ASUS UL30A-X5K Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Laptop with Kindle for PC (Black)
|
 List Price: $729.00 Sale Price: $599.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Eligible For Free Shipping 
|
Product Description
Free yourself from power cords and start exploring with up to an amazing 12 hours of all-day battery life with the ASUS UL30A-X5, thanks to its Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor and 13.3-inch LED-backlit display, which combines vibrant visuals with advanced energy efficiency. This stylish, ultra-portable notebook features a brushed aluminum lid that not only looks magnificent, but also helps in maintaining its stylish exterior day after day. The UL30A also features a multi-gesture touchpad, which enables you to intuitively zoom in or out of pictures via pinching, or navigate up and down pages by sliding your finger.
 Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below. |
 13.3-inch LED-backlit HD high definition display with a 16:9 aspect ratio (see larger image). |
 An all-day computing companion, the ASUS UL30A provides up to 12 hours of battery life. |
 The chiclet style keyboard and spacious keys allow for a comfortable typing experience and also prevents dust buildup (silver model shown). |
Experience FastBoot, the unique performance boost for Windows 7 made possible by ASUS's close partnership with Microsoft. With ASUS exclusive FastBoot technology, this Windows 7-enabled ASUS notebook starts up in a staggering 30 seconds.
Compact and under 1-inch thin, you can fit the UL30A virtually anywhere--freeing space for books, files, or whatever else you need to enjoy a spacious workspace. The UL30A includes Altec Lansing speakers plus SRS surround for a virtual home theater experience on the go, as well as an HDMI port for connecting to an HDTV at home. You'll be able to store all of your favorite applications, most important documents, and large video and audio libraries with the generous 500 GB hard drive. Other features include 4 GB of DDR3 RAM (maximum capacity), integrated webcam, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated video graphics, and multi-format memory card reader.
Kindle for PC – Now Pre-Installed on Select ASUS Laptops
 | Read more than 500,000 Kindle books on your ASUS computer with our Kindle for PC application. The app comes pre-installed on select ASUS PCs, and no Kindle is required. Already have a Kindle? With Whispersync, you can access your library of Kindle books, notes, marks, and more on your ASUS. Learn more: Read Kindle Books on Your Computer
|
 | Now there is an even bigger reason to get the UL Series by ASUS. Adding to a whole trophy case of awards is the latest 2009 Editor's Choice Award by Engadget. Voted by Engadget's editorial staff as LAPTOP OF THE YEAR, the UL series is the ultimate companion for your mobile computing needs. |
And in addition to a 1 year global warranty, the ASUS UL30A-X5 includes a 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW).
Key Features
- High-gloss 13.3-inch LED-backlit HD high definition display with 1366 x 768 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio) that uses less energy and still gives you an immersive cinematic experience (Learn more)
- Up to 12 hours of battery life from 8-cell battery(4400mAh)
- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. (Learn more)
- Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
- Chiclet style keyboard and multi-touch trackpad for comfortable and intuitive use (Learn more)
- ASUS IceCool Technology for cool-to-the-touch palm rest
- Exclusive Express Gate feature enables ultra-fast boot so you can connect to the web in just 10 seconds
- Energy efficient, dual core 1.3 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life (Learn more)
- 500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
- 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; 2 x SODIMM slots; 4 GB maximum capacity)
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD integrated video processing
- 0.3-megapixel webcam for connecting with friends and family over video chats
- ASUS SmartLogon facial recognition system detects your face and logs on automatically
- Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n)
- HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD
- Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound for home theatre quality acoustics (Learn more)
- ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for extended battery life
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.28 x 0.98 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 3.74 pounds (with battery
- Warranty: 1 year global warranty and 1 year accidental damage warranty (Learn more)
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
With its integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This notebook also provides Fast (10/100) Ethernet networking.
- 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable
- Analog video output: 1 VGA
- 5-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia Card (MMC), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and xD Picture Card
- 1 headphone jack (S/PDIF digital audio output), 1 microphone jack
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet
What's in the box
This package contains the ASUS UL30A-X5 notebook PC, AC adapter, rechargeable 8-cell battery, and user manual
Learn More
High Definition That Doesn't Break the Bank
The 13.3-inch LED-backlit display offers bright, vibrant visuals and advanced energy efficiency, and it has a high-definition resolution (1366 x 768) and 16:9 ratio display for watching movies and HDTV programming without annoying black bars. It's supported by an integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics processor for cinematic visual quality. Equipped with HDMI connectivity, you can easily stream media whether you're on the move or through an external display at home or in the office.The UL30A is complemented with Altec Lansing speakers--30 percent more powerful compared to those found on conventional notebooks--and SRS premium surround sound, providing high-quality audio playback without the need to connect to external speakers. The angle of the speakers also allows audio to be "bounced" upwards from any surface to provide better amplification, delivering a wider frequency range, which in turn produces lower pitches that allow users to hear every reverberation of the drums, as well as every note in pitch perfect quality.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
| Simplify everyday tasks | Work the way you want | Make new things possible |
 |  |  |
|
|
|
Jump Lists
New in Windows 7, Jump Lists take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (You'll also find them on the Start menu.) What you see in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 shows frequently-viewed websites. Windows Media Player 12 lists commonly-played tunes. Your Jump List missing a favorite? You can "pin" whatever files you like there. Jump Lists don't just show shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to commands for things like composing new e‑mail messages or playing music.
Improved Windows Taskbar
In Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging. Finally, there are new ways to preview windows. Point to a taskbar icon to see a thumbnail preview of open files or programs. Then, move your mouse over a thumbnail to preview the window full-screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews--a big time saver.
Snap
Ever need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Just click a pane and give your mouse a shake. Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again--and your windows are back.
 |
Energy Efficient Intel Core 2 Duo ULV Processor
Offering the latest in ultra-low voltage processing power, the dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 has a has a power consumption rating of just 10 watts and a 1.3 GHz speed that's paired with a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
 | Intel Core 2 Duo Processor: The Dual-Core that Delivers Impressive Power While Saving Energy Featuring dual cores that power through the most intensive tasks, the Intel Core 2 Duo processor lets you surf the web, download content, connect with friends--and do it all with ease. Intel Advanced Smart Cache technology minimizes wait times by allocating more access to frequently used data to the processing core that needs it most. Intel's power-saving capabilities enable fast, cool-running performance even in a compact form factor.
|
 | Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology: Breakthrough Technology for Mobile Creativity With dual-core processing, ultra-fast wireless and exclusive energy conservation features, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology lets you achieve more, aspire higher, and log many more miles between battery charges. Optimized wireless capabilities provide up to 2x greater range and up to 5x better Wi-Fi performance1. Intel Clear Video Technology combines hardware- and software-based video processing features to deliver sharper image quality, improved clarity and customizable color control. |
Eye-Catching Sophistication
Impress onlookers or complement any setting with the UL30A's brushed aluminum finish and high-class appeal. Simply opening the notebook you notice the interior casing around the display that brings the color to life so that time-after-time the UL30A shines with a brilliant, high-gloss finish. Plus, the chiclet style keyboard and spacious keys not only allow for a comfortable typing experience but also prevents dust buildup keeping it nice and clean every time you use it. Inspired by the light grace of a butterfly, the UL30A carries the hallmark contours and slim elegance that separate it from the typical cookie-cutter notebook with a true style of its own.With ASUS IceCool Technology, you're ensured extended battery life and a cool-to-touch surface, so even after the longest computer sessions there's limited heat for optimized comfort. The palm rest area also makes your experience more enjoyable so you have plenty of space to place your hands while typing on the keyboard.
Industry Leading Customer Warranty
 |
 |
You have extra protection when they happen to your ASUS notebook purchased in the US or Canada. ASUS will fix it or replace it for you at no charge during the first year after purchase in the event of damage from accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire.
- Warranty covering accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
- Target 3-business-day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
- One-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
- 24-hour toll-free phone support
- One incident covered per notebook
Details
- 1.3GHz Intel SU7300 Core 2 Duo Processor; Kindle for PC pre-loaded
- 4GB of DDR3 RAM, 2 slots, 4GB Max
- 500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM); No optical drive
- 13.3" HD LED Display, Intel GMA 4500MHD, Wi-Fi 802.11 bgn, 0.3M Webcam
- Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System (64 bit); up to 12 hours of battery life
July 27th, 2010 at 4:32 am
Rating
I was pleased with this model UL30A, I did not need or want the switchable video, so this was a good bargain at 599 for the larger 13.3 screen and full size keyboard. The screen is very thin, notebook is light and solid. I have a few other Asus notebooks and like the chicklet style keyboard they use. It is also very cool running. The reason I would not give it 5 stars is the ridiculous battery claim or 12 hours. This is not realistic in any fashion. I would say it is in the range of 7-8 with normal use, so even if everything is turned off I don’t see any way to get to 12.
Overall, if you are looking for a 13.3 thin and light netbook it is a fantastic deal. If you want to go a bit smaller and save about $100 I would look at the 1201N-PU17-SL as an option.
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 am
Rating
This is the second UL30A-X5K I’ve recieved from Amazon. The first one had a dead pixel in the middle of the screen so I returned it and Amazon sent me this replacement very quickly, no problems. Thanks Amazon. I primarily bought this notebook because it offers a mix of portability, battery life, and performance. I have a 10″ eeePC netbook and a 17″ Sony Vaio FW series. I needed a notebook with more power and functionality than my netbook but with better portability than my Sony Vaio. I chose this version over the one with the switchable graphics card because of the cheaper price. So far the 4500MHD card has met my needs perfectly. I typically use this computer to browse the internet, create MS office documents, and for entertainment such as online videos, and video/ music playback. Video playback is excellent, I have no problems streaming HD video content.
The UL30A-X5 handles multitasking quite well. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the 1.3ghz dual-core ULV processor works. The 4gbs of RAM is very handy as well for resource intensive programs. As far as build quality goes, I was a little underwhelmed. It feels nice and solid but apart from the aluminum case(fingerprint magnet) it seems a bit plasticky. The build quality is slightly better than eeePC series but I was expecting more at this price point, however the glossy screen does give it more of a high-end look. I still give this laptop five stars because while it’s not amazing by any means it is a solid, good performing PC with excellent battery life.
Pros: Slim form factor, quick performance, battery life: around 9 hours of web browsing on power saver, better than average speakers, nice keyboard, good screen, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, lightweight, HDMI port, large hard drive, 1yr warranty,
Cons: Dated BIOS; does not allow booting from SD card, comes loaded with bloatware, somewhat cheap build quality, fingerprint magnet case, no bluetooth,
Overall I am pleased with my purchase, I recommend it to anyone who needs a notebook with great balance between performance and portability.
August 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Rating
I actually own the 1005-PR, so I am aware that Asus CAN delivery high quality work. This laptop was purchased to run outside as a document writer while in travel. Unfortunately, the one delivered to me had a hard drive that already starting whirring the clicks of death. I didn’t even have a chance to really install anything or do much beyond patching the OS when the computer starting randomly clicking. Hopefuly the second version which arrived today works better.
I did do a battery test run doing nothing. On the PowerMark recommended settings, the battery lasts for 7 hours, not 11 as advertised. It played video well contrary to some other reports on this machine. This machine does not run hot in your lap compared to the 1005-PR.
This is also the first time I have used the Amazon RMA process, and from a customer’s perspective, it’s awesome! The RMA ticket process is easy to generate, UPS easily handled my package, and a new one was shipped even prior to the delivered return. I’m never going to worry again about buying an expensive piece of equipment from Amazon again.
—–Modified after I received an exchange from Amazon RMA from 2-3 stars————-
So, now that I get a functional one, I really like it. I don’t need a optical drive directly attached. Even with being extremely battery efficient, I only get 7 hours (the other reviewer is right). It is fast enough that I don’t notice hanging with the standard Microsoft suite, it will play video fine, it will actually run Eclipse and NumPy (relatively painful on the processors) without noticable issues in interactive mode. The speakers aren’t bad, and the screen is decent if you are looking straight at it. Wi-fi is a cinch, and I don’t notice range issues with the card.
For people who insist on putting their laptops through the wringer, it will play Quake 4 without noticeable lag, and LFD1 with noticeable lag. This is by no means a present day gaming rig, but the Intel 4500 is more than adequate for the normal run-of-the-mill tasks.
Basically, if you need a light document writer, a long battery computer, this one is great. If you are trying to use RAM-dependent programs like Stata, NumPy, or Matlab, it’ll be slow, but the IDE’s will work fine. If you want to use Itunes or 1080p, the screen and even the speakers aren’t bad. If you want to put GOG games on it, it’ll work fine. If you are trying to play Crysis, *(& no.
BTW, about Amazon’s RMA process. Request in 6/2, Amazon mails out 6/3, Arrives 6/5, return was just delivering to the local UPS acceptor (Kinko’s in my case). Yea, Amazon for making the exchange painless.
August 19th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Rating
I received my computer a day ago and I haven’t had a single problem with it. I’m not a huge computer nerd, but I’m not computer illiterate… so here’s my PRO/CON list.
PROS
-It was easy to get it started. I was using the computer as I normally would an hour after I opened the box it came in.
-The keyboard is easy to type on.
-The track-pad is nice. People who have reviewed the UL30A-X5 (basically the same thing only without the Kindle Program installed) say they don’t like it, but I like it. It doesn’t make the skin on your finger feel “tired” if that makes sense.
-The quick-start option is really cool! I know I’ll use it a lot when I want to quickly look something up on the internet but don’t want to go through the process of starting up Windows. Windows also doesn’t take a long time to start up… it takes a minute from the time you hit the power button to the time you can run a program.
-The camera is very fun to use. It might just be the novelty of it, but it’s a fun little plus.
-As others have written before in other reviews (for the UL30A-X5), there is little “bloatware”. You’re not really bombarded with the free trial stuff.
-No problems with Wi-fi range.
-It stays cool.
-It’s quick, as a new computer should be.
CONS
-Fingerprint magnet, as others have said before. But does that really matter?
-The right-hand shift key is shorter than your average shift key. I find myself pressing the up arrow by accident, but I think I’ll be able to train myself not to extend my pinky so far sooner or later.
-The battery life for using normal Windows is 7 hours. Still not bad, but don’t get your hopes up for 12!
-I did get one “This application is not responding” message when I used the application that comes with the webcam. I think I was clicking different things too quickly and it got confused.
-No optical drive. This isn’t really a CON, but a forewarning. While not having one makes it harder to install software, it also makes the laptop lighter. You can buy an external one that burns DVDs for $50.
And that’s all! If I ever have anything else to add, I’ll be sure to write it here. Feel free to ask me any questions!