* OFFICIAL UL80VT and UL50VT / VS Owner's Lounge *

Is 1366 x 768 screen resolution a typical maximum for a laptop computer of 15.6" screen size?

I just received the UL50Vt and the screen resolution seems a bit limiting to me. I went to the Dell web site and looked at their 15" laptops but they don't list screen resolution that I could find.

I love everything else about this laptop but the max screen resolution. If this is typical then I'll shut up and deal with it. If not, I might consider returning it and buying something else.

Thanks for the advice.

 

It is fairly common. Although there are many 15"-17" notebook models that can be upgraded to something higher.

Here is a notebook screen guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=26696

If you like the laptop otherwise, you could, like most of us in this thread, purchase the UL80 with the same resolution and a 14" screen.

 

what type of heat output are you guys getting under full load??

edit:
I'm hoping there have been some updates or tweaking....

 

During 3DMark06 with GPU overclocks (from 606/790/1468 to 700/900/1600):

CPU Cores: 55C and 58C
GPU: 81C
HD: 38C
ACPI Thermal: 74C

I've had the GPU go to 90C after almost 2 hours of gameplay, but that was before the overclock.

 

Does anyone know if this is a good laptop for a graphics-heavy person? Basically, colors are important since I need to use a lot of Photoshop, Illustrator, other film editing etc. and I've been unsure about purchasing this laptop because of things I've been hearing about the washed-out contrast even after calibration.

Also, so is keyboard and palm rest flex an issue or not?! My current laptop is falling apart so build quality is important to me. I'm debating between this or a Sony Vaio CW... which I'm unsure about

 

http://www.excaliberpc.com/593832/asus-ul80vt-a1-14-notebook.html#TabReviews

I might be jumping on the bandqwagon...

 

Maybe I can help you out a little bit. As far as build quality is concerned, mine has no palm rest flex and keyboard flex is only an issue if one pounds on the keys, but is not a problem under normal usage. So far the build quality has surpassed by expectations.

As far as contrast, while plugged in and using "High Performance" mode the colors are true and contrast is good. But when unplugged, and using the "Battery Saving" mode, the contrast is definitely not perfect, but is acceptable for web browsing and word processing, but not for working with graphics. Some Pages back, someone suggested a fix for the contrast issues when using the battery, but I cannot find it at the moment.

Overall I highly recommend the UL80VT, and maybe someone with more experience can help out also, as I have only had mine for a few days so far.

 

Perhaps I'm cynical but my guess is its more about variability of the beholder rather than actual mfg differences. What seems like a huge "keyboard flex" to one person may not be noticed as much by someone else.

 

I have the UL50Vt and I don't see any problem with the build quality. My keyboard does NOT flex but I don't pound on the keys either. It's not a manual typewriter for heaven's sake.

You're going to pay a premium for the Sony Vaio and it has half the warranty period.

 

I agree. Which was why I was wondering if Quadron's RMA was fixed...

 

While I'm liking my UL50Vt, I think Asus needs to do something about its dearth of documentation. There are several utilities that not only don't have a manual, there's no online help even. How are you supposed to figure out how to use this stuff? Not everything is intuitive to everyone.

This alone is going to get this laptop a 4 star rating instead of 5 stars on Amazon. There is simply no excuse for it. I have a 4 year old Asus motherboard in my desktop machine and it had the same problem. No docs to speak of.

 

Was it a refurb or open box item? My last three motherboards have been Asus, and all have come with a nice thick manual detailing every feature. You can also usually download a PDF of the manual.

As far as the preinstalled utilities, if you're having trouble with any of them just post here and we'll try to help. It might not be the instant help that traditional documentation would be, but you should be able to get most things figured out.

 

So I finally pulled the trigger and got myself the UL50VT, Have to say that overall its pretty good.
My biggest complaint is the keyboard... I mean WOW bad in the flex department. It doesn't affect typing at all, but I am hard pressed to come up with a keyboard with more flex. If I take a post-it and stick it to the area between the keys the keyboard will flex pulling it off. Its almost like the took a milk jug and trimmed keyholes and painted it black.
Ok, now that I have ripped it a new one I will say everything else seems to be high quality. The screen has a smaller viewing angle than some laptops, but it isn't as bad as many have said. I can sit next to the person using it and see just fine mith minimal contrast loss.
The touchpad works great and I dont have any calibration issues that many have complained about with multi touch. I am not a big fan of the single mouse button rocker, it works but you have to make sure you hit the edge on each side or you have to press harder than I would like.
The quick blank screen when switching between graphics cards can be annoying but it is not a probelm by any means.
There isn't a good detailed manual that covers all the function keys and such, but it can be found if you look.
I have ran some speed tests and heat tests and I have to say I am impressed so far what what I have seen. Overclocked to 1.7 it pretty much matches my 2.0 gig laptop. I have found memory and bus speed are a biger factor than processor speed, and this computer does good in these areas.

I think I am going to upgrade to a 7200rpm HD or maybe even an SSD in the near future, I don't know that it will make a difference but thats just one of those things that will make me sleep better at night knowing is in there.

Shy the keyboard the build quality is top notch. It is a fingerprint magnet, but they wipe off easy enough or you can even get a decal to fix this problem.

Ok, I am probably just typing to hear the keys click at this point so I will wrap thing up, but if you have any questions let me know.

 

I agree with you. There are several mysterious utilities include. One seems to do something with the camera, there is another one that might do file encryption. No online help and no available documentation. I suppose I will do a google search for these utilities, but including some pdf documentation and some help files should have happened.

 

Can someone explain what the switchable graphics card is all about? I read in an earlier page how the screen flickers or something, does that happen only when you want to switch graphics cards or something? Or when would you NEED to switch graphics? (I need to use Photoshop a lot and I'm hearing integrated graphics cards aren't very good)

 

It flickers to black and then back to the desktop or whatever you're using after you press the Graphix boost button to change from integrated to the dedicated card. It only stays black for a few seconds. It's not anything that happens normally. It only happens when you press the button to change the graphics.

 

Has anyone located the Atheros AR9285 WiFi card in their UL80VT? Is it under the keyboard? I want to replace mine with a much better multi-stream (real 802.11n) Broadcom 943224 802.11n dual band card (sitting here in my hand). This single stream pseudo 802.11n stuff is BS.

 

Sorry but you are wrong on this one. I still have the rattling keyboard problem on my UL80. A friend of mine just bought the exact same laptop and his keyboard makes none of the jingling noise and just feels much tighter than mine. However he is having trouble with his space bar not being recognized when he spaces.

 

Then Asus has a problem that they should address - I stand corrected, thanks. I fully admit I'm speaking from no personal experience with it

 

It's definitely not immediately under the keyboard. There are two screws with stickers (one on bottom under Windows key sticker, and one under a warranty-voiding warning sticker at the left-bottom of area under the keyboard) hindering the ability to completely unscrew the outer casing.

It's not, sadly, under the RAM, either. My guess at present is top-left if bottom (and if facing underside with battery to top) or bottom-left if keypad facing. I've shined lights into the optical drive's cavity but have not seen any leads for antennae in the immediate area.

I guess it's not shocking that the thing is so difficult to find, seeing as it's a half-height miniPCIe card. It's like 1"x3/4".

 

does anyone know whats that lock sign (beside the graphic switch button) with "A" in it is for? I know the one right beside it is for indicating "num lock" but some how i couldn't get this one to light up after trying all the functions on the keyboard.

 

It's the Caps Lock, not FN function keys

 

Lol now I know why I some how remember seeing it light up before. Thanks for the tip.

 

Well it would make sense what you say Hogan as I dont seem to look at the flex issues or creaky palm rests. In fact I squeezed the palm rests on my Lenovo T60 work laptop and it squeeks a tad too but that is just something I would not have noticed if it had not been brought up here and like you say, to me this does not matter.
But my keyboard, man it even jingles when I tap on the touchpad. I even sent it in to ASUS and this was not fixed. My friend brought his UL80 over and his keyboard sounded much better and felt less "spongy" than mine. Take Care Hogan.

 

so it sounds like these laptops are hit or miss as far as build quality

 

yeah things are often open to interpretation, but it sounds like you got a dud. I'm enjoying my Timeline 4810, still have my eye on Asus should something interesting happen in terms of models or pricing while I still have the option to return the Acer to Costco....the Timeline build seems solid although it can't seem to finish burning its own recovery disks, so I've imaged the HD in Reflect as well as using the Windows utility. Its the crap like that that is annoying - just spend the extra $2.50 or whatever to include recovery disks rather than make me spend hours (literally) trying to do it, and then it doesnt even work, so then I wonder what else doesnt work.......

 

I got a Sony Vaio VPCCW17FX for Xmas, which is a great laptop! But I already have a 14.1, HP DV4, with similar specs. I wanted something different, more portable but not giving up performance for portability either. So I returned it, and now have the UL50VT-A1 shipped from Amazon, I should receive it tomorrow!

Couple questions, been reading reviews and I'm worried about the screen resolution and the keyboard, are they really that bad?!

here is what I use my laptop mostly for:

1) What is your budget? $600-$900

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen


4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like:HP, Sony, Asus
b. Dislike:Acer, Toshiba

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed? No

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? Word Processing, Light Video Editing (Making Slideshows), Photo Editing, Music Managment, Loads of web browsing and streaming videos from youtube..ect

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? Both, I am a student so I would like to have good battery life so I don't need to plug it in at school

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games? No,

9) How many hours of battery life do you need? 3+!!

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK? Perfer seeing it in the store, although since Comp USA and Circuit City have closed down their doesn't seem to be much options? Unless you know of one.

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Windows 7!!!

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer?
High Resolution for sure, I need good screen clarity.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
non glossy perferred, but don't mind really.
Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Some what, LOVE Sony and Asus style.

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? While I finish college.

Notebook Components

16) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive? 320+

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? everything but a blueray.



Did I make the right choice?

 

The UL50Vt will more than handle these tasks. I haven't tried video editing but I suspect video rendering of the final product won't be as fast as other processors would make it.

The specs on this laptop indicate battery life around 10-12 hours but that is going to be in the most power-saving mode.

You should have no trouble getting 3+ hours even on the most powerful setting.

I went to BestBuy and looked at a similar notebook to this one although it was not the exact same model since they don't carry it. It gave me a good feel for the color/fingerprint issue.

The native screen resolution is 1366 x 768 which is pretty typical of this size notebook. I have looked up the specs for other 15.6" screen notebooks and many are the same with some being slightly better.

Some people have issues with keyboard flex and a squeaking palm rest. I, however, have not experienced these issues.

This is a great looking notebook IMHO.

It should last you a good long time if you keep liquids and food away from it. However, spilling your beer into it won't help it at all. HOwever, if you must do that you'd better do it in the first year since Asus offers one of the few STANDARD accidental damage warranties in the first year.

The UL50Vt has a 500 GB hard drive but it is only 5400 rpm. SSD and 7200 RPM hard drives are faster.

The specs (should you care to read them) indicate a Super-multi drive. It does not handle Blu-ray.

I think so.

Most of the questions you asked can be answered by reading the specs for this laptop directly from the
Asus Web Site.

 

What's that old saying? "You get what you pay for."

 

The url in Steve's posting is broken. There is an extra " at the end of it.
Here is he corect one:
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=QqP6p1vDWwn0IIzZ

Here is the Asus link for the ul80vt.
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=oJ2UcCTkGd6GG7Rs

 

The ASUS UL80Vt-A1 is backordered everywhere (Amazon, Newegg, Xoticpc, b&h, tigerdirect, etc...)! Any suggestions on reliable places to buy?

 

I picked up the 80 at excaliberpc

 

Yeah its true - but its not just Acer. From what I hear many mfrs are not doing discs anymore. If it saves me hundreds of dollars I'll arrange my own backup scheme - its just one of those nickel and diming things that is annoying.

 

Hi all...I've been following this thread the last few days and am seriously considering purchasing the UL50VT. One question that someone brought up which I don't think was answered was that they were not getting sound out of the HDMI connection. I think they hooked the laptop to an HDTV by HDMI, played a DVD and only the picture came on but no sound. Could someone let me know if the sound should be transmitted via HDMI as well?

 

What are the main differences between the two besides screen size? If there is any? I just got the UL50VT, and I really wanted to know if their is any advantages having one over the other?

 

over the 50 and the 80, i also noticed the hard drive size is smaller on the 80

 

As far as I know it's the screen size and the UL50Vt has an extended keyboard with a 10-key pad.

Asus link for the ul50vt.
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=QqP6p1vDWwn0IIzZ

Asus link for the ul80vt.
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=oJ2UcCTkGd6GG7Rs

 

If you'd care to read the specifications tab of each laptop, found here:

Asus link for ul50vt
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=QqP6p1vDWwn0IIzZ

Asus link for the ul80vt.
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=oJ2UcCTkGd6GG7Rs

you would see that both laptops can come with a variety of hard drive sizes, among other things. It all depends on what the retailer orders from Asus.

If you wanted a customized version of the laptop, you should have ordered it from some retailer like xoticpc.com where such things can be specified.

 

I already read the specs, it looked the same to me, I just wanted to know if there was anything noticable in the build quality between the two. Because My UL50VT build quality is perfect for me, so if thats the case then I'll go with the 80 and have better portability.

 

Does anyone here have any qualms with the audio output?

The sound is noticeably weaker compared to other laptops I have. Tinny sound, not enough bass....i'm not sure if it's the Realtek manager. Everything is set at deafult right now.

edit:

I disabled the SRS on speakers properties. Works.

 

How do I tell if the Turbo function is working? On the Power4Gear Hybrid menu, it'll show Turbo Mode at the bottom left, but then it'll either have a red button that says Turbo or a grey button that says Off (I don't know if clicking the grey "Off" button will actually turn it off or if it is already off...).

 

So i've hit 95C with the GPU playing CODMW2. Normal?

 

Seems high, but most of the ul30vt/ul80vt users haven't reported much about temps so hard to say if its normal for it.

 

has anyone had any issues activating their copies of Windows after doing a clean install?

It keeps telling me that I'm plugging in an invalid key.

I'm using the key under the laptop.

 

I have the UL30VT, highest temp I've seen on the GPU is 66-69 C (This was for a couple hours) (I play Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead, Street Fighter 4)

 

When the red button says turbo the turbo mode is enabled. Clicking on it will turn it grey and after the reboot you will no longer be in turbo mode, so basically if you always want to be in turbo mode the button should be red.

 

Using HWMonitor, the highest I have ever seen was 95C. That was after playing Battlefield 2 for several hours.

I have heard max temps reported as being 70C, 88C, and further back I read someone got up to 100C.

I think the low numbers need to try playing a game for a few hours and see what they get.

 

What are you people seeing for temperatures for a sustained session of Left 4 Dead 2?

 

you people? YOU PEOPLE?






95-98C

 

Hey all, I am proud to say that I have ordered an Asus UL80AG recently and will receive it Monday! I got it for $625 shipped so it was pretty easy going with this over an Asus 1201n. I felt the larger screen size, better keyboard, and much much faster processor were priorities for me. The atom was much slower than I had expected.

I have been looking at the overclockin features that the UL80VT line carries and was curious if this carried over to the AG model line? Further has anyone every ventured to figure out what the PLL for this laptop is? This would allow us to oc the processor further than the standard Asus settings. Honestly, I would be fine with the 33% + bios 5% oc option, but I am not sure this is available in the non-VT models.