ASUS is no stranger when it comes to innovative laptop design, and the new 13-inch ASUS U33JC-A1 is the latest addition to the company's attractive "Bamboo series." Yes, when we say "Bamboo" we mean this notebook is covered in wood protected by a durable finish. If you're in the market for a classy-looking laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor, Nvidia discrete graphics, and impressive battery life, the ASUS U33JC deserves a much closer look.
Read the full content of this Article: ASUS U33JC Bamboo Review
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Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
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Thanks for the great review.
Wish that the webcam switch could be made standard on all notebooks, it doesent look all that expensive to include. -
Nice review indeed.
Been looking at ASUS for awhile as I'm on the lookout for a portable 13"/14" laptop for my last year at business school.
The use of bamboo, although innovative, dosen't really appeal to me personally but it's great to see something fresh out there.
Again, great review Jerry! -
Considering this doesn't have an optical drive, I kind of wish it was a bit thinner. I also hope that Asus will give us a matte screen as an option. Otherwise this looks like a very nice notebook(even better once the cpu and gpu get oc'ed a bit).
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Asus needs to come out with either a 12 inch or 13 inch, thin and light notebook without an optical drive for optimal size and weight, with CULV processors and switchable graphics made out of bamboo. I am tired of glossy plastics and that's the only reason why I didn't buy an Asus UL30Vt over an HP DM3z and commend Asus for using bamboo and metal.
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scadsfkasfddsk Notebook Evangelist
It seems that Asus notebooks in general lately have had the weak/mushy keyboard problem. For them its such a widespread problem they should really do something about it.
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OccamsAftershave Notebook Enthusiast
Your specs list mistakenly labels it as a 14" screen.
The weight is listed as 4.54 lbs. In various other reviews I've seen it as 3.74, 3.79, 4 and 4.4 lbs. Gravity must be varying across the net. The nonbamboo but similar U35jc is supposed to be 3.74 lbs. ASUS U33JC product page says 1.8kg which is 3.96lbs. Maybe 4.5 lbs w/ AC/DC brick?
I think its wifi miniPCIe card is the Intel 1000, but one review implied it might be the stronger/faster 6200. ASUS' site is silent.
Can you help clear my confusion? -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
All scales have some variance ... even when "zeroed" correctly. The weight we listed is accurate (according to our scale) for the notebook without the AC adapter. -
Wow, 4.54 lbs is way more than the specs. That is the same as the Acer4820TG- which has a 14" screen, optical drive and an ATI5650- all fo rthe same price.
I like the Bamboo and Optimus- but its a hard sell... even harder if the 3820TG ever came stateside. -
This was one of my top pick notebooks for quite some time, but its a pity they didn't go just a bit further in the specs.
1. Boutique builders will offer Core i5 installs as well, which I think could be good for performance. If I was doing the upgrade myself, I'd put a Core i7 620 in, but I'd like to know if the cooling is sufficient. The original announcement docs stated this thing could handle any Dual Core Core "i" and its a pity that being stuck with an i3 is the default config.
2. Video card. Though a proc upgrade can be done after market, the video card is there to stay, sadly. The 310 Optimus is really unfortunate and if there was one major improvement I would have liked to see upgraded, this would have been it. Anything shy of the Nvidia 4xx series is simply old, rebranded tech from years and years ago, and they've gone out of their way to help hide this by adding the abomination that is Optimus, which totally takes control of the graphics out of the user's hands and leaves it up to the drivers. Unless there has been an update, this means for a Linux user like myself (which Nvidia has said they will NOT support even in binary drivers), the discrete card doesn't even seem visible to to the system. Switchable graphics are wonky enough, and I would like either a physical or BIOS level switch so that if I just want my OS to see the discrete card, that's all it sees. Optimus does away with that. Sadly, Asus saw fit to pair Optimus with the anemic 310 1gb and though you can change the clocks yourself to get a little more performance out of it, sadly its still a 310. If they wanted to stick with Nvidia on a premium notebook like this, they should have put in a 330 or 335, or they could have done the smarter thing and chosen an ATI 5xxx card which has newer technology all around and a more sane approach to switchable graphics. Disappointed.
3. Backlit bloody keyboard. The people who are going to pick up a "slim but powerful, premium/nice looking" notebook are going to want a backlit keyboard. They put the chiclet spacing in and the ALU keyboard deck, they should have added the backlight. I can't imagine how in the year 2010 people are still putting out "premium" notebooks without backlit keyboards.
This was one of the most promising notebooks I've seen in awhile and was very excited when I saw it back in January, but I'm sad to see what it has turned into. For a "Premium" offering they could have slapped an additional 300-500USD or so on it and given it a proper i5/i7, decent graphics card, and backlit keyboard to make it a lower priced offering to those that would be seeking a Sony Z, HP Envy, or MacBook (Pro). Too bad. -
Mr. NBR, could you tell me if the asus u33jc felt light or heavy to you?
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I really like the look of this computer and it's about time Asus gave us an option that wasn't covered in cheap glossy plastic. But it can't just look good sitting on the table, it has to feel good under the hands too. What's the point of trying to up-sell based on a premium finish if the impression of quality is lost as soon as you start typing?
I'd own a UL30Vt right now if the keyboard wasn't such a POS. -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
I don't fell like the U33JC is particularly heavy, but it's not the lightest 13-inch notebook on the market.
The ASUS U33JC weighs roughly the same as my 11-inch Alienware M11x, so in that sense it's as light as an 11-inch notebook ... but the M11x is the heaviest 11-inch notebook on the market. -
abaddon4180 Notebook Virtuoso
Considering what is inside I don't really see any reason to buy this. It is basically the same size and weight as the U30JC but the U30 packs in an optical drive and has slightly better battery, at $100 cheaper. Then there is the U35 which is almost $200 cheaper for the same specs and a pound lighter and a quarter of an inch thinner. Unless you really like the Bamboo design I think Asus is taking away sales from themselves.
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Ahbeyvuhgehduh Lost in contemplation....
Kinda sad about the poor keyboard performance.... I personally like bamboo, but as others have pointed out there seems to be a few better options for a total package value out there.
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Jerry (The notebook reviewer lol)......
Question, there are a lot of reviews out there for the U33JC. The question I have is location of the speakers. 2 reviews, including your says the speakers are under the palm rest. While 5 other reviews states its right above the keyboard.
So, where is it actually located? Why would 2 reviews including yours say its below the palm rest, but 5 other reviews say its located above the keyboard?
All the reviews can be seen under "Asus Owners Reviews and Owners' Lounges" then the U33JC, U43JC, and U53JC subsection thread. -
Hi Jerry. Any idea when you will get a U35JC on in your hands for a review?
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Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
The stereo speakers are indeed located under the palm rests on the bottom of the notebook. -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
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I'd like to see Asus or someone else respond top the Toshiba R705. Something 13.3" close to 3 lbs, with WIDI, USB 3.0 and Optimus would be great. They can leave out the optical drive if they need to
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A 13.3 surprise better than the U33JC? I still can cancel my preorder.... -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
Something smaller than a 13.3-inch screen is all I can say. -
probably an i3 netbook in my opion.
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My prediction:
An 11.6", 4lb "gaming netbook" with overclocked i3-330UM/310m optimus with ASUS Turbo33 over-clocking and covered in premium goose-feathers -
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I'm putting my money on it being the ASUS Eee PC 1218
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Mr. Jerry Jackson "The Reviewer"
One more question, I heard from different sellers of what wifi card comes stock with the unit. Is it a Intel Centrino 1000 or an Intel Centrino 6200? -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
For example. We've had two identical configurations of an HP notebook with two completely different LCD panels (different manufacturer and part number but the same technical specs). We've likewise had two identical configurations of a Dell with different brand wireless cards. Again, two identical configurations of a notebook with two different models of hard drive ... both 250GB 5400rpm hard drives, but two different manufacturers and two different models.
In short, based on our review unit there's a good chance you'll get the WiFi Link 1000, but there's no guarantee. -
I am purchasing my U43JC through one of these customized shops XoticPC or GenTech. The stock card the Intel Centrino 1000 is a single band 2.4Ghz card while the Intel Centrino 6200 is a dual band 2.4Ghz/5Ghz card. The upgrade is only $35. But, how difficult is it to swap out the card? I am concerned as this is my first time going through one of these shops. I usually like to be the first person to open my product. I am a little concerned of a company after the fact opening up my brand new $1,000 + laptop. As I am concerned they might not do it properly or scratch up the laptop or bang it around in the mean time. What are your thoughts on that? -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
When the price for someone else to do the upgrade at the time of purchase is close to the price for me to do it myself I usually just pay to have the upgrade at the time of purchase.
That said, the only thing difficult about that wireless card upgrade is disassembly of the notebook, swapping out the card and reconnecting the antenna wires. If you are so concerned about your new purchase that you don't want to risk a minor scratch or stripped screw from the reseller upgrade then you can handle the upgrade yourself (and assume the risk yourself).
I assume that whatever custom reseller you buy from will provide some type of warranty in case they mess up the installation of the wireless card. -
One more thing Jerry. I know you tested the Asus U33JC with the I3 processor.
But which one do you thing is a better laptop overall the Asus U43JC-A1 (I5-450m) or the Toshiba M645-S4055 that you reviewed?
Thanks -
Pretty please Jerry. I am down to these two laptops
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Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
That, and as a father of two I've seen little kids step on closed laptop lids so many times that I really appreciate durable screen lids.
The Toshiba is a little heavy for a 14-inch notebook, but I'm the owner of the heaviest 11-inch notebook on the market (Alienware M11x) so I personally don't care much about weight as long as I don't injure myself when I pick up a notebook.
ASUS notebooks in general are hit or "near miss" for me ... I either really like them or they are just "OK" (not bad, but there are other notebooks in the same category that I like better).
Overall, I always return to the primary motto for NotebookReview.com: "There's a notebook for every buyer and a buyer for every notebook." Sometimes we find a real stinker of a laptop, but the overwhelming majority of laptops (netbooks or notebooks) that we review are a good fit for somebody.
I personally don't love the Dell Inspiron 11z, but I'm absolutely certain there are more than a few happy Inspiron 11z owners on the planet. I love my Alienware M11x (first gen, not R2) but I've read many comments from people in our forums that prove some people REALLY don't like that laptop.
I really like the ASUS G73JH gaming notebook but there are other people who much prefer the Clevo-made gaming notebooks available from various custom laptop resellers.
Bottom line, I personally like the Toshiba more, but the ASUS U43JC-A1 isn't bad at all. -
I know, I am a pain in the butt. I cant help it, its my personality lol...I just dont purchase laptops that often, I just want to make sure I make the right choice.
How superior are the Toshiba speakers to the Asus speakers? Also, how badly do the Asus speakers sound on a soft surface? I am not a audiophile. But, would I be able to watch a movie fron the laptop speakers?
What got me a little confused. Reading reviews it seems, besides the graphics card, the U33JC with the I3 is very close in your benchmark testing performance wise to the I5 Toshiba. What does that mean for the Asus U43JC with the I5?
Also, why I am a little nervious of the Toshiba now is the long-term reliability as you stated the screen hinges are a little loose and the protection of the screen is not that great. I don't have kids but this is not going to be a at home beauty queen as I am going to use it for work and bring it in one of those padded messenger bags. Should their be concern of long-term hold up?
Also, I am concerned with battery life on the Toshiba. I know with the stock 6 cell 4400Mah it really didnt last that long. How much improvement do you think I would be able to get in upgrading to the Toshiba 6 cell extended 61wh battery? Could it get up to the Asus battery level? -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
Without having the U43JC and the Toshiba side by side in the lab with various batteries for testing, I can't provide an informed opinion on battery life for these specific models with both stock and extended battery life ... at least not to the level you're asking.
In terms of benchmarking, Intel is really shooting itself in the foot with the variety of mobile Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors on the market. The performance ranges overlap like crazy with many of these mobile CPUs and the end result is a Core i3 might perform better than a Core i5 or a Core i5 might perform better than a Core i7. Likewise, there are some Core i5 and Core i7 mobile CPUs that are more power efficient (consume less battery power) than some mobile Core i3 chips.
At the end of the day all the overlapping performance and power consumption of Intel CPUs forces consumers into a position where the specific CPU model doesn't really matter beyond the issue of "usability."
In other words, don't focus on "Does this notebook have a Core i5 or a Core i3?" but focus on " Does this notebook have the real-world performance and the real-world battery life that I need?"
Heck, there are still some notebooks with Core 2 Duo processors on the market that offer similar performance and similar battery life to some of the Core i-series processors. And I haven't even mentioned what AMD has to offer.
As for speakers, Toshiba usually does a very good job with speakers in their notebooks (particularly in the last few years). The biggest things to consider when it comes to speakers are:
1) Location of speakers
2) Number/size of speakers
When it comes to stereo speaker location, you generally want speakers pointing up and toward the user. Lately many manufacturers are squeezing speakers under the palm rests and facing down. This is okay if you're using your laptop on a hard surface since the sound "bounces" up off a desk and up toward the user. However, if you're using the notebook on your lap the output from the speakers is muffled against your clothing/legs. This is ALWAYS the case with downward-facing speakers regardless of manufacturer or model.
When it comes to the number/size of speakers, keep in mind that if you care about thumping bass the only notebooks that produce good bass are notebooks with dedicated subwoofers. Similarly, the size of the stereo speakers often relates to the quality of the sound they produce. Small speakers (usually) produce small sound. Speakers the size of a pencil eraser usually don't produce sound as good as speakers the size of a US quarter.
When it comes to long-term durability, that's a question for individual notebook owners. I personally like notebooks that feel durable and well built even if it means a heavier notebook or a slightly more expensive notebook. That said, other people are focused on notebooks that are extremely light weight or they want a notebook that is low cost and don't really care too much about weight or durability.
The other question to keep in mind when talking about long-term durability is: How disposable is this laptop? Every PC becomes obsolete after a few years, but some people are willing to buy a new laptop every year while other people want a laptop to last as many years as possible before they buy a new one. If you want a laptop to last more than about 2 years you need to do one of three things:
1) Buy a durable laptop
2) Treat your laptop like a baby and protect it from harm
3) Rely on luck (or repairs) to keep your laptop working until it needs to be replaced. -
Jerry,
You don't think Asus exclusive "SHE" "Super Hybrid Engine" has anything to do with getting the Asus I3 close to the performance of the Toshiba I5? -
Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer
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Does anybody know what is the maximum external screen resolution on the VGA output or the HDMI output socket?
I would like to have a 2-screen configuration with a Matrox DualHead2Go system:
Multiple Monitors for Laptops | Multi-monitors
ASUS U33JC Bamboo Review Discussion
Discussion in 'Notebook News and Reviews' started by Jerry Jackson, Aug 3, 2010.