* Asus N61JQ Owners Lounge *

It definitely seems worse than other laptops, which all use the TN LCDs; maybe it is the covering . All I know is that it makes me sad when I look at my IPS iMac screen in comparison

 

No that is a valid address. I just sent my old G1S in for RMA to that address two weeks ago.

 

I'm hoping to order one of these shortly. I'm not a fan of recovery partitions, does it come with a Win 7 install disc too?

 

I have already had to use the recovery partition. I started my computer up for the first time. I installed Firefox and Avast. I then did windows update while i went to the store. When I came back, my computer would not start. Windows tried to fix itself with no luck. I actually like having that recovery section. I also found the restore partition in disk management.

So far I like this computer. I did have a lil problem last night. For some reason the video I was watching on HULU.com was very jumpy. I have watched at least 14 videos on this already... So its weird. The processor was under 15% on all cores, GPU temps were good.

As far as battery life, i tried a few a different modes and I always get close to two hours of using it. I don't think its that bad since this is a powerhouse.

I like it so far. I mean its run everything I have had so far with great results. The screen resolution is not the best. Though I cant say much, I came from a 24" Flat-screen. This thing is a dwarf compared to that. I plan on hooking it up to my lappy, I just need to find an adapter.

 

No, it does not come with the original Windows 7 CD's!

 

There one thing I'd recommend that everyone install if they are having lockup/blue screen issues with this laptop is the "Intel Matrix Storage Manager" drivers. Although they are not required, on every ASUS laptop I've owned they were needed for stability.

For t

 

It depends on which version you buy, and who you buy it from.

From early February on ASUS will no longer provide the disks, but they are available from the right sources.

 

You can also make your own restore partition. I use Macrium Reflect (free HD image software) to make backups of my OS partition. As long as the target partition is equal size or larger, you can restore the image to any target (e.g. if you get a new hard drive or have to format and restore your OS partition). It also lets you burn a Linux boot CD to use for restores (in case your OS won't boot). I just let the backup sit on my data partition in case I screw something up and need to restore the OS. The advantage over the built-in recovery partition is that you can remove the bloatware and install your programs before making the image. I have already tested a restore once using the Linux CD to verify that it works.

 

Is it possible to get it so that when I plug in my mouse it turns off the touchpad?

 

That is the right address but my card had a different one. I would still go to the ADW registration link and register it there just to be safe. Like I sad it is my opinion that it is standard operating procedure to build in ways that you might not qualify for this type of warranty.

 

Donald, I followed your earlier advice but now I'm stuck. I deleted D: which was to the right of C:. Then when I went to extend C: it does not let you select that option. It is greyed out. You can only select shrink. 2 other people here posted that they had the same problem. One of them downloaded a program to let them do it. The other one deleted the partition to the left of C: and then it allowed them to extend C:. I don't want to buy a program. And I am afraid if I delete the small partition to the left of C: I will be deleting my hidden restore copy.
Do you have any ideas to get me out of this?

 

I would reccomend wating to see if you get lock up issues first. Because I have not had one yet. Knock on wood!

 

In order for ASUS to create the D: drive, they create an Extended Partition and then create a Logical Drive inside of it. When you delete D:, you delete the Logical Drive but the Extended Partition is still taking up the remaining space (I think this is a yellow or orange color in Disk Manager). When you remove the Extended Partition, you will see Unallocated Space to the right of the C: partition. At this point, you should be able to resize the partition.

 

You had the m860tu, didn't you? How is the screen in comparison to that laptop?

 

I think there is a button on the keyboard to turn off the touchpad. I'm not at home now but you could look it up in the manual.

 

I believe mine came with a win 7 Recovery Disc. I was actually surprised to see Discs in the box other than ones for drivers.

 

Stevedogg, If you say this cheap screen sucks I can understand that. But to compare it with your IPS iMac screen?? How much did you pay for that??

 

That is precisely why I'm still very happy with my A1 purchase

 

Right-click the ELAN Smart-Pad icon in the notification area (little touchpad icon) and choose "Property of Smart-Pad." Then click the ELAN tab and check the box that says "Disable when external USB mouse plug in."

 

Awesome. Thanks!

 

There are two opperations you need to do to the D: partition. First is delete it then I there was another option I believe delete partition or something to that affect. It should look grayed out, then you should be able to extend C:

 

It will not harm you machine installing that driver. It installs the AHCI driver and if you look in you're bios you'll notice the default is for AHCI for your hard drive. Trust me you want that driver.

 

I remember someone saying that they were getting lockups using Microsoft Security Essentials. Has anyone else had this issue? Do they have a fix yet?

 

I just don't understand why people get a new pc and and jack with so much stuff and then they freak out or wonder how their pc starts having all these problems. I mean I can understand taking off a little bloatware but reinstalling the OS and overclocking. Don't get me wrong I get they all have a reason but it seems like the one's you hear of doing it and getting all messed up are the one's that really have no business doing it in the first place. wheeew. Had to get that out. For the rest of you that DO know what your doing, have fun!

 

We all have to learn at some point how to do that stuff, or the peoe here want to. I spent months and months getting my desktop runnig just how I like it, but it's a custom built pc that's how it goes. My friend liked my pc so much he ordered all the identical parts, but he didn't take the time to load all the best drivers, he used the ones on the disks that came with it. And he installed some bloatware stuff from the disks too. Needless to say my rig spins circles around his. I like starting with a desktop with just a recycle bin on it. But that's just me I load a os from scratch atleast 3 times a week at work, I'm used to it. But I'm sick of it also. (lots of time if some random driver can't be found) I alredy have taken the stance that I am going to let this laptop run how it came sans the most ofensive bloatware. But we will see... Only time can tell.

 

Yeah I understand that, it's just the one's that know they are messing with things beyond their capacity then start crying when THEY mess it up. That's the one that get to me, when they are like "I don't know why it's broke!?!?!" lol But yes this is a place for help and learning so I do see what you mean. I also kept my N61 pretty much all the way stock. I think the only thing I did remove that I can remember is the Trend micro. I put Kaspersky IS 2010 and it still runs like a champ!

 

Just pulled the TRIGGER!!

Very excited, on pre-order for March 02 like most resellers
but worth the price. Got the A1 - final price is $986 with
cash back and E-Bucks.

Don't care about nothing - resolution, chipped corners, viewing
angles, partitions or bloatware. With all im sure I'll get
used to it. The only thing I want is for it to just work.

Once I get over the $Hit$ 1st will be the Blu-Ray then an
SSD - Anybody got specific suggestions with links??

Thanks to all for the awesome input!

 

I am thinking about buying an LCD Monitor to hook it up to this thing. Should I get one with an HDMI input instead of one with just the regular VGA dsub connector?

What are the advantages of the HDMI?

Also will I be able to run the laptop with the lid closed? (hooked up to the monitor, usb keyboard and mouse)

One last question...should I get one with 1600x900 or 1920x1080 native resolution? (1366 x 768 is just not enough)

EDIT: Forgot one thing...If I get a keyboard that has power/sleep buttons will they work with this laptop?

 

can you pick these up at best buy ? the intel centrino 6200 wireless card

 

I understand your point and normally agree with you but, I am not sure what warranted that comment. Very few people in this thread have reinstalled their OS and even less have overclocked. I don't recall anyone freaking out except for one person very early on with memory and crashing problems. Well, then there was me thinking the ADW was a crock... ;-)

For the most part, the people in this thread have had intelligent discussions, calm debates and most have been very helpful. It is the reason that many of us keep coming back.

Again, I would normally agree with you. I just don't understand what pushed you to the point of needing to get that off your chest.

 

HDMI is high definition and also carries audio.

You should consider using it with the laptop open so you can use both screens. I have attached a picture of my setup where I use two external monitors plus the laptop screen (those in the picture are my old Sceptre 20" which have now been replaced with 22" Samsung SyncMasters). My main screen is external so I can use a desktop keyboard as you can see in the picture.

Resolution is a personal choice depending on how much screen real estate you want, and how small the text you can tolerate. The higher the resolution the more screen real estate, but to give you that the text gets pretty small. It is like zooming out...the higher the resolution the farther you zoom out.

The power/sleep should work, but until you actually get it and test it you won't know for sure.

 

Anyone else order from XoticPC and still waiting for them to receive it? What time frame have they given you?

 

Next shipment is expected 3/11 approximately. We expect to fill all pre orders and have stock left over.

 

I can't say that I got it from anyone in particular, and honestly I don't know exactly what did set me off. Maybe I just read to many things from too many places. Sorry I just had to vent.

 

We all need to vent at times. Like I said before, normally I would agree with you. There are several threads that have made me think the same -- Like they are a playground for toddlers. This one though, seems fairly adult. ;-)

 

Just wanted to say Thanks! to everyone in this forum. Every message (back to #1) has been great in helping me decide to go for the ASUS N61JQ-A1.

When I was originally looking for a new laptop to replace my Inspiron 9300 (which I've now made a "netbook" ) I wanted to get an i7-based system to try and future-proof things a bit.

The first system to get my attention (due to the $999) was the HP dv6t quad. It had all the specs I was looking for, and I would get an employee discount on top of everything else. Then I started reading about it online. The reputation of that laptop was disappointing, and I was actually surprised at HP's low reputation in the laptop world. Anyways, thank goodness for the web...

I actually came across the ASUS laptops when I was checking out Newegg. I saw they had the N61JQ-X1 at $999. I was tempted to get it at that point, but wanted to watch the forums/reviews for awhile to see what people were running into. Suffice it to say, I was much more impressed with the responses to the X1 (and A1) and finally got my A1 order in to Gentech (just before they ran out). I've had it for about a week and am loving it so far. I got the A1 btw due to the extended warranty and extra disk space (and it was in stock )

My main use for it is as a desktop replacement (and something that, unlike the Inspiron 9300, doesn't slow to a crawl when using Office 2007). I don't do much gaming, but did try out the Crysis demo which seems to work well. The screen itself is not bad, but I have it plugged into a 22" monitor (1440x900?), so it's looking pretty good.

Anyways, no problems so far, the system runs very quiet, I can feel the warm air blowing out of the left vent but it looks like it stays around 54C at idle (I forget which power setting is on right now). Glad I bought it and glad I came here first!

(btw it came with Kingston 1333! ram and a Seagate ST950042 harddisk)

 

Thank you Donald. I have a couple follow up questions though...

If I use the HDMI monitor, am I still able to use my current speaker system through the audio out port?

Also, for dual monitors does either the VGA or the HDMI work?

If I go with a true 1080 HD monitor (for future proofing) but use it at 1600 x 900 will I see a noticeably degraded image quality?

 

Hmmm, I am not sure audio would go through both. I have never tested that.

Yes, you can use either your VGA or HDMI port for your external monitor, so if it turns out you can't use your audio ports when using HDMI, then I would use VGA and your audio ports.

LCD screens always look best at their native resolution, but today the difference is barely noticeable, unlike they way they were a few years ago.

 

Yes you can use your audio port if you connect with HDMI.
I currently have mine connected to my 24" LCD with HDMI.
Once you connect your laptop to the LCD you have to change the default playback device.
With HDMI it will default to "Realtek HDMI output", set your default audio playback device to "speakers" and you should be good to go.

You can access these audio settings in sounds in the control panel

 

Hey this is a general question for all laptops, but once i receive my laptop i know im suppose to fully charge it right away correct? than let it drain? i heard there is something you can do in bios to drain it fast is that a better way to go?

 

There is no need to drain lithium ion batteries; actually, they should never be drained to 0 because that can damage them and reduce their capacity (most operating systems force a shutdown below a certain %). They also should not be kept at 100%, but the laptop will cut off the charging current to prevent this. The best way to make them live longer is not to let them get too hot.

 

Thank you someone knows something about li-pos finally! I'm not going to get into this one... I have had pages of arguments on other forums about this.

I'm not blaming anyone, but the engraved in your heads idea of always "cycling" a battery when you get it is from the 90's....

Sorry if I sound rude, I'm a newb on this forum, so take it with a grain of salt

 

Jgoble, If your talking about me there is no crying here. Donald from Power notebooks posted how to get rid of the partition on the hard drive. I had some trouble completing donalds steps. Donald,Brochiller and David helped me figure out how to complete the reformatting and now it is done. I thank the 3 of them for the help which is kind of the point of this lounge isn't it?

 

And the laptop shuts off when the battery gets down to 6% to prevent it from getting to 0.

 

Can anyone with the laptop already tell me how easy it might be to replace the optical drive with a second hard drive? I've got mine on the way, but I want to know if I should go ahead and order a HD caddy or something.

 

Thank's for the tip Admal. If you installed the drivers on your A-1 and it's working fine then I will give it a try. And thank's for the help with my partition.

 

heyy you guys could someone post some more videos gaming, or some other reviews in video.
i think mine must be in his way by now, i hope its here soon

 

Go to youtube and enter this laptop and you will find some good videos.

 

i know, i know, jaja but there's only one of them gaming, it's only one on crysis, hope someone could post videos on some other games

 

Hey guys...AWESOME thread!! Have read and read and have learned a ton. But still haven't pulled the trigger. Couple questions though...
1. Has anyone got the Blu-ray? If so, what do you think, is it worth it?
2. Has anyone got the Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 Wireless Card? Is there any benefit or does it really matter?

And what gives??? NewEgg has the N61JQ-X1 now with a 2 year warranty?
I guess enough people have complained or the demand warrants it...who knows? Maybe Asus can't keep up with the A1 demand and decided to up the warranty.

Thanks again for everything!!!
I plan on making a decision soon...

Does PowerNotebooks really have the A1 in stock or does it just say that and it is pre-order? If so, when they coming in?

Later