*www.tech2.com/images/review_good.gifGood Overall Performance
Enhanced Security with TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
One single stick of 1GB is used keeping the other slot free for future upgrade
*www.tech2.com/images/review_bad.gifNo option for a pre-installed Windows Operating System
Asus, the number one brand for motherboards, has been making large strides in the laptop segment recently. Among their most popular offerings is the striking Lamborghini VX1, which along with being heavy on style and performance is heavy on your pocket too. Though, this time around we have something more mainstream, the Asus F3jc. Let’s have a closer look.
Enhanced Security with TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
One single stick of 1GB is used keeping the other slot free for future upgrade
*www.tech2.com/images/review_bad.gifNo option for a pre-installed Windows Operating System
Asus, the number one brand for motherboards, has been making large strides in the laptop segment recently. Among their most popular offerings is the striking Lamborghini VX1, which along with being heavy on style and performance is heavy on your pocket too. Though, this time around we have something more mainstream, the Asus F3jc. Let’s have a closer look.
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6570_asus_f3jc_6_450x360.jpg
Design and Usability
The F3jc comes in nice subtle dark gray finish with a black meshed patch near the hinges. The casing feels very solid. The keyboard follows a standard format with normal sized keys that have a good tactile response. The touchpad also has the scrolling functionality. Above the keyboard is a slim metallic strip that houses the power button and five hot keys. The hot keys are assigned as follows:
Design and Usability
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6571_asus_f3jc_1_450x360.jpg
The F3jc comes in nice subtle dark gray finish with a black meshed patch near the hinges. The casing feels very solid. The keyboard follows a standard format with normal sized keys that have a good tactile response. The touchpad also has the scrolling functionality. Above the keyboard is a slim metallic strip that houses the power button and five hot keys. The hot keys are assigned as follows:
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6579_asus_f3jc_11_450x360.jpg
- Internet explorer
- Screen modes—Soft, Gamma, Vivid, Theatre and Normal.
- Enabling/Disabling the touchpad— A good option as it prevents accidental movement of the mouse while typing. Of course, it’s better to exercise this option when you are using a mouse.
- Performance modes—Game, High Performance, Super Performance, Presentation, and Quiet Office.
- Instant Fun Interface—Basically a media orientated interface that fires Windows applications when selected. For example if you hit the music button, it opens the Windows Media Player, for pictures it opens Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.
Features and Performance
The F3Jc comes with TPM i.e. Trusted Platform Module. It’s a chip on the motherboard that facilitates all your sensitive data like passwords and transaction details in an encrypted format. You can also encrypt files and folders. Basically, it is a robust security system implemented through hardware and software. Both, the chip and the software are provided by Infineon. This is particularly good for people with very sensitive information onboard. Asus has another security utility called 'Asus Security Manager' that takes care of overall security of the system.
The F3Jc comes with TPM i.e. Trusted Platform Module. It’s a chip on the motherboard that facilitates all your sensitive data like passwords and transaction details in an encrypted format. You can also encrypt files and folders. Basically, it is a robust security system implemented through hardware and software. Both, the chip and the software are provided by Infineon. This is particularly good for people with very sensitive information onboard. Asus has another security utility called 'Asus Security Manager' that takes care of overall security of the system.
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6572_asus_f3jc_2_450x360.jpg
Front
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6573_asus_f3jc_3_450x360.jpg
Left
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6574_asus_f3jc_4_450x360.jpg
Front
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6573_asus_f3jc_3_450x360.jpg
Left
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6574_asus_f3jc_4_450x360.jpg
Right
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6575_asus_f3jc_5_450x360.jpg
Back
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6575_asus_f3jc_5_450x360.jpg
Back
The machine is powered by Nvidia’s Go 7300 dedicated graphics card with 128 MB of video memory. The card features a DVI-out along with the conventional VGA out. On the gaming front the card is nothing exceptional with a measly score of 679 on 3DMark 06. There is no way you can play the current generation games using this card. Its more apt for smoothly running Aero on Windows Vista. And that brings us on the Operating System. The F3Jc comes bundled with DOS, in other words, nothing. Most of us love this option as it saves the cost of an operating system that can be easily obtained, illegally. Though most of the times its under the pretext of giving the consumer the choice of their operating system. Whatever the case, we only advocate the use of legal software.
The F3Jc is equipped with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB of L2 cache and 1GB of DDR2 memory running at 667 MHz. One single stick of 1GB RAM is used leaving behind an empty slot for future upgrade. The board used is based on Intel’s 945 chipset. Overall the system performance is good and we obtained a PCMark score of 3259. The F3Jc comes with 15.4-inch glossy wide-screen LCD. The color reproduction is good if not best with not the smoothest of gradient transitions. The gloss screen makes colors look more vibrant and is good for watching movies. The in-built speakers are above average. We found the Altec-Lansing in-built speakers on HP and Compaq laptops to be louder.
For battery life testing, we have used and application called Battery EaterPro v2.60. In our very own customization we keep the Wi-Fi and the Bluetooth module switched on for the first hour of battery run down. The screen brightness is set to maximum, screensaver is disabled and all the other battery saving parameters like 'Turn Off Monitor' , 'Turn off hard drive' and '‘System Stand-By' after a particular period of inactivity is also disabled.
Using the above mentioned methodology, the battery lasted us 2 hours and 33 minutes. The benchmark is kind of intensive and to balance the mix of regular usage and intensive work we give it an additional grace of ½ an hour, summing up the battery life to 3 hours and 3 minutes, not at all bad for a 9 cell battery running a laptop with a 15.4-inch screen and a dedicated graphics card.
The laptop comes with DVD Super Multi Drive. The specifications on the website don’t mention what does multi mean and we presume it’s for its ability to write DVD-RAM discs. It comes with Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for transfer speeds of up to 3 Mbps. Bundled alongwith the laptop is a carry case and an optical mouse.
Warranty and Support
Last but not the least the laptop comes with a 2 year warranty, with 1 year on the battery. The warranty type is on-site and carry-in both, depending on the location of the user from the service center. If the user’s house within the prescribed limit (40 kms or lesser), he/she will get on-site support, else the user will have to carry the laptop to the service center. Asus has 24 centers all over India. For more log on to Asus’es Indian website.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier Asus is well known for providing quality components and the same reflects in the F3Jc too. Attention has been paid to details like using a single stick of 1GB RAM instead of two 512MB to keep one slot free for future upgrade (most manufacturers including Dell, use two 512MB sticks for laptops with 1GB configuration and charge extra for a single stick) to incorporating the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to give you a very good security solution for your sensitive data.
The Asus sells for Rs. 60,250 plus taxes. You will be paying almost the same for a similar configuration with another top tier manufacturer. But you also have to keep in mind that you get two years warranty with the F3Jc.
The only thing the concerns me is the non-availability of an option to get a pre-installed operating system. In such a circumstance the user will either have to get it installed by the dealer whom he purchases the laptop from or install it himself. That means that for availing support for software related problems, he/she will have to co-ordinate with Microsoft, in case he opts for Windows, which is the case most of the times. This might lead to a problem where the user can be caught between the hardware and software provider for a particular problem.
Specifications Table
ModelAsus F3Jc
ProcessorIntel Core Duo T2050 1.6 GHz ChipsetIntel 945PM
Memory1GB DDR2 667 MHz, single 1GB stick used, 1 slot free for upgrade Optical Drive
DVD Writer
Video Graphics
Nvidia Go 7300, 128 MB Video Memory Screen15.4-inches glossy widescreen Hard Disk160 GB SATA, 5400 RPMKeyboard19 mm full size 88key with MS-Windows function keysConnectivity10/100/1000 Network Card, 56k Modem, 802.11 a/b/g Wireless LAN
LED Status Indicator
Built-in Intel High Definition audio compliant audio chip
SoundBlaster Pro Compatible
Built-in stereo speakers (1.5W)
InterfaceExpressCard
One headphone jack
One S-Video TV-Out
One RJ-11 Modem
One RJ45 NIC
One DC Power In
One VGA out
One DVI Out
One IEEE 1394
SecurityBIOS Booting / HDD User Password Protection and security lock
Kensington lock hole
Trusted Platform ModuleOSDOS SoftwareASUSDVD XP 6.0
Power Director V3.0 DE
Medi@Show V2.0 SE
ASUS Live Update
ASUS ChkMail
ASUS Hotkey
ASUS Power4 Gear+
ASUS Live Update
ASUS LifFrame2
Net 4 Switch
ASUS Wireless Console
ASUS Multi-Frame
ASUS Wireless Console
Asus NB Probe +
Instant Fun PLUS
Additional Features card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Dimensions & Weight
365 x 269.5 x 28-40.5 mm
2.95kg (6 cell battery)Warranty2-year limited global hardware warranty
1-year battery pack warrantyPriceRs. 60,250 plus Taxes
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6577_asus_f3jc_10_450x360.jpg
Touchpad with Scroll & Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Slider
Touchpad with Scroll & Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Slider
The F3Jc is equipped with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB of L2 cache and 1GB of DDR2 memory running at 667 MHz. One single stick of 1GB RAM is used leaving behind an empty slot for future upgrade. The board used is based on Intel’s 945 chipset. Overall the system performance is good and we obtained a PCMark score of 3259. The F3Jc comes with 15.4-inch glossy wide-screen LCD. The color reproduction is good if not best with not the smoothest of gradient transitions. The gloss screen makes colors look more vibrant and is good for watching movies. The in-built speakers are above average. We found the Altec-Lansing in-built speakers on HP and Compaq laptops to be louder.
For battery life testing, we have used and application called Battery EaterPro v2.60. In our very own customization we keep the Wi-Fi and the Bluetooth module switched on for the first hour of battery run down. The screen brightness is set to maximum, screensaver is disabled and all the other battery saving parameters like 'Turn Off Monitor' , 'Turn off hard drive' and '‘System Stand-By' after a particular period of inactivity is also disabled.
*www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/May/img_6578_asus_f3jc_12_450x360.jpg
Using the above mentioned methodology, the battery lasted us 2 hours and 33 minutes. The benchmark is kind of intensive and to balance the mix of regular usage and intensive work we give it an additional grace of ½ an hour, summing up the battery life to 3 hours and 3 minutes, not at all bad for a 9 cell battery running a laptop with a 15.4-inch screen and a dedicated graphics card.
The laptop comes with DVD Super Multi Drive. The specifications on the website don’t mention what does multi mean and we presume it’s for its ability to write DVD-RAM discs. It comes with Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for transfer speeds of up to 3 Mbps. Bundled alongwith the laptop is a carry case and an optical mouse.
Warranty and Support
Last but not the least the laptop comes with a 2 year warranty, with 1 year on the battery. The warranty type is on-site and carry-in both, depending on the location of the user from the service center. If the user’s house within the prescribed limit (40 kms or lesser), he/she will get on-site support, else the user will have to carry the laptop to the service center. Asus has 24 centers all over India. For more log on to Asus’es Indian website.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier Asus is well known for providing quality components and the same reflects in the F3Jc too. Attention has been paid to details like using a single stick of 1GB RAM instead of two 512MB to keep one slot free for future upgrade (most manufacturers including Dell, use two 512MB sticks for laptops with 1GB configuration and charge extra for a single stick) to incorporating the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to give you a very good security solution for your sensitive data.
The Asus sells for Rs. 60,250 plus taxes. You will be paying almost the same for a similar configuration with another top tier manufacturer. But you also have to keep in mind that you get two years warranty with the F3Jc.
The only thing the concerns me is the non-availability of an option to get a pre-installed operating system. In such a circumstance the user will either have to get it installed by the dealer whom he purchases the laptop from or install it himself. That means that for availing support for software related problems, he/she will have to co-ordinate with Microsoft, in case he opts for Windows, which is the case most of the times. This might lead to a problem where the user can be caught between the hardware and software provider for a particular problem.
Specifications Table
ModelAsus F3Jc
ProcessorIntel Core Duo T2050 1.6 GHz ChipsetIntel 945PM
Memory1GB DDR2 667 MHz, single 1GB stick used, 1 slot free for upgrade Optical Drive
DVD Writer
Video Graphics
Nvidia Go 7300, 128 MB Video Memory Screen15.4-inches glossy widescreen Hard Disk160 GB SATA, 5400 RPMKeyboard19 mm full size 88key with MS-Windows function keysConnectivity10/100/1000 Network Card, 56k Modem, 802.11 a/b/g Wireless LAN
LED Status Indicator
Power-on/Suspend
Battery Charging/full/low
Wireless indicator
Bluetooth Indicator
Battery 9 cellAudioBattery Charging/full/low
Wireless indicator
Bluetooth Indicator
Built-in Intel High Definition audio compliant audio chip
SoundBlaster Pro Compatible
Built-in stereo speakers (1.5W)
InterfaceExpressCard
One headphone jack
One Microphone In (Stereo)
One Line-in jack
Four USB 2.0 portsOne Line-in jack
One S-Video TV-Out
One RJ-11 Modem
One RJ45 NIC
One DC Power In
One VGA out
One DVI Out
One IEEE 1394
SecurityBIOS Booting / HDD User Password Protection and security lock
Kensington lock hole
Trusted Platform ModuleOSDOS SoftwareASUSDVD XP 6.0
Power Director V3.0 DE
Medi@Show V2.0 SE
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
NERO Express V6.0
Asus UtilityASUS WinFlashAdobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
NERO Express V6.0
ASUS Live Update
ASUS ChkMail
ASUS Hotkey
ASUS Power4 Gear+
ASUS Live Update
ASUS LifFrame2
Net 4 Switch
ASUS Wireless Console
ASUS Multi-Frame
ASUS Wireless Console
Asus NB Probe +
Instant Fun PLUS
Additional Features card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Dimensions & Weight
365 x 269.5 x 28-40.5 mm
2.95kg (6 cell battery)Warranty2-year limited global hardware warranty
1-year battery pack warrantyPriceRs. 60,250 plus Taxes
