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BenQ 11.6" LED (1366x768) Joybook U121 E05 Elite - 8 Hrs Battery Life - $399 + Shipping

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BenQ 11.6" LED (1366x768) Joybook U121 E05 Elite - 8 Hrs Battery Life - $399 + Shipping
Go to Deal
kkk on 17/12/2009 - 21:43 onlinecomputer.com.au (3252 clicks)
Last edited 17/12/2009 - 22:29

Please note this netbook comes with new generation 11.6" 1366x768 LED Screen, 1 Hour Quick Charge, latest Atom Z530 with latest Intel Polsbo chipset and GMA500 graphic.FULL HD Hardware Acceleration with intel GMA500

The Poulsbo chipset contains a graphics core developed by Imagination Technologies. Intel has licensed the PowerVR SGX as a graphics core and the PowerVR VXD for H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback. The video core is able to process 720p as well as 1080i resolutions.

Enjoy More for Less with the BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco!

Everyone's looking for just a little more these days-more time, more space, more fun, more friends, more everything. Knowing that, BenQ presents to you the BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco-a netbook that's designed to give you a lot more for a lot less!

With one close look at the BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco, you'll find that BenQ has fine-tuned even the smallest detail to give you the biggest functionality and enjoyment! Whether it's the extra large 11.6" 16:9 LED-backlit wide screen display,or the supreme battery performance, the U121 Eco is a true steal of a deal, getting you your money's worth!

There's more! Whether it's Ocean Blue or Arctic White, the BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco, as suggested by its name, is an all-around eco-friendly 3C product built to keep the Earth lookin' great!

  • Processor & Cache Memory Intel Atom Z530 1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 512K Cache
  • Chipset Mobile Intel Polsbo US15W Express Chipset
  • Operating System Linux Boot
  • Main Memory 2GB DDRII
  • Display 11.6" WXGA dispaly (1366 x 768 Res), 16:9 LED backlight
  • Video Graphics & Memory Intel GMA500
  • Hard Drive 250GB SATA HDD
  • Audio Sound Blaster Pro compat, HD audio, Noise Suppression & Echo Cancellation supported, SRS TruSurround
  • WebCam Built-in 1.3MP webcam
  • Network 802.11 W'less WAN, Bluetooth, 10/100 E'net LAN
  • Ports 3x USB 2.0, 1x RJ-45, 1xD-Sub port, 1x DC-IN, 1x Mic-in , 1x Headphone-out, Line-in, Built-in 2W
    speaker x2, Built-in Mic x1, Soundsystem x 2 channels
  • Power 6-cell Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Dim 290 x 209 x 26.4-31.7 (rear) mm
Computing BenQ BenQ Joybook U121 Netbook

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closed Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2009 - 21:56
    +1

    Whoa, i didn't know OnLine Computer sells netbooks with the option of not having Windows preinstalled.
    Good on ya mate for the letting us have the choice!

      • CyberMurning on 17/12/2009 - 22:13

        and why you voted neg ?

      • kkk on 17/12/2009 - 22:19

        there is XP home version but only 1GB RAM and 160GB HDD. Im not the shop rep.

        • kimmik on 18/12/2009 - 10:32

          "i'm not the shop rep"

          awfully suspicious phrasing… especially when you've posted 3 onlinecomputer deals consecutively.

      • skinny on 17/12/2009 - 22:22

        I see another model with less disk and memory, but with windows xp here:

        http://www.onlinecomputer.com.au/product_info.php?products_i…

    • team teri on 17/12/2009 - 23:05

      That is a big plus. I'd rather have upgraded hardware than a throw away license of Windows. Well done BenQ!

  • CyberMurning on 17/12/2009 - 22:16

    how much is the maximum possible RAM ?

    • scrimshaw on 17/12/2009 - 23:01

      This netbook would be okay if you can stand using Linux / Chrome OS on it. Also a good buy for those with access to cheap Windows upgrades via the ItsNotCheating promotion.

      Also, Microsoft only charges $20 for vendors to install Windows XP on their netbooks, so for OnlineComputers to sell this netbook without an OS at such a price… not that big of a bargain at all.

      For those who are looking into netbooks that can handle hi-def playback, may want to wait until Intel officially announces Pine Trail support for Atom CPU's : http://jkontherun.com/2009/12/04/intel-pine-trail-netbooks-a…

      • BlinkyBill on 18/12/2009 - 09:34

        What an OEM copy costs BenQ VS the price difference given to resellers in completely irrelevant. $399 for this netbook is a bloody good deal and if you consider that a Netbook would typically be used for Web Browsing, Email, IM etc, getting the NO OS version and installing Ubuntu Linux would be a great solution.

        If you really want Windows you can go with the 1GB/160GB version, lesser specs cover the Windows license.

        I'd be all over this if I didn't already have an Acer Timeline 1810T (which was also snapped up courtesy of ozbargain.com.au)

        • parta on 18/12/2009 - 10:45

          I always thought the reason why netbooks have 1 GB of RAM was a Microsoft limitation for cheap licenses

  • halfrabbit on 17/12/2009 - 23:07

    I just bought a asus netbook 2 days ago. Not to be jealous at this and the price. Please brain leave me be.

  • scotty on 17/12/2009 - 23:28

    Great for those with MSDN from work so I can "test" any MS operating system on this bare netbook :) Nah. Much prefer it with Ubuntu.

  • flyingtrapeze on 18/12/2009 - 00:36

    larger screen res is great

  • Mnke on 18/12/2009 - 02:13
    +1

    Free MS bluetrack explorer mouse as well. oooh yeah.
    edit: all gone. they must have realised the mistake. :)

  • jason101 on 18/12/2009 - 07:30

    Thanks Mnke - the mouse sealed the deal for me, I can't wait to deploy a technet version of Win7 onto this for a play around !

  • vid_ghost on 18/12/2009 - 09:39

    If we order one now will we get it befor xmas?

  • n00bi3z on 18/12/2009 - 10:22

    woooo just ordered =]

  • nchc on 18/12/2009 - 10:27

    Is BenQ as a brand any good i.e. quality build or service reputation

    • parta on 18/12/2009 - 10:46

      I believe it's the premium brand of Acer, I would never touch Acer while I have no trouble with BenQ

  • benjamin on 18/12/2009 - 10:45

    with linux boot is it easy to install windows on your own?

  • Koonit on 18/12/2009 - 11:59

    Being a PowerVR chip is it capable of any intensive 3D applications or just movies?

    Good deal by the looks of it! With the BT mouse thrown in it's pretty unbelievable. I'm in! :)

    • onebee on 18/12/2009 - 12:13

      Did a quick search. looks Bluetrack not means Bluetooth

  • theant on 18/12/2009 - 12:45

    The mouse seem to be gone…you have to pay $45 now!!!! dodgy

  • n00bi3z on 18/12/2009 - 14:49

    woo going to pick mine up soon

  • kranium on 18/12/2009 - 18:37

    wanted this in white, i called to ask but no such luck
    you can still though, if you're willing to cough up $488 instead for the 320GB HDD model (that one still comes free with the mouse)

  • kimmik on 18/12/2009 - 18:48

    The mouse, is nothing to fret over… its a shitty mouse, i got two and gave them both to my parents. It was selling for only 15-20 earlier this year.

    Awesome price for this comp, just waiting for the pickup email now! thanks!

  • Svky on 18/12/2009 - 19:10

    so… will this book considered as the current "value for money"? or i should wait a bit longer?

  • n00bi3z on 18/12/2009 - 19:18

    just got home and opened it up…IT COMES WITH A SLIP CASE! Best package ever….now to pwn off my dell mini 10v to someone

  • kimmik on 18/12/2009 - 20:55
    +2

    Could you guys try playing 1080P on it? How well does it play 1080P and 720P?

    For me, that's the biggest concern. There isn't much info out there about GMA500 playing 1080P.

    Thanks.

  • inherentchoice on 19/12/2009 - 14:11

    Did anyone notice that for the same price you can get essentially the same one but with Windows XP? The trade-off is that it has 1GB RAM and 160GB hard drive:

    http://www.onlinecomputer.com.au/product_info.php?products_i…

  • kimmik on 19/12/2009 - 20:48

    If you already have this laptop, could you kindly give us some feedback? I'm still undecided at the moment:

    1. How well is Win7 running on it? any BSOD? Any driver problems? What video driver are you using?
    2. How well does it run 1080P and 720P videos?
    3. Any problems so far?
  • kimmik on 19/12/2009 - 21:48
    +1

    "4. Can you view 720p video ?
    Tried this under XP and it was very jumpy, virtually unwatchable. Will try again under W7 to see if there is any difference. edit: yep still jumpy. SD video is fine though."
    14/Dec/09

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/127…

    seems like this netbook wont be all smooth sailing when it comes to getting used.

  • kimmik on 19/12/2009 - 22:52
    +1

    Newest Intel GMA500 driver for Win7 released just yesterday 18/12/09. version 5.0.0

    Might help some ppl solve win7 hd playback problems

    http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&P…

  • rudy8 on 20/12/2009 - 08:48

    I put an order for pick up, but they have not let me know when I can pick it up.

    • benjamin on 21/12/2009 - 15:13

      T33-T38, Level 1 Capitol Square
      730 George Street
      Sydney, NSW 2000

      • Koonit on 21/12/2009 - 15:35

        He said "when" benny, not where. ;P

        I've been trying to call these guys all day.. Always engaged???

        • benjamin on 21/12/2009 - 17:51

          Emailing them got a pretty quick response for me

  • jason101 on 20/12/2009 - 09:24

    I wouldn't be too worried - if you are savvy enough to get the laptop to boot from a USB drive copy of Win7 I am sure you'll be savvy enough to find and download drivers to work the ethernet and video.

    Also remember their opinion is based on a $600 product, not a $400 one

  • butterflyvc on 20/12/2009 - 12:18

    mm. Just wondering, does it come with bluetooth? Coz it seems like an option..

    • kimmik on 20/12/2009 - 21:12

      "Hi

      Benq U121 comes with wireless G.

      Regards,

      Hendi"

      I emailed them, and they said it doesn't come with wireless N, which is unfortunate.

      But it does come with bluetooth i'm pretty sure.

      • Koonit on 21/12/2009 - 10:00

        On there website it says it has Wireless N.. Hmm?

        Also says it has bluetooth.

        • nchc on 21/12/2009 - 11:08

          i still dont think it is a deal breaker, i.e. not having wireless N and if it didnt have bluetooth you can buy a dongle for $10.

          frustrating nonetheless as it clearly states "The 24/7 unlimited Internet access with the 802.11b/g/n WLAN"

          i thought wireless N would be standard on any netbook

          • Koonit on 21/12/2009 - 11:44

            @nchc: According to the Benq website;
            ‧Wireless LAN: 802.11 b/g/n
            ‧Bluetooth: Built-in Rev. 2.1/ EDR (option)

            So it MUST have Wireless N.. :/

            Anyone who already received this care to check?
            Also what's performance like with new GMA500 drivers while you're here? :D

            • nchc on 21/12/2009 - 11:46

              @Koonit: was just about to update my post with exactly the same details

              • rudy8 on 21/12/2009 - 17:12
                +2

                @nchc: yeap, I installed windows 7 and currently on wireless N

                • Koonit on 21/12/2009 - 17:23
                  +2

                  @rudy8: Thought as much, which makes the email above stating it's wireless G a bit weird.

                  What's performance like with HD video.. Youtube HD etc with the newest GMA500 drivers?

                • kimmik on 21/12/2009 - 19:19

                  @rudy8: Nice, i'll ring them again to make sure i get a wireless N version.

                  Could you tell us about hd playback? I'm going nuts trying to decide whether or not to wait for Ion! lol

                  • rudy8 on 21/12/2009 - 21:19
                    +2

                    @kimmik: could not play 720p even with the newest GMA500 drivers.

                    • kimmik on 21/12/2009 - 21:24
                      +1

                      @rudy8: Darn…

                      Just in case you didn't do so, make sure you:

                      1. use wmp12
                      2. play a h264 or vc1 file

                      thanks for the feedback.

                      • rudy8 on 21/12/2009 - 22:16
                        +2

                        @kimmik: I am not sure my wmp version, it comes with win 7 installation.
                        Tried again with Naruto 300 MB 720p, bit skippy at beginning for 3-4 seconds.
                        but running well after that, its watchable

        • jason101 on 24/12/2009 - 01:42

          Win7 detects the card as wireless b/g/n

  • rudy8 on 21/12/2009 - 07:39

    Just received this joybook, a lot faster and better compare to my 7 inch eeepc.

  • benjamin on 21/12/2009 - 16:05
    +1

    I just bought one. If anyone has any tips, troubles/solutions with installing windows onto this one specifically, please share

  • Svky on 21/12/2009 - 16:27

    anyone know when this deal end? tried to call them, but the line is always busy

    • Koonit on 21/12/2009 - 17:22

      I think this is just a normal sale item.. Since they're not even plugging it as a "special" at all on there website.

      Shouldn't be hard to install 7 on, since most stuff is supported out of the box, or just check Benq website for drivers.. Not exactly rocket science.

    • benjamin on 21/12/2009 - 17:49

      "Hi Benjamin,
      The special promotion will last as long as we still have the stock. However, we could not guarantee the availability of the stock in future.
      Regards,
      Hendi"

      I am still traumatised by when I bought my first laptop without an operating system (10? years ago). It had an external floppy disk drive, no CD drive, no USB etc. Managed to get Windows 98 eventually to load via network connection, but it wasnt nice.

  • Koonit on 22/12/2009 - 21:24

    Anyone care to review this unit?

    I've bought one for myself one, so I'd like to hear peoples experiences..

  • mrsnrub on 23/12/2009 - 09:03

    Mine turned up yesterday but apart from booting it up haven't had much chance to play with it. There is a button on the keyboard with 3G written on it and what looks like a sim card slot under the battery. Anyone else noticed this?

    • Koonit on 23/12/2009 - 09:14

      It supports 3G if you purchase an internal MiniPCI-e card. Which are pretty expensive from what I can find.

      Anything else worth mentioning?

  • kimmik on 23/12/2009 - 20:43
    +3

    Just got mine, here's my review after about 5hrs of win7:

    the good:
    1. Thin, light, good screen reso, contrast and saturation.
    2. battery not heavy, fits tightly, and integrated beautifully.
    3. pretty fast hdd, got 62MB/s on crystaldiskmark
    4. plays 720p! flawlessly for some files (wallace and grommit), and skipping a few frames for fast moving scenes of Austin powers. Not too distracting, but not perfect. I rate it 7/10. changing video power option from balanced to best quality didn't affect the frame drop out significantly.
    5. seems a little faster than mum's lenovo s10.
    6. longer battery life and cooler running than the lenovo s10.

    the bad:
    1. the plastic fascia around the screen, the bottom part, is floppy soft plastic that doesnt sit tightly against the screen. it is a bit wavy and leaves some gaps between it and the screen.
    2. keyboard good but a bit floppy on the left hand side. i'll rate it 3.5/5. Acer aspire 10inch has a rock solid keyboard, in comparison.
    3. when installing win7, dont forget to switch-on the wireless using Fn+f10! otherwise it wont install the driver and you'll be wondering why the wireless doesn't work.
    4. dont forget to install the latest win7 gma500 driver listed in a post above. the graphic resolutino will be screwed up till its installed.

    thats about it for now… recommended for 400.

    • Koonit on 23/12/2009 - 20:47

      Good review! Mine has been delivered but I won't get to play with it till tomorrow! :(

      Hopefully the keyboard doesn't disapoint that was one of the main selling points for me, I hate the smaller 10" keyboards for typing.

      What's HD youtube stuff like? Does it play full screen without skipping?

      • kimmik on 23/12/2009 - 21:11
        +1

        yeah the keyboard has all the right keys and right size, way better than the lenovo s10.

        another point about the screen, is that its not as good in colour and highlight detail in particular, as my desktop 24inch acer/benq. also has a way too high gamma which needs correcting with win7's built in calibration.

        wireless card has pretty good reception, better than the lenovo.

        using flash 10.0.4, skips occasional frames on normal "avatar: science behind pandora", 80%cpu usage. cant play hd of the same clip.

        using flash 10.1 beta2, about same. no youtube hd unfortunately.

    • jason101 on 24/12/2009 - 01:41

      LOVE your work, I was pulling my hair out trying to get the w/lan to work.

      I didn't have it turned on but as soon as I hit the key to turn it on Win7 automatically updated the drivers and made it work.

  • n00bi3z on 23/12/2009 - 23:01
    +1

    Ok got Windows7 installed and also installed most of the drivers on the benQ website (its a good idea to install the function button software so you can see what is exactly happening when you press the function keys). Windows 7 installed find - just follow any of the guides already posted. I got 1080p working pretty well with the latest win7 drivers and Media Player Classic HC codecs running with no additional filters. I'll be testing flash 10.1 beta2 for youtube HD when I get uncapped. Even eclipse runs pretty well (the extra resolution above other netbooks is a godsend of programming in this ide).

    • mrsnrub on 23/12/2009 - 23:23

      Where did you find the Windows 7 drivers on the Benq website? All I could find were for XP.

      • jason101 on 24/12/2009 - 08:03

        I can't find any Win7 drivers on the benq website either, I grabbed the video driver from intel direct, but I'd love to get some proper chipset drivers running and the ethernet port going.

        The xp software for the display of the function buttons does work with Win7

        I've installed some of these drivers and at this stage they appear to be working with Win7

        http://corp.benq.com.tw/support/downloads/downloads.cfm?prod…

        • n00bi3z on 24/12/2009 - 10:02

          the windows xp drivers on the benq website work for Win7 - i've tried the LAN, Card Reader, Bluetooth, Touchpad, Wireless Lan. It is probably best to go to Intel (or windows update) for the chipset and video card drivers as they will be more up to date.

          • Koonit on 24/12/2009 - 10:57

            @n00bi3z: I'm like completely overwhelmed by how good Windows Update (W7) is for finding the latest drivers or drivers in generally, for that matter. It's like Microsoft have been possessed by someone who is actually trying to make life easier for us. :D

            Doesn't seem like Benq has updated many of the drivers for this netbook for quite a few months.. But it's still a "New" item on there websites.. Hopefully we get some future support, or it may be a case of nothing's broke so nothing to fix. Hope it's the latter.

      • mrsnrub on 24/12/2009 - 21:00
        +3

        I have found dedicated Windows 7 drivers from the various hardware component manufacturers sites. There is a good article here on how to identify unknown hardware:
        http://win7insider.com/2009/10/28/a-trick-to-get-drivers-for…

        SD Card reader: ftp://driver.jmicron.com.tw/jmc2xx/CardReader/JMB38X_WinDrv_…
        NIC: ftp://driver.jmicron.com.tw/jmc2xx/LAN/JMC2xx_WinDrv_R0.0.13…
        Touch pad: http://drivers.synaptics.com/Synaptics_v14_0_3_C_XP32_Vista3…

        These got rid of all my unknown items in device manager. The video drivers I found on the Intel site.

        Microsoft also have a nifty utility that will create a bootable USB installation of Windows 7. It's free and you can get it here but you will need an ISO image of Windows 7. I used Imgburn to create one from my DVD:
        http://images2.store.microsoft.com/prod/clustera/framework/w…

        I did find that not all USB flash drives are bootable. I couldn't get my Kingston DataTraveler to work but had no problems with a Corsair one.

        So far it running nicely with Windows 7.

    • kimmik on 24/12/2009 - 11:31

      Hey noobi3z, how did you get MPC HC working?

      I've got MPCHC 1.3.1249, ffdshow, haali media splitter, directx 9c end user pack, installed, but MPCHC doesn't play my 720p files without massive skipping.

      WMP12 on the other hand works almost flawlessly.

      • Koonit on 24/12/2009 - 11:32

        Have you tried KMPlayer.. Just a thought, I've been using it for ages now and it's awesome for netbooks.

        Doesn't need codecs and supports basically everything I've ever thrown at it.

      • n00bi3z on 24/12/2009 - 20:48

        you need to disable the filters (e.g. ffdshow) when running X264/AVC videos. heaps of guides on the internet but I personally found wmp12 works a lot better because it seemed to work out of the box

  • faisan on 27/12/2009 - 00:54

    I just set up mine and installed Windows 7 pro 32 bit today. I have installed the latest intel GMA500 driver but I cant get full screen youtube (non HD) playing without it skipping frames. small screen youtube works fine but HD will be jumpy.

  • gone_walkabouts on 28/12/2009 - 01:02

    Sound recording issues with the Benq U121. I just purchased a U121 with Linux on it. I have just wiped this out and put Windows 7 on it. This worked well with most of the driver present in Windows 7.

    The only issue now is getting the sound recording volume at a reasonable level for Skype calls. I think it is just a poor quality microphone that is the issue. (hardware) . I have tested the Mic with Windows Sound recorder and this was also realy low. I upgraded the Realtek driver to the latest Windows 7 release.

    The only way I have been able to get the record volume acceptable is by speaking right into the mic like you would a telephone…….great !!!!!!

    Can somebody else with a U121 confirm that they just have shitty microphone? Other than this they are a good machine considering they are only $400.

    Thanks

  • kimmik on 28/12/2009 - 01:06

    you can partially fix this by going to control panel - sound - recording - microphone - properties - levels:

    then raise the volume to 100%

    and add 10-20dB of boost. 30dB of boost i feel is excessive.

    This will make the mic volume better, but still its a shitty mic, and nothing to do with the driver i believe.

    you'll have to put up with the high floor noise i'm afraid.

    • gone_walkabouts on 28/12/2009 - 11:00

      thanks kimmik. I had tried that (boost) and still not enough….I also have put this in 100% within the skype app. Interstingly we made skype call this morning and the far end did not complain it was too soft….(skype at the other end adjusts the speakers if it is too soft) however when I made a call out to the PSTN to a mobile (public network) it was too soft.

      At this stage I assume it is just a cheap mic and if I go into the beasel and replaced it with a better quality mic the sound card and wiring back to the sound card would not be the next problem.

      Anyone with any ideas on the above or know where to source a better quality netbook mic that mounts in the beasel.(not into having to plugg in a external mic each time I want to make a call for the next two years or so)

      Cheers

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