A8Js - Owner's Lounge

i see light leakage at the bottom of the screen, but its not really distracting to me, and this is my 1st laptop so i dont know if its really bad or not.

 

I just want to chime in my agreement regarding the DVD drive and latch mechanism.
The drive is quite loud and I've noticed some faint beeping when it is reading. (I think I may have mentioned the latter point before. I wonder if other owners notice this as well? It isn't very noticeable, and it's usually drowned out by he drive anyways.)
The latch mechanism is indeed tricky to open sometimes... It doesn't always "pop" open properly.

I have also come across a bit of an annoyance when switching screen resolutions. This is likely a software issue though... Basically sometimes the resolution doesn't reset to 1440x900 after exiting from a full-screen program (e.g. game running at a different resolution). Changing the resolution back via the "Display Properties" dialog of the desktop or via the NVIDIA settings tray item doesn't always work... Even worse, sometimes the screen goes black and I am forced to manually shut down using the power button.
Changing the in-game resolution (when 1440x900 is an option) and "Allow"-ing some programs through ZoneAlarm seems to have circumvented this... but it is an annoyance nonetheless. I never remember coming across this problem on my desktop, running the same games.
Well, sorry for that bit of a rant... but I wonder if anybody else has run into similar problems (with the A8Js or any other notebook)?

 

I just finished reformating the hard drive of my laptop and erasing the recovery partition, and doing clean install of XP, and now im in process of converting to NTFS and re partitioning it.

One question is what do some of those Asus programs do? Like Splendid, Multiframe and a couple other ones. Im especially curious about some of them deciding if i want to install them.

 

I have no idea on these either. The internet provides little explanation.

 

LifeFrame: Program that runs the webcam, allows recordings to be made, etc.

MultiFrame: Controls how the GUI operates when multiple screens are in use at the same time. I.e. how mousing between screens works, the taskbar, so forth.

Splendid Technology: Controls the color settings (and allows rapid changes between them) for the LCD. May be redundant over the drivers. Similar in a way to changing the temp. on older CRT monitors.

 

Thanks for the info, looks like the only useful ones to me are LifeFrame and Splendid maybe.

 

Actually, I find that LifeFrame is quite useless even compared to the default Photo & Camera Scanner from Windows. It seems so dark using LifeFrame....

What's more useful is something called ASUS Video Security Online, which allows you to use your webcam to act as a semi-surveillance camera ...

 

My Sony Vaio's DVD drive is also doing faint beeping when it starts to read. I believe that's perfectly normal...

 

Multiframe also adds a little button in the title bar of windows (beside the minimize button) which allows you to easily resize and move windows. (e.g. to fill one half or one quarter of the screen... I hope my description makes sense to you!) I find this quite convenient, although the button doesn't show up with my Windowblinds skin ... Maybe some are compatible, but I haven't spent the time to find out yet.

That sounds pretty cool! I will definitely check that out... Thanks for the tip!

Thank you for your input, Matta! It's quite a relief to hear that its probably normal!

 

I got the A8Js and am looking into upgrading the RAM from 1gb to 2gb, myself because I already have the stick of RAM. I know this will void the ASUS warranty. So, I am wondering if there are any stickers or any other way ASUS will know that you opened up the Laptop if you have to return it from warranty service.

 

I've been told that adding ram does NOT void your warranty.

I'm curious whether or not changing the HD will void the warranty.

 

I was under the impression that adding memory yourself does not void the warranty, but if a dealer installs it prior to shipping it to you then it does void the warranty. I hope that is accurate, even Apple supports their warranty after a user adds 3rd-party ram...if Asus doesn't I will be pretty upset.

 

my warranty wasn't voided by having GenTech install a stick of RAM.

on to a new topic: i'm looking for a good laptop sleeve and maybe a tote or messenger bag.. i sort of want a sleeve that fits the A8js really well. if anybody finds any (i'm sure the a8jm people have found some things, and i've read through the threads pretty carefully) i'd love to hear impressions of fit/sturdiness, etc.

 

My understanding is also that adding RAM does not void your warranty, but changing your HD will.

 

Is there any tape or seal over the HD compartment? If not, couldn't one just keep the original drive handy and reinstall it prior to sending it off for warranty work? I had wanted to eventually upgrade to a 7200rpm drive once my wallet recovered from my laptop purchase.

 

Yes you can do that. In fact, that's what most people recommend you do.

~ Brett

 

+ 1 regrading recommendations on a tote or messenger bag. What are others using?

 

I ordered one of these from Booq -kinda expensive but it looks like it won't scratch the laptop: http://booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.70/.f?sc=2&category=6

 

Re: Harddrive Upgrades:

Here is an idea. You get an expresscard slot that adds external serial ata connectors. You can buy a 7200rpm drive, but it in a serial ata encolsure that has serial connectors (rather than USB 2.0) and have an external drive that is fast as an internal drive.

ExpressCard Serial ATA Adapter

Serial HD External Enclosure w/ eSATA interface

Now, if you want, yu can put the 7200rpm drive in your laptop and have the 5400rpm drive as a pretty fast external drive! I'll be doing this at some point.

Re: Carrying Bags

I got an Timbuk2 "commute XL" laptop/messenger bag. Its very nice, water proof, tough, lots of organizing, good protection, etc. It isn't a backback, so you'll end up with one monstorus shoulder (JK).

Timbuk2 communte XL laptop bag

 

what do you find inadequate about the bag that comes with it?

I figured id at least get that dirty before i bought another one.

 

I've read that the bag that comes with it doesn't offer much padding/protection nor is large enough for accessories.

 

Has anyone had problem with logging into the computer?

I have a password set up, and whenever I restart it wouldn't let me log in, I found out it was because the numberpad was turned on, I have to hit Fn+NumLk key to turn it off.

But as I type I guess I should check the 'automattically turn on numlk' option in BIOS first, so here's another question.

I have two computers at home, both set up to access internet through a D-Link dwl-700ap wireless router. I tried to set up file sharing between the two computers.

Both computers are in the same Workgroup; ran through the Small Office network wizard; Simple File sharing turned on; both computers firewalls turned off; Although the two computers are in different IP subnet, one is 69.xxx, and one is 216.xxx. Ok what else... oh ya the problem, it doesn't work! Neither computers can see each other even. and on my A8Js computer, it tells me "no privileage" when I try to browse into the Workgroup, I'm using an admin account, not sure why.

Anyone has had similar problems before?

 

I don't think you're supposed to be able to see PC's in different subnets. You might be able to map a drive to a different subnet, but since they're not in the same net, you shouldn't be able to see them. The 'no privilege' is probably a response from the other PC... even though you're admin on the machine you're connecting from, the other machine doesn't recognize you. If you just need to map a drive, in the Map Network Drive, there's a link that says 'Use different username' or something like that, use this format: "otherPCName\userOnThatPcWithAccess" for username and password there.

If that doesn't work, you might wanna try the Networking forum

 

Thanks Darrick, I was actually just clicking on "view workgroup computers" when I got that error.

 

it doesn't seem to offer much padding, but you can definitely fit in things like the AC adapter and a mouse, and miscellaneous stuff, certainly not books though.

 

I feel that same way about the bag. Padding is not great, and space is limited. It serves its purpose to transport the notebook and accessories decently, but that's about it...

 

To my surprise I received my A8Js a day early! I was only able to spend about 20 minutes with it during my lunch break, but here are my first impressions of unboxing it and powering it up.

-Build quality is good, but not great. The lid, and the plastic protecting the back of the screen seems particularly flimsy and hollow. I wouldn't want to accidently set anything on top of it.
- Screen shows about the same amount of light leakage as peekaboom's A8Js. Otherwise it seems like a very nice screen.
- Keyboard seems very good, I didn't notice any flex in my limited time.
- I really like the trackpad, seems easy to glide a across and the buttons give a nice click when pressed.
- The silver finish on the plastic around the keyboard and the palm rest seems like it could scratch very easily. I have a watch with a metal band and hope it doesn't cause too much damage.

I'll try and post more impressions tonight.

 

wow I'm still on target for 11/03 we were about to be owners the same day.

mine was shipped the 31 though too. We ordered from the same place....

 

Just posting to say my laptop has been shipped from MileStonePC.com should be here next week. Can't wait! I'm gonna be taking pictures to post here for you guys.

 

If you are looking for more padding wouldnt you get a sleeve, and then put that in the bag?

 

Has anyone had problems reconnecting to their various networks coming out of hibernation? It seems thta about 1/3 of the time I need to restart to get connected. This happens under both wireless and ethernet connections. Other computers connected to the hub work fine.

This isn't really a big deal, it just induces a little head scratching because there isn't any rhyme of reason to when it happens.

 

i dont have hibernation enabled so i wouldnt know...

 

Hey mines here.

Not much time to correspond with you guys about it.

I know that sounds really strange from me, the most obnoxious poster ever at nbr, but I have to write a paper and work so ill be quick checks here until monday. I will write a review and post a draft here.

oh that free case can go straight to the dumpster. I dont even want my new computer touching that thing

oh wow I dont even know how i missed this

the lcd and hinges are literally different than the a8jm.

 

I should be getting mine around the middle of next week

 

cool man

ya its so great but that case no no its like um...

and the mouse is just ur bottom level mouse i mean its cool but its your 9.99 logitech mouse with asus written on it.

 

The case and mouse aren't that bad. In fact I kind of like them. I plan on using both. The case is actually better than I expected, I was pleasantly surprised. The mouse is pretty decent too, its a usb optical notebook mouse so it is smaller than a regular mouse and seems good enough quality. What exactly were you expecting?

 

wow mine seems pretty regular sized to me

maybe some pictures are in order.

I have a notebook mouse this mouse is pretty close to regular size.

Im using both of them I plan to use them both

Got em goin right now adapter and mouse fit in the case fine.

Im buying another case though. I expected the case based on its description and manufacturer ( targus) to be like the bottom level targus messenger bag, nylon and black.

I feel this is lower quality Im not even sure of the fabric but it seems like more your generic level backpack material, thin and tearable.

So I was disapointed thats true I expected a better one but Im over it.

 

Mine is supposed to be here tuesday, can't wait, glad to hear you got yours stamar

 

I'm really enjoying mine Kinetiks after having it for about 24hrs now. You'll love it I'm sure. Its an excellent value for what you get.

 

Stamar: The hinges are different? pics please just wanted to know how different, maybe they've fixed the issue with hinges getting lose on the A8Jm

 

the case doesnt seem to have much padding, but the material seems fine, and i like the look of it. I wouldnt mind keeping it until it fall apart then getting a better padded case or just get a extra sleve to put into the case.

 

I will definitely research this but I have to do it on monday.

 

the machine is literally cold after being on 6 hours.

 

Do you guys use Notebook Hardware Control (NHC) or do you use Power4Gear? I used NHC the first day, it was way more informative than Power4Gear, but it does take more time to switch modes, compared to power4gear where u press that button up top by the screen.

 

Regarding the case, I'm actually quite happy with it. Sure, it's not the most stylish thing out there, but I didn't expect a Prada handbag or anything. It seems solid, though, and I'll keep using it until it breaks.

The mouse is also just fine. Yes, it's one of those generic $10 mice with no extra buttons or anything, but it does its job. Actually, just today Staples had a great one-day offer for a wireless Logitech LX7, so I picked up one of those. Very neat, and an absolute steal at $19.99 plus tax! (After $30 instant rebate and $10 online rebate).

peekaboom mentioned problems with connecting to networks coming out of hibernation. I never had that problem, and I always put the laptop in hibernation rather than shutting down. Not sure what's going on there.

 

re: internet connectivity

I think I just need to let it set for a bit. Coming out of hibernation if I had thunderbird mail client running in the taskar I need to shut it down then refresh the wireless connection. Dunno why that's the case, maybe Tbird keeps the machine thinking it is connected through a previous authentiation.

Heh, I can't even look at my desktop top anymore. Even with the light leakage, the a8js looks SOO much crisper than my CRT, a 17" viewsonic from about six years ago. This is DEFINITLY faster than my desktop too.

BTW, for you gamers out there, you can download Supreme Commander beta (spiritual successor to total annihilation) and a crack that's you play around with the skirmish mode or LAN (no internet through, need to be a registered beta tester). Anyway, its a fun game, looks nice on this machine.

 

The screen has a really bad viewing angle

but when youre looking at it straight on its extremely detailed and contrasted.

I love it Im glad I went for this higher resolution screen type without ever seeing one because it looks so much better.

 

i use NHC for the "quiet" option in the HD section because the HD access noise drove me crazy at the beginning, and NHC makes it virtually silent.

 

How about some real info...
Can we adjust the FSB?
Can we change voltage?
can we overclock this baby?

 

battery just lasted 3 and a half hours with no settings change browsing the web using the wifi

this is more than advertised.
Why do you think this is?