• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Display: 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit Widescreen (1366 x 768)
• Intel Platform: Intel Core2 Duo processor SU7300 (1.3GHz)
• Graphics: Switchable: Intel GMA 4500MHD and ASUS DGE powered by NVidia GeForce G210M with 512MB VRAM
• Wireless: WLAN 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
• Memory: 4GB DDR3 DRAM, 2GB x 2 (upgradable to 8GB)
• Storage: 500GB 5,400RPM Hard Drive
• Camera: 0.3 Megapixel
• Speakers: SRS Premium Stereo Speakers by Altec Lansing, Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
• Microphone: Digital Array Microphones
• Card Reader: 1 x 4-in-1 card reader: MMC, MS, MS-Pro, SD
• Input/Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x audio-out (S/PDIF), 1 x VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 1 x HDMI
• Keyboard: 13.70-inch keyboard with MS Windows function keys
• Battery Pack: 8-cell Lithium Ion High Density Battery - Up to 12 hours1
• Dimensions: 12.68 (L) x 9.17 (W) x 0.59 ~ 0.97 (H) –inches
• Approximate Weight: 3.7 lbs (with 8-cell battery)
• Color: Silver
I’ve had the Asus UL30VT-A1 for about 3 months now. I use my notebook for school, web development, podcast authoring, music and movies and occasional gaming. I wanted a lightweight notebook (under 4 lbs) with at least a 13.3” screen under $1000 ($800 was my sweet spot). I was entertaining the MSI X340 and the Acer Timeline 3810T-8737. I was very close to buying the Acer but I saw the UL30VT-X1 / A1 coming out soon with discrete graphics. At the time the Acer was only $50 cheaper than the UL30Vt-A1 and the Acer didn’t even have a graphics card! So I had to wait and see.
Sure enough, a month later the A1 became available and purchased through Gentech computers. I am glad to say I am very happy with my purchase. Running Windows 7, it is very snappy and quick. With integrated graphics on and wireless going, I average 6 – 8 hours of use on 70% brightness level. I can also play games like Bioshock, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, Dragon Age Origins and World of Warcraft at medium to high settings. Note that any setting excludes special effects. This notebook just won’t be able to handle that.
On the application side, I run SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and audio editting with ease. The UL30VT-A1 has a built in 33% turbo boost in their "Power4Gear Hybrid" panel (make sure the "turbo" button is red) that bumps your CPUs to duo 1.7GHz. You will have to download a tool like CPU-Z to see the 1.7GHz (computer properties won't show it). The batteries don't really take a big hit so I just keep it on.
It is also stylish, lightweight and thin so that it easily fits in my North Face Cornice backpack. I don’t even notice the weight although that has a lot to do with the effective weight distribution of most North Face backpacks.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this notebook to any frequent traveler looking for flexibility at an affordable price without having go below the 13” screen mark.
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