Any info related to U81-RX05?

I read from the g51 thread, that there will be a U81-RX05 for 650 usd, and its suposed to be released today, Does anyone have any info about it?

 

Just picked one up yesterday at Best Buy. Still boxed, waiting to see what comes out this Sunday before opening. Read my post for more info. http://technurse.net/2009/06/26/asus-u80/

Hope this helps,

Technurse
www.technurse.net

 

I thought it was the U80A for Best Buy? Haven't heard of a U81 unit of the U series though.

 

Best Buy is the U81A-RX05 Sku#: 9366562, appears to be the same as the U80 with slight modifications as you probably know Best Buy water things down to decrease price point and make it their "unique" branding.

Here are the specs Best Buy printed out for me.

Dual Core T6500 800MHZ Bus, 2MB Cache 2.1 GHZ
802.11b/g/n
4 GB 6400 DDR2 RAM
DVD Mutil-format +-RW CDRW
14" WXVGA LED 1366x768
320 GB HD 5400RPM
Intel 4500HD Graphics
1.3 Web Cam
Facial Recognition Security
8 in 1 Card Reader
3 USB Ports
10/100 Ethernet LAN RJ 45
4.7 Lbs and 1.3" thin
7hr 18 min Battery life 6 cell Lithium Ion
Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OS
Azalia Audio Chip

Doesn't mention anything about Blue Tooth or back lit keys, Hmmmm. Might have to look at the display a bit closer now that I've been able to do some more research. I can do without the Blue Tooth (I can get a micro usb bluetooth if I really need one later), but it would be nice to have the backlit keys. Also, the display didn't seem to have the mouse pad light trail, more fluff than anything so not too concerned about that.

Hope this helps.

 

Just saw the U80 Best Buy version in the ASUS BIOS downloads. Bluetooth and backlit keyboards should be standard on the U80 models, as the ASUS website would indicate. Do they have the U80V also in Best Buy?

Thanks for that helpful post!

 

Not that I'm aware of, of course Best Buy sales people were less than helpful as they too didn't seem to know what products they had in or were going to sell this Sunday. They just gave the generic response we get all kinds in all the time, we're not allowed to say what's going to be available this Sunday.

Similar to the Asus Netbook 1005HA that Best Buy had out last week for $299, it's a watered down version. And no, there's no mention of it on their website either. I had actually picked it up until I saw this one and returned the netbook. Seemed Best Buy's version of the 1005HA had the smaller 4 1/2 hr battery, and typical water down specs. Wish Best Buy would just sell the actual products and not water down versions just to make the appearance that their prices are low. I guess they think we won't notice.

I doubt they will have another U80 version. Of course it doesn't help that documentation or information about this notebook is scarce at most.

 

I wish they'd have a blue label version of the U80. Surely smart consumers would notice that, just by looking at the specs. For the budget conscious, BB's price do get across at the cost of lowering down the specs. Guess I'll have to find other retailer/reseller, since I'm vying for a discrete card. But the integrated graphics would surely help those looking for more battery life and less performance in the U80.

I was expecting its release to be around mid-July.

 

I'm guessing anytime now since Best Buy sales person did say they were discontinuing the 2 Blue Label models. Of course, All the computer companies seem to be creating similar specs so may be a moot point in the near future. Yes, Dedicated graphics would be nice. I didn't think any of the U80s had dedicated graphic chip?

 

FYI, http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5014737#post5014737 has information on what Models Best Buy will be selling this week.

 

Ok, I found Acer's Timeline series at Staples and BJs for comparison and they don't have a restocking fee that I'm aware of so I can try them out for 14 days. I've posted my initial impressions at Technurse.net if anyone is interested.

 

Checked it out today. The base is rather squishy on the right, near the screen, where the optical drive is.

 

I just bought the U81 from Best Buy today because they lowered the price to $575. The price at your local store may be different because clearance prices are set by each store.

So far I'm very impressed with this laptop.

It runs cool and quiet and battery life is very good. Also, it's light for a 14" and has a small AC adapter too. Asus is a brand I had bought in the past so I wasn't worried at all.

 

Does this one have the backlit keyboard too?

 

No. This is a slightly watered-down (and cheaper) Best Buy model. There's no bluetooth or backlit keyboard. But other than those two things, it's a U80 (or U81) and those are things I don't care about. You can get a bluetooth dongle for $20-$30 and the screen is bright enough to provide light for typing. But that's not an issue for me since I'm a touch-typist.

Best Buy's contract with Asus (and Dell) requires them to provide recovery disks with the units. So, unlike from other vendors, you don't have to make your own recovery disks.

A note to the poster who complained about the casing: NEVER hold a laptop with one hand by the corner or edge. You could crack the motherboard and then you've got a really high-priced brick (or paperweight). The build quality of this model is very good for the price. Treat it gently and it'll last for many years.

 

I could've sworn it had a backlit keyboard when I looked at it earlier today. Hmm. Must've been seeing things.

Definitely a chiclet board, though/

 

Personally, I would say that if a laptop doesn't take being held with one hand / from one corner (of the main body, not of the LCD), then it has a really poor build quality, and it is highly unlikely it'll last for many years...

 

Agreed.

My SXPS 16 never creaks no matter where I hold it, and its a 6.4 lbs clunker. Solid throughout, though.

 

No matter how solid your laptop may feel, it's still not a good idea to hold it by the edge or corner with one hand. Why take chances? I treat mine like it was a carton of eggs. That way I know it will last a long, long time. I'm not in a position to go buy another one, this one's gotta last me a few years.

 

Mine seems fine holding by the corner. It feels relatively solid and no overly noticable flex etc. While I can afford a new laptop why tempt fate so I'll agree with the treating like an egg carton.

I've only owned this for a week but so far the system and build quality has far exceeded my expectations.......