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- Stylish bamboo shell
- Discrete graphics with Optimus technology
- Intel WiDi video streaming to a TV
- Two-year warranty
- No optical drive
- Case gets hot
- Lots of trial software
- Keyboard not the best
Not only does the Asus U33Jc-A1 laptop have a stylish bamboo-clad exterior, it also comes packed with the latest technology. This 13.3-inch laptop is a great all-around laptop for those who do a little of everything, according to reviews. It comes with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3-M370 processor, 4 GB of memory, a 500 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics. The Nvidia graphics include Optimus technology, which automatically switches between integrated and discrete graphics to boost power or save battery life. The Asus U33Jc-A1 also includes Intel's Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, which allows you to wirelessly stream content to a TV through an optional adapter (*Est. $80). Reviewers say the bamboo design is unique and stylish, and performance will impress most users. Battery life is good, averaging four to five hours during intensive use. The laptop doesn't include an integrated optical drive, and one tester says that the case can get uncomfortably hot.
A number of sources provide solid reviews of the Asus U33Jc-A1 laptop, though all have grown a bit dated. Laptop Magazine is one of the best, as editors conduct detailed testing and rate each laptop on a 5-point scale. There are also excellent reviews available from ComputerShopper.com, PCMag.com, CNET and NotebookReview. Engadget.com supplies a shorter, but thorough, review.
Our Sources
1. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives the Asus U33Jc-A1 an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5. Mark Spoonauer loves the "elegant" bamboo design and he reports excellent sound quality from the Altec Lansing speakers. He is concerned, however, about the laptop's heat output.
Review: Asus U33Jc Review, Mark Spoonauer, July 29, 2010
The Asus U33Jc-A1 scores an Editors' Choice award from ComputerShopper.com, and Catharine Smith says it is "hands down, the best ultraportable $1,000 can buy." Downsides are modest, namely heat from the ventilation fan and so-so gaming prowess.
Review: Asus U33Jc-A1 Bamboo, Catharine Smith, July 2010
PCMag.com gives the Asus U33Jc-A1 a good rating. Like many reviewers, Cisco Cheng is surprised it doesn't come with an optical drive, but he does admire the bamboo-clad design, large hard drive and the inclusion of Intel WiDi technology.
Review: Asus U33Jc-A1, Cisco Cheng, July 29, 2010
4. CNET
CNET gives the Asus U33Jc-A1 an excellent rating. Dan Ackerman is impressed with the numerous features, including Intel's WiDi wireless streaming and Nvidia Optimus technology (though he complains that the Nvidia graphics processor and WiDi can't be used at the same time). The unique bamboo design is also a plus, but the laptop lacks an optical drive.
Review: Asus U33Jc-A1 (Bamboo), Dan Ackerman, July 29, 2010
The Asus U33Jc earns a 3.5-star rating from NotebookReview.com. Jerry Jackson has good things to say about the design and build quality, and he reports good performance with the exception of 3D gaming. The "mushy" keys are a downside.
Review: Asus U33Jc Bamboo Review, Jerry Jackson, Aug. 3, 2010
6. Engadget.com
Joanna Stern at Engadget.com gives the Asus U33Jc-A1 a positive review, saying it offers a good combination of graphics power and everyday performance. Battery life is very good and the bamboo design gets high marks. The lack of an optical drive and the "cheap" keyboard are demerits.
Review: Asus U33Jc-A1 Bamboo Series Review, Joanna Stern, July 29, 2010
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