S96J Owners Lounge!!!

i'm so jealous sephiroth! tell me how it is... i think i should be getting mine from powernotebooks next week. the wait is killing me!

 

hehehe, i felt the same way when other people were posting that they got theirs. Hang in there, your time will come.

Now i just gotta figure out how to skip work tomorrow

 

Oh man, am I so glad. I was really worried for you. It's really nice to know that all of my crap experiences, and everyone else's crap experiences have saved atleast one person thus far. ;-) I'm just glad we could help.

 

Hey guys...first time poster...long time reader. Just wanted to say that after lots, and lots of reading and researching, that I finally dropped down and purchased a Z96J for myself. I'd like to thank all of you guys for posting your thoughts and experiences on this model.

I needed something to replace my D47K lappy. I wanted something smaller, lighter, but still have that "umph" that I needed for gaming. Here are the specs:
---------------------------------------
PowerPro A 2:24 FORCE (ASUS Z96J)
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) "Color Shine" LCD w/ATi RADEON X1600 w/256MB (Backordered till July)
Intel® Core™ Duo T2500 2.0GHz Processor w/2,048k L2 On-die cache - 667MHz FSB
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
2,048MB (2 SODIMMS) CORSAIR DDR2/667 Dual Channel Memory
80GB SATA/150 Hitachi Hard Drive at 7,200 RPM
Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDR Drive w/Softwares
Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g
Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.0+EDR
Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
Windows XP Professional
Full Range Auto Switching AC Adapter
Standard Carrying Case
3 Year Warranty - Next Business Day Shipping - Lifetime 24/7 Tech Support
---------------------------------------

Now I have to wait for the wsxga screens.....

Thanks again guys.

 

Congrats on the z96J dashr. Even though this is the S96J forum... haha, j/k. I am envious of your purchase. I have 15 days left until I can order mine.

 

Did you get it? Please review and pics!!!

I have two-three weeks till mine arrives, arghhh!!!

 

I've bought my S96J and fedex tracking for the bare bones, DVD-RW, Wi-Fi and processor show they'll arrive on Tuesday from Mwave. My HD and memory will be arriving from Newegg on Monday.

I'm EXCITED!

INTEL-VBI S96J 15.4" WXGA INTEL CENTRINO MOBILE BARE NOTEBOOK SYSTEM =INTEL CORE DUO T2400 1.83G= INTEL 3945AGM WIRELESS LAN= NO ASSEMBLE/TEST= NO (From MWave)

G.SKILL 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667
HITACHI Travelstar 5K100 100GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard
(From Newegg)

Total with shipping: $1124.35

I just couldn't wait for the places that'll build it for you to get the stock in plus I saved at least $100. Of course, I have to put it together myself, but I build my own desktops... hopefully this will be pretty easy.

Does the heatsink on this baby come with thermal pads for the cpu and gpu or will I need arctic silver? I just ordered some Arctic Silver, and the Artic Silver cleaning stuff (to clean off thermal pads) from newegg, in case. I suppose I should add about $19 to my laptop total, but... nah... I can use that stuff on other machines.

Krista

 

mmm, ShinyGoBonkers awesome so far. Some weird issues with Sims 2 but I suspect it's the game because it acted funny on my desktop too and I download stuff and yeah.

As for weight, I will say, I went to an oreintation thing at my school in Boston Monday and Tuesday and had to carry this around most of the time, and then I basically walked around with this and another big bag full of my other things through Boston Tuesday afternoon because I had nothing else to do. It hurt and was uncomfortable but I did it and so there. So yeah, that's managable too.

And I left the screen on 70% for like three days before realizing it wasnt at full brightness.

 

Does anyone use an external USB TV Tuner with the S96J? I am not sure which one to get for when I get this laptop, and my previous experience with TV tuners has been bad, so I wasn't sure if anyone had found something that specifically worked with the S96J.

 

I don't have any experience with TV tuners.. but I don't see why you would have a problem, do some research to make sure you buy a good brand. The computer it self doesn't matter, as long as it meets the requirements (which of course this laptop will far surpass requirements).

 

Why are people buying from powernotebooks.com? I looked at them and the prices are high... I seen the barebone available for $600-$700 shipped.

If someone knows a cheaper place, let me know, particularly one that will have the Z96j soon.

 

Barebones make you install stuff, wheras powernotebooks does that for you, as do other resellers. Better warranty then the intel warranty. Good service + very high reseller rating. It will definitly be cheaper to buy a barebones and build it yourself, but in that case you're responsible for getting the parts, puttign it together, dealing with intel if you have a problem, etc. For some people (like me) paying a bit more for powernotebooks or another reputable reseller (gentech, geared2play, etc) is worth the hassle it saves.

 

Oh but how little you seem to know. I have bought two, they both had decent reviews, however when I put them on my system, I had huge audio to video delays. My system was well above the requirements, and the video was ahead of the audio which didn't make sense to me. Despite the research I did do, my experiences showed quite differently. I ask the question because my research gave me horrible results. I figured if there was someone who had already experienced this, they might know something that worked with the particular S96J, and so it would have a lot better chance at working with mine.

 

I looked into buying a barebone and putting in the supplies myself, but the whole $20-100 that I could save just isn't worth it to me. I can have someone else build it who has had much more experience, and I can receive the benefits of a resellers warranty. That is why many people buy from powernotebooks.com. Plus, if they are putting in a $300 processor and mess it up, I don't have to buy a new one.

 

Sorry, in all my excitement i forgot about you guys
Since we already have in-depth reviews, ill just post some brief impressions:

*Impressions of powernotebooks.com and packaging:

-Excellent packaging, very well organized. The screen has several protective layers, as well as the keyboard and most of the exterior. Package shipped and arrived when powernotebooks said it would.
-Package comes with all essential drivers and some extra software from Asus.

*Initial impressions of notebook itself (aka the good stuff)

-It is wide, i mean physically! It's much wider than my old HP but thinner. It's a true widescreen.
-Doesn't feel all that heavy. I was able to place it comfortably on my lap and not feel the weight. I think the weight is equally distributed over the entire unit.
-Screen is quite bright and vibrant, I am working with slightly less than 50% brightness in my room right now (night time). I will test outside this weekend.
-Laptop looks and feels solid. The silver part is supposed to be plastic, but doesn't feel like plastic at all.
-Ports are set up well. Everything is easily accessible. My old HP required me to get up and crane my neck around the display to see where to connect my ethernet cable. No more!
-Fan doesn't come on all that often. It is fairly quiet when it does, much more quiet than my previous laptop.
-Haven't had a chance to test the X1600 yet, i've been installing Linux, but to no avail . I think i messed up the partition or something.

*The bad:

-Keyboard is a bit loud when im typing on it. Im not talking type writer loud, but louder than im my previous laptop. In fact, one of my keys is a little loose (one of the clip thingys broke on the bottom side).
-Right palmrest gets a little warm, not hot, but bearably warm. Left palmrest is cool. Once the fan comes on the warmth subsides. (This may also be because we have 90F weather here )
-Thats it!

I will edit this message as i get to do more with the laptop. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know about.

Thanks.

 

The difference was closer to $150-$200+ with my calculations...


I havent checked prices on the Z96j, but the prices on it seem high on powernotebooks.com ..


I don't completely disagree that it's not worth it though, it's a reasonable labor cost and can save some hassle, especially if you dont really know what you are doing.

 

I was going to do the same thing (TV Tuner) with my S96J, but know I have second thoughts. Hopeful someone can answer this guys problems. My best guess is the interface the tuner was using. Mabye USB is too slow for the process and you must use PCMIA or Express Card.

 

I don't think the CPU and wireless are worth it. The HD, Optical Drive, and memory are more then worth it. All three are simple to install and the venders overcharge bigtime for memory and HD.

 

SaferSephiroth

If you could install notebookhardwarecontrol and check what are your temps are for both CPU and HD

Mine are currently CPU:55, HD: 44

I know this is about norm and in my apartment it is really cold from A/C, but I noticed that some other owners of this laptop report much lower temps.

I mean when i play game i get temps up to CPU: 75 and HD not sure, but his software has it at 55 warning and 75 shotdown

II believe Cassandra reported her temps in like low 40 for CPU - I am over 55 idle and it worries me just a little bit why I am reporting higher temps

Sometime right hand palm rest gets warm, but track bad can get pretty darn hot at some point and that what worries me. Also, I have never heard a fan turned on on my laptop. Is it possible that it might be disconnented or something.

Anyway, if any of you owners of this laptop would post their temps that would be great for all of us as well to compare and see if we should worry about it

I know I do not have to worry about it, but was wondering why temps are higher then others

Thanks,
vasylko

 

I thought that too, but that is when it started not making sense. Wouldn't the audio be faster than the video? It was vice versa in my system.

I didn't mean to take away from vasylko's post by posting afterwards... anyone with an S96J should read his and respond if you can help.

 

Which, if any of the big 3 resellers on here (powernotebooks, gearedtoplay, gentech) ship all the way to southern Ontario? (thats in Canada) Thanx..

 

Well, from what I read in PCWorld, USB 2.0 is too slow to provide decent picture and sound. PCMCIA provides better sound and picture, and the upcoming ExpressCard versions will be even better.

 

Yeah, it definitely makes sense that it is too slow, but it just really confused me that the video was ahead of the audio. I may just call it quits on the TV Tuner, I just don't want to take a T.V. with me to my dorm room. I made it this last year without a T.V. (I watched movies on my computer) so I guess I will do it again. I guess I was just attempting to dream again.

 

well, pretty much every tv show is recorded by someone else and available for download on bittorrent. if you have a good internet connection, not having a tv may not be a big deal.

 

Hmm, USB 2.0 is 480mbps.. I dont see how that would be too slow for ANY video source.


Standard (SD) resolution uncompressed TV feeds should not require more than 27/30Mbps....


It seems more likely the product it self and not the interface causing the sych issues.

 

I am in the same conundrum, I really don't want to spend money on a TV but some ablitity to get live sports and news (dorm room living at it's finest). Probaly will do some more research and try to come up with a decent product. I don't think I can live without live ESPN or Comedy Central!

 

I really can't debate on the specs of these products and TV feeds. I just was reading some stupid article on PCWorld that was talking about how much better PCI Express and Express Card are then USB. Might just be that USB Tuners are cheapy made.

 

I'm idling at cpu 52 and hd 41. My right palmrest is a little warm but it actually feels good in a weird way.

 

one thing about usb 2.0 is that the bitrate quite variable. sometimes you can be transferring quite fast, while at other times, it could go very slow. i forget what determines the transfer speed.

 

Please pay careful attention to the fan, and if it does not come on when your CPU temp goes over 56-60 degress please call our 24/7 Customer Service team right away.

 

Well... I'm doing it all myself and might even try to replace the stock thermal pads with arctic silver. I hope it's not that difficult wish me luck.

Krista

 

I don't think any of them ship to canada. There is a canadian Asus retailer though, I think it's milestonepc.

 

^ yup you don't need to use a US reseller to get the S96j in Ontario, go to www.milestonepc.com then click on CAnada, then look right there at the front page is says S96j, you can't miss it.

Click on it, and then configure your S96j, and your pretty much good to go, they also have 3 locations, Markham, and 2 others i can't remember, lol.

They are highly reputable and you'll like them too.

If you got any other questions plz ask, and we'll help you out

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

Anyone know if the other guy got his S96J? No review lol???

 

If us canucks order from the States, we don't pay tax right? but we get hit by brokerage fees or customs? Does anybody know what fees are exacted to ship from US to Canada? I haven't ordered anything across the border yet, so I'd like to know.

Thanks. Hopefully I too will be an s96j ower soon


Oh yeah, did u guys need to slipstream WinXP SP2 for it to work?

 

I think the resellers already include Win XP SP2 if you order it with an OS, aswell as most retail copies of it have SP2.

 

It is best not to import a laptop from another country, especially when you can get it in Canada.

Also for warranty purposes it would be easier for the reseller that lives close to you to deal with it, than an US based one.

Furthermore, since the USD/CAD dollar is very similar you really don't have to worry about prices.

If you order a S96j, you have the option of XP Home, XP Pro, or No OS.

 

I think we can still be charged 7% GST, and then another 3 - 4% duty. Plus, the post office can add a collection fee, for small items it is $5.00, but I don't know for something as large as a laptop. I think the best bet would be to order it from Canada.

 

In summary to this debate about Canada... "If you live in Canada, purchase the laptop from a Canadian company; if you live in the United States, purchase the laptop from an American company."

 

the s96j looks really good in specs...only thing i dont like is the look of the outside of the laptop....

 

It's simplicity=less chance of thievery. However, if it is a horrible issue with you, get a laptop skin to make the lid look more appealing. For me, it is more of how the computer performs that I want...the looks isn't a huge deal because I'll be using the internal parts more than the looks to show it off.

 

^ Very True.

 

Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm noticing my first issue. After a while of just normal light useage, the second core becomes constantly at 100% useage. I applied the Intel hotfix the day I installed Windows, but that was to fix something else anyway, I thought.

Anyway, I'll be troubleshooting it as I have time.

 

Did you open up the task manager and see if any processes were taking up way too much CPU usage?

 

Yeah, it's just System and System Idle Process.

I'm trying to repeat the problem and, so far, the only thing I can do for sure is open the BisonCam....which may have always been the problem since I've only got this problem since messing with the camera. We'll see. No problems overnight transferring a 6GB file from the Tivo (Copa Mudial!!!) and using it this morning.

 

On a whim I called Ken at GenTechPC and found out they got actually got in a small shipment of S96J's today and told me he could ship it quickly, so I jumped for it and placed an order.

CPU: Intel® Yonah Core-Duo T2400 1.83GHz 2M 667 FSB

RAM: Corsair 1GB DDR-2 667 SODIMM (1X1024)

HD: 80GB 5400rpm S-ATA

Warranty: 3 Year GenTech Limited Warranty

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

Display: 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 Color Shine (Glare)

VGA: ATI Mobility X1600 256MB PCI Express

Optical Drive: 8 x DVD-RW Dual Layer Super Multi

Total (shipped): $1,257.00

It was tough not to go with a 7200RPM drive and a faster CPU, but money was tight and I don't think the performance hit will be too great. Also, with the posibilty of upgrading to a Merom chip in the not-too0distant future, I figure going with the T2400 is ok for now. Not like I do anything where it will really hold me back.

On antoher note, as this is system is designed for dual-channel RAM I'll have to add another module at some point, but not too pressing...probably after I sell off what's left of my M6Ne. Any idea what kind of performance hit I should expect running single-channel?

I have to admit I was impressed with the initial service from GenTechPC. I was called not once, but twice, to discuss and confirm my order.

Another expectant S96J owner wating...

 

Congrats to all the new buyers. I hope you all enjoy the 96J as much as i am.

Vasylko, i've installed NHC and i've been watching it for a few days. I have never seen my CPU temp exceed 64C, however, normal is at low 50s, 51-52C. HD temp max at 49C, normal is 44-45C.

Incidentally i just called powernotebooks tech support today and had a good experience. The tech ensured that my problem was resolved even though he did not initially know how to fix it. The fix was simple, but he took the time to find it for me.

 

The outside looks just fine IMO. It has a nice clean look to it. Even better, you can put your own stickers on it and really make it your own.

 

Hi, my friend who lives down the street and I bought the s96j from rjtech and I must say I like the company. The computer came in good condition and I'm enjoying it very much now. Unfortunately, they messed up on my laptop and didn't install some frame for the dvd drive, so it is possible for the dvd drive to come out; however, the drive still works fine and I was able to install all the necessary drivers. The customer support is good too. I got quick responses from Richard who responded instantly after I did about the missing frame. Overall, def a good company to buy from.

Oh did anyone get their camera to work? I'm having some trouble with it. All i get is a gray box. Also can someone tell me their settings for NHC? I'm fiddling around with it, but I'm afraid I might screw it up lol