Asus Transformer Book Flip TP300 / TP300LA / Q302LA review
80 Comments
Ratta
December 13, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Hi Guys,
just wanted to let you know, that the hdd/ssd can easily be changed without damaging the garanty-void-seal. Just remove all the other screws of the hdd cage, then lift it up a bit (aktually it is automatically pushed up a little as soon as you remove the screws). You will then be able to remove all screws holding the hdd/ssd easily without damaging the seal.
I am very appreciative of your detailed reviews, and it really helps when choosing ultrabooks. I have a question on display of this ASUS. Is the screen as glossy as in dell inspiron 7000 series or is it more reflective/glossier? trackpad is another selling point for me, I played with dell 7000 trackpad and I was not fond of it. I hope the trackpad on ASUS feels better and more responsive.
The screen is more or less the same, as it’s covered by glass as well, thus glossy and reflective. The trackpad is somewhat better on the Asus, I wasn’t fond of the one on the Inspiron either, as you can tell from my review.
Andrei, I have a general display question, if you don’t mind? It was prompted by Bah’s question above: Is glossy/reflective an inherent feature of touchscreens? Every touchscreen display I’ve ever seen is glossy and reflective.
To ask another way, is it possible to have a non-reflective, matte touchscreen display?
Mostly yes, because touchscreens have a layer of glass on top of the panel.
There are some devices that add a mattifying film on top of the glass, like the Lenovo X1 Carbon for instance, but these films usually cause a slight amount of graininess. So image quality suffers, at least imo. There are universal such films that you can apply to most devices, but I personally am not a fan. Most widespread are the films for the iPhone and iPads, maybe you can see those in action.
Raphael
January 8, 2015 at 1:30 am
I’m trying to reinstall FlipLock after a format but impossible to make it work !!
Same for me. Fliplock is reinstalled correctly, but simply doesn’t work. I called Asus but they refused to help over the phone as I’d wiped and reinstalled. They insisted I return it to them… At my cost of course!
install fliplock 2.6 for the i5 version and hdd protectiton tool
bpraj
February 3, 2015 at 2:18 pm
@raphaelh1427
could you please send the driver (fliplock 2.6 for the i5 version and hdd protectiton tool) to me at : bpraj70 at gmail dot com
thanks
Lillian
January 8, 2015 at 5:26 am
Hi, I am currently deciding between this laptop and the Asus Vivobook Q301.
I have some concerns about the keyboard. If you flip into tablet mode, or anything other than a traditional laptop position, will the keyboard inactivate? If it does not, is there a risk of the keyboard breaking easily?
The keyboard becomes inactive when flipping the screen past 180 degrees. You can still press the keys, but they won’t register any commands. The same happens with the trackpad.
I had the same problem. I installed last fliplok sw from Asus web site and didn’t work. Then I tried with ASUS Instal, an utility that let you install some drivers and programs and it installed an older version of the fliplock that works. I suggest you disinstall current fliplock and re install with ASUS Install.
Have you got a link for the Asus Uninstall you used please? I’m struggling to find it. I’ve tried Asus Live Update which says “no updates available”.
Emanuele
January 21, 2015 at 8:02 am
Hi Richard,
I disintalled the FlipLock software from the standard control panel/programs & functions. Then I restarted the notebook and run Asus Install. It proposed me to install FlipLock version 1.0.3 whic is the only version I found that was working for me.
Kurtis
January 9, 2015 at 5:14 am
Hi Andrei,
I’m stuck picking between the Dell 13 7347 and the Asus TP300LA. I am able to find the Asus for $100 cheaper than the Dell with similar configurations with the exception of the Wireless card (AC vs. N) and a back-lit keyboard. Just wondering what your preference was between the two? And your opinion of the speakers for both from a sound quality and volume perspective. Thanks.
I can’t really remember if the speakers were significantly better on one or the other, but none impressed me, so I’d say they are close.
My biggest gripe with the Dell is the poor battery life. Then comes the Trackpad. However, I did like the design and the keyboard. So if I were to choose between them, I would probably get the Dell, mainly because I’m alright with 5 hours of daily use and really need a good keyboard. If the keyboard isn’t that important to you, I think that Asus is the better deal, since it’s $100 cheaper.
I am trying to decide between the Asus tp300la with the lower resolution 1366 x 768 screen, or the Dell 7000. The Dell has in its favour the 1920 x 1080 ips screen compared to the 1366 x 768 (is that lower resoulution always a TN screen as some specs suggest this is also ips). The Dell also has 2GB more RAM but is £120 more expensive. Base on the better screen, ram and keyboard, is the Dell a better package even though more expensive.
Also Dell state the 7000 has a Hybrid drive with 8gb cache? Is this a standard cache size? Or is it pretty much the same as the Asus who do not state it is a hybrid HDD?
Hi, sry for the delayed reply. Yes, the 768p screens on the Asus are all TN panels from what I know. That alone would steer me away from the TP300, my personal tolerance for poor screens is barely null these days :P You might feel otherwise though.
The Dell that I tested used an SSH, a hybrid drive as you’re saying. Other manufacturers, including Asus, on the other hand usually bundles a regular HDD with an mSATA SSD used for caching, in order to acheive a similar approach. Not sure which configuration you’re referring though and whether this small SSD is included on that TP300 or not.
I did indeed go with the Dell in the end. For £100 ($140) more I got 2gb more memory and the 1920 x 1080 screen so I think I got a good deal.
I am glad I did my research though as the shop do incorrectly list the Asus tp300la 1366×768 screen as being IPS not TN. I nearly bought it too.
The Asus model in the uk does not have mSATA or a hybrid it seems. Again the shops can easily miss vital details off or just get them wrong, so I was trying to entablish what it actually had. It just seems to have a standard 500gb HDD.
As a bonus, the Dell I bought came with the latest Broadwell i5 5200u.
Uuu, nice. I wonder how the battery life ends up compared to the Haswell model I reviewed over here: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/5395-dell-inspiron-13/ . I you don’t mind, I’d appreciate your feedback after using it for a few days… :)
Compfused
January 26, 2015 at 11:05 pm
No problem. Are their any specific settings you used when testing battery?
Low use – Default Power Saving mode and light internet use
I was wondering, are all the Asus 1366 x 768 screens TN panels? I read a few specs which imply some might be IPS screens but may just be mis-labeling.
I was deciding between this and the dell. I can get the dell for with 2GB more Ram, the 1920 x 1080 ips screen and 1 year accidental damage cover for only £100 more.
Would you agree that the better screen and 2GB more ram is worth the extra?
Also, dell have an 500GB hybrid drive. I assume the Asus drive is just a standard 500GB.
I replied to your earlier comment. Again, sry for the delayed reply, I reply to comments manually and they only appear online once I approve/answer them.
Hey Andrei, I am choosing between the Asus Tp300 LD and other Convertibles, is that NVidia Chip performance worth the hassle?, I use Software like Rhino and AutoCAD for my work, the VGA performance is important for me. and if the Asus isn’t good what do you recommend? thanks.
I’m not sure if CAD and RHINO take proper advantage of the dedicated graphics chip. IN theory they should, in practice they might really heavily on the CPU and amount of RAM. On the long term though, they should benefit more and more from the dedicated chip. So it’s probably a smart move to pick something like the LD, but not mandatory.
Could you swap out/replace the standard 1366 x 768 PX TN screen with the 1920 x 1080 px IPS touchscreen? or would there be incompatibility problems? I managed to get hold of a new i7-5600u model but the screen is the lower res unit.
Thank you for the detailed review and video which actually made my buy the machine, however i am confused in a little scenario and need a little help.
In the US(where i am currently located) the only highest option to buy 13.3 version is i5 with 500gb hd and 8gb of Ram. I was able to fine the fully beefed up version on Amazon.de but the issue is that the keyboard is in German Layout.
However, when i saw your review you have same beefed up machine in English format, can you tell me where you got the machine from or where i can buy it and get it shipped to the US? I hope you understand my question, thank you.
Sorry, if my question was not clear. I want a i7 version with Engligh keyboard in the USA. Can you or anyone here help me locate one from a online retailer? Thanks.
Hi, I’m from Indonesia and i just bought this product recently. everything’s great until i find that the wireless adapter feel a little bit annoying.
i’m not sure wheter this is the faulty from the device or my own mistake. because sometimes the laptop keeps connect and disconnect from the Wi-Fi connection, and my network sharing center too.
I was comparing the ASUS i5-4210U (1920 x 1080 screen) with the comparable Dell model (13 i7347) also reviewed on your site. While I am looking for reasons to buy the ASUS (it’s so MAC like!) I had to hand it to Dell on a few counts. The Dell screen was so much sharper with better contrasts (also noted by you) and the sound was so much better. My question is this: is the Dell screen/visuals actually better, or is there a way to tweak the ASUS settings? Also, sadly, the power button is on the side and easy to press, putting the laptop to sleep. Or am I making a way big deal out of this.
Thank you for the helpful reviews you write, this one not being an exception.
I have a question for you- do you think that the TP300LD models would have a shorter battery life when compared to LA because of the graphic card? I’m talking about watching movies, light photo editing etc, not playing games.
Well, the dedicated graphics should not kick-on in those tasks and if they do, you can manually tweak the settings so the Nvidia Chip only fires with certain applications. So no, the battery life should not be any different than what the LA model can deliver.
Salut!
Tocmai am comandat un astfel de laptop in Canada.TP300LA, I5, 8Gb, 500Gb Hdd/5400.
Crezi ca merita instalarea unui SSD aditional si marirea memoriei la 12Gb?
Il folosesc pentru Office, muzica, vizionare filme.
Ocazional editare fotografii.
Multumesc!
catalin
well, it should, or at least the two values should be very close. Seems like your laptop had a pronounced battery wear out of the box. You should return it and ask for a replacement.
Hi – I have the i3 4030U version here and I canot cnnect to the internet as it says that there is no working network adapter. Can you advise me what driver I need to download to make the wifi work – or is there something else that I am missing here?
Is the WiFi properly module installed? You should check in Device Manager, under Network Adapters, you should find the Wireless chip listed if everything is alright.
You could also contact Asus support about this issue, it’s wither soem sort of drivers problem or the Wi-Fi module is broken and needs to be fixed (by Asus, under warranty, ofc).
I bought this model few Days ago.. i3..
my issue is when d battery was low I plug in the power cable as it is 99 or 100% I remove the cable it immediately switches off.. without cable I can’t switch it ON. After 3 to 4 hours generally it is switching ON with battery
Hello, thanks for the great review. One question, my power button became loose for whatever reason and I opened the laptop up to see what’s the problem. I noticed that there should be a tiny small white chip attached to the motherboard (from the picture you provided above) that clicks when you press the button. The volume buttons had those white chips but the power button didn’t. I have no idea where the button went. I would be so grateful if you could assist me with my problem. Also, I would like to know what these small white chips are called.
Hi! Thanks for this review. How does this unit fare with the new Asus UX305 that uses the Core M5Y10? I understand that the difference between i3 and the 5Y10 seems negligible. But in your opinion, is an i3/i5 Asus TP300 better than the 5Y10 Asus UX305 in terms of functionality and overall performance? Im looking for a laptop I can use for at least 5 years. :))
Performance wise, the i3 is going to be faster. The UX305 is very aggressively priced though and includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. i3 configs within the same budget won’t. Still, if you care about speed and especially if you want to keep this laptop for a very long time, I’d go with at least a Core i3 CPU (preferably an i5). Pick an i5 with HDD and less RAM if the laptop allows future upgrades, that could help with a limited budget.
Thanks Andrei. Hmm. Well here’s what I need a laptop for. Research, SPSS, Photoshop, surfing and typing tasks, something I can carry when traveling. Is the UX305 capable of doing such tasks? Im in love with the design but afraid when you said it’s capable of “light tasks” in your UX305 review. How light is light and what are those light activities you’re referring? :) hope you can help me make up my mind :)
Photoshop is a no for me on the Core M 5y10 platform. WEb browsing, multiemdia content and typing though are a go, as long as you keep multitasking as low as possible (as in run as few things at the same time as possible)
mahoganyminerva
June 23, 2015 at 1:21 am
Can you recommend a laptop with little more power than the UX305 but has almost the same specs (thin and lightweight, i3 or i5) and around the same price :< :) or is there? :<
I would like to know how do I connect with LAN? I have the adapter that connect to the usb port but i dont know how do i install or set it up since it doesnt work automatically.
Hi Andrei, can you make a direct review of these laptops: Asus TP300LD and Asus UX305
I want to know which is better to use on running intense programming applications and also which is better in terms of graphics, storage, and portability.
Thanks in Advance!
Which UX305 are you interested in? If it’s the UX305FA, then this one is thinner, lighter, fanless and lacks a touchscreen and a convertible form-factor. It’s also less powerful.
The TP300 is a 2-in-1, packs faster hardware, will probably last a bit less on a charge, is also thicker and heavier.
Such a great review. I need to buy a laptop for my daughter who will be going to college. She likes the flip ability to be able to take notes in class with a stylus. She is an English major and does a lot of papers. She also likes to watch movies on her laptop and surf the web. Would you recommend this TP300 or something else? It is not easy to find the “right” one. Thanks!
This isn’t goign to be the best for taking notes with a stylus. The screen lacks the technology for accurate pen recognition (digitizer) and the device is rather bulky and heavy. Something like the Micrososft Surface Pro 3 would be better suited for such tasks, imo. Or maybe something like the Acer Aspire Switch 11V, if you can find it anywhere.
I kept pushing her to the Surface but she doesn’t like the detachable keyboard and thinks it is actually too small if you can believe that. She wants a 13 inch screen and likes having the convertible nature to use for note taking. Any other options you’d suggest? We tried an HP Pavilion x360, but she hears static in the headphones when they are plugged in and nothing is playing audio which is annoying to her. Other than that she is liking it, but it’s only been a week so I am exploring other options while I can still return that one.
Thank you. I have tried to steer her towards the Surface, but she does not like the detachable keyboard and actually thinks it is too small. She likes a bit more substantial machine. The note taking with a stylys will be important for her as well as streaming movies and Skyping with friends. She’d like a 13 inch screen. Would you have any other suggestions for us?
Hi can anyone place a video of how to remove the hdd i got to it but having issues with the connector since it is a cable and not a slot like in other laptops…. im afraid of breaking it
hi Andrei, i need to connect my ASUS TP300L to a LAN.same question as Maria up there. what connectors or cables should i buy? I hope you could help. Thanks a lot!
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed this, but there’s a KINGSTON RBU-SC100S37128GD drive inside, which I think it’s a 7 mm drive. No way to go wrong with a 7mm SSD anyway, since those usually come with an adapter for 9.5 mm enclosures.
Definitely a 7mm. I found this out the hard way by first ordering the 9.5 by mistake. Luckily I had another use for that drive and now have a 7mm 1TB drive installed.
Gina Solares
November 2, 2016 at 10:40 am
Hi Andrei im using asusTP300L then the screen off & black.it wouldnt open anymore.what will i do? Thanks!
Hi Andrei, I just want to comment about your article. very good and informative info. I purchased my TP300LD in October 2015 for $499 US and have been very pleased with it with just a couple exceptions. I began receiving a Memory error and was quite worried when I saw the metal cover over the ram, but found that it is not soldered but has tabs on each corner that fit slots in MB. it pops off and on easily making RAM upgrades easy. Having said that, I was lucky that my Memory issue was on the removable RAM module and not the soldered RAM chips. Not sure why ASUS chose to uses RAM soldered to the MB. I'd have been up a creek if my problem were there. Another issue I have had (and one that my wife has on her TP500) is the WiFi adapter. Both of us experience sporadic WiFi drops and the Bluetooth was causing me BSD errors. I swapped the WiFi adapter with one I scavenged from an AIO PC and the Bluetooth errors went away. Now awaiting new Intel WiFi adapters and hope to see improved WiFi performance.
Just wanted to share this info in case others might be wondering.
Thanks for your in depth article.
Craig
Thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately most laptops in this price range can get various quirks, and there's no way for me to signal them in a review, as they usually occur after a while.
i bought the 4gb ram kingston KVR13S9S8/4 upgrade the ram from 4gb to 8gb but after plug in the system still show 4gb, if this ram not suitable can you advise what brand model ram is suitable to upgrade the ram?
i have restart the computer after input the ram but it still not works, should you have any solution on it?
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Ratta
December 13, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Hi Guys,
just wanted to let you know, that the hdd/ssd can easily be changed without damaging the garanty-void-seal. Just remove all the other screws of the hdd cage, then lift it up a bit (aktually it is automatically pushed up a little as soon as you remove the screws). You will then be able to remove all screws holding the hdd/ssd easily without damaging the seal.
Bah
January 3, 2015 at 10:57 am
Hi Mike.
I am very appreciative of your detailed reviews, and it really helps when choosing ultrabooks. I have a question on display of this ASUS. Is the screen as glossy as in dell inspiron 7000 series or is it more reflective/glossier? trackpad is another selling point for me, I played with dell 7000 trackpad and I was not fond of it. I hope the trackpad on ASUS feels better and more responsive.
Thanks in advance
Andrei Girbea
January 5, 2015 at 12:32 pm
The screen is more or less the same, as it’s covered by glass as well, thus glossy and reflective. The trackpad is somewhat better on the Asus, I wasn’t fond of the one on the Inspiron either, as you can tell from my review.
Richard Burns
January 5, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Andrei, I have a general display question, if you don’t mind? It was prompted by Bah’s question above: Is glossy/reflective an inherent feature of touchscreens? Every touchscreen display I’ve ever seen is glossy and reflective.
To ask another way, is it possible to have a non-reflective, matte touchscreen display?
Andrei Girbea
January 5, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Mostly yes, because touchscreens have a layer of glass on top of the panel.
There are some devices that add a mattifying film on top of the glass, like the Lenovo X1 Carbon for instance, but these films usually cause a slight amount of graininess. So image quality suffers, at least imo. There are universal such films that you can apply to most devices, but I personally am not a fan. Most widespread are the films for the iPhone and iPads, maybe you can see those in action.
Raphael
January 8, 2015 at 1:30 am
I’m trying to reinstall FlipLock after a format but impossible to make it work !!
Someone know this problem ?
Richard Burns
January 10, 2015 at 8:33 am
Same for me. Fliplock is reinstalled correctly, but simply doesn’t work. I called Asus but they refused to help over the phone as I’d wiped and reinstalled. They insisted I return it to them… At my cost of course!
raphaelh1427
January 21, 2015 at 8:14 pm
install fliplock 2.6 for the i5 version and hdd protectiton tool
bpraj
February 3, 2015 at 2:18 pm
@raphaelh1427
could you please send the driver (fliplock 2.6 for the i5 version and hdd protectiton tool) to me at : bpraj70 at gmail dot com
thanks
Lillian
January 8, 2015 at 5:26 am
Hi, I am currently deciding between this laptop and the Asus Vivobook Q301.
I have some concerns about the keyboard. If you flip into tablet mode, or anything other than a traditional laptop position, will the keyboard inactivate? If it does not, is there a risk of the keyboard breaking easily?
Thanks!
Andrei Girbea
January 9, 2015 at 6:24 pm
The keyboard becomes inactive when flipping the screen past 180 degrees. You can still press the keys, but they won’t register any commands. The same happens with the trackpad.
Emanuele
January 17, 2015 at 10:53 am
I had the same problem. I installed last fliplok sw from Asus web site and didn’t work. Then I tried with ASUS Instal, an utility that let you install some drivers and programs and it installed an older version of the fliplock that works. I suggest you disinstall current fliplock and re install with ASUS Install.
Richard Burns
January 20, 2015 at 10:59 am
Have you got a link for the Asus Uninstall you used please? I’m struggling to find it. I’ve tried Asus Live Update which says “no updates available”.
Emanuele
January 21, 2015 at 8:02 am
Hi Richard,
I disintalled the FlipLock software from the standard control panel/programs & functions. Then I restarted the notebook and run Asus Install. It proposed me to install FlipLock version 1.0.3 whic is the only version I found that was working for me.
Kurtis
January 9, 2015 at 5:14 am
Hi Andrei,
I’m stuck picking between the Dell 13 7347 and the Asus TP300LA. I am able to find the Asus for $100 cheaper than the Dell with similar configurations with the exception of the Wireless card (AC vs. N) and a back-lit keyboard. Just wondering what your preference was between the two? And your opinion of the speakers for both from a sound quality and volume perspective. Thanks.
Andrei Girbea
January 9, 2015 at 6:29 pm
I can’t really remember if the speakers were significantly better on one or the other, but none impressed me, so I’d say they are close.
My biggest gripe with the Dell is the poor battery life. Then comes the Trackpad. However, I did like the design and the keyboard. So if I were to choose between them, I would probably get the Dell, mainly because I’m alright with 5 hours of daily use and really need a good keyboard. If the keyboard isn’t that important to you, I think that Asus is the better deal, since it’s $100 cheaper.
Compfused
January 24, 2015 at 1:24 pm
I am trying to decide between the Asus tp300la with the lower resolution 1366 x 768 screen, or the Dell 7000. The Dell has in its favour the 1920 x 1080 ips screen compared to the 1366 x 768 (is that lower resoulution always a TN screen as some specs suggest this is also ips). The Dell also has 2GB more RAM but is £120 more expensive. Base on the better screen, ram and keyboard, is the Dell a better package even though more expensive.
Also Dell state the 7000 has a Hybrid drive with 8gb cache? Is this a standard cache size? Or is it pretty much the same as the Asus who do not state it is a hybrid HDD?
I am looking at UK specs here.
Andrei Girbea
January 25, 2015 at 10:08 pm
Hi, sry for the delayed reply. Yes, the 768p screens on the Asus are all TN panels from what I know. That alone would steer me away from the TP300, my personal tolerance for poor screens is barely null these days :P You might feel otherwise though.
The Dell that I tested used an SSH, a hybrid drive as you’re saying. Other manufacturers, including Asus, on the other hand usually bundles a regular HDD with an mSATA SSD used for caching, in order to acheive a similar approach. Not sure which configuration you’re referring though and whether this small SSD is included on that TP300 or not.
Compfused
January 25, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Many thanks. Sorry for the double post!
I did indeed go with the Dell in the end. For £100 ($140) more I got 2gb more memory and the 1920 x 1080 screen so I think I got a good deal.
I am glad I did my research though as the shop do incorrectly list the Asus tp300la 1366×768 screen as being IPS not TN. I nearly bought it too.
The Asus model in the uk does not have mSATA or a hybrid it seems. Again the shops can easily miss vital details off or just get them wrong, so I was trying to entablish what it actually had. It just seems to have a standard 500gb HDD.
As a bonus, the Dell I bought came with the latest Broadwell i5 5200u.
Andrei Girbea
January 26, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Uuu, nice. I wonder how the battery life ends up compared to the Haswell model I reviewed over here: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/5395-dell-inspiron-13/ . I you don’t mind, I’d appreciate your feedback after using it for a few days… :)
Compfused
January 26, 2015 at 11:05 pm
No problem. Are their any specific settings you used when testing battery?
Low use – Default Power Saving mode and light internet use
High use – High Power mode watiching 1080p film
Somthing like that?
Andrei Girbea
January 27, 2015 at 5:04 pm
I’ve been using more or less the same scenarios detailed in this post (battery section): https://www.ultrabookreview.com/6071-acer-aspire-nitro-review/ .
Compfused
January 25, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Hello, Great Review
I was wondering, are all the Asus 1366 x 768 screens TN panels? I read a few specs which imply some might be IPS screens but may just be mis-labeling.
I was deciding between this and the dell. I can get the dell for with 2GB more Ram, the 1920 x 1080 ips screen and 1 year accidental damage cover for only £100 more.
Would you agree that the better screen and 2GB more ram is worth the extra?
Also, dell have an 500GB hybrid drive. I assume the Asus drive is just a standard 500GB.
Andrei Girbea
January 25, 2015 at 10:18 pm
I replied to your earlier comment. Again, sry for the delayed reply, I reply to comments manually and they only appear online once I approve/answer them.
Mohamed
January 30, 2015 at 11:41 am
Hey Andrei, I am choosing between the Asus Tp300 LD and other Convertibles, is that NVidia Chip performance worth the hassle?, I use Software like Rhino and AutoCAD for my work, the VGA performance is important for me. and if the Asus isn’t good what do you recommend? thanks.
Andrei Girbea
January 30, 2015 at 12:39 pm
I’m not sure if CAD and RHINO take proper advantage of the dedicated graphics chip. IN theory they should, in practice they might really heavily on the CPU and amount of RAM. On the long term though, they should benefit more and more from the dedicated chip. So it’s probably a smart move to pick something like the LD, but not mandatory.
Mark Cunningham
February 1, 2015 at 10:56 am
Could you swap out/replace the standard 1366 x 768 PX TN screen with the 1920 x 1080 px IPS touchscreen? or would there be incompatibility problems? I managed to get hold of a new i7-5600u model but the screen is the lower res unit.
Andrei Girbea
February 1, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Theoretically, yes. But that’s a bit outside my area of expertise…
Mohsin
February 2, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Hi Andrei,
Thank you for the detailed review and video which actually made my buy the machine, however i am confused in a little scenario and need a little help.
In the US(where i am currently located) the only highest option to buy 13.3 version is i5 with 500gb hd and 8gb of Ram. I was able to fine the fully beefed up version on Amazon.de but the issue is that the keyboard is in German Layout.
However, when i saw your review you have same beefed up machine in English format, can you tell me where you got the machine from or where i can buy it and get it shipped to the US? I hope you understand my question, thank you.
Andrei Girbea
February 2, 2015 at 8:21 pm
I has a test-unit from Asus, it’s not something necessarily available in stores.
Mohsin Tariq
February 3, 2015 at 1:10 am
Sorry, if my question was not clear. I want a i7 version with Engligh keyboard in the USA. Can you or anyone here help me locate one from a online retailer? Thanks.
Pernani
February 13, 2015 at 6:17 am
Can I use this computer in portrait mode?
Alex
February 27, 2015 at 3:08 am
Hi, I’m from Indonesia and i just bought this product recently. everything’s great until i find that the wireless adapter feel a little bit annoying.
i’m not sure wheter this is the faulty from the device or my own mistake. because sometimes the laptop keeps connect and disconnect from the Wi-Fi connection, and my network sharing center too.
Anyone has the same problem with me?
Vijay
March 30, 2015 at 1:58 am
I was comparing the ASUS i5-4210U (1920 x 1080 screen) with the comparable Dell model (13 i7347) also reviewed on your site. While I am looking for reasons to buy the ASUS (it’s so MAC like!) I had to hand it to Dell on a few counts. The Dell screen was so much sharper with better contrasts (also noted by you) and the sound was so much better. My question is this: is the Dell screen/visuals actually better, or is there a way to tweak the ASUS settings? Also, sadly, the power button is on the side and easy to press, putting the laptop to sleep. Or am I making a way big deal out of this.
Simeon Stoyanov
April 4, 2015 at 9:48 am
Thank you for the helpful reviews you write, this one not being an exception.
I have a question for you- do you think that the TP300LD models would have a shorter battery life when compared to LA because of the graphic card? I’m talking about watching movies, light photo editing etc, not playing games.
Thank you for your time.
Andrei Girbea
April 5, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Well, the dedicated graphics should not kick-on in those tasks and if they do, you can manually tweak the settings so the Nvidia Chip only fires with certain applications. So no, the battery life should not be any different than what the LA model can deliver.
catalin
April 6, 2015 at 1:14 am
Salut!
Tocmai am comandat un astfel de laptop in Canada.TP300LA, I5, 8Gb, 500Gb Hdd/5400.
Crezi ca merita instalarea unui SSD aditional si marirea memoriei la 12Gb?
Il folosesc pentru Office, muzica, vizionare filme.
Ocazional editare fotografii.
Multumesc!
catalin
mix
April 10, 2015 at 2:50 am
Hi
I just purchased the new . But I was wondering why the Battery info of “powercfg -energy” command show the following output
Design Capacity 50103
Last Full Charge 47388
Is that 2 value should be the same for brandnew laptop.
Thank you.
Andrei Girbea
April 11, 2015 at 9:11 am
well, it should, or at least the two values should be very close. Seems like your laptop had a pronounced battery wear out of the box. You should return it and ask for a replacement.
mix
April 11, 2015 at 4:24 pm
After contact ASUS technical person, they said that 6% of wear level on new laptop is normal. T_T
Andrei Girbea
April 13, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Meh, that sounds unacceptable to me and very arrogant of them. I’d return the laptop if possible.
Edus
April 25, 2015 at 2:50 am
i had a problem with this laptop,
the fliplock doesnt work, so when i fliped my laptop into tablet the keyboard and touchpad is still work.
would you like to help me fixed these?
sarah
May 25, 2015 at 1:41 am
Hi – I have the i3 4030U version here and I canot cnnect to the internet as it says that there is no working network adapter. Can you advise me what driver I need to download to make the wifi work – or is there something else that I am missing here?
Thanks
Sarah
Andrei Girbea
May 25, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Is the WiFi properly module installed? You should check in Device Manager, under Network Adapters, you should find the Wireless chip listed if everything is alright.
You could also contact Asus support about this issue, it’s wither soem sort of drivers problem or the Wi-Fi module is broken and needs to be fixed (by Asus, under warranty, ofc).
Sigatapu
June 10, 2015 at 1:13 pm
I bought this model few Days ago.. i3..
my issue is when d battery was low I plug in the power cable as it is 99 or 100% I remove the cable it immediately switches off.. without cable I can’t switch it ON. After 3 to 4 hours generally it is switching ON with battery
Jason
June 16, 2015 at 1:22 am
Hello, thanks for the great review. One question, my power button became loose for whatever reason and I opened the laptop up to see what’s the problem. I noticed that there should be a tiny small white chip attached to the motherboard (from the picture you provided above) that clicks when you press the button. The volume buttons had those white chips but the power button didn’t. I have no idea where the button went. I would be so grateful if you could assist me with my problem. Also, I would like to know what these small white chips are called.
Thanks in advance.
Andrei Girbea
June 16, 2015 at 11:34 am
Hi Jason, sry but this is out of my league unfortunately. Maybe someone else could pitch in…
mahoganyminerva
June 19, 2015 at 1:19 am
Hi! Thanks for this review. How does this unit fare with the new Asus UX305 that uses the Core M5Y10? I understand that the difference between i3 and the 5Y10 seems negligible. But in your opinion, is an i3/i5 Asus TP300 better than the 5Y10 Asus UX305 in terms of functionality and overall performance? Im looking for a laptop I can use for at least 5 years. :))
Andrei Girbea
June 20, 2015 at 8:24 am
Performance wise, the i3 is going to be faster. The UX305 is very aggressively priced though and includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. i3 configs within the same budget won’t. Still, if you care about speed and especially if you want to keep this laptop for a very long time, I’d go with at least a Core i3 CPU (preferably an i5). Pick an i5 with HDD and less RAM if the laptop allows future upgrades, that could help with a limited budget.
mahoganyminerva
June 20, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Andrei. Hmm. Well here’s what I need a laptop for. Research, SPSS, Photoshop, surfing and typing tasks, something I can carry when traveling. Is the UX305 capable of doing such tasks? Im in love with the design but afraid when you said it’s capable of “light tasks” in your UX305 review. How light is light and what are those light activities you’re referring? :) hope you can help me make up my mind :)
Andrei Girbea
June 22, 2015 at 8:27 pm
Photoshop is a no for me on the Core M 5y10 platform. WEb browsing, multiemdia content and typing though are a go, as long as you keep multitasking as low as possible (as in run as few things at the same time as possible)
mahoganyminerva
June 23, 2015 at 1:21 am
Can you recommend a laptop with little more power than the UX305 but has almost the same specs (thin and lightweight, i3 or i5) and around the same price :< :) or is there? :<
Andrei Girbea
June 23, 2015 at 10:52 am
Id’ recommend the Dell XPS 13 2015 and the Asus Zenbook UX305LA
Mahoganyminerva
June 23, 2015 at 11:35 am
Yaay! My thoughts exactly. Do you have any idea when the asus ux305la will be available? :)
Andrei Girbea
June 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Last I’ve heard it was scheduled for Early July.
Maria
July 9, 2015 at 6:59 am
I would like to know how do I connect with LAN? I have the adapter that connect to the usb port but i dont know how do i install or set it up since it doesnt work automatically.
TQ
Anne
July 28, 2015 at 9:54 am
Hi Andrei, can you make a direct review of these laptops: Asus TP300LD and Asus UX305
I want to know which is better to use on running intense programming applications and also which is better in terms of graphics, storage, and portability.
Thanks in Advance!
Andrei Girbea
July 28, 2015 at 11:11 am
Which UX305 are you interested in? If it’s the UX305FA, then this one is thinner, lighter, fanless and lacks a touchscreen and a convertible form-factor. It’s also less powerful.
The TP300 is a 2-in-1, packs faster hardware, will probably last a bit less on a charge, is also thicker and heavier.
Amy Wolf
August 25, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Such a great review. I need to buy a laptop for my daughter who will be going to college. She likes the flip ability to be able to take notes in class with a stylus. She is an English major and does a lot of papers. She also likes to watch movies on her laptop and surf the web. Would you recommend this TP300 or something else? It is not easy to find the “right” one. Thanks!
Andrei Girbea
August 25, 2015 at 2:53 pm
This isn’t goign to be the best for taking notes with a stylus. The screen lacks the technology for accurate pen recognition (digitizer) and the device is rather bulky and heavy. Something like the Micrososft Surface Pro 3 would be better suited for such tasks, imo. Or maybe something like the Acer Aspire Switch 11V, if you can find it anywhere.
Amy
August 25, 2015 at 4:06 pm
I kept pushing her to the Surface but she doesn’t like the detachable keyboard and thinks it is actually too small if you can believe that. She wants a 13 inch screen and likes having the convertible nature to use for note taking. Any other options you’d suggest? We tried an HP Pavilion x360, but she hears static in the headphones when they are plugged in and nothing is playing audio which is annoying to her. Other than that she is liking it, but it’s only been a week so I am exploring other options while I can still return that one.
Andrei Girbea
August 25, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Hmmm, the Pavilion x360 is a lower-end 11-inch laptop, if I’m not mistaken. Are you talking about the Spectre x360, the 13-incher with a metallic body reviewed here: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/8042-hp-spectre-x360-review/ ?
Amy
August 25, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Thank you. I have tried to steer her towards the Surface, but she does not like the detachable keyboard and actually thinks it is too small. She likes a bit more substantial machine. The note taking with a stylys will be important for her as well as streaming movies and Skyping with friends. She’d like a 13 inch screen. Would you have any other suggestions for us?
Marco
September 14, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Hi can anyone place a video of how to remove the hdd i got to it but having issues with the connector since it is a cable and not a slot like in other laptops…. im afraid of breaking it
Thanks
marlene
December 2, 2015 at 3:15 am
hi Andrei, i need to connect my ASUS TP300L to a LAN.same question as Maria up there. what connectors or cables should i buy? I hope you could help. Thanks a lot!
Andrei Girbea
December 2, 2015 at 7:47 am
any USB to LAN adapter shoudl work.
Jm
March 17, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Hi, is the hdd/ssd 9.5mm or 7mm? I’d like to replace my hdd with an ssd but I wouldn’t want to mess with it until I got the right ssd.
Andrei Girbea
March 17, 2016 at 9:12 pm
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed this, but there’s a KINGSTON RBU-SC100S37128GD drive inside, which I think it’s a 7 mm drive. No way to go wrong with a 7mm SSD anyway, since those usually come with an adapter for 9.5 mm enclosures.
Craig
December 22, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Definitely a 7mm. I found this out the hard way by first ordering the 9.5 by mistake. Luckily I had another use for that drive and now have a 7mm 1TB drive installed.
Gina Solares
November 2, 2016 at 10:40 am
Hi Andrei im using asusTP300L then the screen off & black.it wouldnt open anymore.what will i do? Thanks!
Andrei Girbea
November 3, 2016 at 4:41 am
Can't say, you should contact the service.
Craig
December 22, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Hi Andrei, I just want to comment about your article. very good and informative info. I purchased my TP300LD in October 2015 for $499 US and have been very pleased with it with just a couple exceptions. I began receiving a Memory error and was quite worried when I saw the metal cover over the ram, but found that it is not soldered but has tabs on each corner that fit slots in MB. it pops off and on easily making RAM upgrades easy. Having said that, I was lucky that my Memory issue was on the removable RAM module and not the soldered RAM chips. Not sure why ASUS chose to uses RAM soldered to the MB. I'd have been up a creek if my problem were there. Another issue I have had (and one that my wife has on her TP500) is the WiFi adapter. Both of us experience sporadic WiFi drops and the Bluetooth was causing me BSD errors. I swapped the WiFi adapter with one I scavenged from an AIO PC and the Bluetooth errors went away. Now awaiting new Intel WiFi adapters and hope to see improved WiFi performance.
Just wanted to share this info in case others might be wondering.
Thanks for your in depth article.
Craig
Andrei Girbea
December 23, 2017 at 6:56 am
Thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately most laptops in this price range can get various quirks, and there's no way for me to signal them in a review, as they usually occur after a while.
dennis
March 10, 2018 at 6:06 pm
there is a tab in the middle of the harddrive. how does one disconnect it
edison tian
August 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
i bought the 4gb ram kingston KVR13S9S8/4 upgrade the ram from 4gb to 8gb but after plug in the system still show 4gb, if this ram not suitable can you advise what brand model ram is suitable to upgrade the ram?
i have restart the computer after input the ram but it still not works, should you have any solution on it?