Asus B Series B43 B53 user forum

I bought the B53J-B1B notebook a week ago and thought I'd start a user forum to share thoughts and experiences, and for users or anyone interested to post questions about it etc.

This notebook is not available in Australia so I imported it from the US but it has been a terrific professional notebook so far.

Here's a quick list just off the top of my head for now but as I think of things I'll update it...

Pro:
- Build quality: Very high quality frame and brushed metal finish. Feels very sturdy and strong and is professional looking
- Windows 7 PRO
- Security: fingerprint reader, ability to destroy data remotely, smart card etc.
- Performance: i7 and 4GB memory and it hums along
- Fast HDD and comes partitioned with OS section and 200GB data section
- Keyboard is full size and easy to use
- Touchpad is very good
- Wifi and BT signal is excellent
- Screen looks great (though it's not Full HD 1080p, but I use an external monitor when docked so not a big issue for me, and this is also normal for this price range)
- Amount of software (some very useful like secure data delete and cloud storage)

Cons:
- Limited accessories for it (spare battery, docking station, power packs etc), but this is because it's brand new, it'll become available with time.
- Some flex in the keyboard. Not noticeable when typing or poor build quality, but it's not a chicklet keyboard so it is there.
- Amount of software (some bloat ware and not useful, immediately uninstalled)
- The Fn keys aren't differentiated by colour (I imagine to keep it looking professional and minimalist) so it blends in to the F keys a bit more (minor gripe).
- Although it's brushed metal, it's still a fingerprint magnet!

I get about 2-2.5hrs battery time with normal use (wifi on and pretty high screen brightness). It's a 3-cell battery but new charging technology. I believe a 6 or 9 cell is (or will be) available. But the weight/battery life is fine for me.

Otherwise it's reasonably thin but more like your standard notebook size. Most of the ASUS firmware and apps are useful (I particularly like the 1-touch button to switch desktops between person and professional use which changes the wallpaper, hides icons, turns off alerts etc).

The Intel i7 and the ATI card can both control the gfx. They don't compete with one another, the ATI takes charge of managing performance and screen resolution etc, but I found it a little confusing at first knowing which one to use and for what to adjust preferences and switch monitors etc. But there's an automated option with ATI where it will adjust when it detected external monitor connects etc and this has worked very well so far.

I have it running on a single 24" monitor at the moment, no issues at 1080p.

It can run 2 monitors independently (plus the notebook screen) off the one video card which is impressive on paper. It's something I plan to use in the future, but haven't actually tried it yet. Though it's a feature of the particular commercial notebook so I'm sure it'll be fine.

Given we (in Aus) have to import these, I was a little concerned about the power supply, but it's just a cloverleaf cord connection, so I just bought one from JayCar for <$10 and it plus straight into the power pack itself. So no adapters or anything like that. It just looks like a normal Aus notebook power supply now.

3yr international warranty was definitely a factor in getting the over any other notebook, particularly importing it. Plus the build quality and business purpose was exactly what I was looking for.

If anyone wants to know anything more specific please let me know.

 

Tell me more about the weight and typing on the keyboard, I can take a little bit of flex with no problems and like you I'm sure Asus will get a clue and come out with a bigger battery if they expect to get any serious business share

I'm torn between this one and the U33...love the look of the fit and finish bamboo plus features but the ones on this laptop (b43/53) can't be touched!! Thanks for the review

 

Well regarding the weight, it's certainly noticeably lighter than my old notebook (also an ASUS with the same size screen), and lighter than my similarly sized Lenovo notebook I was using at work. But, I wouldn't call it light. So perhaps that's down to the battery included (obviously 6/9-cell batteries would add to the overall weight). But the weight of the notebook itself (components, frame, finish) is 'good'. But it'll not compete with the super slim's available now, however there is usually a performance trade-off with size isn't there.

I found portability has been fine so far, but it has the grunt to be a workhorse when needed. I usually use mine at a workstation at home or work and it performs really well.

The keyboard is functionally perfectly fine. I only noticed there is a little flex by look at it and looking for it. It certainly doesn't depress or move or anything like that in use. It's not backlit or chicklet though (not an issue for me, but a feature some people might be looking for nonetheless). I suppose it's just a normal notebook keyboard feel, but I really like the layout of the num pad on the right hand side of it.

 

Here is an early Review Asus B53J Notebook - Notebookcheck Reviews

 

Thanks for the review! I'm really liking this laptop...amazon has the 53 but I want the 43J

It's good to hear that at least they got a little decent performance out of the battery...but hopefully asus will come out with a larger cell

 

True, it is not backlit because it is spill-resistant, like the Thinkpads.

 

Thanks for the review, I'm really looking forward to this laptop. Finally asus came up with a non-glossy LCD, just disappointed that they keep putting that 1366*768 LCD in everything instead of a proper laptop resolution.


Does anyone know if there are any hardware differences between the 43J and the 53J? (other than CPU options and size)

If anyone already has either the 53J or 43J already, I'd really like to know if it has a spare mini-PCIe slot.

Also, Asus advertises that it has DDR3 1333, but I was under the impression that mobile core processors only go up to 1066. what's up with that? did asus just get their hands on a cheap batch of 1333 modules and put them in there anyway?

 

(shameless bump)

I forgot to ask the most important questions

Dimension-wise, how does it compare to a macbookpro 15in and how's the thermal management system? My previous experience with asus notebooks (G1s and F6), is that they run quite hot under full load compared to other brands.
The advantage of a matte screen is that I can use it outside but with a full black case and core i7, I can see it frying pretty fast under the sun.

Thanks in advance

 

Thanks for starting this thread! I just got my B53 this week and am enjoying it so far, but I do have a few questions:

How do I enable/enroll the fingerprint reader for logon?

Can this notebook automatically switch graphics processing between Intel (power-saving) and ATI (high-performance) based on usage, like with Asus's Optimus technology, or only when on battery power?

 

Hi,

Unfortunately I am working in a difference office today and not on my B53, but there is a security suite pre-installed (can't recall the software name off the top of my head though - SecureWave rings a bell?), that you open to 'save' your fingerprint scans and manage the security (login) settings.

When you are prompted with the windows logon pad you can use fingerprint OR password.

Yes it can switch the gfx automatically. I haven't reconfigured what come pre installed, but mine switches between performance and power saving modes on or off AC, and it detects when it has been plugged into a monitor and switches to ATI for HDMI HD monitors.

 

In other news...

ASUS Power Docking Station II: I contacted a few retailers last week and all said they were on back order still. Seems the laptop was out before the dock. You can use the universal USB dock, but the new one has HDMI input and I believe powers/charges the notebook (which the USB old model one doesn't).

Issue: My Wifi keeps turning itself off? It's not when idle, it happens in the middle of use. I have ensured that the properties tickbox for 'switch off to save power' is NOT selected, but it still happens and it's a bit frustrating! I guess I can always update/reinstall the driver? It prompts me to 'tourbleshoot the issue', which usually results in Win7 detecting that Wifi is disabled and it asks me to enable it, which fixes the issue. But I don't know what keeps disabling it in the first place...

Otherwise still very satisfied with the purchase!!

 

Hello Happs! I was planning on buying an Asus N61JV for $820 at Amazon, but am bummed about the i5-430 processor. I really like the specs on the B53J business laptop, particularly the i7 dual core processor and the matte screen, since I really don't like the glossy screens I have on my PC and current notebook. Am I correct in assuming that the B53 might be built more solidly than the laptops in the entertainment line? All in all, I think this would be a very worthy purchase, but am disppointed by its lack of USB 3.0 port.
My questions to you and others in this forum thread is this: Will there be a way to compensate for the lack of usb 3.0 in this machine in the future (as in, will there be a way to add it on somehow?) I know that usb 3.0 devices are far and few between at this time, but since I hope to use this laptop for up to 5 years, I have to concerned about being prepared for the future. My next question concerns media in/out. My main uses for my laptop are equally divided equally between my home business, web surfing, and media manipulation (including photo editing, capturing video and audio and making DVDs and CDs.) Will I be missing anything by not buying the N61JV which is designed for entertainment? For example, how are the speakers/audio drivers on this model and does the laptop come with any special software options for video playback like the N61JV (particularly for if/when I connect my laptop to my hi-def TV using HDMI?) Is the screen adequate in every way except its limited resolution? How are the viewing angles, for example.
I am also assuming it would be a good idea to upgrade the RAM to at least 4, perhaps even 6 gb. Any suggestions based on your experience? Finally, is your Wifi still acting funky?
Will look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

 

Yes it is. A business spec is more robustly tested, the casing, levers etc are stronger and it has some nice features like HDD shutting down when it detects a sudden drop. It also has a longer (and international) warranty.

1) I honestly don't know and as I said in my first post this was the only thing I wish it has. But most my connectivity is via LAN so it's really quick. But I suppose it is dependent on how much data you're going to be transferring via USB. But someone else might know about USB3.0 peripherals or something to 'add' this speed later on?

2) I use mine a LOT for media at home and it's been a breeze. Video and photo editing, multi-tasking (the i5/i7 eats it up!) and media playback. I use a 24" HD panel as the external monitor and it's stunning. I use a Panasonic LCD tv in one room and a Panasonic plasma in another via HDMI and it's picture quality is sensational.

Audio drivers are great, inbuilt speaker are average. Even on my desk I use some basic external speakers, connected to TV's I use surround sound or TV speakers.

3) The screen is great. The matte finish is very good at reducing glare. Connected to any sort of HD display is great too. Viewing angles are pretty much the same as I've had and seen on most notebooks though.

4) Mine came with 4GB and the performance is excellent. With 64-bit you can expand to 8GB, but I'm a long way off needing that yet.

5) Funnily enough, it has not happened once in over a week? I've downloaded some Windows updates (but no firmware), I'd be surprised if this resolved the issue but it's the only thing that has changed. But touch wood, it's been perfect recently!

 

Is everyone still only getting around 4-5 hours of basic surfing time with the battery?

 

That sounds about right.

 

Yep same here, but it's a small and light 3 cell battery so I actually found it to be pretty good. But I am looking at picking up a 6 or 9 cell for heavier use.

 

Just wondering how you know if B53 has optimus? because I googled and they never mention ATI has optimus and also nothing B43 or B53 can switches gfx automatically

 

also, any difference between asus B series and P series? not many retailer I've seen sell P series. Is it discontinued model?

 

Just a few comments:
1. Thanks Happs for your detailed reply. I do appreciate the information. This laptop is still on my short list.
2. Rearview: Optimus is available only on Nvidia chips. According to several websites, "ATI is working on its own automatic switchable graphics technology, the first laptops with this feature are expected to be available by the end of the year." Optimus technology will automatically switch between onboard and discrete graphics based on the demands that applications are making on the laptop. However, I do believe that the current ATI GPU allows you to switch from onboard to discrete graphics manually. Of course, in theory, it should not be as effective as an automatic solution. In addition, I believe that manual switching requires a reboot. Happs, do you know about this?

 

Did anyone get their hands on a B43j?

 

Could anyone tell me how much the laptop weighs without the hdd but with the power adapter? I'm considering replacing the hdd with and ssd instead

 

Moving this thread into the owners lounge forum...

I'm seeing some very low prices on the B43F from some retailers in the USA. It is the lowest I can remember seeing, in case anyone was on the fence about buying one. I'm not sure if it's on clearance or what (there aren't rebates or anything). I am very tempted myself.

 

I am owner of B43J model. I want to ask if someone could say me where i can download BIOS for this notebook (on ASUS site is not any BIOS)? I have problem with switching between ATI and Intel GPU (when I switch to Intel it automatically switch back to ATI after 1 minute) and battery life is very low (about 2 hours), so I think that BIOS update/reflash could help.
Please can someone help me?
(sorry for my English)

 

@Palio You're right there is no BIOS on the download page: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download B43J

I guess you should contact ASUS support or your retailer to try to get an updated BIOS if you have found a BIOS bug.

 

In the notebook is BIOS version 203. I found on Asus CD (that comes with notebook) BIOS version 202 (older than that in notebook now). I don't want to flash 202 to notebook, because there will not be probably chance to go back to 203.
Already I wrote e-mail to Asus support and waiting for reply.
Thanks.

 

Is here any owner of B43J with fully working switchable graphic? Can you please tell me what BIOS version do you have in B43J?

 

Just picked up a B43F (Intel graphics). About 1/2 the price of a comparable Thinkpad or Elitebook. Very nice build.

I only have one gripe - the fan is driving me nuts! I have the power settings turned way down, and the temps all read 40C or less. The fan isn't on max, but it appears way higher RPM than needed (haven't found a way to read the fan speed). I've updated the BIOS, searched all the Asus utilities, tried 3rd party utils, but I can't find a way to throttle the fan back. I've set the cooling to "passive" and the processor is just idling, but not the fan.

I have an Elitebook for work with the same processor and near identical specs, but the Elitebook is almost silent. The fan noise is the only thing keeping me from enjoying this otherwise great laptop.

 

Hi epicMark, I have noticed this too on the B43F. The fan runs much higher than I would expect. You might want to try HWINFO to see if it picks up the sensor. It's not likely but maybe worth a try.

 

Hi, I'm reading a lot this forum but this is my first post, so hello to everybody

I'm going to buy B43J-A1B but my concern is about the battery, apparently there is a bigger one on the market with 8-Cell / 4400mAh. Did somebody have tried this one until now? Or perhaps some insides about a real lifetime for default battery with Wi-Fi on and some browsing media and audio asa well?

Any thoughts will be highly appreciated, thank you!

LE: I cannot find anywhere the Power Station II http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3619

 

Hi H2H, lifetime is about 3 hours.

 

I was looking at this laptop to be my next laptop as I like i idea of a dock. I see that the dock look to be discontinued now. I also see that the current models of this laptop are now also discontinued. CDW is about the only place i see that has the up versions of the laptop coming out. Maybe asus is updated all the parts for it. You can pick up the b43 on amazon for 600 right now. Im going to hold out a bit but right now asus is the only company that i know if that makes a laptop with a good gpu and a dock. anyone know if anyone else make a laptop like that?

 

I"ve had a B43J for a couple months now, although i've mainly used it docked on my desk.

I do have the wifi problem with it turning off at random, sometimes it happens alot other times it doesn't happen for a few straight days in a row.

My switchable graphics work just fine. I have upgraded it to 8GB of ram and a 256GB WD SSD
I also use it hooked up to a dell U3011

I was quite surprized to run into no problems running at the native resolution of 2560x1600.

Love the laptop to death, only thing is the radeon 5470 doesn't game so well on a 30" lcd.

 

Hi there!

I'm looking at the b43s-xh71 laptop but I cannot find any review on the web. Does somebody knows about this laptop or his 15' brother? How long these Boston battery last?

Thanks!

David