support that fast SATA connection and even 510 will work at as 320.

Thank you.

 

I got tried to replace to keyboard. Asus sent me two the fit perfectly and neither will work. The old keyboard recognizes input but not the write input? Am I out of luck ?

 

U43JC-B1 here. Annoying problem.

Laptop belongs to my daughter. She was having a number of issues, so I backed up the data, wiped the drive, and did a clean install of Win7. Installed just the minimum drivers (i.e. those required to get rid of the yellow splats in device manager). Through routine use afterwards, I would periodically get a BSOD with the error DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE. Research shows that's often a driver issue, but try as I might I couldn't narrow down the problem (nor resolve it) -- though it didn't help that the problem only occurs occasionally.

So I figured I'd just re-install the factory image. Which I did Haven't gotten any BSODs yet, but new problem: I can't shut down or restart Windows. If I try to do either, I get to the "Shutting Down" Win7 screen, but never beyond. I have to force it to power off.

Any ideas? This is with the factory image and NO additions or subtractions. Alternatively, any ideas on the BSOD?

 

I'm getting the U33JC A1 in a few days, I'm concerned about this notebook being outdated since it was released last year, and I'm planning on using it for a couple or more years.

Is the i3 too slow for CAD programs?
Is it possible to upgrade the processor to an i5 or something faster?