Asus's Macbook Air killer U36

Got it almost a week ago. Upgraded the memory to 8GB and the HDD to a SSD OCZ Vertex2 200GB before even turning it on so I can only comment about this combination. I am using only battery saving mode and the display at zero brightness, CPU at max 60%, passive cooling only, indoor use; wifi on at all times, heavy internet browsing with firefox and openoffice (free office suite), adobe reader, etc. The notebook feels very "business". It's serious, simple and well built. As the reviewers already noticed the inner frame of the display being shinny really looks out of place. Also not having a finger printer reader sucks. I bought it for business use only so that's a feature I miss compared with my old Vaio Z series. Battery time? I get 6:30 hours at least. Same as the old Z. With the notebook closed, a problem could appear if you take it with one hand and you are not careful while you handle it because somewhere in the middle of the back of the screen towards the battery the flex is too much for my taste. I am worry not to damage the screen that way or while I carry him. I need to find a hard shell bag for it. Doesn't heat too much and it's silent. Keep in mind that I optimized the system for the SSD (see many internet guides; I used the one that exists on the OCZ forum: http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?63273-*-Windows-7-Ultimate-Tweaks-Utilities-*&p=442158&viewfull=1#post442158).

All in one? Excellent notebook if you are an experienced user and you have your priorities clear (keeping your expectations under control / reality check). I paid for my last Z 5000$. Now I paid less than half of that and I feel that I got almost the same thing (shipping, handling, crazy local european taxes, upgrades).

I gave him 9 out of 10 (VAIO Z being at 9.5 for me).

 

There seems to be a lot of bloatware for the U36jc. Anyone actually done a clean install and know which drivers/applications are necessary or very good to have?

Also, how easy is it to back up the driver directories, if they are archived neatly?

Thanks.

 

You think this mod is possible?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/465841-ul30-backlit-keyboard-mod.html

I think the keyboard is a bit stiff and a backlight would be great. This solves both of those issues.

 

One of the few review sites to do a thorough job on screens is Notebookcheck.net; in fact, you'll be hard pressed to find any review sites with reviews as thorough as theirs.

I'm checking them every day for the U36, but no luck yet.

 

I am really leaning towards getting this notebook...

Pentium, if you dont mind me asking, what sort of bootup times do you get with your notebook and in general is it quick? I am currently looking at getting a custom built one from xoticpc with the 120GB OCZ Vertex 2 Sandforce Solid State Drive (Up to Sequential Read 285MB/s - Write 275MB/s SSD Serial-ATA II) - anyone know if that is a good ssd/reliable?

A few other questions
Any way to change glossy screen to matte (cover?)?

No 4 cell battery anywhere? I really was looking for a flushed look

@junglizste
Backlit keyboard would be nice but again I am terrible at modifying things... also amazon seems to sell the Asus U36JC with a silver clickpad but in various videos i've seen it in a matching darker colour which I think looks better.


Edit while writing this I noticed that Xoticpc has the U36JC-A2B which offers cpu upgrades to either
-Intel® Core™ i5-480M, 2.66-2.93GHz, (3MB L3 cache)
-Intel® Core™ i5-560M, 2.66-3.2GHz, (3MB L3 cache) ( + 259 )
-Intel® Core™ i5-580M, 2.66-3.33GHz, (3MB L3 cache) ( + 299 )
-Intel® Core™ i7-640M, 2.88-3.44GHz, (4MB L3 cache) ( + 379 )

 

No problem at all X34: depends on how you count the boot up time
So, in order to avoid confusion: it takes top 5 sec (more like 4) from the moment you touch the power button until the notebook starts to load the OS and another top 10 sec until the password screen appears. Depends on the password length and complexity you can lose many seconds with that; even more if you make a mistake so I am not counting this time.

Add another 5 to 10 sec from that moment until you get to windows depending on how many programs&drivers&services you are loading. But between 15 and 20 seconds in total it's a safe bet (average/decent/normal loading time). Mine is 15 sec in total but I spent almost 4 hours tweaking services, utilities and drivers... I am talking about Win 7 Home Premium that came with the notebook of course.

On the matte thing: no easy and cheap way, sorry.
On the 4 cell battery: not a good idea. The cool part of this notebook is how light is with the 8 cell.

Also because you said that you are terrible at doing mods, word of advice: replacing the HDD with a SSD it's not an easy task on the U36. You need a special tool to open the case and a lot of patience, especially the first time. There are 6 visible screws (4 next to the battery and 2 on the opposite side) plus 4 hidden beneath the rubber feet. But that's not the hard part. After you unscrew all of them you need to use a tool (I am not familiar with the english name of the tool) to open the case WITHOUT destroying any of the small plastic HIDDEN "clamps" (I am sorry, english it's not my native language, I hope I used the correct terms).

Also on SSD speed: on HM55/PM55 Intel chipset based notebooks full speed will never be achieved "out of the box". And personally I don't like the existing "solutions" (to be read as "tweaks"). Read more here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hardware-components-aftermarket-upgrades/513313-laptops-w-intel-series-5-chipset-can-not-take-full-advantage-fast-ssds.html#post6641758
No matter, if speed is what you need, even at lower speeds is still much-much faster than a HDD.
If you need space the Seagate Hybrid disk that comes standard with the U36 is the best solution already.
Myself I opted for the SSD because of shock resistance requirements (race cars).

OCZ is one of the best SSD brands; Vertex2 line being on top too.
If you want a longer life out of your SSD buy the 100GB one not the 120GB.
The difference is the over provisioning because hardware wise, both are 128GB units.

Perhaps some of you don't know what I am talking about so in order to avoid confusion here are some info about the U36 SSHD:

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/laptops/laptop-hdd/

And a review for it: Seagate Momentus-XT Solid State Hybrid Drive | Review,Seagate Momentus-XT,Hybrid,SSD,ST95005620AS,Solid State Hybrid Drive,Seagate Momentus-XT ST95005620AS 500GB Solid State Hybrid Drive Benchmark Performance SSD-Hybrid Review

 

Are you saying that the U36JC-A1 comes stock with a hybrid Momentus XT?

I read that they do from a few random threads but nothing confirmed on anything official.

 

SSD jargon explained like over provisioning (easy): StorageSearch.com explains SSD Jargon

More advanced: Sandforce Firmware - SF-1200 and SF-1500 | bit-tech.net

If patience is not your strong point at least read this conclusion: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2010/06/25/sandforce-ssd-test/14

Giving how time consuming is to change the SSD on the U36 (at least for the average modder), I went for a high over-prov. drive the 200GB one.

Yes, the U36 has the Momentus XT inside as standard. At least the U36Jc-A1 US version I got.

Actually I just realized that the lack of a HDD access bay "door" like so many notebook's have is a big minus of the U36.

Still for me, the possible damage caused by casual handling (flex of the screen) is a much bigger issue...

 

It's entirely possible, but probably a lot more difficult. The U36 is more streamlined and the keyboard isn't it's own "piece", which would mean a bit more messing around.

 

WAIT WHAT.

MyForumAccount & dsmwookie, do you also have a Momentus XT for HDD in your U36JC ?

 

Nope, not in mine - I just went to Device Manager and looked up the model number and I have this:
ST9500420AS Momentus 7200.4 SATA 3Gb/s 500-GB Hard Drive | Seagate

 

The U36JC-A1 has the ST9500420AS HDD as MyForumAccount mentioned.

 

What tool? Would a layperson have trouble doing this, given a few hours?

 

meh. a few bad posts about screen quality and angles and overall build quality. I just got rid of an acer machine with sub par build quality and i dont want to deal with that again on an Asus.

 

I left the HDD in the office. I will look again tomorrow to check if it is or not the hybrid one. It's almost 3 AM here now so I need to go to bed

PS Also I think I found out the English name of the tool: a nylon pry tool. Is this correct?

 

You don't need any special tools to pry open the top case assembly. It's secured just like any other Asus laptop - screws and small clips which can be loosened by carefully prying with your fingers. Even the Asus disassembly guide does not list any special tools for this particular model.

As for the screen, nothing spectacular. Max brightness is at ~150 nits which is below average (200nits is the norm nowadays). Contrasts are average and so are viewing angles upon first impressions.

 

Well, I'm sold. And I finally have enough money to order one from Deutschland tonight

 

Keyboard - It has drastically improved as I have gotten used to typing on the device. It is just a transition from my old Asus and the strokes require a slightly firmer command on each key. Nothing that takes away from the laptop.

Battery life - I am getting 7.5 hours constantly with wifi on all day. I run the CPU at 40% clock and that has been sufficient to stream video, word processing, and surf the net. I have not felt the 40% has made the machine slow or "netbook" speeds.

Uploading some video/pictures as we speak.

 

Anyone did a clean install and was the process straightforward? I hesitate to do a clean install since the notebook is already fast enough and that I may not be able to set up those hybrid power technology apps properly.

Thanks for any insights or experiences shared.

 

does anyone know if the u80 backlit keyboard used for the ul30 bl keyboard mod would also fit/work with the u36jc? I actualy don't care about the backlighting but i want a smooth keyboard vs screenprinted one that will eventually wear out

 

Video to come here.

First Video

<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1h0hxcIZI14?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1h0hxcIZI14?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='425' height="344"></embed></object>

Second Video

<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CM0nM-CaZJM?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CM0nM-CaZJM?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='425' height="344"></embed></object>


Pardon my dirty fingers; I just left the shop and have hadn't had a chance to clean my hands thoroughly. lll get more videos by request and have my wife assist so that they won't be so shaky.

 

It's pretty straightforward. All of the necessary apps & drivers are available for download on Asus' site. Windows 7 automatically pics up the wifi & Ethernet driver making things a bit easier. After a windows full update you only need to install video drivers, optimus drivers and power management software. Of course it wouldn't hurt to install the official drivers for everything rather than the windows update drivers.

Clean legal Windows 7 .ISO download:
Windows 7 ISO x86 and x64 Official Direct Download Links (Ultimate, Professional and Home Premium) My Digital Life

Flash drive install tool:
Microsoft Store: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool Help

then just use the windows key on the bottom of the laptop.

I would also recommend you use these video drivers. The ones on Asus' site are a bit dated.

Intel HD Driver

Nvidia Notebook Driver

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Is it worthwhile to do a clean install and will it improve battery life? I guess the reason why I'm asking is that the core i5 is robust enough but then I wouldn't mind doing this if it will mean slightly better battery life and performance. I'm so pissed off with how Asus would override my "show taskbar" setting every time I come out of hibernation.

 

You'll notice faster boot times and faster application launches with a clean system. Benchmarks will be about the same. But performance on a fresh system will be pretty much the same as stock, de-crapped.

Welcome | The PC Decrapifier

I, and most nerds, prefer a clean install. That way, you know for sure what is going on with your computer.

there are other things you can do to speed things up:
Speed Up Windows 7 - Ultimate Guide To Make Windows 7 Blazing Fast!!!

 

Thanks a lot for the videos and photos dsmwookie! I must say, your one handed typing skills are surely above the average

One thing I should ask before I receive the laptop: is the power cable connection to the power supply a 3 pin one? (Are they compatible between two different laptops?)

 

@dsmwookie thanks for the vids

 

3 pin.

Let me know if you need any other videos or questions. I just did those real quick after realizing I had not put videos up for you. Those were done in haste on my Samsung Vibrant.

I forgot to mention when you see me scrolling up and down in the thread I was using the multi touch function on the track pad.

 

What is the screen brightness setting in the video?

 

Lowest possible. I generally leave it at that.

 

Thanks for the additional links!

 

I would also recommend you use these video drivers. The ones on Asus' site are a bit dated.

Intel HD Driver

Nvidia Notebook Driver

We should change this thread to the U36JC owners thread.

 

I have a question regarding the shared spdif/headphone jack. Is the spdif out used a mini optical or mini coax connector? Most laptop's combo jacks are mini optical but i just want to get a confirmation before ordering a mini opt cable

 

I'm trying to wait for SB but its killing me... slowly!

 

I was too and I pulled the trigger after that recall. My situation is different though. More than likely I will pawn this off to my wife and order the Samsung 9 around Christmas when the prices have dropped. I don't feel like I am stuck with an inferior product until then.

 

I pulled the trigger then a week later the recall was announced and now i don't have any regrets. At first i was tempted to buy from somewhere with a 30 day return policy so I would be able to still return it if anything good was announced within the month.

 

After 5 hours of tinkering I finally upgraded my wifi card and hard drive to an Intel 6300 wifi card, added an extra antenna and a 256GB SSD. The result is a dead silent U36 with better wifi range and bandwith.

For those who are wanting/planning to upgrade their wifi cards with 3 antenna ports, note that it's almost impossible to route a 3rd antenna to the screen. The space in the bezel is extremely tight and you'd best place the antenna inside the main chassis. Also, the screen bezel clips that secures the bezel so the screen cover is extremely easy to break. Asus has really made an effort to try and stop users from upgrading their laptops.

A hard drive upgrade/replacement is easier, but at the same time a lot harder than any other Asus laptop I've encountered.

 

Is there a guide anywhere to replacing the HDD in the U36? I'd like to put a SSD in mine when it comes, but I'm not too good at this kind of stuff and don't want to damage it.

 

Do you know how easy is to clean vents and fan? On my current laptop (vaio SZ) i have to do it once every 4 months, and it's relatively easy..
Also, where are air intakes? If they're all at the bottom i'll probably have to do it more often with Asus (I never use my laptop on desktop or table, it's mostly on me )
I think this Asus is currently best alternative to my SZ.. I was also thinking about Toshiba R700/630, but they're too loud and battery life is not as good as on U36.

 

Could you plz post some pics?

 

Yes, there is a guide issued from Asus, but they no longer give them out to end-users and they probably won't be too happy if I posted it on a public forum.

But here's the general steps (remember to remove the battery and ground yourself):

1. Remove back ram panel and disconnect the 2 ribbon cables
2. Unscrew all screw on the back. Remember there are also screw hidden behind the rubber feet. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to pry them out. There should be a total of 10 screw in this step.
3. Flip your laptop back to it's normal position and starting from the back and pry the top case upwards away from the base. Do this CAREFULLY and SLOWLY. It will require some force.
4. Once the top case is removed, the hard drive should be visible and located on the bottom right. Unscrew the 5 screws securing the hard drive to the chassis and pull to the right on the black tab.
5. Finally, you have to remove the hard drive from the enclosure. 4 screws need to be unscrewed here.

All intakes are on the bottom of the laptop. It's a very tedious job to remove the fan. You have to remove the top case assembly like I mentioned above, then remove the I/O board (a small board that connects the hard drive and the wifi card to the main board... only 1 screw to remove) and then to remove the main board there's 22 screws to remove. You must remove the main board first before removing the heat assembly. Once you removed the main board, flip it over and unscrew it to detatch it from the CPU and GPU. Once detached, you can take the vent out and do a thorough cleaning.

Sorry, but I didn't take any pictures behind the screen bezel. Plus, I REALLY don't recommend opening up your screen bezel. The clips are extremely fragile. No matter how careful you are, you're bound to break at least one of the clips.

 

Can anybody tell me how many mini pci express slots this computer has? If someone could copy the list of "system devices" in your "device manager" that would answer my question.

I am interested in adding the new intel 80gb ssd and replacing the hdd with a hybridHDD or 1tb HDD and installing the OS on the 80gb drive.

Does anybody know if the CPU is on a ball grid array or if it uses PGA988? If it uses PGA988 you should be able to upgrade the cpu.

 

how were you guys able to obtain a service manual? Would asus send us a copy if we emailed them requesting one?

 

I bet it's out of the question to post a copy of the asus manual. But if anybody can I bet that would have the answer to my previous questions.

 

There's only 1 mini PCI-e slot.
CPU can't be upgraded as it is soldered to the motherboard

From Asus of course! And no, they won't send them out to people requesting them anymore. The policy has changed over a year ago. You can try ask Asus resellers, but there's no guarantee they will send you a copy

Also, I've written a review for the U36JC-A1 if any of you are interested:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-reviews-owners-lounges/554271-asus-u36jc-a1-review.html

 

according to intel the cpu (i5 460M) uses either PGA988 or BGA1288.

Intel® Core? i5-460M Processor (3M Cache, 2.53 GHz)with SPEC Code(s)SLBZW, SLC22

Running Intels CPU identification should tell you what socket set the CPU is using. Intel® Processor Identification Utility &mdash; Intel® Processor Identification Utility download

 

is the one mini PCI-e slot used for the wifi card?

Is bluetooth on a separate card from the wifi card? If it is do you know what Bus it is installed on?

Edit: so if the CPU is soldered directly to the motherboard it is using BGA1288 assuming BGA stands for ball grid array.

On a slight tangent does anybody know what PGA stands for? my guess is programmable grid array.

 

The identifier lists it as μPGA/BGA. It shouldn't really matter though because as mentioned you can't replace the CPU without replacing the motherboard.

Yes, the only mini PCI-e slot is being used by the wifi card. The bluetooth card is connected to a proprietary socket to the motherboard. See image below.



The CPU would most likely be in BGA since soldered CPUs tend to be come in that package.

PGA = Pin Grid Array

 

well that throws my ssd+hdd idea out the window unless I use a usb wifi card which I would not want to do.

Thanks for the detailed info. It is greatly appreciated.

 

No problem

Yeah, you might want to consider just swapping out the stock hard drive with an SSD if speed is you primary concern. There really isn't much upgrades to do on laptop in general, especially on 13" or smaller notebooks. Hard drive, ram, wifi card, and if you're brave enough the display panel are your only options.