So far, I really do believe this computer deserves 5 stars. I've heard about some rough goings with a few of Asus's new models, but my u45 seems almost problem free.
My first impression of this machine was great: good build, good screen (not too shiny), and light (about 3.5 - 4 lbs).
The computer's performance seems quite above average, though some of the 4gb of ram (about 256mb) seems to be reserved for something. The ability to upgrade to 8Gb Ram gives this machine some nice headroom for future upgrades, too. The entry-level G310M in this computer sports 1GB Ram, and will be excellent for multitasking and light duty gaming. It gets excellent framerates in older games, and even some newer ones. L4D2 and Portal run fast, even at high detail, and games like Mass Effect 1 & 2 or Far Cry 2 are playable at settings slightly above low (this doesn't bother me, as I only game on the u45 when I'm away from my desktop).
Overall, I give it a 10/10 on non-graphics performance, a 10/10 on battery life, a 9/10 on portability, a 8/10 on build quality, a 9/10 on cooling, a 6/10 on graphics performance compared to high-end laptops, and a solid 10/10 when compared to similar laptops.
The laptop gets a little warm at times, but it's positively cold compared to some other machines I've had. It will get rather warm if you max out the processor and nvidia graphics at the same time - laptop cooler or flat, clean surface recommended. On the other hand, the fan won't even turn on if you use the battery saving options, and the laptop becomes quite cool. To wrap up cooling, though, the fan never quite seems stressed, and is usually prompt and responsive to heat buildup.
It's battery life will reach upwards of 7 hours of without any major tweaks to the system, other than enabling intel graphics and shutting off wi-fi. With some easy tweaking, I've been able to stretch the battery out past 10 hours while reading and writing papers for college. With wi-fi on and in use, nvidia graphics on, and high performance mode on, the battery can still last for more than 4-5 hours (more than enough time browse the internet, watch a movie, or play some games without feeling rushed). I don't usually let my battery go below 50%, so I commonly run this machine for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Still, for long plane flights or car rides, the option to go 7 or more hours is great!
The only spot on this laptop that seems to suffer from poor build quality is the area directly above the battery, in between the screen and keyboard. The enormous battery leaves little room for the case, and this area tends to flex a bit when pressed on (not that much though, maybe 1/16 of an inch?).
On the plus side of build quality, the aluminum plate on the lid is a nice touch - it looks good, stays cool, and seems quite durable. The interior of the machine is made of smooth, hard plastic, and doesn't bend or flex except as mentioned. Keeping it clean isn't hard, though the lid and interior do collect fingerprints after some time. The u45 comes with a small microfiber cloth, about the size of a 4x6 picture, so if you don't have one yet, you won't need to buy one.
The 500Gb hard drive comes in three partitions, one for the OS and one for programs and personal files. The third is a hidden partition (about 20Gb) for the Asus quick-recovery (F9 on boot).
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit comes pre-installed on this machine. Since this laptop does not come with a windows reinstall CD, make sure you create a set of DVDs with a backup image to restore your computer. This is extremely easy, since Asus ships it with some non-bloatware recovery software (I've already tested it - it takes a while to re-load and requires 4 DVD-R discs, but is extremely useful, and re-installs flawlessly).
The u45 also has an automatic restore feature (hit the F9 key during boot-up) to make sure you can restore your laptop. This feature takes up about 20Gb of hard drive, and is stored in a hidden disk partition. I'd recommend making a second disk image, and updating it every now and then, so that you never have to worry about losing data. This is done through windows backup and restore, under control panel (click "Create a system image" in the top right).
Also, as Geekcheck mentioned in his review (read it!), you can uninstall any (and all) bloatware on this machine without reinstalling Windows 7.
Overall, I would easily recommend this machine to a friend, and would definitely buy it again were I given the choice. I would not recommend this as a pure gaming machine, or an ultra-portable "pocketbooky" laptop. Rather, this machine is a good mix of everything: performance, portability, battery life, and durability.
Product Description:14-inch HD LED (1366 x768)/i3-370M (2.4 GHz)/4 G DDR3/NV 310M 1 G DDR3 + Intel GMA HD/500 G 5400/Super Multi/W7HP (64bit)/802.11BGN/8-cell/HDMI.
Amazon.com Product Description:Thin & Light with the Power to Perform The slim, sleek 14-inch U45Jc-A1 has incredible features that take you far beyond standard entertainment notebooks. With the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, battery life is maximized up to 10 hours
1 between charges. Plus, the U45Jc-A1 can seamlessly turn on the NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics via NVIDIA Optimus Technology for casual gaming and resource-demanding tasks and then automatically turns off the rest of the time – conserving battery life. Super size your multimedia with any HDMI-enabled HDTV that simplifies HD audio and video connectivity for a complete cinematic experience. The U45Jc-A1 is powered by the Intel Core i3 processor that's smarter and faster with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology for enhanced multitasking. And at around 1-inch thick with an brushed aluminum finish, you can easily carry it with you without showing smudges or fingerprints.
The U45Jc-A1 features Express Gate, Altec Lansing speakers, 4GB DDR3 system memory, 500GB hard drive, 0.3 megapixel webcam, and Windows 7 Home Premium.
Key Features
- Up to 10 hours of battery life1 with ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that uses exclusive hardware and software to maximize battery life for the task at hand (Learn more)
- Intel Core i3-370M processor gives you smarter multitasking performance (Learn more)
- Slim, brushed aluminum design for easy, smudge-proof portability (Learn more)
- 14-inch LED-backlit HD display for crisp visuals without compromising battery (Learn more)
- NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM delivers great HD entertainment performance (Learn more)
- NVIDIA Optimus Technology instantly switches between powerful NVIDIA and energy-efficient Intel graphics to save battery life (Learn more)
- HDMI connectivity streams uncompressed HD audio and video to your HDTV or LCD via a single cable (Learn more)
- Express Gate for instant access to Internet, music, Skype, and more (Learn more)
Learn More
View larger | Powered by the Intel Core i3-370M processor, the U45Jc-A1 comes with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that innovatively combines hardware and software to deliver up to 10 hours of battery life.1 And with user-controlled ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid utility, you can optimize power management for your task at hand with a push of a button to instantly choose your preferred energy profile.
As a further battery-boosting feature, the U45Jc-A1 has an LED-backlit screen that not only delivers a brighter and better visual experience but also improves energy savings compared to notebooks without it. |
View larger | The U45Jc-A1 features NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics with 1GB of DDR3 VRAM for HD performance and amazing multimedia capabilities. With DirectX 10.1 compatibility, play games with textured detail, better dynamics, and greater special effects than traditional embedded graphics.
And like a hybrid car seamlessly switches from gas to electric, the U45Jc-A1 features NVIDIA Optimus Technology that automatically optimizes system performance and battery life by switching between powerful NVIDIA graphics and energy-efficient Intel graphics. |
View larger | With its thin profile, the 14-inch U45Jc-A1 is always ready to go. Plus, the svelte U45Jc-A1 boasts a sleek brushed aluminum finish that looks great while guarding against smudge and fingerprint buildup. Featuring a 14-inch HD display and Altec Lansing speakers, you get premium visual and audio playback to enjoy your favorite DVDs movies in a size that's big on entertainment and portability.
The U45Jc-A1 also doubles as a portable home media center with HDMI connectivity, so you can connect to any compatible HDTV for a Full 1080p HD experience.
With just the press of a button, Express Gate connects you to your digital world in seconds. This built-in mini operating system enables ultra fast access to a host of most commonly used features, including your web browser, email, instant messenger, Skype, photo manager and music player. |
View larger | Whether you're surfing, typing, or scrolling, the U45Jc-A1 simplifies it all with a smooth multi-touch trackpad and comfortable chiclet keyboard. Plus, it delivers fast Web speed with high-speed wireless N connectivity (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz).
Wireless N has a longer range and faster transfer rates that keeps you connected further and saves you time when downloading content or exploring Web pages. |
 | Recognized as the #1 reliable Windows-based portable PC maker in 2009 by three independent sources,2 ASUS gives you peace of mind every time you start your U45Jc-A1 notebook. Accelerate startup speed with FastBoot Technology, a performance boost developed by a unique collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft.
With Windows 7 Home Premium, it's easier than ever to create a home network and share your favorite photos, videos, and music. And thanks to the enhanced power management Windows 7 provides, you can enjoy unplugged computing longer. |
ASUS 360 – 2 Year Global Warranty
 | ASUS 360 offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:3
2 Year Global Warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee
2-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support |
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ASUS 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 during the first year after purchase.3
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement (not including receiving and shipping time)
1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24 hour toll-free phone support |
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What's in the Box
ASUS U45Jc-A1 notebook AC Adapter 8-cell Battery Pack Warranty Information Card Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Display: 14-inch LED-backlit HD display (1366 x 768) CPU: Intel Core i3-370M Processor (2.4 GHz) Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 310M with 1GB DDR3 VRAM + Intel HD Graphics WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz) LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Memory: 4GB DDR3-1066 DRAM (up to 8GB) Storage: 500GB 5400RPM hard drive Optical: Super Multi DVD drive Camera: 0.3 Megapixel Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers with SRS premium sound Card Reader: 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro/XD) Input/ Output:
1 x HDMI output
1 x Headphone-out jack
1 x Microphone-in jack
1 x VGA port
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack
3 x USB 2.0 ports Battery: 8 cell 5600mAh battery (up to 10 hours of battery life1) Dimensions: 13.5 x 9.6 x 0.6 ~ 1.1 –inches (W x D x H) Weight: 4.62 lbs with 8 cell battery Color: Silver 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. All trademarks are registered to their respective companies. ASUS shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. The estimated maximum battery life with MobileMark 2007 in reader mode.
2 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html.
3 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 Circuit City in Canada. Limit 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. Check your retailer for specific warranty information. One incident covered per notebook.
ASUS MS226H 21.5-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor
This 21.5-inch Full HD LCD monitor is a visual masterpiece. Whether it is for home or work, it will look great on your desk with its unique ring stand and striking razor-thin silhouette. | 
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. | 
ASUS RT-N13U Wireless N Router (with USB)
Upgrade your network to faster performance and broader range with this EZ to setup router. You can even share an all-in-one printer with the peers in your network. | 
ASUS Skype Video Phone Touch SV1TS
A truly revolutionary technology, the ASUS Skype Video Phone Touch allows you to make unlimited video Skype calls at a touch without a computer or additional hardware or software. |
Features:
- Intel Core i3-370M Processor (2.4 GHz)
- Nvidia G310M Graphics Engine with 1GB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM and Optimus Technology
- 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz DRAM (2GB x 2 slots), 8GB Max; Intel Wireless 802.11 b/g/n
- 500GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System
- 14-Inch HD (1366x768) LED Display; HDMI Port; 8 cell 5600mAh battery
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 899.00
Lowest New Price: USD 849.99
