12/10/2009 12:20:00 AM | Posted in


It's relieving to say, therefore, that the 13-inch Asus UL30A-A1 is a thin-and-light that we'd gladly carry around in our bag for a good long time to come. With a sturdy frame, a decently performing new Core 2 Duo CULV processor as opposed to the disappointing single-core Core 2 Solo CULVs we've seen, and really good battery life, it's close to a complete package for a sub-$1000 laptop that doesn't resort to an Atom processor.

With a solid-feeling chassis, the Asus UL30A-A1 has a plastic feel, but unlike some low-cost laptops, you shouldn't be worried about it breaking if you don't hold it right. The bottom's generic black matte plastic is topped with a glossy silvery plastic on the interior, surrounding a very MacBook-esque chiclet-style raised keyboard. Glossy black plastic surrounds the upper lid's inset glossy screen, while the back is covered in what feels like a thin overlay of aluminum. Even though the UL30A-A1 does look (from a distance) somewhat MacBook-esque, the overall construction is far more budget-minded. To this thin-and-light's credit, the battery is well integrated into the space behind the keyboard and between the two display hinges.


Product summary

The good: Strong battery life; reasonable price; slim design.

The bad: Some keyboard flex; touchy touch pad; feels a bit cheap.

The bottom line: If you're in the market for an affordable thin-and-light, the Asus UL30A-A1 provides great value and a solid Core 2 Duo CULV processor in an attractive package.


Asus UL30A-A1 Technical Specifications

General

* Width 12.9 in
* Depth 9.3 in
* Height 0.9 in
* Weight 3.7 lbs
* Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 / 1300 MHz
* Data bus speed 800 MHz
* Chipset type Intel 45GS Express

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 2 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 4 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 500 GB - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Standard

Display

* Display Type 13.3 in TFT
* Max Resolution 1366 x 768
* Features Glare display

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500MHD

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad

Networking

* Data link protocol Ethernet , Fast Ethernet

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) Memory , Memory card reader
* Interfaces 3 x USB 2.0 - USB 2.0 , 1 x Ethernet - RJ-45 , 1 x Display / video - VGA , 1 x Microphone , 1 x Headphones , 1 x HDMI

Miscellaneous

* Features 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN , Camera

Power

* Power provided 40 Watt

Battery

* Installed Qty 1

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* Software Drivers & Utilities , ASUS SmartLogon , ASUS Net4Switch , ASUS Live Update , ASUS MultiFrame , ASUS NB Probe + , ASUS Wireless Console , ASUS Splendid , ASUS Express Gate , ASUS Screen Saver , ASUS Data Security Manager , Virtual Camera

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