Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the UL80JT after waiting 6 months from it's initial announcement in January. This laptop seemingly had everything I was looking for in a laptop: lightweight construction, long battery life, portability, and Nvidia Optimus technology. After using it for a about a week and some internet investigation, I have found the problems I am experiencing are far too common.
First the laptop has some minor keyboard flex. Now while it is much better than it's predecessor the UL80VT, it is still noticeable in the same areas, albeit more sturdy. Nonetheless, it is an area that still needs to be addressed.
Second, the Core i3-330UM is powerful enough for most office apps and even Photoshop, but has some issues with other more taxing programs as well as multitasking. As an IS major, this is something that can be very limiting depending on the work I am doing. The UM series is basically the next generation of the ULV processor and while sufficient for some things like HD playback (720/1080p), office apps, and even light gaming (Torchlight plays well, but Fallout 3 will not), it starts to struggle the more programs you have open.
Thirdly and most important, is that there seems to be a physical defect with the motherboard. There is a VERY noticeable CPU whine, when the computer is either plugged in or on battery power. At first I didn't hear it, but then when I finally started using the laptop for daily purposes, it was readily apparent. The noise is most audible when you are running ANY program. Simply opening a web browser will trigger it and it becomes highly distracting and annoying after a few minutes. After careful investigation I have found that this problem is most likely caused by a faulty inductor on the motherboard that deals with the Intel GMA chipset. In addition to this, the problem is not just relegated to the UL80JT, but even some of the higher-end models. It is because of this issue that I am returning the UL80JT and purchasing something differently entirely.
I can deal with the keyboard flex and the Core i3-330UM, but when there is a physical problem with the product such as this, it is a purchase I cannot justify. With the economy the way it is, I am more cautious of where my funds are spent and this is something that I cannot accept. I expected more form Asus and a problem such as this should have been caught during the Quality Control. I gave this product 3 stars because overall it is a decent machine and good for people who want a good all-around laptop. But this particular physical defect is a dealbreaker and should be for anyone paying over $800 for a product.
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Style and Performance in Perfect Harmony Enjoy greater mobility with the all-new 14-inch UL80Jt-A1, featuring the next-generation Intel Core i3-330UM processor and up to a staggering 10 hours of unplugged freedom.1 With ASUS Turbo33 Technology, your system performance is instantly boosted up to 33 percent via the Turbo33 hot key – so you can cruise through your applications and resource-heavy tasks with ease.2 The UL80Jt boasts immersive HD visuals on the go with NVIDIA GeForce 310M discrete graphics. Like hybrid cars that seamlessly switch from gas to electric, the UL80Jt with NVIDIA Optimus Technology automatically and seamlessly switches between powerful NVIDIA GeForce graphics and battery-saving integrated graphics engine to give top performance and long-lasting mobility without interruption. All this performance is made portable in its elegant, brushed aluminum chassis that is lightweight and ultra-thin – measuring less than 1-inch thick. Throw in SRS Premium sound with Altec Lansing speakers and make the UL80Jt your perfect on-the-go PC companion. The UL80Jt features high-speed wireless N connectivity, 4GB DDR3 system memory, 500GB hard drive, multi-touch trackpad, Express Gate, built-in webcam, and Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit).
Key Features
Intel Core i3-330UM processor made for ultra-thin notebooks delivers style with responsive performance (Learn more)
ASUS Turbo33 Technology instantly boosts system performance up to 33-percent via the Turbo33 hot key2 (Learn more)
10 hours of battery life for long-lasting unplugged freedom1 (Learn more)
NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM powers graphics for mainstream gaming and HD playback on the go (Learn more)
NVIDIA Optimus Technology seamlessly switches between powerful NVIDIA discrete graphics and energy-efficient Intel embedded graphics to optimize the task at hand(Learn more)
Lightweight design with brushed-aluminum finish measures under 1-inch thick for easy, smudge-free portability(Learn more)
SRS Premium sound with Altec Lansing speakers deliver crisp acoustics and 30-percent louder sound (Learn more)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit – a fast, reliable operating system to simplify your everyday tasks (Learn more)
Learn More
Making Engadget\'s Best Laptop of 2009 Even Better
Turbo Charge Your Mobility
HD Graphics to Go
Personal On-the-Go Media Center
Look Good on the Move
ASUS Makes Your Windows 7 Experience Better
ASUS 360 – 2 Year Global Warranty
ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty
What's in the Box The entire ASUS UL80Jt-A1 package contains a warranty information card, AC Adapter, ASUS UL80Jt-A1 notebook, and 8-cell battery pack.
ASUS UL80Jt-A1 notebook
AC Adapter
8-cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Display: 14-inch LED-backlit Slim-Type HD display (1366 x 768)
Intel Platform: Intel Core i3-330UM processor
Graphics: Intel HD graphics and NVIDIA GeForce 310M with 1GB DDR3 VRAM (Switchable via NVIDIA Optimus Technology)
Wireless: WLAN 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 4GB DDR3 system memory (up to 8GB)
Storage: 500GB 5400RPM hard drive
Optical: DVD Super Multi
Camera: 0.3 Megapixel
Speakers: SRS Premium Sound,Altec Lansing speakers
Microphone: Digital Array Microphones
Card Reader: 1 x 5-in-1 card reader: MMC, MS, MS-Pro, SD, xD
Input / Output: 1 x Mic-in 1 x audio-out 3 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x RJ45 LAN 1 x HDMI 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin
Battery: 8-cell Lithium Ion Battery, 5600mAh (up to 10 hours)1
Dimensions: 13.5 (W) x 9.28 (L) x 1.1 (H) inches
Approximate Weight: 4.62 lbs (with 8-cell battery)
Color: Black
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 photos. 1 Estimated 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 ASUS Turbo33 Technology available in select models only. With the same CPU, the notebook with Turbo33 Technology showed 23-percent better system performance and 35-percent better CPU performance. Tests compared two UL80Jt models with same specifications. With Turbo33 off showed a PCMark score of 4567 and with Turbo33 on showed a PCMark score of 5767, a 26-percent improvement. 3 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com\'s Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate 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/ ). 4 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 Circuit City 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. One incident covered per notebook.
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