* Asus N61JQ Owners Lounge *

On second thought, I added touchpad to the signature. Since the N61 is listed right below a HP TX2 TouchSmart with a multi-touch screen, I can see where that can be confusing.

 

Little GPU temperature gadget for you guys to use.

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&url=http://windows7gadgets.net/gadgets/system/gpu-observer/

 

All feedback on this comment would be appreciated, looking for links if possible. Thx

 

Thank's Risco but thats the same gadget Brochiller recomended last night.

 

I am getting a error msg saying ERROR:Unable to start the Bluetooth stack service. This happens right after I boot up and have no idea whats causing it. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

Doh! Knew I read about it somewhere.

 

I recently bought the N61JQ-A1 and so far so good. I was hoping someone would be able to tell me if there is a remote control that can turn the computer on as well as operate Media Center? I was able to do this on my past HP with vista, my old remote is able to do everything on my asus except turn it on or bring out of hibernate, any suggestions. Thanks in advance

 

If you have an iPhone:

http://www.airremote.com/

 

C:\Windows\system32>winsat mem
Windows System Assessment Tool
> Running: Feature Enumeration ''
> Run Time 00:00:00.00
> Running: System memory performance assessment ''
> Run Time 00:00:05.15
> Memory Performance 13028.38 MB/s
> Total Run Time 00:00:06.88

 

Battery test results
Screen factory settings-Surfing
USB Mouse (should effect results)

Windows power plans
1: High performance- 1:55
2: Balanced- 2:12
3: Power saver- 2:30 (without USB mouse) / 2:12 With USB mouse!

Power4gear power plans
1: Power4gear Entertainment- 2:09
2: Power4gear Battery Saving- 1:58
3: Power4gear High performance-
4: Power4gear Quiet Office- 2:15


Tonights battery test results were - Power saver- 2:30
There was a couple of variables added to this test.
1- I recallibrated the battery
2- I disconnected and did not use the USB mouse
I don't know which had the greater effect so I'm going to retry this test with the USB mouse.
I'm sure everyone who has considered buying this laptop has loved certin aspects of it and wondered if they could live with others.
My thinking was that for $1000 you could not expect to get everything.
The Important things that you can't change on this laptop are the screen resolution and because of the i7 the battery life. Both of these are accetptable to me considering what else I get for $1000. I have not yet figured out how to squeeze more life out of this battery. Maybe they will come out with a battery upgrade in the future. But I would say if you can't live with about 2 hrs battery life than this is not the laptop for you.

 

you have IC diamond or the one that comes with the notebook?

 

2:30 is really good in my book IMO in real world results! lots of laptops claim "5" hours! well more like 1:45 unless you turn everything off!

I will be using bluetooth and wi-fi most of the time, but I am used to using my laptop at its dimmest setting... so that shoulde'nt be a problem for me.


For those of us getting a i7, dx11, usb 3.0 in a nice built laptop, I don't think battery life is at the top of the list. Although I should only talk for myself.

Why This laptop caught my attention:

i7 under $1000 - uh almost no laptops with i7's come with this nice of a price tag, My desktop has an i7, a mobile i7 has to be just awesome. Quad core on a laptop folks!

USB 3.0 - I have been reading about usb 3.0 for what seems like 5 years now... finally it is a reality, usb 3.0 should really speed up my job, I'm constantly transferring from a esata drive kit to an external drive for my clients more than 20gb every day.

ATI 5730 - I currently dont play any video games, but I have been ha heavy gamer in the past, I may again, I like dx 11, and I needed something future proof. I have also been a long time fan of AMD (but I used to hate ATI in the past) ATI/AMD has made a turn around in my eyes.

16" screen - 15.6 is a bit too small, and 17 is huge... 16" is a perfect in between, also the low rez is good to me, 1) because I have people in my household whom hate small font (sure I can adjust the size, but that causes other UI issues), and 2) good rez for gaming.

7200RPM drive - lower rpm drives are painfully slow, I know the rpm bump does help. I plan on getting a SSD (probably will be time for a new laptop then anyway)

2 year warranty - things always seem to break after 1 year, I like this insurance.

1 year accidental coverage - Just an added plus, I was going to get a square trade plan, this saved me some $$ We have had cats pee on laptops before... Although I don't know if ASUS AUP would cover that lol...

4gb of ram - again for $1000 this is a standard amount of ram, I plan to go for 6gb or 8gb in the next year.

Windows7 64bit - love windows 7, 64bit is a must now.

ASUS - good name brand, I myself have nto done extensive research on ASUS laptops or reviews, but I know ASUS in the desktop world for Motherboards is king. I hope there laptops have the same build quality.

Free Shipping/ No tax.... (not related to the laptop it self, but this cause me to buy it)

Its not ugly - so many high end laptops have some horrible artwork on the case or weird colors or lights (alien ware) I want a professional looking laptop, not some gaming toy! Give me a real serious laptop.

-------------------------------------------

We all talk numbers about the laptop, but what about each number is important to you. I know most of you have given a general overview of why you like the laptop, but go over each detail if you wish.

 

Hey try turning bluetooth off. I wonder if that would make any difference.

 

Adamal. I unplugged my USB reciever and used the touch pad in the last test. So you think I also should turn the bluetooth off besides just unplugging my reciever?

 

C:\Windows\system32>winsat mem
Windows System Assessment Tool
> Running: Feature Enumeration ''
> Run Time 00:00:00.00
> Running: System memory performance assessment ''
> Run Time 00:00:05.21
> Memory Performance 11858.56 MB/s
> Total Run Time 00:00:07.28

 

Actually I think that's a very respectable score considering the processor & gpu. My Dell 1501 Turion and integrated Radeon 1250 with 12-cell battery can only last for 2.5-3 hours most in high-performance setting.

Does anyone know if the CPU fan is temperature controlled ? Max RPM ?
How big is the fan ? the common 5 cm fan ?
Is there any bios setting to keep the fan running at max ?

 

If I recall correctly bluetooth eats watts for breakfast. Although I don't know if the laptop will turn it off on it's own anyways when it's not being used. But if you'r not using it, why not turn it off.

 

I just ordered a bluetooth mouse, but Do you guys think a mouse with its own nano receiver would use less power than a bluetooth mouse?

 

Got this one from CaseLogic for myself.
http://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-EN...ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1266988938&sr=8-2-spell

Note the amazon spec / dimension for this sleeve is wrong.
Checking Case Logic site, the real dimension for model ENST-116 :
Size: 16.25" x 12.25" x 2"
http://www.caselogic.com/16_laptop_sleeve_herringbone/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=144696

Case Logic sells this for $39.99, that's expensive.
Amazon sells only for $24.99 2-day Free shipping. if you apply Amazon Prime Trial (which you can cancel later anyway).

Your choice for the 17" (from the url you mentioned) is a little bit too big I think.
17" Sleeve Dimension: Internal Dimension: 17" x 12 1/8" External Dimension: 18" x 13 1/8"
It will be too loose and you will risk the laptop from moving too much inside. That's about 1.5" wider than the real laptop size.

 

1- The quality feel of the build. Nothing like the flimsy feel of the HP DV8 I returned.
2- Laptop stays cool even if used on your lap without a cooler. The fans are located in the front in a recessed area. So the fans don't get blocked even if sitting on a pillow or blanket on your lap (couch potato proof).
3- Screen hinge, very sturdy and well designed. There is no lock for the top but the hinges work so well that they keep the lid closed.
4- 3 weeks of flawless performance. Not one freeze! Everyone is obsessed with doing a clean install. If that is your thing then great. But for anyone who does not have a need to do this then you don't need to. The Asus programs (Bloatware) loaded on this machine do not effect its performance at all. And can easily be removed without a clean install. Personally if it's working great I don't mess with it.
5- The wireless connection works real well, not one drop yet. Even though I have to upgrade the wireless card because it does not support 5.0 and my router does.
6- The keyboard layout and function. And the deck surface. Love it. There is some flex in he keyboard but I have seen that in so many of the newer laptops that I am so over stressing about that.
7-The power core connection is real sturdy. I have seen loose connections in other Lounges and I had to return a laptop after 1 week for this.
8-The touchpad is one of the better ones for my taste. I like how you can tap the pad for a click.
9- Not to heavy, very portable for me, feels like the perfect size for my taste.
10- Fast boot-up. Asus promotes that they worked with microsoft to use features in windows 7 for a faster startup. There is an option to delay programs from starting until after the startup.
11- i7/dx11/usb3.0 i7/dx11/usb3.0 i7/dx11/usb3.0 i7/dx11/usb3.0

 

If I'm not mistaken I think that a mouse with a nano reciever is a bluetooth mouse.

 

Most likely not. It has to get the power for the bluetooth somewhere.

 

PC is all stock!

 

.... you mean the nano receiver has to get the power from somewhere...

I know my logetech keyboard uses a 2.4ghz nano receiver but nowhere does it say its bluetooth... and nor does it appear to my pc as bluetooth, it bugs me how things can use blue tooth but not allow open standard?

Regardless would a mouse that comes with its own adapter use less power than the one inside the laptop? (i know this sounds silly)

 

Smart Technology - Built- in Air Ionizer
With the built-in Air Ionizer that not only helps clean the air around the user of allergens and germs, but also promotes air-flow and circulation.

This can be seen here:

http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-n61jqa1-order-p-2734.html


Wha in the world is this? Like my ionic breeze? Does this assit cooling?

 

I just got my N61JQ a day ago, and have been impressed with it so far, coming from a P4 3Ghz with 2Gb and a 7950GT video card. Before choosing a notebook, I spent ages doing my research and figuring out which was the most suitable, and this one seemed to have everything.

However, one thing I noticed mentioned in comments/reviews was the viewing angle on the screen, and using it myself, I found that it is basically impossible to find an angle where the screen is uniformly lit: if I have the screen set up so the top of the screen is not too dark, then the bottom seems to start washing out.

This being my first notebook, I'm used to normal monitors which don't have quite the same issues. Is this normal (or at least normal for this model)? If not, is there something I can do to fix this in settings, or is it likely a fault with the screen itself? I get a bit neurotic about these things, so I can live with it if that's normal behaviour, but if it's a fault it's going to be irritating. Just recalling other (non-N61JQ) notebooks on display in-store, I don't remember seeing this issue with them.

 

I can understand complaints about small viewing angles. But I haven't yet heard this complaint of no viewing angle. The sweet spot is very small on mine but it is there. Are you using this flat on a desk or with a stand or cooler?

 

Battery test results
Screen factory settings-Surfing
Wireless USB Laser Mouse (should effect results)

Windows power plans
1: High performance- 1:55
2: Balanced- 2:12
3: Power saver- 2:30 (without USB mouse) / 2:12 With USB mouse!

Power4gear power plans
1: Power4gear Entertainment- 2:09
2: Power4gear Battery Saving- 1:58
3: Power4gear High performance-
4: Power4gear Quiet Office- 2:15


Tonights battery test results were - Power saver- 2:30
There was a couple of variables added to this test.
1- I recallibrated the battery
2- I disconnected and did not use the Wireless USB mouse
I don't know which had the greater effect so I'm going to retry this test with the USB mouse.

EDIT / UPDATE !!!!!

I retested The Power saver results of 2:30. This time I did the test with the wireless USB mouse and the result was 2:12 for a reduction of 18 min.
So my conclusion is that recallibrating the battery was not needed and had no effect. And using a wireless USB mouse does shorten the battery life.
Now maybe I have been using the wrong terminology for the mouse.
My mouse is connected to the laptop wirelessly with a nano reciever. Here is a link to it and I would highly recommend it even at this price. Here is a link. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-000872-Anywhere-Mouse-MX/dp/B002HWRJBC/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

I have put a lot of hours into this testing as a service to others looking at buying or waiting to recieve this Laptop. I hope it has been a help to some.

 

Thanks for all the work. I it won't let me give you anymore rep points.

 

Now THAT is why then. Bluetooth and wireless devices can suck a laptop battery dry. This is better for me to hear because if I had put bluetooth on my m860tu on power saver that would never hit 2 hours.

Now with the information you've given me, I can make this laptop go over 3 hours once I get it (undervolting, disabling of dvd drive and some changes to profile settings). Thank you!

 

\

thank you for this. Outstanding dedication to the lounge. You're the man!

cheers, bro!

 

I think the mice with nano receiver are not bluetooth. Otherwise, I would believe you could have used them directly with the notebook that has bluetooth built in without need for an extra receiver.

For anyone interested I am using the Logitech VX Nano mouse.
It was great battery life of about 5 to 6 months.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Cordless-Laser-Mouse-Notebooks/dp/B000TKHBDK

 

nope that is a bit of ...false advertising?
N61 does not have that feature.

 

Thanks for pointing this error out, the previous N Series had this feature on all models in this series. We have since removed this information.

 

you also need to remove the part about the backlit multimedia buttons

 

That was also done.

 

Are the viewing angles really a hassle, to the point where it really bothers you? Does the screen flush out most of the time?

 

Those are not bluetooth but, you can find bluetooth wireless mouses out there with nano style adapters. The bluetooth ones will usually work with the internal bluetooth and don't require the use of the included adapter (if even included).

As for yours, it uses 2.4Ghz cordless technology, like a cordless phone. They work just as well but, they do require the included adapter to work. Some of the 2.4Ghz devices used to cause problems with older wireless routers. This is why 6.0Ghz technology got popular. Most newer routers no longer have this issue.

Either way, anything with a single USB adapter can not draw more power from the USB port then the USB port provides. I "think" this is around 500 mA/5V with USB 2.0. USB 3.0 was increased but, I think it was a minimal increase in power.

ADD FROM WIKIPEDIA (so take it as such): "The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire from which connected USB devices may draw power. The specification provides for no more than 5.25 V and no less than 4.75 V (5 V±5%) between the positive and negative bus power lines. For USB 2.0 the voltage supplied by low-powered hub ports is 4.4 V to 5.25 V.[29]

A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and was raised to 150 mA in USB 3.0. A maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) can be drawn from a port in USB 2.0, which was raised to 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0. There are two types of devices: low-power and high-power. Low-power devices draw at most 1 unit load, with minimum operating voltage of 4.4 V in USB 2.0, and 4 V in USB 3.0. High-power devices draw the maximum number of unit loads supported by the standard. All devices default as low-power but the device's software may request high-power as long as the power is available on the providing bus."

 

It all depends on what you are doing. If you have a bunch of people crowded around your laptop looking at something, then it can be. What is wild about the screen is that the viewing angle seems to increase when you are about 5 feet or more away from it. When I show people things from the laptop, I just keep them a few feet or more from the screen and they have no issues. The depth and color are also clearer and more defined at a distance (at least on mine). I think this is because the screen has an edge-to-edge plastic shield over it. The shield protects the screen and makes it much easier to clean so it is worth a little washout.

 

You might also want to correct the shipping method for the warranty. It is not Air, it is Ground both ways.

 

oooooh! PNB to xotic!

 

Not meant to be anything other than a friendly suggestion...please don't try to make it anything else.

 

out of curiosity, how would I connect 2 24" LCDs to use ATI's Eyefinity, one through VGA and one through HDMI?

 

Eyefinity won't work without a DisplayPort, which most laptops, including this one, do not have.

So if you want to use two external monitors plus your laptop screen you would have to use a ViBook Plus, ViDock2-4670 or Matrox video adapter for the 3rd screen. Your laptop itself will support one external monitor, just not two or more (it can actually support up to 9) without an additional video adapter.

 

Sorry about the misinformation. I got it straight now. I have wireless laser mouse. I am posting a link of the mouse I use. Whatever we want to describe it as, and however we want to speculate as to how it would effect battery life. This is what I have experienced in my first test- 2:30 in Power saver without this mouse/ 2:12 in Power saver with the mouse. I will do some more testing both ways.
I will add this little review. This mouse is very expensive but in my opinion it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. If you are a couch potato like me check this link out.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-000872-Anywhere-Mouse-MX/dp/B002HWRJBC/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

 

so If I use the ViBook plus I will be able to use Eyefinity or would i just have another external monitor?

 

As far as I know ViBook has nothing to do with Eyefinity. ViBook lets you hook up two external monitors and use your laptop's display at the same time. So basically you get to have three monitors going at the same time.

 

Thanks for doing all the battery testing. I tried to give you some rep for it, but it won't let me since I've already given you some for another post.

 

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=52...Mouse-MX/dp/B002HWRJBC/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1
Thank's David, Here is a link to the mouse I am using. Do you think that the results I got sound about right given the data you provided?
2:30 without the mouse- 2:12 with the mouse.

 

paladin44/Adamal thanks for the responses.
I love having features I can't use