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As titled, I believe this must be a good deal ultraportable laptop with 10 hours battery life.
If you can make use of the American Express $50 rebate, that can come down to $669.
Asus U31F Core i5 Ultraportable 13.3" Laptop at Dick Smith - $719
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wow this looks better than the JB Hifi one at http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/44452
Is it because a new model is going to come out soon?
yep
According to DSE site, this one has bluetooth too.
I think you still need to double check because their website may not be accurate. I was really tempted until I saw that it doesn't have a bluetooth. This won't cost them much to build in I just don't understand why it is not there (hopefully their website tells the truth).
no bluetooth for this model
@Wonderland: how are you sure?
physically visted the store
Thanks. I just rang the store and they confirmed that indeed it doesn't come with bluetooth.
However, it is a 5800 mAh battery (ie 8 cell), not a 4400 mAh battery as advertised on their website. They confirmed this by looking at the rating on the battery itself.
So you win one thing but lose another.
well done mate, i would prefer a 8 cell battery than the built-in bluetooth. usb bluetooth is dirt cheap nowadays.
So, now there are TWO (2) "U31F" computers to choose between:
this DickSmith's offer: a box that has an: i5 but with only 4 GB RAM, OR
www.OnlineComputer.com.au's earlier offer: 8 GB momory but only an i3
The rule of thumb is:
. Buy more memory over a faster CPU
…but does that apply here? :-/
Has anyone actually made such tests, for similarly equipped computers?
why is the rule of thumb more memory over a cpu?
can't you can always upgrade the memory yourself in the end?Sure, but then the cost of the "deal" rises.
So, you'd be wise to consider both deals on their merits,
before taking one that may require extra cost to upgrade,
later.Of course, if cash-flow is important to you, the later
upgrade cost deal may be the way to go.
You can upgrade the RAM on your laptop easily but it is difficult to replace a CPU.
True enough, but who wanrs ro throw a 2GB SODIMM
- that tey just paid for - away…? :-)This computer has 2 filled slots, each wirh 2GB of RAM.
1 has to go to, ie, to upgrade to 6GB memory;
both go to, to upgrade to 8GB memory.(Greenies & accountants won't like wasting
newly acquired 2gb SODIMM's bits, not would I,
for similar reasons.)A nice thing: It's easy to access the hard drive -
either for maintenance or uprading - as it's behind
the same laege, plastic case panel, as the memory.But… would a new shielding-kit needed
ie, for the -new- hard drive, or can
the original be salvaged & re-used?The original drive seems to be a Seagate
& ASUS's spec says ir's [only] 5400 RPM.Or is it easy to salvage the one surrounding the
original drive?
Where did that rule come from
I think I read it in "Buying laptops for Dummies".
They had it on sale at book depository.
I think it's the same publisher as that book that says the more megapixels a camera has the better it is.
mln is selling at $948 with the following
8gb instead of 4gb
bluetooth
external optical drive
win 7 pro
8 cell battery (phone call to dse confirmed the battery is 8 cell)it's up to personal preference to get these extra at $279
Hmm I'm thinking this makes the DSE one seem like a better deal.
I'd say the main difference is the battery which I'm wildly guessing would be $100-170 for an 8-cell, and you can probably get a generic one for less. The claimed 10 hours on a 6-cell should be plenty anyway.
For me, Win7 Home works fine and I have trouble using 4GB of ram on it. External optical is around $50, and if you wanna upgrade the RAM staticice says 4GB of laptop DDR3 is about $50. As people said, bluetooth is $5 (or less)… and the DSE one might have bluetooth anyway - just look at the specs.
Battery spec was 5600 or 5800 mAh, from memory
(And it's on a label on one end of the box,
if you see one in the shop & want to check).—-
This is really a ramped-up netbook, that keeps
the long battery-life & relative low weight…& adds improvement on how many lines you can see
when you've got the screen showing larger fonts
(ie, before you need to scroll).It's under 1" in thickness, and uses ASUS's
low-power-drawing chipset, similar to newer
their eee PC's.The form-factor's is closer to that of an iPad,
but it includes hard drive, keyboard & all the
ports you'd expect; but USB 2.0's show its age..—-
Now that uni students, et al., have got used
to a small, light, long-battery-life netbooks
with tiny screens…U32F's are the logical next step up for them,
whether they choose one with i3 & 8gb (earlier
deal, still going) OR this one with i5 & 4gb,
they'll be happier with its speed, at about
twice the street price of an eee PC..—-
FWIF, I miss eee PC's marine series-name:
"clamshell"… for me, "U32F" just doesn't
have the tie-in to Nature of eee PC series
…so, maybe they're aiming 'em at geeks,
who may not care about such things… :-)(Actually, the original screen background
shows a U31F resting - like a clam, with
it shell open & aimed upwards? - on its
hinged edge. So, maybe U31F's are subtly
caeet their little sister's "clamshell"
nickname…?But, if you find a clamshell like that,
it's clam is dead - or has already been
eaten by a bigger seagull, etc. - so the
maybe that image's symbollism doesn't
quite suit ASUS's positive-thinking mar-
keting strategy…).—-
In any case, it works… but will need to
be cheaper soon, both because new Intel
chips will make it so & 'cause 30 June
is fast approaching.What will these & similar i5 computers
cost, end-of-financial year sales?Do all U31F variations have a 4-core i5 (eg, i5 480)?
An in-store DSE rep didn't think their U31F's i5 was 4 core
…until he checked, using his mobile I'net connected phone,
he read that i5 480 was 4 core & said the i5 460 is 2 core.There's an i3 version…
That's a crap rule of thumb there mate.
You don't need more than 4gb.
Frankly, you can get away with 2gb if you don't play games.
Whilst most of the time your cpu is at idle, when it is working you'll at least notice some difference. You'll be so pressed to use that much ram that you'd never be able to tell the difference between 4 and 8gb.
And yes you can often replace the memory but cpu is a hard job. However, sometimes they dont give you access to replace anything without undoing the case and braking the warranty sticker. In rare cases the memory is soldered to the motherboard (usually apples, sometimes ultraportables).
You're right on 2gb of memory, but we've used netbooks
for a while, now, & we've been bumping our heads (ie,
with 20+ tabbed window open in each of 2 or 3 browsers,
PLUS Word for a school report PLUS Excel for charts for
that report, Skyoe + an Aussie VoIP softphone, etc.)And all that concurrent RAM usage just leads to "Your
computer is short of memory"), that this computer may
or may not solve.The slower i3 with 8gb memory would surely solve it…
maybe if one of those is offered before, eg, 1st July,
for say $600 we'll snap one up. ;-)PS When CPU's were more costly, that RoT seemed the go;
today's prices may make it less obviously wise; YMMV.Oh, I think a vendor would have a hard time selling
a normal-use laptop with soldered-in RAM.Maybe Panasonic ToughtBooks would benefit from it,
but even they'd be harder to repair in the field.
That did used to be a valid rule of thumb for basic use (internet/word processing) computers. Four years ago it wasn't uncommon for the cheaper notebooks to come with 512MB of RAM… and Vista. Which ran like absolute Shi'ite (yes, just like an Islamic schism) no matter what CPU it had.
Since 2GB+ has become the standard, the rule of thumb has changed though. Now the biggest improvement in speed would be in getting an SSD over a HDD. Then CPU. Then RAM (since it's already high). Keep in mind - this is to improve speed for basic tasks like word processing and internet applications, there's a whole other rule set for CAD/Gaming etc.
8GB RAM makes a big difference guys, 2GB is not enough in my opinion and 8GB is much better choice over 4GB RAM, with the dollar the way it is, its a great time to get 8GB RAM also, though a good SSD makes an even bigger difference again. Entrey level SSD drives are only as good as the bets hybrid mechanical drives, but top dollar SSD drives, make a huge difference.
Processor difference in Ghz is not relevent, but more so the type of processor, EG, i3, i5 or i7 is what carries a lot of weight, I would not be focussed on clock speed but more processor type.8GB would make a big difference if you're the type of person to have literally hundreds of windows/tabs open. It does not make a noticeable difference for basic normal operation (a couple dozen windows).
8GB RAM is likely better, in part, because the 4GB U31F
shares that 4GB with its on-board Graphics chipset.(It's lots better than ASUS eee PC's that max out at 2GB,
also shared with graphics chips.)I think U31F's with 8GB would work best for my app-set.
.—-
While the per GB-cost of SSD's is high, maybe the next-best
thing to aim for it (at least) 7200 RPM hard drives.U31F's have a 5400 RPM HD, which saves battery power.
.—-
On CPU's, i5's seem to come in at least 2 flavors:
- 2 cores &
- 4 cores.
The U31F has a 4 core i5 (ie: i5 480, from memory).
tantryl,
I disagree, as I have one myself, and I personally see the difference and I have maybe 6-10 windows open at any one time.I have 8GB myself. And taking 4GB out makes no difference to my experience while doing basic word/internet work.
Tantryl, what type of machine do you have?
can you tell me the model and specs of your rig?Core i7 860, 8GB DDR3 1600, etc.
How about you tell me about what you're doing that 8GB makes a difference? To be honest, you're the one making the extraordinary claim here.
Even Corsair, who are in the business of selling more RAM, sell it with the biggest difference is the ability to lots of things open.
It will also depend on your system architecture, if its a HP dv-6 series it usually does not perform as well for example.
On my machine
I have 2 Access databases running, a few web apps, other internal custom made software as well, Plus the usual every day office programs.
I'm sure if you come into one of the stores the guys can show you where it makes a measurable difference.
Even boot up times are improved.
SSD makes a much bigger difference though and is recommended if you want a real improvement, though the cost is very big.
Also you can run system diagnosis and check for yourself.
If your using, Skype, facebook and email only. 4GB is enough.
Your mobile phone can run these apps too.edit: nice video by the way, it pretty much says what I was saying anyway.
You won't get 10 hours on the standard battery. You'd need an 8 cell as per the mln deal, and even then if you got 7-8 I'd be startled.
this does come with an 8 cell dude.
check the specs, all the models at the national retailers are the compromised 6 cell version, check the spec listing in the advertisment above, it states 6 cell.
We know this becuase this is the cheaper option that we refused to take. No point having a 13.3" notebook with 6 cell when you can take the 8 cell version for little bit more. It should be about providing good value not just low price on it its. A good deal is when you get a great product at a great price, not a good product at a great price.
This is my opinion by the way.I can guarantee that the DSE model is an 8 cell. But it does not come with Bluetooth.
i just bought one from nunawading and it comes with 8 cell battery, and it clearly shown on the front plate with a sticker, 5800mAH.
Are you concerned about the keyboard flex? I had a play with it in JB Hifi and thought it was noticeable.
it not that noticeable on my machine. jb hifi is selling at $981 for the same model :(
Thats good to know. I'm very close to pulling the trigger and buying this from DSE.
The overseas model comes with Nvidia Optimus graphics, you could order it through Amazon/PriceUSA for about 770, which is obviously dearer and sacrifices local warranty but does come with dedicated graphics.
I've always wondered what Asus have against bluetooth in their portables. Cuts a large portion of the market out. Silly.
Especially when it can't possibly cost them more than 5 bucks or so to slip a bluetooth chip in there.
I really did wish it cost $5 to add the bluetooth module in there.
The reason most big retailers take it out, is also becuase it causes to many customers to return them as they have difficulty with customers who cannot connect bluetooth devices to their machine. So its refunded, the solution for them, is take it out, save money, cut customer complaints and returns and have a lower sell price. They also usually use smaller batteries becuause its a lot cheaper and the average person does not look or understand much about the battery.
Guys Asus will give resellers the options on what they want in their machines, everybody chooses according to their clientel.
Someone managed to score this from harvey norman for $669: whrl.pl/RcKLgb. So subtract $50 from that price and you are getting it even cheaper.
Binglee is smart they marked this model out of stock. Officeworks even got rid of all the ASUS laptops on their website.
Get MLN to price match this, this model has no Bluetooth and possibly only a 6 cell battery. The model that MLN centrecrom etc sell is better.
in that case, why would they pricematch it?
Also as above, it definitely comes with an 8 cell battery.
Normally we would price match it, our model is different though, so its not the same thing.
Our battery is also 8 cell.
our model also has Bluetooth and windows 7 Pro, which is around $100 more for Pro alone, plus the bluetooth module.
We are also offering 8GB RAM ($40-$80) not 4GB and a bonus external DVD-RW at the moment ($60 value for the external drive)While I agree that your deal has extras and is better over all, on Windows Pro:
1 - Most ozbargain shoppers would get no benefit from Pro over Home Premium
2 - The OEM price difference between Pro and Home Prem is $40, not $100. That's at the retaier level - you yourself only have a price difference of $39 for the OEM software ($179 for HP, $210 for Pro).
tantryl,
while this maybe the OEM price difference, I assure you Microsoft nor Asus pass this price difference onto us, check the price difference on any machine that is identical with Home premium and Pro on any brand(Dell, Sony, Acer, Samsung etc), see for yourself.
Sometimes its $200 difference.
If you don't need Pro, you dont need it, so its not relevant anyway.
Those who need Pro will know what I am talking about.
PC white box builds are different
and you can't get the amex $50 rebate at mln.
with the intensive participation of mln's rep on this forum, maybe they will offer a deal of the week sooner or later with better spec and price :)hopefully,
I would love to be able too!
At the end of the day guys, you should all get what ever you think is the best bargain, but it should be clear as to what the exact differences are, or its not so much a bargain as one may initially think.
Great product, great price
Vs
Good product, great price, should not really be comparred.
Is the screen matte or glossy?
The dimensions/weight that I found with Google are:
- 328 x 233 x 25-29 mm
- 1.78 kg
Is this correct?
I'm thinking about buying this however it's out of stock at all my nearby stores, so I'm just trying to understand how it physically compares to my 1-year-old 13" Acer Aspire timeline.
I see people talking about 2nd generation Intel chips.
How does one know whether this (or any) is the latest?
This is not the latest. The latest CPU has model number looks like ****M or ****QM, where this one is ***M
When one walks into a computer shop, how can you tell which computers on display are 2nd or 1st gen?
By the way, where did you see the CPU model number for this computer? I looked at the specs but didn't see the **M you mentioned.
I would like to understand how I can tell whether a computer is 2nd gen or not!
just google the model and the brand.
If I am not mistaken, the new chips have 4 digits in their model codes, the old 3.
OfficeWorks' huge fliers suck worse:
Only the often hard-to-read screenshots,
in product photo's - due to poor contast
- either in the image sent to printers
OR the low printing quality OR both -
give any HINT of the product's CPU type
(eg, is it a multi-core i7, i5, i3 or
a single-core older, with same GHz clock?)Use a magnifying glass or miss details with OW. :-/
OW seems to want to blurry up the differences, eg,
quoting a GHz frequency as the only hint of speed
- in the only clearly-printed list of spec's
- of each box's overall speed.In fairness, price is an indicator.
no, this can easily tell by the price, is's runout sale.
Some will (sometimes) find U31F's dual Power buttons a useful feature;
by defaulr:- Left side Power button starts a non-Windows
. (Linux or 'BSD based?) quick-boot system
. (You could use it after getting Low-Battery & shutting down
. or when you don't want to wait for Win + a browser or an app
. to load, eg, after getting a boarding call at the airport…
. & you just want to go on-line for a quick social-networking
. read or post, etc. eee PC's also had Skype; I don't know if
. U31F's do… Anyone?. There's a manual on this system - thicker & glossier than a
. U31F User Guide; is this a hint of things to come from ASUS?)The other Power button:
- (shorter; another hint?) Right-side button starts Windows.
.—-
Oy! Such a BIGHT power-on LED! You won't miss it on a bright day! :-)
- Left side Power button starts a non-Windows
Got one! Dick Smith at Warringah mall.
They have it marked at the full price. Had to tell them that it was on special on their web site this weekend.They said they have 7 available.
Nice machine so far. Battery is 8 cell in the box.
Shame the price has gone up now. Anyone know if it will be on special again?
Whats the Amex rebate?