Asus N80Vn-GP011C: First Impressions/Review

Your assumption is correct unless you can somehow cancel the first one and go through the whole process with the coupon.

 

I think its due to the screen res being 1280 x 800, 1080p is way more than that. Maybe should try playing a 720p HD which is 1280 x 720. correct me if Im wrong with the res specs.

 

Pretty sure that any proper program should be able to down-scale the resolution to match your display. I've run HD video files over the internet and they run fine, though all my personal video files are standard DVD quality. Possibly try another program other than VLC (I use Media Player Classic with the K-lite codec pack - not as familiar with VLC), or check your settings to see if there are options for playback that will downscale. I believe full 1080P is 1920x1080, so it should/would run fine over an appropriate external display.

PS - With the k-lite pack, I find that it enables Windows Media Player to play all files accordingly as well as MPC, but I use MPC because of the smaller resource footprint. Perhaps try WMP?

 

If you are referring to the ebay coupon, it only works at the time of the transaction. You enter the code and it automatically discounts the $100.

 

1080p is a resolution of 1920x1080 and 720p is a resolution of 1280x720 (not 800). 720p and 1080i are the same, the "p" means progressive, and the "i" means interlaced.

If you download any video off the net that says it's high definition it's highly doubtful it's 1080p, and may not even be 720p. The size of the file would be huge. For instance, a blu-ray (dual layer 50gb) can hold a 1080p movie. A standard dvd (dual layer 8.5gb) can't even hold a 720p movie. So when the video says high definition, it's probably 1280x720 res, and I'd bet that it's even smaller than that. The only way to tell is by looking at the video's resolution, if it's 1280x720 or higher, then it is a TRUE high definition video.

Just a Note, I've watched a standard dvd movie on a pretty crappy laptop in the past, and the image quality was very impressive, i barely noticed any pixels and it felt high definition for me.

 

i get lag spikes when i play games online, i think its a problem with vista and wireless?

can anyone help me out?

 

Hello Everybody, I know this spot is for n80Vn-GP but I want to know if anyone bought the other model with T5800 from newegg.com, I am little short of money but I can't decide if is a good option. As I know the difference are the CPU (you really noticed the difference in performance?), Smaller Hard Drive, No bluetooth and I don't know if it has LED screen.

Do you think that I will get worst performance playing games using the T5800 than the P8600????

 

for most games you shouldn't. But I have seen some games like Assassin's Creed that do say that the recommended specs for the CPU is like 2.4 Ghz C2D and above. Don't know if it will cause a big bottleneck. For casual gaming it shouldn't.

 

If you're looking to save some money (and sacrifice a bit of performance which will make itself more pronounced in the long run), the lower spec model shouldn't be a major major difference. It should have the LED screen, to the best of any knowledge that is out there.

My decision for things like laptop hardware is that it is often worth the initial investment so that you don't have to replace/upgrade so soon/quickly in the future. Just my personal buyer's philosophy.

 

Im with you on this one... people stress about going bleeding edge tech... but then it only becomes obsolete a couple months after the lower model...

 

hey guys i got this laptop but when playing games. it get lagspikes

is it vista and wiress? i hear sometimg about vista trying to find a better connection causing the spikes, can anyone help me out

 

hey zmatin,

what did you do about the warranty? I found a warranty card with blank fields to be filled by us. We need to fill it up and mail it to the address specified? Or were you somehow able to do it online or via phone? Also what about registering the notebook? Any links?

 

You can just register online and that fulfills the requirement for the 1 year accidental damage protection Make sure you do this within 60 days of purchase.

 

Umm.. can't you just pop out your battery with the n80vn when you're plugged into AC power? It's what I do with my dell to keep its charge capacity up for when I really need it.

Or does the n80vn refuse to power without the battery in, even when connected to AC?

 

Question to owners of ASUS N80Vn what material the body made? is it plastic or aluminium, how its feel if touch it?

 

I did that and they sent me an email saying I have to print it out and send it in by post with the case #. BTW, I sent in the accidental damage protection email and a separate warranty card that came with my latop. It feels kinda old school still having to send in warranty cards. HEHE

I haven't tried but I'm pretty sure it will work without the battery in it. The only down side is that I don't want to risk my latop instantly shutting off when there is no electricity. Also, the battery is located below the bottom left palm rest and it has a rubber stand to stabilize the whole computer. I think it will be wobbly if the battery is detached. No idea why it is designed as such.

It is defnitely not aluminium. It feels like plastic and a pretty sturdy one at that as well.

 

Mehrzeri something: Do you get lag spikes when plugged in with AC power? I get lag when playing Witcher in XP when its on battery life.

If you are using Vista, do you make sure that it's set to the highest performance mode when plugged in? Or even when it's not plugged in? YOu can't game when it's in office mode.

 

To check that, right click on the battery icon, in the task bar, and click on Power4Gear Extreme, and then make sure the thing isn't on max power save.. assuming of course that all asus' have power4gear..

 

ALso, I don't bother with VISTA much but with XP, Power4gear only allows "high performance" on battery as opposed to "Super performance" when plugged in. If the P4G with Vista is the same, you may not get full performance without being plugged in or disabling p4g.

 

you have an extreme performance..? aw, i only get maximum..

 

Hi All,

My thinkpad T42 just died and I'm giving serious consideration to trying this machine out for size.

Was wondering if anyone could comment on the touchpad though, I know I'm a real big fan of the red pointer in the middle of my beloved ThinkPad and I'm a bit worried about moving to touchpads.

 

On battery the GPU will downlock due to powermizer (I'm assuming it's an nVidia GPU, ATI will likely have a similar downclocking feature). You need to prevent that behavior if you want to game on battery.

 

So, just got word back from asus and my online store.. and nz isn't getting anything till the distributer gets the product sheets.. IN DECEMBER!! lol
So we won't be getting the n80 or n50 till next year..

so, in light of this, i've put together a customisation of the A1 on xoticpc, and would like some input on whether i should go for this one or the newegg one

-Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt ( + 362 )
-Windows Vista® Home Premium 32
-4GB DDR2 800Mhz
-14.1" WXGA 1280x800 LED Backlight ColorShine (Glare-type)
-NVIDIA® 9650M GT with 1GB VRAM
-320GB 5400rpm 2.5" 9.5mm SATA
-DVDRW Super Multi
-8 in 1 card reader
-1.3 Mega Pixel web camera
-Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 ABGN
-Interface
1 x Express card
1 x Microphone-in jack
1 x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF)
1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
5 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x IEEE 1394 port
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
1 x HDMI
1 x CIR for remote controller
-Built-in Azalia compliant audio chip, with 3D effect & full duplex
-Built-in speaker and microphone
-Keyboard 18.2mm szie 87 Key with MS windows function keys
-Battery Pack & Life 6 cells: 4800 mAh,
-AC Adapter Output: 19 V DC, 4.7 A, 90W
-100-240V V AC, 50/60 Hz universal
-34.0 x 25.0 x 3.63~3.72 cm (W x D x H) 2.59 kg
-Accessories, Optical Mouse, Carrying bag

Warranty & e-support 2-year limited global hardware warranty
*different by country
1-year battery pack warranty
On-line problem resolution through web interface (BIOS, Driver update)
OS (Microsoft Windows Vista) install/uninstall consultation
Bundled software install/uninstall consultation

price:
$1331 + $223 s&h = USD $1554
NZD $2827

For price comparrison: I can get the F8 (14" not LED T9400 poccessor, Ati 3650 1gb) for $2700 nzd.
http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?action=showdetail&id=6252
(that site has the best nz prices for asus)

thoughts..?
only real difference is the processor though it says it has a bluetooth adapter on the summary, but not in the main specs..

 

All I see is a faster processor there, I would just get the n80vn-gp like everyone else

 

Yeah, the .16ghz is not going to make any significant increase in speed/performance/power use that I can foresee. How much does it cost for the processor upgrade? I'd say save that and put it in pocket. Bluetooth should be in the X1 (which is the same as the GP011C, best I can tell).

 

Hey zmatin, is this zeroshock iii here http://www.amazon.com/Black-ZEROSHO...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227669719&sr=8-11 the same as the one you are using or recommend?

 

yer the processor is the only difference.. lol, looking at it like "only .16ghz" is probably a very good way.. $362 USD is probly worth saving..
can someone post the ebay link, or such.. they do do NZ deliverys right..?
[edit]
I'm new to ebay, so can someone help me out.
I've found a couple of n80 gp's and was wondering which to go for??
Retailers or just normal ones..
cos of course i still want to get the warrantee's and stuff..
(ebay.co.nz hasn't got the n80, so i'm searchin .com)

 

Got my N80Vn-A1 today, here's a couple benchmark comparisons. (GP011C #'s are Zmatin's from page 1)

Windows Hardware Experience Index:
N80Vn-GP011C: Overall 5.0 | CPU: 5.3 | Memory: 5.9 | Graphics: 5.0 | Gaming: 5.3 | Disk: 5.3
N80Vn-A1: Overall 4.8 | CPU: 4.9 | Memory: 4.8 | Graphics: 4.9 | Gaming: 5.3 | Disk: 5.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Difference: Overall 0.2 | CPU: 0.4 | Memory: 1.1 | Graphics: 0.1 | Gaming: - | Disk: -


3DMark06 @ 1280x800
N80Vn-GP011C: 4654 3DMarks | SM2.0 1921 | SM3.0 1720 | CPU 2137
N80Vn-A1: 4034 3DMarks | SM2.0 1893 | SM3.0 1712 | CPU 1012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Difference: 620 3DMarks | SM2.0 28 | SM3.0 8 | CPU 1125


Not sure why my Memory score is that dramatically lower, probably has something to do with FSB speed (266 vs 200) affecting memory throughput.

 

lol, window experience is really just weird, same gpu, yet..
(note: ShockwaveVT, you might wanna double check those differences )

anyway, found one that looks good, retailer (excaliberpc) $1159 USD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ASUS-N80Vn-GP01...m14&_trkparms=72:570|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318
international shipping too

so, im regestering now, just gotta wait a bit, and decide once and for all if I'm getting this, and find an adapter for our AC plugs..
on that note.. the F8 one's should fit this all good right?

[edit]
screw ebay, i'm going straight to excaliber, lol.. i think the cashback stuff for ebay are above my head anyways..
$1,276.44 USD, $2350 NZD, well, the best I could do here was $2670 for the F8, so.. i think I'm sorted

 

Not sure if/how the Live.com rebate would work with ebay.co.nz (i know it works for .com), but I did purchase my N80Vn from ExcaliberPC through ebay using "buy it now". They had great service and quick shipping (though I live in Colorado so Cali wasn't that far to ship from) but I did talk to a real live person who was competent and supremely helpful without any hassles every time I called, and they responded quickly and appropriately to emails and questions.

@ DFA1 - Shinza Zeroshock III 14" Notebook Sleeve manufacturer's website. The amazon link posted looks to be the same sleeve (the older Zeroshock II 14" sleeve didn't have the zipper across the front and had different dimensions and does NOT fit the N80Vn)

 

sweet positive for Excaliber!!
anyone have an idea on the similarity between an N80's adapter and an F8's adapter.
Also, adding to that, would i need to get a whole adapter, or just the cable bit that joins the box/transformer to the wall..?
ie, could i request a photo of the n80's adapter/power cables? also while whosoever does that, can they grab a few shots of the bag it comes with too .. (i feel so demanding.. )
that would be a huge help ty!

 

In regards to the power adapter, to the best of my knowledge you will only need to get a prong adapter, whether it be the short cable being replaced or just a little plug attachment onto the existing American-style prongs. The adapter itself will handle voltage standards internationally. There is a picture of the adapter in the slideshow in the review. FWIW, I actually swapped the prong end of the adapter plug with my old Acer's adapter b/c it was longer, and it works fine (it had the same style attachment to the adapter).

If you check through the actual review on the first page, there is one picture of the included carrying bag. I know other people have asked for more pictures of the bag, but IMO, it's a neat accessory to throw in but is not built to the standards of something that I would use to carry around something as precious as my laptop for everyday use and security. It's by no means a complete piece of sh*t, but it's not like the re-branded targus backpacks that have been included with some of the G-series notebooks.

I personally use a Burton backpack (snowboard brand, but they make excellent bags/luggage/packs for a variety of things) which has a solid area of rigid foam for the back padded area, a hardshell on the front, and then there is a semi-hidden laptop compartment that has a neoprene suspended base that is almost like a hammock so that the laptop never actually makes physical contact with the floor when set down. There are many other bags I would recommend, and as stated before, I suggest using a product like the Shinza sleeve with your choice of pack/bag for personal fit, function, and style (of course!).

 

Cool, had a look at the pictures you mentioned, the bag looks pretty good, but i think i'll agree it would be better to find another, will look into those sleeves you mentioned..
The adapter though, I can't see the bit that connects the two peices.. but does it look like this:

cos if it doesn't.. then that'll cost me about $150 to get another transformer.. cos those wall adapters are clunky and hideous.. otherwise it'll cost me $11 to get a new wall -> box thing cable, which i really don't mind

 

Yep, it looks just like that. All you'll need to get is the detachable length of cord that actually plugs into the wall. Also posted detailed shots of the adapter in the slideshow.

 

omg thankyou so much!! that's super news!!
according to the specs on your box thing the box thing i have now would do, lol.. unfortunately the plug on the laptops'll be different.. meh, the next owner of my g1 will need it anyway..
So all i need is that cabley bit, just $11, yay!!

Just need to find the right one online now.. shouldn't be too difficult, this asus site has a very select range (2.. a black and a white one.. oh the choices!!)
Then to order it, and pick up assassin's creed or even F3

 

Touchpad is nice, though a bit different of a texture than I am used to on my 3+ year old Acer, which has definitely worn in and acquired a nice patina of finger grease to help slide. Drivers are really nice, with clickable zones in the corners (which you can set the size of) that can be assigned to various functions (I have the top left and right corners set to back and forward and the bottom two corners to middle click and right click). Also, you can set scroll zones for both horizontal and vertical. I will say that it does feel new, but once it gets a little broken in (I have no idea if that's technically correct, but my old trackpad definitely got easier to use with more wear) I'm sure it'll be great. I've never personally understood the little nubbin pencil eraser trackpoint (I mean I get how to use it, but not why people prefer it). As stated before, the physical buttons are a bit stiff, but maybe wearing over time will make them softer. However, I tap-click on the touchpad rather than use the physical buttons. Also, as a disclaimer, I often/always use an external mouse. It all comes down to preference.

 

Glad that helped seal the deal. I wonder when I'll start getting kickbacks from Asus, haha! (Seriously, who's listening out there?) Steam is awesome and both FO3 and AC are available through it.

 

lol, you've given quite a few sales eh, most deserved!!

Are they both available through steam!? might look into that.. d/led half life off there last week, just shy of $1 brilliant service that!
Still, I'm old-fashioned, i like my cd's..
I'll be able to play Red Alert 3 too!! woohoo!! FINALLY!!!!! It's been sitting staring at me for a few weeks now.. arrived on preorder, and can't install it on this computer.. => gpu not supported (drm thing limits installs too, so i ain't gonna try it..) .. sounds and looks great though

 

Connected, but slightly off-topic: Beauty of Steam is that you can be on any computer and can download and install games that you've purchased through Steam. It's really the best form of DRM that I've seen come through in PC video games in a long time (aside from the olddddd school "What is the 7th word of the 3rd paragraph on page 34 of the game manual?" and such)

 

yer, it's excellent, if i want to play audio surf at at friends place, just type in my login.. bbam, audio surf! same as when getting a new pc, downloaded games on my old computer, with no mucking around tryna find that cd case for the code, just login and we're away!
just a shame that games like F3 and AC are so big.. i have a 2gb/day and 20gb/month.. at max 7mb/s, usually 4mb/s.. so i'll stick to getting them great indie titles and old school wonders (days before dvd, a'la 200mb install)

can't wait to see what RA3 is like on the N80 though.. I'll see what black friday and monday deals are going at excaliber, then i'll order
till then sleep+study

 

Remember though, with Steam you end up with TWO forms of activation DRM if the retail game also has activation DRM. Either of them goes down, and poof, you lost your game.

I caved and "bought" that 98¢ copy of Half Life 1, but I'm not spending much more than that for a rental...

 

Thanks.

It might be just a machine based issue, but the touchpads on my T42 and Dell D610 (work laptop) are awfull. Franklly, I've never known how people DONT use the pointer stick! Basically, on these two machines, they're very though to use and require a high effort/coordination ratio to use as compared to the pointer.

Sounds like the Asus might be more advanced than I'm used to, and hopefully more user friendly. I do actually use my laptops on my lap quite a bit, so this is one of those "critical" points for me.

 

I, for the life of me, cannot seem to figure out how I can get 20% off through the live.com search / ebay store. The best rebate that I see is the 5% through some nerds.com website. It's not like there are none left on ebay or something (I found expcestore on ebay to see if that was the case).

I went to live.com, searched for Asus N80Vn, and clicked the "Research and earn cashback for Asus N80Vn" link at the top.

 

1) Go to www.live.com
2) type in "wii" without quotes on the search
3) Near the top you should see an ad referencing 25% and Ebay. Click on that
4) Now you should be at Ebay and near the top it says 25% off with Buy it now.
5) put "Asus N80Vn" in the Ebay search bar
6) Find you model from a seller that has 'buy it now'

 

You haven't commented on the screen resolution...how is it for a 14 inch laptop?

 

he has though.. there's been many talk of resolution throughout this thread..

 

Thanks for the numbers ShockwaveVT, I was waiting for some A1 model info but I want to know If you could test it with a real experience in actual games like Dead Space or Fallout 3??

 

Oh but has there been a resolution to the issue of resolution? Hah, jk. I find the WXGA resolution on the 14" screen to be very comfortable, easy to read, and very bright and clear (the LED backlighting also is an important factor). As said previously, more screen real-estate would be nice, but in the 14" form-factor, I think the resolution is fine and I don't regret it (and actually prefer, compared to my old 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680x1050). Anything bigger than a 14.1" screen, though, I would find WXGA to be too little.

 

are there any reviews out there?

 

haha, thats awesome (I bought it from excalibur at literally the same time)

I didnt get my $200 cash back into my paypal yet :'(. I think it might be because I used a CC to fund the transaction as opposed to my bank account which I never use and only keep active for paypal.