M50Sv: Review & Owners' Lounge

See here for more benchmarks: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/hdd-galore,1762.html

(yeah, I'm bored... )

 

Quick Question : Does the drivers CD come with a decoder for the DVD drive? I'm unable play any DVDs.

 

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to ask for your opinion on where I should buy this laptop from (Are there any good deals for this?) Im looking at xoticpc, btotech, gentechpc, etc. I dont know where I should get this laptop, but definitely I will get this since all reviews for this is good.

So... Where do you guys think I should buy?

THanks in advance for your help

 

I like this version

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220306

because I like 15 inch wsxga screens

they are universally good usually


this is the cmo 15.4 wsxga inch screen which is the best one.

and the hitachi 500 gb hd

Its just good.

 

I recommend GenTechPC. That who I bought mine from. He did a great job with his review and provided great information which confirm my decision to purchase it. But I also think that the other vendors has done a good job representing themselves and their businesses and wouldn't disappoint you either.

 

I purchased mine from xoticpc. They delivered it quick. They did a great job on instaling Vista Ultimate. Their communication has been minimal.

 

gahhh this computer is causing such a dilemna. The m50sv-a1 is so perfect for me, except the complaints im hearing about the screen. which makes the newegg one look tempting except im not sure its worth the extra price, plus id much rather order from eddie or ken.

besides that i worry about buying the newegg ones because.... the card seems wasteful, i know it cant use 1 gig of graphics ram, which means its just making extra heat and using extra power. And secondly, i currently own an S96j, and i remember what both eddie and ken did to get the graphics /grainy screen issue fixed in these. if there ends up being a problem with the 3650 in this notebook, i dont wanto rely on newegg to get things straightened out.

I really am confused to hell why asus keeps using auo screens when they supposedly have heavy investment in the amazing CMO screens.

side note: can anyone tell me what webcam is in the m50, i just found out that the f8 works flawlessly with ubuntu, and am curious about the m50, basically making sure it doesnt have a bisoncam

 

Hi Line98, what are the complaints about the screen? If the complaints is the dark screen, I do remember either Ken or Eddie saying that its just because of the sensor. Any other issue about the screen is news for me. Care to share what the issue is? =) I own a F3KA laptop, and I will be shipping it to my brother because he will start college soon and he doesnt have a laptop. Im concerned that he might have trouble with college since his course is multimedia arts, so what the heck, ill give him my laptop and just buy a new one.

I was suppose to buy this today, but I was thinking of waiting for some sale event. You guys think I should wait for like memorial day or mothers day? Might get lucky and get me some free stuff or instant savings/rebates... Hehe

 

Question:

I fresh installed vista ultimate and only the drivers from the Asus DVD (no application software). In 'device manager', i can see the camera as USB 2.0 1.3M UVC WebCam. However, in control panel, under 'scanners and cameras', I don't see the camera. Does anyone know if I need to install someting from the asus DVD besides the driver?

 

Hi rndcar,

I had the same problem with my F3KA before, my suggestion is to go to support.asus.com and download the webcam driver from there. Hope this helps

 

It doesn't comes with Asus DVD software, are you able to play movies with Media Player or Media Center? if not try download the Vista Codec package:

http://www.free-codecs.com/vista_codec_package_download.htm

 

thanks - i'll give it a shot.

 

I have gotten 2 ASUS laptops (A8Js and M50SV) and some accessories from BTOtech in the last year or so and their service have always been great.

 

I just tried to play DVD movie with M50Sv-A1, you don't need any softwares, the Windows Media Player worked by click "now playing" and choose choose play DVD, Windows Media Center worked as well.

 

Nathan the complaints ive been hearing, is that the AUO screen used in the wxga+ screen is supposedly grainy and has light leakage. the newegg ones with the wsxga+ have CMO screens which tend to be absolutely brilliant.

 

Thanks for the info. Im happy with my F3KA screen as of now, so im wondering how big of a difference this will have for the M50SV... hm... So no one has found a solution for this yet?

 

FWIW. I have been using my M50SV-A1 for movies and games since I got it and I have no problem with graininess at all. As to light leakage, while there are a bit of light seeping thru the top and bottom edge. It's only really noticeable when watching a movie with the black bars on top and bottom. But the seepage stops about 1/8" into the screen so it by no means interfere with the picture. As for Brightness, This screen is definitely brighter than the one on my A8JS and works pretty well outdoor.

 

I got mine in the mail last week and I absolutely love it. It's fully loaded with cool little features (ie. the touchpad, the auto login with the FP and/or the webcam, etc). Granted, I turn most of them off, but it's an impressive array. Good above average sound, very solid feel, runs very quiet and extremely cool compared to my old Sager (COD4 for about 1.5 hours and it was just warm).

My only problem is the leakage on the screen along with the extreme glossyness that reflects pretty much everything, but I knew about these going in. Now time to play around with the settings and tweak it out....

 

Hi Ken

Thanks for the reply. I did try using the WMP program and I got a Missing DVD Decoder message. I installed the Codec pack along with a new WMP11 version and it now works.

What's up with LightScribe? Is that just a labeling program a specific DVD driver?

 

The light leakage at the bottom of the screen is the only negative on this computer. I don't play game so it's not a big deal to me. That aside, the screen is super clear and sharp and bright, equal to the 20" Dell Ultrasharp series that I use at work.

 

Im deffinitely gonna buy this! Just looking around to see which store has the best price or freebees and support. Looks like BTOtech, xoticpc, gentech has same great support, am I right guys?

 

Well, the best support are from reputable resellers like the ones you mentioned. So I'd stick with those

 

can someone tell me what webcam is in these. i use ubuntu, and am debating between this and a few others later this summer. however the bison cams asus used to use do not have linux drivers anywhere, so im seeing if they changed the cam.

 

the webcam is D-MAX (Sonix 213).

 

In BTOTech, when I try to customize the laptop, the base price goes up... Is it due to Labor cost or is it a web error? Eddie?

 

Never mind, got the answer from their customer service... =)

 

I'm having a problem getting to the fingerprint security. The setup wizard ran during the first bootup of the laptop and then it just hanged in s dos box so I closed it thinking I can get back to it later which I did not until now. But I can't find the setup wizard anywhere. I look under the ASUS folder under C:/programs/ASUS and I don't see it. How can I activate the wizard again?

 

Got mine yesterday and I am loving it. The only issue I am having is with the finger print reader. Otherwise it is a great machine and thanks to Ken from Gen Tech for the driver cds.

 

Click Start>All Programs>Asus Security Center>My Identity.

 

Ken:

Thanks for the quick reply. Problem is that I don't have a Asus Security Center folder on the start menu. I have a Asus folder and a Asus Utility folder but I don't see it under either one. I look manually under the C Drive and I can't find anything named Asus Security Center.

 

Insert the Drivers CD and browse the folders, go to APSM folder and click SETUPIAM.EXE.

 

Ok, Got it. I went to Asus's website and downloaded the FingerPrintVT file under Utilities and re-install that. After a reboot, I got the Fingerprint setup wizard.

 

OK, so i got my M50SV-a1 the other day from GentechPC and I absolutely love it! It's nice to be actually using a decent computer, especially a laptop (i've always owned desktops) Anyway, I have a quick question or two. First, and I feel kinda dumb for asking, but will keeping my laptop plugged in as much as possible extend the life of my batteries, or should i let them drain before charging? Second, when i log into windows after the boot, there's a DOS box that flashes on my screen. It says ASUS something or other on the top (i can check on the next boot). Does anyone know what this is? and is it a program I can uninstall or is it something i need? Also, can anyone tell me what Splendid is? And is it worth keeping? It runs on the boot and I'm trying to eliminate anything I don't want or need. Thanks for any info.

 

Yea, You probably missed the fingerprint setup wizard. Read back on a couple of my post here in this thread and see Ken's solution for fixing it.

As for battery use, I usually leave my Laptop pluged in 24/7. Once a month or so, I'll run down the battery to where it auto hibernate and then recharge it to full. Modern Li-Ion does not need a lot of maintenance.

 

I really doubt that is the case, as LCD panels do upgrade fairly often. It should just be a bug in Everest.

 

just ordered the lappy today, its in my sig. I was wondering if there is a tool yet to overclock the HD 3650?

 

I was so torn for weeks, but finally decided to pull the trigger yesterday!

I'll let you guys know my first impression!

 

Any ATI overclocking tool should work as long as the current drivers you use allow for overclocking. Rivatuner is one used alot if I am not mistaken.

I use Nvidia & Coolbits

 

ok good, im hoping this card can play halo2, cod4 on medium, lineage II, and age of conan(on low of course). Now does the laptop use MXM II, III? will this be upgradeable ever?
here is a pic i think of the ati gpu
http://laptoping.com/ati_mobility_radeon_hd_3000.jpg

 

i like the splendid utility

its not necessary but ive never seen any other utility exactly like it.

 

i recently got my M50sv-A1. quite happy with it except for one problem. when i slightly tilt my screen into <90 degrees angle, the comp goes into standby mode. It seems weird cause its like a just slight tilt of the screen causes the comp to go into standby mode and its also rather annoying. Is there any way to change the settings?

 

That's weird. I have to tilt my screen to about 45-50 degrees to get it to standby. I'm not sure if there's any angle setting you can choose, but if it really bothers you, you can just select "Do Nothing" when you close the lid in your power options properties and have your "when I press the power button on my computer" set to stand by.

 

Another quick question. Anyone using Laptopvideo2go driver for their 9500GS? If so, which version and any problem?

 

I'm using it with my XP installation and there's no problem at all. Ken pointed out which version to use in the first page. It's 174.31

 

To Ken: Does GenTechPC sales reps reply even on saturdays? Im planing to buy the laptop today but am unable to reach them for questions/clarifications

 

As far as I know, GenTechPc doesn't ship on Saturday. So if you want same day shipping, purchase early on Monday.

 

Nah I dont want same day shipping, ground is fine for me. I purchased from GenTechPC just now, hope my decision is correct!

 

They'll have to get in contact with you to confirm your info anyway prior to shipping. You could also PM them if you can't wait until Monday.

 

Let us know what you think when you get it!

 

Oh yeah! Thanks asianrage... By the way, I got asus cuz im a filipino and the worldwide warranty works great for me. Hopefuly Ken sees my posts and calls me for confirmation, though I do understand that its not their normal hours of work now since its a weekend.