2014 Asus N550JK -DS71T quick mini review and opinion so far

Has anyone bought this from Amazon? They seem to be the only store that can deliver it right away (in stock).
What is their return policy? The site seems to indicate 30 days for any reason, but I've read that there is a re-stocking fee if nothing is wrong with it?
Is Amazon really sending it or are there 3rd parties involved?

Has anyone upgraded the HD to a SSD? Is it easy to take off the back? How did you get the OS on the SSD? I was thinking of using a laptop kit SSD that ghosts the HD. Does that work? Are there any issues by ghosting it? Does it make both the OS and data partition if the original HD has 2 partitions? What about using an Windows 8.1iso and it grabs the key from the bios? Does that work ok? Driver issues? I"m looking for the easiest way to do it.

Is 8 gigs of ram enough for normal games/work? No video editing or high end stuff...

Thanks.

 

Read the thread, there are answers for all your questions

 

So many ?s in one post lol

Just got my N550JK-CN017H
so far im experiencing TouchPad problems when AC is plugged:
- pointer sensitivity becomes bad
- "soft touching" the pad -to simulate left click- doesn't always work (need to add pressure until a click is resisted)

These two are not present when running on battery alone.
Will investigate further then update in this thread.

For those experiencing this, feel free to suggest and comment. Thanks!

UPDATE:

Plugged my AC, this time i'm not experiencing any of the two touchpad problems. I can now use the touchpad "softly" and all clicks are registered.
I think it has something to do with the ground before - which can be felt almost all over the palm rest and the area between the keys and monitor.
Will observe further.

 

Try without the touchpad and compare, also download the latest touchpad driver from ASUS to verify the symptom to see if it's patched in a new driver.

 

I've been lurking in this thread and found the model you just got. Is it really 850M there and how's the thermals in that chassis?

 

Ohh man, I'm probably gonna be selling mine when the NX500 comes out. Same amount of horsepower (i7, 850M), but with a 4K screen (100% NTSC!) and a 96Wh battery.

 

- Yup NVIDIA GeForce GTX850M DDR3 4GB VRAM
- I'm still configuring it so i haven't done any proper tests yet. This is my first laptop so I'm a newbie with benchmarks and technical test stuffs hehe

 

Do you guys have any news on the Asus G550jk?
Like when is it going to be available in the Us? I´m about to pre order it from Xoticpc but i dont know when ill be getting it.
here is the link:
XOTIC PC | ASUS G550JK-DS71 - 15.6" ASUS ROG Gaming Laptop

 

I'm not sure if this is the same but I experience a gradual screen brightness adjustment from time to time.

Setting:
- battery mode only - power saving something mode
- default desktop wallpaper (an open n550jk..kinda dark)

Scenario:
- whenever I "show desktop" (minimize all running Windows), the screen gradually becomes darker
- whenever I open a window, screen brightens gradually
- this is a repetitive thing

* I think it's normal since it's always happening to me
* maybe caused by battery power saving mode + dark wallpaper

Can anyone confirm.. thanks

 

double post..can't find delete option hehe

 

BLURRY FONTS

I noticed that some programs have blurry fonts within their windows, like uTorrent. Note: the Clear Type Tuner was already on. I was surprised to see this issue since it was never mentioned in the thread, but then again I'm a newbie.

Just wanted to share the fix I found: Fix: Fonts & Text appear blurry or blurred in Windows 8

People are blaming Windows 8 for this. I happen to have Windows 8.1 SL pre-installed in my unit.

 

Thanks for all the great info in this thread, definitely made my decision much easier. Hoping to pick up the N550JK just as soon as I can find a version with the 4GB graphics card that will ship to Ireland.

I just had two questions which I was unable to work out from the thread.

1. From a video review I noticed that the Power adapter seems to be very large. Does anyone who owns this laptop have any thoughts, does it seem larger than an average power adapter or is it just me? It'd be great if the square adapter Asus use for their Zenbooks etc. worked on this laptop but as the power adapter that comes with it is 120W I don't think the square one is an option.

2. Has anyone been able to compare touchscreen and non touchscreen version side by side? I would prefer to get a screen that is as matte / non reflective as possible so would like to know if there is a big difference in reflections between the two versions.

 

Well Here comes the big brother... Asus n551

COMPUTEX TAIPEI

 

After trying to move data (bunch of videos) from my EHD (Seagate Backup+) to the laptop's 3 USB ports, i observed that all have the same data transfer rates so I think all 3 ports are USB 3.0.
Maybe the tool you used got it wrong.

 

I don't see anything different about that model, nor can I find any other information other than the press release on Asus' site.

I have a feeling that "N551" is just an alternative designation for the "N550 JK" model.

 

No, because it has the 860m (al least a version with it)

 

That is the G551 not the N551 >.>

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Bu...

...What ^he said.

The image of the award winning N551/N751 models shows what looks identical to the N550/N750 models. No other GPUs or hardware differences are specified for the N*51 series that I can find. (YET. I'm still searching. )

 

As an aside, I was told by a reputable retailer in the area that Asus has been having a lot of problems with the N550(JK?) screens, and that all the reviews are confirming that there are problems, and worse, that Asus is refusing the return of these laptops.

I quite honestly don't believe him. I have done extensive searching and found 0 reports of issues with the JK's IPS display, regardless of touch/non-touch model.

Has anyone heard of anything that might be causing some confusion about screen issues? Were there previous problems with the N550JV displays?

Regardless, I'm sticking to my guns, and have pretty much decided on getting the N550JK. Unfortunately I have to wait until I know I can get a glossy touchscreen version (DS71T, or a CH-designation?) in Canada. Online and brick&mortar retailers here are still only offering the DB71, which as far as I've been able to confirm is exclusively a matte/non-touch display.

 

Bilder und Specs zum Asus Transformer Book T200, T100, Book Flip TP550, N751 und Zenbook UX303 - Notebookcheck.com News

View attachment 112864

 

Thanks! That's more like it!

That's great for the N751, so hopefully an N551 is similarly-spec'd with an 860m. If it's not available until the fall, then I'm out of luck because I need it over the next month or so.

 

That TP500 looks like it's got pretty decent specs. 22 mm thick, up to Core i7, and GT 840m. I wonder what the price will be.

 

GROUNDING ISSUE

when the AC power brick is plugged into the laptop.. i can feel very slight grounding in areas made out of metal:
1. palm rest around the keyboard
2. metal lid cover behind the monitor,, where the glowing asus logo resides [this is where I can feel it easier]

to feel the ground:
- while touching metal parts, slide your fingers back and forth
- also try moving fingers in a circular motion

if you don't have this issue, touching those metal parts in those manner will feel the same - whether the AC power brick is plugged-in or not.
I don't have this issue when the unit is running on battery alone.

I placed the laptop over these surfaces:
1. tiles (floor) - ground
2. foam chair - ground
3. plastic chair - ground
4. bed or pillow - ground
5. lap (thighs - bare skin) - NO GROUND

i'll appreciate the efforts of those who'll try these out and share the results.
all replies will be very helpful to me! thank you.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. A quick search brings up similar issues with aluminum-cased laptops, i.e. MacBooks. Here's a quote from a Mac forum where someone started a thread about the issue:

Are the MacBook Pro's properly grounded? - MacRumors Forums

 

I just put in an order for mine, can't wait to get it!!!

Just wanted to share

 

That's funny because I am searching high and low for this model with a matte screen... onyl glossy to be found here in Europe (The Netherlands).

 

In Poland N550JK is sold with 2 types of screen:
1. SAMSUNG PLS 156HL01-102 / SDC324C
2. LG/PHILIPS IPS LP156WF4-SPH1
PLS seems to be better due to blacks level, color gammut and luminance.

 

I see YouTube video's with glossy by also matte screens. How can I know which one I'm ordering? There is no right to return it if it is the wrong one and there isn't any store that has these.

 

IPS is matte, PLS is semi-matte. If you buy at stationary shop just ask seller to check it with hwinfo software.
HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools
You may also download it on usb stick to be well prepared There is portable version availiable.

If you buy in the internet shop and you are EU citizen you have right to return the laptop even if unpacked within 14 days (ref: EU directive on e-commerce).

 

Argh, and there I was 100% sure I had ordered a touch-screen version!!! I ordered in Canada from directcanada which seemingly had the best price, but just now I realize its the N550JK-DB71-CA model... I had to do quite a few searches to find out this model doesn't have a touchscreen!! Really frustrating

I don't actually care for the touchscreen though, but I much prefer a glossy screen over a matte one. I hope I won't be too disappointed when it gets here :-/

 

Strange I see full glossy panels mostly on online shops and most video's.

Unfortunately it will be a business laptop which means that you don't have the right to return it. Crazy laws.

 

How can anyone prefer a glossy screen?

 

Don't know, but I just do. They look nicer to me.

 

Some shops respect this law even if you are business client. Just ask.

 

See my older post about this, too. There are no glossy or touchscreen versions in Canada that I can find (e.g. a "-Cxxxx" designation overseas, or -DS71T in the US.).

The good news is that you got a 4GB 850M. I was on the phone with DirectCanada two days ago, and they weren't much help. They can't tell you anything that's not on the website product page.

I hope you like the screen --- Please let me know what you think about it. Maybe you'll luck out and get the semi-glossy/semi-matte PLS screen, which is supposed to be better overall. Pics and vids greatly appreciated, as I might be stuck buying a matte non-touch version if I don't go the US route...

 

Colours, contrast and (perceived) sharpness are all better. I'm in a room with controlled direct lighting, so reflections won't bother me. I don't like the washed-out look of matte screens, but I'll adjust to it if it's all I can get.

 

Yeah I should've read through all the posts before ordering, but I was so happy finding it in stock at a good price that I put in the order. Also their webpage is obviously very confusing since they talk about the touchscreen, but somewhere in there it is mentioned as "optional"..

I'll try to post a few pics and my impressions when I get it, I imagine end of next week (hasn't shipped yet). I've never liked matte screens much but I guess I can live with it. Its just not what would've been my first choice sadly

I've tried to search online for some comparisons of the screens or something but haven't found much, I guess the laptop is just too new. Plus pretty much all reviews are about the touchscreen version.

 

It's like we have the same brain. Except for the actual purchasing part, that describes what I've been doing for the past 2 weeks. I'll continue to post updates if I find any more model-specific information. I'm not giving up just yet!

UPDATE: When in doubt, go to Facebook. The other day, I contacted Asus North America on their FB page. They got back to me today and after checking with their people the guy explained that unfortunately the touch model SKU is not coming to Canada. It's not the news I wanted, but I'm very thankful that they were able to finally clear this up.

So, for the record: Asus Chat or Phone Support: Useless --- Asus Facebook Folks: Amazing.

The good thing about the DB71-CA model is that you generally get a configuration that has a Blu-ray reader (check with your retailer), a 4GB 850M versus the 2GB model, and a 7200 RPM harddrive.

 

I wish there was a configuration available in the US with a Blu-ray reader.

 

Thanks for the update. I was seriously considering canceling my order, but I guess if its the only model available in the near future, I'll work with a matte screen.
Very weird that they wouldn't sell that model up here though. I guess it'll just take a few more months to make it.

 

I doubt it will make it here at this point. I think the N551 will show up next. Too late for my needs, so I'm looking forward to your impressions. DirectCanada is at the top of my list of retailers.

 

Yeah, I'll update as soon as I get it. However I just noticed it is out of stock on DirectCanada, and Ncix as well (I think both are actually the same stores or are linked somehow). I really hope my order was taken into account before it ran out of stock. So far I still haven't got a shipping notification, but it seems all the other processing steps are done.

 

Laptop still hasn't shipped, and I'm still considering calling on Monday if it hasn't, to cancel the order. I was looking at B&H and it would be possible to buy the laptop from them and have it shipped up north. Apparently they charge all of the duties/taxes in advance so you don't have any surprises when it gets here. The problem is that it is not in stock right now, and the model is much less interesting (BUT it is the touch model).

 

I was just looking at them last night, but didn't see anything about the taxes/duties being covered. That's great news. Please keep us posted if you decided to go that route. I noticed the other day that there's now an "Important Notice" in the Amazon page that says it won't ship that item outside of the US due to "Federal Regulations", whatever that means.

 

Yeah from what I can understand on their page it seems that even though they ship through purolator, b&h themselves take charge of everything related to the import into canada (fees,duties&taxes). I ordered a camera lense from them 2-3 years ago and as far as I remember it went smoothly. Hopefully the "Federal Regulations" don't get in the way though. I know its often problems with having a Canadian version of the keyboard or french&english documentation.
I'll see on Monday how things go.

 

Does anyone know if you can get the N550JK in Canada in full silver like the previous n550jv model? I went to memoryexpress to pick one up but all the have is the n550jk in a black color with a sliver keyboard, and it looks fairly ugly imo. They said that all the Canadian models of the N550JK are black even though there is no mention of it anywhere as far as I'm aware and from every picture I've seen of it online it has a silver body with a silver keyboard. Oddly enough they also had the n750jk there and it still had a silver body and keyboard but I'd rather have a 15" laptop for the portability =/.

 

Guys how should I got about installing my ssd. Got a Samsung evo 250 gb.
1. should I use the migration software?
2. should I do a clean install?
3. How do i make a backup on a usb stick of the os, incase something goes wrong?
4. do I need all the partitions on HDD on my SSD?

 

I've decided to get the US touchscreen version of this laptop and B&H photo and it looks like the shipping cost + duties and taxes will only be ~$105 with purolator ($33 shipping, $72 duties+tax), which means in total ordering this laptop from the us is still ~$70 cheaper then getting it at directcanada (which does indeed appear to be the cheapest option in Canada). The only thing I'm worried about now is the warranty for the laptop. I know on Xoticpc you can get a Canadian warranty where they'll ship it to the states free of charge, but I don't see that as an option at B&H.

 

That's what I think I'm goin to do too, but I want to call them to confirm the total charges. They were closed yesterday so I'll try another time. Did you just fake a checkout to see the charges?

The Asus warranty is honoured here, don't worry. I checked with Asus support last week. It's an International/North American warranty.

 

Sweet thanks that's good to hear that the warranty is still valid here. And to find the shipping cost I just clicked the "calculate shipping" link on the product page, and the cheapest option was the purolator 2-6 business day shipping at $105 to Alberta. UPS was a bit more at $150-$160 total but they have quicker shipping times by a couple days. I was also going to phone them tomorrow to confirm the charges as well.