ASUS UL30Vt-X1 Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Black Laptop (11 Hours of Battery Life)

by Asus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.3 x 1 inches ; 3.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002XZLURC
• Item model number: UL30Vt-X1
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,107 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 19, 2009

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Style and Performance in Perfect Harmony

The energy-efficient, slim, and stylish ASUS UL30Vt-X1 notebook redefines ultraportable notebooks with new power boosting features. Free yourself from power cords and start exploring with up to an amazing 11 hours of all-day battery life¹. Powered by the ultra-low-voltage Intel Core2 Duo processor SU7300, and optimized with 4GB of DDR3 DRAM, ASUS GraphiX Boost switchable graphics, and exclusive Turbo33 technology, the UL30Vt-X1 takes you further than most other notebooks with eye-catching style, optimized performance, smart power usage, and a generous 500GB of storage. Its ultra-slim profile makes traveling a breeze and its 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit display offers bright, vibrant visuals and advanced energy efficiency.

Effortlessly navigate your e-mails and favorite websites with the enhanced multi-touch trackpad and complete important assignments with ease using the comfortable chiclet keyboard. The UL30Vt-X1 also features Altec Lansing speakers, plus SRS Premium Sound, for a home theater experience on the go. The UL30Vt-X1 is built from the ground up to give you the best value; it’s an ultraportable notebook that truly delivers mobility and power on demand.

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.

The most comprehensive notebook warranty package is icing on the cake.

1-year global warranty

Thirty-days flawless display guarantee

Free two-way standard shipping

24-hour tech support seven days a week

Plus ASUS Accidental Damage Protection: ASUS UL30Vt-X1 also come with a One Year Accidental Damage Warranty protecting the notebook from drops, fire, spills, and surge.**

Key Features

• All-day computing with up to 11 hours of battery life¹ (Learn more)
• Exceptionally compact and light, under 1-inch thin, and weighs less than 4 pounds
• Powered by the Intel Core2 Duo Processor SU7300 for energy efficiency (Learn more)
• Exclusive Turbo33 Technology for 33% system performance boost during process-intensive multi-tasking (Learn more)
• GraphiX Boost that instantly switches between the energy-efficient built-in graphics and powerful ASUS Discrete Graphics Engine (Learn more)
• Color Shine 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen HD display that uses less energy and gives you an immersive cinematic experience (Learn more)
• 4GB of DDR3 system memory for smooth performance with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed
• 500GB hard drive for responsive, convenient storage and access to all your documents, music, videos, and photos
• Chiclet style keyboard and multi-touch trackpad for comfortable and intuitive use (Learn more)
• Built-in high-speed 802.11n wireless connectivity for Internet browsing
• Integrated webcam for connecting with your friends and family
• Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound for home theater quality acoustics
• ASUS IceCool Technology provides a cool-to-the-touch palm rest
• ASUS 360 one year global warranty and ASUS ADW one year accidental damage warranty* (Learn more)

Learn More

Takes You Where You Want to Go

Experience up to 11 hours of all-day computing with the UL30Vt-X1 *. Thanks to its ultra-low-voltage Intel Core2 Duo processor SU7300, 8-cell battery, LED-backlit display, and ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE), you can maximize your time on the move and minimize time plugged-in. And with our new FastBoot Technology providing an ultra-fast boot time of only 30 seconds, you can use your PC anywhere, virtually right away. A generous 500GB of hard drive storage holds your favorite music, videos, and photos. Compact, and under 1 inch thin, the UL30Vt-X1 fits virtually anywhere –freeing space up for books, files, or whatever else you need. The UL30Vt-X1 lets you focus on the essentials in life. With this kind of mobility, you get the peace of mind you deserve.

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Energy Efficient Processing

The ASUS UL Series Laptops are the perfect balance of style and performance for mobile computing. They all feature an Ultra-Low-Voltage Intel® Core™2 Duo processor so that you can enjoy the performance and long battery life you need in the sleek designs you crave. Sleek new ultra-thin laptops powered by the latest ultra-low-voltage Intel® Core™ processors deliver this unique balance of performance and power consumption to let you travel light and provide the performance you need for music, HD video, photos and more. Intel® ULV processors are also optimized for battery life, so you can stay unplugged longer and use your laptop on the go without having to search for power outlets. Full feature computing on the go – thin and light with long battery life – with Intel Inside®.

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Instantly Boosts PC Performance

ASUS has innovatively designed the UL30Vt-X1 to provide you even more performance when you need it. The ASUS exclusive Turbo33 technology automatically boosts the system performance by 33% and more. When process-intensive multi-tasking is needed, Turbo33 automatically takes CPU, memory and even graphics performance to a whole new level to ensure a smooth and seamless computing experience. With this performance booster, the Intel Core2 Duo SU7300 is over 25% faster than a SU9400 CPU. This translates into almost 20% more overall system performance than a notebook powered by the SU9400.***

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Switch Between Extended Battery Life and Full Speed Graphics

The UL30Vt also features GraphiX Boost to instantly switch between the energy-efficient integrated graphics and the powerful ASUS Discrete Graphics Engine powered by NVIDIA CUDA enabled GeForce G210M. This ASUS exclusive feature gives you the ability to maintain a perfect balance between conserving the battery life and enjoying surreal high-definition graphics. With GraphiX Boost, you no longer have to sacrifice all-day battery life or jaw dropping graphics. Now you can switch between the two on-the-fly whenever high graphics processing demand is needed without having to reboot your system. It is truly graphics power on demand.

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Comfort Included

With ASUS IceCool Technology, you’re ensured extended battery life and a cool-to-touch surface, so, even after long computer sessions, there’s limited heat for optimized comfort. With plenty of space to place your hands, the generous palm rest area makes typing on the chiclet style keyboard an enjoyable experience. It’s comfort made easy.

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Eye-Catching Sophistication

Impress onlookers and complement any setting with the UL30Vt-X1’s brushed aluminum cover and a high-class appeal. From the first time you open the UL30Vt-X1 you notice the stunning interior casing around a display that brings color to life, and 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 prevent dust buildup, helping to keep your keyboard clean every time you use it. Inspired by a butterfly’s grace, the UL30Vt-X1 carries the hallmark contours and slim elegance that separates it from the typical cookie-cutter notebook.

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High Definition That Doesn’t Break the Bank

If you’re looking for mobile HD playback that doesn’t break the bank, with its 13.3-inch 16:9 ratio High Definition display, the UL30Vt-X1 is a great solution when you’re on the go. When you’re at home or in the office, you can easily stream high definition media to external displays with its HDMI connectivity. Complemented with Altec Lansing speakers and SRS premium surround sound, the UL30Vt-X1 provides high-quality audio playback so there’s no need to invest in expensive speakers. With the UL30Vt-X1, you can enjoy all your favorite movies and music where you want, when you want, with crisp clarity and great value that you will appreciate every time. You can also instantly switch from integrated graphics to the ASUS Discrete Graphics Engine –powered by NVIDIA GeForce G210M GPU –to enjoy casual gaming and all your favorite movies and music with crisp clarity that you will appreciate every time.

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ASUS Exclusive Windows 7 Features

Experience FastBoot, the unique performance boost for Windows 7 made possible by ASUS’s close partnership with Microsoft. With ASUS exclusive FastBoot technology, Windows 7 64-bit-enabled ASUS notebooks start up in a staggering 30 seconds. That is 40% faster than 32-bit operating systems. ASUS helps get you up and running faster than ever before. System performance is subject to system configuration. This data is based on a comparison between a FastBoot-optimized ASUS notebook running 64-bit Windows 7 and an identically-configured notebook without FastBoot running 32-bit Windows Vista. For more details regarding the test results, please visit the information site.

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ASUS 360* -- Comprehensive Notebook Warranty Package Included

ASUS complimentary notebook care package. ASUS 360 offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops: One year global warranty Thirty days flawless display guarantee Two way free standard shipping 24/7 tech support

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ASUS ADW* -- 1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty**

Accidents happen. But when they happen to your ASUS notebook purchased in the US or Canada, you have extra protection. Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.** 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

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For PC’s running Windows 7 Home Premium

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. Don’t forget… Microsoft Office is not part of Microsoft Windows In order to get the most out of your new PC, don’t forget to purchase a Microsoft Office suite. 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. * Internet access required. Free TV content varies by geography. Some content may require additional fees.

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Warranty

ASUS 360* (1 Years Global Warranty) + ASUS ADW* (1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty**) + Flawless Display Guarantee

ASUS UL30Vt-X1 comes with ASUS 360 (1 years global warranty), ADW (1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty*) and Flawless Display Guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.

What's in the Box

ASUS UL30Vt-X1

AC Adapter

8 cell Battery Pack

Warranty Information Cards

Specifications

Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Display: 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit Widescreen (1366 x 768)

Intel Platform: Intel Core2 Duo processor SU7300 (1.3GHz)

Graphics: Switchable: Intel GMA 4500MHD and ASUS DGE powered by NVidia GeForce G210M with 512MB VRAM

Wireless: WLAN 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n)

LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet

Memory: 4GB DDR3 DRAM, 2GB x 2 (upgradable to 8GB)

Storage: 500GB 5,400RPM Hard Drive

Camera: 0.3 Megapixel

Speakers: SRS Premium Stereo Speakers by Altec Lansing, Hi-Definition Audio CODEC

Microphone Digital Array Microphones

Card Reader: 1 x 4-in-1 card reader: MMC, MS, MS-Pro, SD

Input/Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x audio-out (S/PDIF), 1 x VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 1 x HDMI

Keyboard: 13.70-inch keyboard with MS Windows function keys

Battery Pack: 8-cell Lithium Ion Battery, 4400mAh - Up to 11 hours¹

Dimensions: 12.68 (L) x 9.17 (W) x 0.59 ~ 0.97 (H) –inches

Approximate Weight: 3.7 lbs (with 8-cell battery)

Color: Black

¹Estimated maximum battery life test was done in ASUS Power4Gear battery saving mode with Mobile Mark 2007. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

*For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers “ASUS” brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: “Built on ASUS”, “ASMobile”, “Powered by ASUS”, the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by CircuitCity in Canada. Limited of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met.
**One incident covered per notebook
***Performance figures were tested in PCMark 2005 v1.2.0 in 1366x768x32bit. Figures are for reference only and may vary depending on system setup and conditions.
All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos.
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ASUS Thin and Light UL80Vt-A1 with Switchable Graphics Want a little larger screen? Check out the 14.1-Inch UL80Vt-A1.

ASUS Slim External Optical Drive/DVD Writer Create and read CDs or DVDs with speed, style, and simplicity with the ASUS Slim Extrenal Optical Drive and your Eee PC.

ASUS Crosslink Cable With the ASUS Crosslink Cable you can transfer data from one computer to another, share internet connection, even read and transfer data on one computer from another computer’s optical drive.

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Product Description

The thin and light ASUS UL30Vt is a harmonious blend of form and function. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo ultra-low voltage processor, it boasts an impressive 11-hour battery life for all-day computing. It also sports user-centric features such as a multi-gesture touchpad and provides an impressive multimedia entertainment experience with Altec Lansing speakers and an NVidia G210M graphics engine (users can turn the graphics card off if longer battery life is needed). With Bluetooth, a 0.3MP Webcam, and Wireless b/g/n, the UL30Vt-X1 allows you to stay connected with ease. All of these features and more are shrouded in a robust brushed aluminum lid that not only looks magnificent, but also helps in maintaining the notebook’s stylish exterior day after day. ASUS notebooks come with a 1 year global warranty, one month zero bright dot guaranty, free two-way shipping and twenty-four hour tech support seven days a week. Plus it comes with a FREE One Year Accidental Damage Warranty protecting your notebook from drops, fire, spills and surges.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Near perfect thin and light laptop, December 4, 2009

By 

landale (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ASUS UL30Vt-X1 Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Black Laptop (11 Hours of Battery Life) (Personal Computers)

I had been excited about the ULxxVT series from Asus since they were first announced a couple months ago. I originally purchased the UL80VT back when it was released in October but ultimately returned it due to a very noticeable dead pixel right in the middle of the screen. This was probably for the best as a week with the UL80VT made me realize it was bigger then I needed and I didn't really have much use for the optical drive.

Due to my brief ownership of the UL80VT I knew certain things to expect with the UL30VT but I have to say the UL30VT has exceeded my expectations. While I never felt the build quality was bad on the UL80VT it's much better on the smaller UL30VT. Clearly due to the smaller frame everything is quite a bit more solid as there is almost no chasis flex at all. The keyboard is okay. Everything is well spaced although the small right shift key is a bit annoying. Honestly the only thing about the keyboard that isn't great is that it's a bit on the noisy side as its very clackity when you type. I know a lot of people don't like the dimpled ASUS touchpads but honestly I don't think it's that bad and it has tons of multi-functions that really make it a joy to use. The single button touchpad button isn't as firm as on the UL80VT so its a bit easier to press for those who don't just use tapping. The screen is also in my opinion much better then the UL80VT in regards to contrast which I felt was subpar on the the larger model. Viewing angles still aren't great but they aren't on most laptops these days. The hard drive is a bit noisy but it's not really that noticeable.

I know a lot will be made of battery life on these UL models and it should be pointed out that this comes with the 10 hour battery, not the 12 hour one Amazon lists. Even still its a 63whr, 4400mah 8 cell battery that I have easily been able to get 7 hours of wifi web surfing and there still being life left (sorry, I haven't had it long enough to do a full battery test yet). So while it would have been nice to get the larger 84whr battery I don't think I will have had too many instances where I will even need it. Also just to correct another incorrect part of the Amazon listing, the UL30VT weighs 3.92lbs according to my precision scale with the battery installed. Still plenty light for me but I don't know how they got 3.7lbs that is listed here. The UL80VT also has the wrong weight listed in it's listing as it weighed 4.8lbs when I weighed that back in October.

Overall I am very happy I waited for the UL30VT, the idea of creating an overclocked low voltage system is a genius concept that ASUS has executed very well here. The end result gives the user performance equivalent to a regular full voltage Core 2 Duo while still providing great battery life. There is truly nothing else on the market like the VT series laptops and for $799 you get a lot. Sure the larger battery or longer warranty of the A series UL models (this is an X model) would be nice but it would then cost more and lets be honest, it still has better battery life then most systems on the market and almost all consumer laptops only come with a one year warranty to begin with! Given the price I can't recommend this system enough, sure there are a few things that could be improved but for me it's exactly what I needed in a laptop at hundreds less then I was originally expecting to pay.

121 of 128 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UL30Vt-X1 Is The BEST 13" Notebook On Planet Earth, February 28, 2010

By 

Wavey Davey (Southern CA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ASUS UL30Vt-X1 Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Black Laptop (11 Hours of Battery Life) (Personal Computers)

I've been searching for the perfect, best, finest, fastest, coolest small notebook for almost 5 months, believe it or not, and here it is the Asus UL30Vt-X1. It could have reached out and bit me, it was so close at hand, so easy to find, but you almost never look right under your nose do you? Well, so much for finding it...let's tell the nice Amazon.com readers what it does, and how well it does it, and a whole slew of TIPS and TRICKS this user knows in and out!

I've put together some sections where I am going to describe settings and specific control panel functions that work optimally for my uses, and I tell you what to expect when using them...this is a User's Review as much as it is a Review for pre-sales questions and general interest. Hope you like it!

**13.3" 1366 x 768 pixels HD LED Backlit LCD Display-nVidia G210-M 512MB Video+ Intel GMA-4500 Integrated Graphics, SWITCHABLE GRAPHICS ENGINES! RealTek HD Audio! nVidia HD HDMI Audio!

It's not the brightest display(200 Nits by measurement) nor the most defined by contrast, unless you get into the nVidia CP and adjust things...so go to nVidia Control Panel (right click, on the desktop), Adjust Video Color Settings, check "Dynamic Contrast Enhancement", and "Color Enhancement", then hit 'Apply' and BAM! Your LCD will become very, very nice, with deep blacks, browns and blues, while the bright colors themselves will 'Jump Out At You'--you'll think you are looking at a much more expensive computer's display. That's something that anybody can do to enhance the graphic power of the nVidia G210-M 512MB discrete video card output, and it does make a HUGE difference...try it, you'll like it!

The native HD display is capable of rendering virtually any type of content with either of the video settings, as the GMA-4500 Intel Graphics (integrated video, that uses up to 4095MB of system RAM if the computer has 8GB RAM...with 4GB of RAM the video uses up to 1795MB RAM) are capable with HD content. It's just the nVidia card, however, that you want to use (whenever possible, ie not on battery) that fetches up 30-40FPS+ with Call of Duty: World at War for example! Yes, this notebook is a gamer's delight, to a point...don't expect 70+FPS in deep battle scenes with heavy, hard detail settings, but it is adequate for playing virtually any of the current crop of 1st-person shooter games...Crysis, literally any game available right now. It's that good!

When on AC Power, PowerGear4 Hybrid set on High Performance and Turbo Boost, fire up any game you want and the UL30Vt-X1 springs to life, loads the game rapidly, enter your control panel Option settings and you're off and running, full screen if you want...this is a fantastic nVidia graphics engine, and it will do the job. I also have had xlnt results playing HD video/audio content.

Do you like Hulu content, the online TV that displays programs/movies in HD? This is one notebook that will not disappoint Hulu fans, so let's get cranking! Open up "The Dresden Files", for example, the Canadian Sci-Fi/Suspense Thriller from 2004-2007 that Hulu has all the archives of, choose Full-Screen Mode in the controls on screen, and WHAM! You're watching full HD video at 1366 x 768, and the UL30Vt-X1 will come through stutter-free, without any problems at all. The CULV CPU, the 1066mhz DDR3 RAM, and either of the graphics engines will do the job. You can count on this computer 100% with any type of video content, either online, HD movies from DVD's, or even BluRay discs can be played (with a player, of course) at full screen resolution. This video Rocks!

It helps if you have the latest, and greatest Flash Player Beta 10.1.55.xx installed, but that's optional as is a browser other than IExplorer (I've been using Google Chrome). The sound is xlnt also, coming from Altec Lansing speakers which are positioned in the chassis front edge, left and right, for true SRS Surround Sound action via the RealTek HD Sound Manager. You can access the manager's controls by clicking on the System Tray's hidden icons, RealTek HD Sound Manager, double-click on it and choose from 30-or more different sound effects! Here's a couple I found to be optimal:

RealTek HD Sound Manager: Set it to Stereo for headphones, then check "Headphone Virtualization" if you use headphones like I do 90% of the time. In Sound Effects, click on "Rock" which will enhance the sound just enough to put a slight EDGE on the drums, cymbals, bass is enhanced, and mids are subdued with voices accentuated perfectly. Click on "Living Room" for the Environment which stops any acoustic 'echo-effect' which many of the other choices will do. Then go to the last panel there, Default Format, and choose the Hz: I found that 24-bit 96,000Hz are perfect for this system, which is set OEM @ 24-bit 48,000Hz, just not enough Hz for my ears! TRY THOSE OUT! You will thank me a bunch, those are great settings for headphones every time!

As for the speakers, they sound great with the same settings turned up to at least 70%... That's right, they will NOT distort at those settings I've listed above, which is what you want every time not a bunch of unnecessary sound effects. Experiment all you like, I did, but you'll come back to those settings I just listed as they are pretty pure, nicely enhanced music settings without bringing too many special effects to the party.


**Keyboard, Special Fn Controls, PowerGear4 Hybrid (Power and Energy Saver Settings), GraphiX Boost Button (Switchable graphics!), HDMI Port Viewing!

This is a fantastic chiclet-style keyboard with about a 1.5mm reach per keystroke, so it's TIGHT and nice, just like your best girlfriend is, right? I mean who wants a weak pulse that doesn't squeeze, not I! The keyboard does not flex, as it's structured over a metal frame, that has a couple fans and some acoustic things underneath it when you take it off to check it out (don't tell Asus, but we got the take-apart directions!), so if you like chiclet-style you'll love this one 110%! There are some special functions, so let's get into them and let's see how she performs and works for us.

The Function Key, just below the Shift Key of course, performs a bunch of nice things for us, and here they are:

Fn - F1 = Computer Put To Sleep

Fn - F2 = Computer WiFi and BT Controls (Bluetooth)

Fn - F5/F6 = LCD Brightness UP and DOWN

Fn - F7 = Turn Off LCD Display (!)

Fn - F8 = Turn On, Off, External Display, or Projector

Fn - F9 = Turn Off/On Trackpad (VERY IMPORTANT!!--YOU'll use it a lot!)

Fn - F10 = Audio Defeat (all audio, speakers, headphones all of it!)

Fn - F11/F12 = Speakers/Headphones Volume UP or DOWN

Fn - Space Bar = PowerGear4 Hybrid Energy Saver Settings, Power Settings

Fn - Pause, Break = For Use In BIOS

Fn - Prt SC/SysRq = Print Screen, System Rq

Fn - Insert/NumLk = Insert and Number Lock

Fn - Delete/ScrLk = Delete and Screen Lock

Why did I just list all of those? Because nobody else has who has done a review yet, that's why, and people want to know these things! People who don't own the computer yet..! And there's no owner's manual to speak of either with the UL30Vt-X1/A1, it's a pathetic thing that's a generic "Notebook PC User Manual". That's why I listed everything of importance that the Fn Key strokes will accomplish, and besides, it's my review, and I get to write what I Want!

Next we've got Switchable Graphics, and the Asus P4G Hybrid Switch/GRAPHIX BOOST BUTTON, which is at the left, top corner of the keyboard surface, not on the keyboard of course...Click it once, and click it again, and you cycle through the three possible choices therein:

1) Auto Detect Mode - The computer detects whether you are on Battery Power or AC Power, and adjusts the video output accordingly...battery gets Integrated Intel GMA-4500 graphics, AC Power gets nVidia Graphics, every time!

2) Power Saving Integrated Graphics - The computer detects nothing! You are on Integrated Graphics no matter if you have it on Battery or AC Power, you are stuck with it!

3) High Performance - For you performance phreaks, here you go! It's the setting which gets you nVidia Discrete Graphics on battery or AC Power, it doesn't matter you get HIGH PERFORMANCE!


***Now there's been discussions about the P4G Hybrid Switch/Switchable Graphics button in the various forums that support this computer, and I'm going to explain a couple things that you need to know, and how to avoid thinking your computer is broke to boot! This is a discrete switch, and it does NOT work all the time. Along with Turbo Boost, there are caveats to operation, which I will get into real quick-like for owners, and for prospective buyers both.***


I'll try and make this clean, clear, short, and sweet, but I may have to repeat myself a couple times, so don't mind the dialog...If you notice that the switchable graphics switch is OFF, and is not working it's probably because you have selected Energy Saver preferences that are not allowing nVidia Graphics to load, so here's how you solve this issue if you want nVidia back! Restart the computer, and immediately begin tapping F2 fully, every 1/2 a second or so, not stacatto-like, but 1/2-second intervals...That will get you into BIOS, which is where we need to go!

Once into BIOS use the arrow keys to cycle over to the Final Screen, (rigtht side of the choices, all the way RIGHT!) the DEFAULT Screen as it is known, where you set User or Manufacturer Values to use. SELECT "LOAD MANUFACTURER DEFAULTS!" After you do that, exit BIOS and SAVE the Values... Hit F10 once, Return, and WHAM... Read more ›

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another ASUS hit: Thin and Light without sacrifice, December 7, 2009

By 

Daniel S. Kim "technology enthusiast" (Anaheim, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ASUS UL30Vt-X1 Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Black Laptop (11 Hours of Battery Life) (Personal Computers)

Over the past 3 years I've owned a few ASUS laptops, and have not been disappointed by a single one thus far. Not only are their products great for the price, but ASUS has always given me top of the line customer service which definitely matters with laptops compared to a desktop PC which are somewhat easier to self-service.

The UL30VT in my opinion is the perfect all around package for any type of user. Whether you may be a business user or a multimedia-phile, all the bases are covered with the UL30VT while offering advanced graphics power in a thin and light package that is easy to haul around.

KEYBOARD 10/10

I instantly fell in love with the keyboard on this unit. Being a 13.3 inch laptop with a widescreen display, the keyboard is nice and spacious, giving just the right amount of tactile feedback for my personal preferences. The keys are a bit louder than I would like them to be, but the overall experience of typing on this unit is fantastic. The chiclet keys, spacious layout, and overall comfort with the large and not-too-hot palm rest make it an absolute hit. Only thing that this unit would need is backlit keys to make it better.

SCREEN 6/10

With the release of LED backlight technology in LCD screens, you would think that the display on most of these units would pop out at you, but not so in this case. Over a few hours the screen doesn't necessarily burden your eyes with extra strain, but the viewing angles from top to bottom are horrid at best. Left to right angles are more forgiving, offering an approximate viewing angle of about 160 degrees. Quality of high motion video on the screen is up to par, but overall the contrast, color saturation, and missed marks on blacks make it quite uninviting at times.

GRAPHICS POWER 8/10

For such a sleek and compact unit at the listing price at Amazon for 799 US, you can't really beat it. With Turbo33 Mode on and utilizing the G210M, i have been able to play single and multi player Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare without a hitch at its native resolution. Granted i did do some extra modifications in the BIOS of the laptop (albeit not much), it definitely exceeded my expectations for what i paid. Flash and Silverlight video are almost flawless with some extremely minor hiccups, but overall the streaming and native multimedia experience on this laptop is superb.

Hooking the laptop HDMI to a 1080p 50" LCD is impressive nonetheless, and watching any sort of content makes it a joy to have. As usual, Fn functions work flawlessly on this laptop as well making it a great Home Theater option for those people without a dedicated pc/nettop with their setup.

BATTERY LIFE AND HEAT DISPERSEMENT 7/10

So far utilizing integrated graphics and the battery saving profile of the packaged ASUS software, I've been able to squeeze out about 8 hours max with constant media streaming and wifi surfing. To be honest, this was a little higher than I expected with the lower included 4400mah battery and the advertised 12 hour longevity. In real world usage, I would say that its safe to assume you'll get around 7 - 8 hours with normal usage. Gaming on another hand is a battery drainer as usual, leaving me topped out at 3 hours playing Call of Duty over wifi. I have not gotten a chance to try DVD or Bluray drainage, but I would suspect it would last you around 4 - 5 hours max.

Of course like any CULV, this unit doesn't require the use of loud fans, as well as not being as hot as other Core 2's and Quads. Heat on the palmrest never even bothered me as well as having the laptop on my lap for casual surfing, but with the discrete nvidia graphics, things tend to get a little worse, but plenty bearable.

OVERALL 8/10

I don't use any kind of system with my ratings, its just what my personal connotations of each aspect of the device give me. I would highly recommend this laptop to anybody, whether you be a highly mobile road warrior, or a lecture bearing college student. With the spacious 500GB laptop, it should serve any purpose well and then some. Now granted the HDD is partitioned into two sections: 116 for the Operating system, and 334 for data, so this is something to be aware of if you plan on loading a lot of hard disk hogging software.

In my opinion, this unit should have an option with the higher capacity battery. I would personally consider this a hit device and eliminate the other UL30 models as having switchable graphics is definitely a must for the small price difference. If you're arguing between the new VT model and other UL30 series models, the small price jump is definitely worth it even if you don't plan on gaming or graphics developing. Having the extra oomph just in case never hurts, as I'm sure some multimedia that you may want to watch in the future will definitely benefit you, even if it is a little.