On Sale: Asus X44L-BBK4 14″ Notebook Computer i3-2330M 4GB 500GB Windows 7
Asus X44L-BBK4 14″ Notebook Computer i3-2330M 4GB 500GB Windows 7
- 2nd Gen Intel® CoreTM i3-2330M processor
- 4GB DDR3 memory
- Multi Format DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
- 14″ LED-back lit display
- 500GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
PRODUCT FEATURES
2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor which features a 3MB L3 cache and 2.2GHz
processor speed.
4GB DDR3 memory, expandable to 8GB.
Multiformat DVD-RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
14″ LED-backlit display
500GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Built-in facial recognition
UMA graphics
Built-in 0.3MP webcam
Multiformat media reader
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11n)
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN
Weighs 5.4 lbs. and measures just 1.5″ thin
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Software package included, with Adobe Reader and more.
ENERGY STAR qualified
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Asus 14″ Laptop – 4GB Memory – 500GB Hard Drive
4-cell battery
65W AC adapter
Software: Adobe Reader and more
Owner’s manual
List Price: $ 418.95
Price: $ 418.95
Great at price point, December 22, 2011
There must be dozens of iterations of a basic computer model, with the various CPUs, memory, I/O options, disk drive size, etc. I chose the X44 (mine is an H) because of: Brand reputation, screen size, newest CPU option (2nd gen Core i3), HDMI output, USB 3, and the good complement of disk and memory capacity and Win7 64bit.I am fully satisfied so far, coming from a very reliable and capable old Dell Inspiron. This ASUS feels as well built and is nicely equipped and performing. Upon first use, I found minimum bloatware. Manufacturers try to give you extra software that they think will make the computer easier to use, and tie you into their preferred services or way of operation. My experience is that most of the add-on software is more confusing than helpful, and adds overhead that can slow things things down. The first thing was to create system restore DVD’s, which was easy using the ASUS utility. It took four disks. Next was to start doing updates. MS Windows updates went well. I hit a big problem when the ASUS wizard for drivers and utilities installed a WiFi upgrade. The WiFi ceased to work and was not even found by Windows. This was only solved by hooking up to internet via Ethernet cable, deleting all the network devices in the hardware setup, and then having Windows download and install the proper drivers. The audio upgrade was also problematic, and took manual intervention to get ‘er done. I don’t know how non-computer-savvy folks cope with buying and running a computer.Overall: Pros: Price/value, good components, minimal bloatware, good display (but glossy), solid keyboard, nice big trackpad, USB 3 and HDMI, textured work surface, great performance, MS Office Starter.Cons: Some pitfalls doing updates, “clicky” pointer keys, keyboard keys very sensitive, sound OK-kinda weak and tinny, only 2 USB ports, power port location sometimes awkward, unwanted trial software, glossy lid shows prints.If it lasts and performs as well as my old Dell, I can’t ask more.Follow-up edit: I forgot to mention battery life. For a small battery pack, the run time is great. After a week of use, I have run it 3 hours straight a couple of times, as much time as I ever need, and had plenty of battery power left. That was regular performance. Then I discovered battery saving perf., so how long would it really run?
cheap, high performance, good brand, great computer, December 29, 2011
i bought this computer through best buy for $350, and it is actually a very nice laptop. i don’t prefer it over my Sony Vaio. but i also spent way more on that computer.basically with this computer you get good battery life, fast processor that isnt going to get outdated soon, its intel instead of amd which is a big plus for me.the only thing i dont like about the computer is that the keyboard isnt very comfortable to type on but that might just be because im used to a keyboard style similar to a macbookthe screen isnt the best of quality which i couldnt realize until watching netflix on full screen and it was some what grainy. but for $350 i cant complainits a great computer for little money, i would buy one again.
ASUS X44H Review – Seems Identical to the Asus X44L, December 28, 2011
Please pardon this review since it is on the Asus X44H instead of the X44L. I bought the X44H at Bestbuy on 12/18/11. It was advertised for $399 then on the 25th they marked it down to $349 which I went back today and Bestbuy, without a problem or complaint, gave me the differance back. I was very surprised and pleased. I was ready for a fight.In regards to the “R. Mahood “Luv2RV”" comment on updates. The exact thing happen to me during the updates. The wireless went away as well as the Power management system. I corrected it by doing a restore from 2 days earlier. So I decided to no longer to use the Asus Live Update for anything. They have a software update utility as well as Windows update, so their update isn’t really necessary. This new computer was a replacement for my 6 year old Compac laptop that I paid $799 for. At the time $799 got you a bottom of the line computer. (It was still functioning fine but it was time to upgrade, plus I wanted a new toy). Overall, I am very pleased with the unit.