Asus UL30VT FAQ / Official Owners Lounge redux

Post a picture.

 

I've been trying to run 3DMark 2006 today but it keeps failing because it wants to switch back and forth between Intel and nVidia between every test. Anyone else got that? It worked fine before.

 

I've noticed recently that my keys aren't registering as well as they used to. I'd say maybe 5% of the time the keyboard won't register a key as I type unless I press really hard. Anyone else have this problem? It's not a big deal but it does get a little annoying.

And while I love my Ul30Vt, I regret getting it. I don't take it around nearly as much as I thought I would (which is a big part of why I got it) and the processor isn't as fast as I would like. I do alot of drawing in Photoshop and I get a decent amount of lag.

ps. While typing this post out, I got about 10 un-registered keystrokes.. Lol.

 

? Sorry, turn laptop over, remove drive then stuff one antenna under plastic case toward speaker. Did not think to take picture...

 

hydra, did you disassemble the laptop to install the new WiFi or did you do the "quick switch" trick by prying the notebook up a bit, sliding the Atheros out (after taking off those screws of course), then sliding the new one in?

(ps...I am soooo glad I got the Intel 1000BGN WiFi assembly with twin antennas...)

I am not clear on one other thing about your install...did your notebook come with 2 antennas, or just 1-- as most people have said the A1 comes with just 1?

Did you install the Intel Ultimate N-6300 or the N-6200? Sorry if you've already mentioned what you got earlier, please refresh my oooold memory banks! Did you install the software package, ("My WiFi"), or just the driver?

Thanks...!

 

You need to install the PhysX runtime manually since Mass Effect 2 needs it but doesn't automatically install it for the G210M. ME2 doesn't use hardware PhysX so the G210M can run it using the original Asus hybrid drivers as long as the PhysX runtime is installed. I can run the game okay, but it does get somewhat laggy in some parts even at the lowest settings. I'd say that it's playable and still looks good at the lowest settings, but it's not really an enjoyable experience after a while. Overclocking the CPU and GPU will help quite a lot, but don't cry if your overclocked notebook gets fried during a long ME2 gaming session.

BTW, using the modded 197.16 drivers will not give any noticeable boost in framerate for ME2, so it's not worth updating to 197.16 just for ME2.

I got this problem once, and I posted the solution at http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=6180616&postcount=79

 

I got two year warranty plus the accidental. For this reason I don't want to risk the warranty sticker under the keyboard. I have the worst luck trying to finesse the buggers off.

Mine came with the one antenna for the Atheros card. This card works very well so no need to sweat it if you don't plan on N at highest 5.8mHz.

Remove hard drive then two wireless card screws and antenna. Swing one corner of the card out and toward you. I used toothpick to lift the black tape away from top of card. I used Dave's links for the 6300 and $3.50 antennas. Slide new card in and wiggle to seat in socket. Replace screws.

No need to mangle, fold or mutilate the case in any form. ( Dave, did you repace tape or leave it off? Not sure what the pourpose of the tape is other than static drain or shield)

The extra antenna is just finesses forward to the speakers, next to the plastic bottom cover. I did not want to tear apart the screen but may do it after a year or so. Using two total so you guys with two already in lid can slide the third, if needed, under case...or go for three in the screen.

I'm typing this on my new lighted keyboard so I'm ready for my upcoming night flights to and from work. I had to solder one wire but can clean this so would be hard to tell if warranty work should ever be needed.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Itaru, you say that it's not worth upgrading the drivers to 197.16, but how would I get physx runtime without doing that? I downloaded physx available here, installed it, restarted, but still couldn't launch ME2 OR see a physx section in my nvidia control panel.

Apologies if all this sounds stupid, but I just want to be clear about what I'm doing, especially since it would appear, from this thread, that the 197.16 driver actually reduces performance. If my only choice is doing that, I think I'd rather just wait for nvidia to release newer, more stable drivers which won't lead to a performance hit.

 

So you bought a whole new card? Is it possible to just get the $3.50 antennas and screw one of them into the Atheros card?

 

I left the tape out

Sure you can. The atheros card has 2 antenna connectors. Just pop in another antenna, route it to your liking and you're good to go.

 

Check your card first. Mine must be a later model with just one connector. You can see where a second connector could be placed.

We saving BIG bucks now BTW; antennas took 14 days to ship from HK, ymmv.

MDL# ATH-AR5B95

 

Yes, that's the correct PhysX runtime to install. You won't see the PhysX settings in the Nvidia control panel if you're still using the original Asus hybrid drivers, and that's how it should be since the original drivers doesn't support GPU-accelerated PhysX. ME2 just needs the Physx runtime installed, but doesn't actually use it since it doesn't do any GPU-accelerated PhysX. It's lame, I know. I managed to run ME2 just fine using the original Asus hybrid drivers after installing the PhysX runtime.

If you still can't run ME2 after installing the PhysX runtime, then something else is missing. Have you installed the latest DirectX redistributable? You can get it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...80-E94A-4F56-B157-5AB8109CB4F5&displaylang=en

Other than latest DirectX, you also need to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 redistributable. Get it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...75-3b97-4ab7-a40d-3802b2af5fc2&displaylang=en

 

Any of you guys having problem with the mic built into the laptop?
The mic seems to be noisy weirdly.

 

Hi all,

I've had the UL30vt for 3 months and am very happy with it. (Thanks to all for the advice that led me to buy one!) However, today I encountered a serious problem with the ATK Hotkey program, which allows you to use the hotkeys on the UL30vt. The process "hcontrol.exe," which I discovered is the process for ATK Hotkey, for some reason started using ~50% of my CPU, all the time-- and when I try to actually use a hotkey, CPU usage goes up to 100%, and the system stalls.

I uninstalled ATK Hotkey, and this eliminated the problem. However, I really would like to be able to use the hotkeys! (To switch between integrated and dedicated graphics, turn off the trackpad, etc.) I tried reinstalling both versions of ATK Hotkey which are on the ASUS site, and both produce the same problem. I also tried reinstalling the other ATK programs (ATK Media, ATKOSD2, ATKACPI Driver), with the same result.

Anyone have any idea how to fix this?

Thanks.

 

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us
Type in ATK on the left hand side, download the ATK_package and see if that works.

 

So I have been looking for the perfect ultraportable laptop for some time now...until I came across the UL30VT model. Love it. Especially the X1.

One problem though...the black version that I love comes with a lower capacity battery.

So I noticed in the FAQ of the forum, that users had reported getting a 5600mah battery with their X1. Is this common perhaps now? Or were these people just graced with blind luck?

 

Thanks-- I tried all three versions of ATK package there, but unfortunately the problem remains. It looks like the package is a collection of the individual programs I had reinstalled before.

 

Sounds like an obvious conflict with another driver or software. Was anything installed prior to problem?

Why three months and no problem?

At one time I saw reports with wireless driver conflicts so you may want to get live support on phone.

 

Have any of you guys tried swapping the A1 case to the X1? i really want the black casing for my A1

 

That sounds plausible. I used the computer for most of the day before the problem occurred without installing any new programs (and no likely suspects appear in "add or remove programs"), but maybe some driver or program was auto-updated and that caused the problem? I will be calling ASUS soon if the collective wisdom of the internet comes up short...

 

Well, you have one shot if you have a system restore date very close to the day BEFORE problem started. You may get lucky.

Are you backed up with your files?

Not sure what Asus will have in mind but may ask for OS restore if they don't have a clue...

 

..and the cost of a black case plus the destruction of your warranty?

Buy a $20 dollar lid cover/protector. A black one

 

I would call your seller and specifiably ask. I read of one user getting the bigger battery, who knows?

 

I have slight damage to my LCD cover. My dogs knocked my notebook off the couch on to the tile floor and it flipped on to the lid. Lucky I had covered the lid in 3M film and had the notebook attached to a cooler, which took the first hit.

I contacted the Asus eStore and had to special order a new cover. I was told it would take 3 to 4 months to arrive.

 

Yes, my files are backed up, and I've got a system restore point from two days before the problem.

 

OK, you can always restore back if nothing is fixed..go for it!

 

it was under warranty, right? how much was the part?

 

Success! The culprit has been identified.

I did a system restore, and the problem disappeared. So I then reinstalled a few programs I had installed a couple of days ago (after the restore point) to see which one was causing the conflict with ATK Hotkey. It turns out it was a program called Airfoil ( http://rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/windows/), which allows you to send audio wirelessly to an Apple Airport Express router. Word to the wise.

Not sure why the conflict didn't appear sooner, but there you have it. Thanks!

 

I just picked up one of these off ebay, I'm considering buying one of those fancy intel SSDs for it, I'm not too concerned about the speed it will bring, but more about the battery life. Does anyone here have any figures for battery life with a SSD installed?

Edit: Blargh, oh well doesn't matter, I bought the intel 40GB value SSD (SSDSA2MP040G2R5). I don't need space on this lappy, battery life is really the only concern, and the SSD will do nothing but help (from what I have researched).

 

Can anyone recommend an external CD/DVD burner that has Lightscribe capabilities that is compatible with our laptop?

 

Newegg has a few available. Looking from customer reviews, this drive seems to be pretty decent:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106336

 

What Synaptic drivers have you guys had success with? Everything I've tried has given me "supported hardware not found" errors.

 

Synaptics_v14_0_3_C_XP64_Vista64_Win7-64_Signed_default

 

my graphix boost button doesn't seem to really do anything, nor does the power4gear hotkey (fn + space). only switches graphics cards when i go into the power4gear settings. any idea?

edit: woops, i am dumb. i just read the post to downgrade power4gear. thanks guys

 

It recognizes my touchpad as a "PS/2 Wheel Mouse"

 

Sure, lots and lots of ideas, but I don't know if I can help you in just one quick post. You probably have corrupted drivers, so I'd start by reinstalling ALL the ATK Hot Key Suite of drivers (5-7) which are listed under the UL30 "ATK" section in the Downloads for this model computer.

Then I'd completely uninstall whatever P4G CP you have in there now, and go find v1.25 and install that. You also need to restart a couple of times during those installs to set the registry keys correctly, especially after P4G installs.

That's about a good start to fixing what is wrong with your computer at this point, although there is probably more to it than just this post will help with.

I am sorry I'm late to this party, if somebody else already answered you, but I got hung up with fixing another CPU and couldn't answer this for a couple hours until now, sorry about that. :GEEK:

Hope this helps you some at least.

 

Note: You need to be logged in as a Admin for these keys to work. If logged on as a User (the safe way to log on and use windows), they don't unfortunately. However, switching between power and battery (by removing or plugging in the cord) does switch.

 

that has been my experience too.


mitt

 

Hi guys.

I'm about to join the owners club with a UL30VT on it's way from B&H to Melbourne, Australia! I also ordered an intel x25-m 80gb from ebay because I really want to play with one. They sound great.

Yay.

 

Im about to pull the trigger on the UL30VT as well

But before I do can anyone tell me whether the atheros card on the A1 is better than the intel card on the X1? I wanted to get the black model but was hesitant because of the slightly weaker battery, but then i heard the A1's atheros wireless card has issues. Could anyone clarify for me? Thanks.

 

I wouldn't say the Atheros card has "issues", all we have is anecdotal reports that the Intel card has better range.

 

In installed the Synaptics drivers and they do provide higher sensitivity which is nice, but there's also zero customization. When using the Synaptics driver for example the two finger scroll works immediately, as opposed to the slight delay with the ELAN drivers (you have to move the two fingers and after you move them a little bit then it starts scrolling). There might be a way to just tweak the ELAN driver.

 

I just bought one of these finally
I don't have time to do a clean install of windows and figure out this whole power 4 gears thing yet, but I'm a bit anxious to. The only issue I have right now is some sticky reside on the touchpad from the sticker. How do I get this off? Also, how do you get off the decal stickers (nvidia, core 2 duo, windows 7)? All of the other ones were relatively easy.

Thanks

 

Before removing any type of stickers, I find it useful if the stickers are heated as this will make the sticky substance softer and less "viscous". A hair dryer should do the trick. If any residue are left behind, rubbing the surface with your fingers should get the residue off, but in case it doesn't you can also try use a little rubbing alcohol.

 

Don't bother with any alcohol or heating. Just pry the sticker off with your nails first, then use the sticker itself to dab and rub the residue and it will all end up sticking to the sticker rather than the laptop. It took me like 30 seconds to get rid of all my stickers that way.

 

There's nothing technically "wrong" with the Atheros 9285 BGN WiFi card, it's simply just not as robust or xlnt as the Intel cards are for some reason. You can add a 2nd antenna to the Atheros card and it improves reception a bunch (at least 1 bar vs 1 antenna), but the best solution is to replace the WiFi with an Intel N-6200 or N-6300 Ultimate WiFi card, which are easily available here (BabyHemi had some last time I checked), or on eBay or retailer/etailers have them in mass quantities these days. :wink:

The actual replacement is quite easy also...David the NBR guy here can offer assistance in the 'take apart' dept. if you need it, but it's really just simple as all getout to replace the WiFi 1/2-height PCI-Express card. :yes:

YMMV but those are the recommendations as I know them at this point. Personally, I'd replace the card if you want the Silver model and that's all that is stopping you...or just try it out for a couple days after getting it, and see if it's enough for you, or if you need more WiFi for streaming video/audio etc.

I happen to have the black X-1 model, and prefer it over silver such as it is, but it's not the only reason, the WiFi was part of my decision also...the Intel 1000BGN card in the black X-1 turns out to be sufficient for my needs with this CPU...there may come a day that I replace it, but not yet, the 1000BGN card works a treat in my experience. :smile:

Hope this helps...

 

I have a Best Net Friend in Melbourne, so wave Hi to him next time you go by the Xerox facility there in Notting Hill! Congratulations on your purchase, and from my favorite etailer no less, B&H PHoto Video & Pro Audio. I am wating on a purchase from B&H also at this time, a little higher end than my UL30VT-X1, but nonetheless I had my pick of etailers and I stuck with them! :wink:

The Intel X25-m will really make your machine come to life, as I have an 80GB in my X-1, and it makes it literally TWICE as fast as it is without it. Not kidding!

Be sure and update the firmware to the latest available for TRIM support, with nothing on the SSD, do it when it's brand new, a virgin...then utilize the TRIM functions in the Toolkit too, and that would be the newest toolkit v1.3 not 1.2, which was just released last week!

Of course also remember to turn off the auto-defragmentation function in Windows 7 if you're using Windows 7. THAT is important! :smile:

The new toolkit is very comprehensive and does a LOT for the operation of the SSD in a TRIM/Windows environment vs. v1.2, which was not very robust, it turns out. I also have a 160GB X25-M ready to go into the new machine when it gets here, so I'm quite an Intel SSD buff...they are not the fastest writers, but overall they Rock!

Good luck, and may God Bless your UL30VT!

 

Congratulations on your purchase! Way to go, you finally bit it off...! :yes:

The Clean Install is a very important thing to do, and to do it right I have a little candid advice to give you: take your time and do it right, and RESTART bunches of times during the driver installations. Don't use the OEM Driver DVD ROM either! At least I sure didn't and the result was spectacular!

Or you can use a Flash Drive for the same result...just do what you are used to doing, but do NOT use the OEM DVD ROM of drivers, as it can get out of control and install things you don't want to get installed.

I made my own DVD ROM with all the right drivers and grouped them into logical groups for the install process (numbering them before you burn them to DVD ROM gives an order to the big mess of drivers, and makes them easy to install in their respective groups, ie BlueTooth Drivers, ATK Drivers, Video and Sound drivers etc), and it made for a very nice installation. :smile:

I also recommend that you use any of the better Registry Cleaners/fixers during the install process, ie every time you restart use the utility to help set the drivers in the Registry correctly, and fix any errors the install generates.

You can Google "Glary Registry Cleaner" for one good result; I also have Registry Mechanic by PC Tools, Inc, which is not free, but it's the best at what it does...and I use *both of them* during any install, and often during regular use also to prevent problems and fix the Registry, which becomes fragmented and full of errors over time, just from use.

That's about all I can advise you to do, the rest if sort of up to the Asus Gods, and here's wishing you the best of luck with your clean install...the only way to go!

 

It's too bad about this thread becoming such a "Dead Zone" these days...there isn't much action here like there was with the old thread.

Wonder why that is? :wub:

I hope that I can help generate a little bit of action here by my own contributions again. I haver nothing better to do for the next 10 days or so than hang out here after work...until the new G51JX-A1 arrives anyway...how are things with everybody? What's happening with these great machines?

I love mine to death still...use it every day and it never fails me... :yes:

I did have to send it up for an RMA to Asus in Fremont, CA., but they used Express Saver shipping (FedEx), and the whole deal only took 5 days for everyone's information. :smile:

That was impressive! Plus with the 1333Mhz RAM they replaced the defective RAM with they did me a BIG favor for the new machine...it's going to come with 1333Mhz RAM, they tell me, so I'll just load up that machine with one of the SODIMMs from my RMA and install it into that one for 8GB RAM real quick, and easy! :wink:

This one tends to like the 1066Mhz RAM so the 8GB of Super Talent/Samsung SDRAM is better suited to this one anyway.

Anyway, it's good to be back here and I wish everyone a good evening!

 

That is what I do