~ Asus F8 Owners' Lounge ~

Good F8SN Cover/Sleeve ??

Hi there,

although I do not yet have my F8SN, I am looking for a protective cover/sleeve for it. I checked out many covers from crumbler, hama, dicota, dakin, timbug and centaurio.

The problem of course here is that the F8SN is 34cm x 24.4cm x 3.72 cm (14 inch wide screen). So the only cover that would fit is the one from centaurio (because you wrap it around the laptop).


Do you have or know a good sleeve (preferably with cushion (memory foam) & hardcover) for the F8SN?



Thanks. I appreciate it.

 

I use a Crumpler 14" sleeve. It fit my A8 perfectly. But it's a bit too small for the F8.

 

Could anyone give me any opinions/comments on?:
Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook -- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA

I'm considering this laptop but the weight concerns me somewhat. But, the specs look good and Asus has decent quality. Right?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=246837

the official F8SN thread. anyways, I've had this lappy for about a month, I'm fairly happy with it. It's kinda like a semi-portable desktop replacement at 5.7lbs. it's fairly quiet and stays surprisingly cool (you can use it on your lap). battery life is about 2.5hrs on conservative use. Keyboard isn't as good as I would like though. I find I need to type with a bit more force than usual. Build seems fairly solid, had no problems surviving my 2 days lugging it around at Google I/O.

Performance not an issue. 3500 on 3DMark06.

 

I have a F8SV, does anyone have any problems installing Vista SP1, my entire computer crashed and can't boot up after installing it.
Is there a BIOS update I have to do?

 

Well, there is an updated BIOS (version 300). You should check if you have it already installed.
If it's already there, can you try run safe mode and uninstall SP1?

 

I do not think BIOS update will help.I think your problem has nothing to do with BIOS.
I'd use HD recovery partition as first step
Secondly, next time while installing your SP1 be patient. SP1 is a huge and takes more than 20 minutes download and about 40 minutes for install. If you abort installation thinking you computer went frozen, you leave you computer without OS

 

I use the 15" incase sleeve that are meant for macbook pros and it fits really well. kinda expensive but I needed a sleeve asap. I bought mine from best buy since they are cheaper than the apple store and I could return in case it didn't fit.

 

@reptar

What is the brand and model of your sleeve?


And, although its for a 15" the laptop is not loosely in the sleeve?


Thank you.

 

it's the "incase" sleeve meant for macbookpro's
it's kinda pricey they sell it at best buy and at the apple store

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10097395&catid=25224


yes it fits really well, make sure you get the 15" sleeve. it's a snug fit but not too tight. one thing i really like about this sleeve is that the zipper is enclosed so there's no way it can scratch your note book.

 

I tired using the recovery partition and the recovery CD and they both don't work. The installation would freeze and I would sometimes get that huge red ERROR. I sent it in to Asus because nothing seem to work, don't know how they got the recovery working. I got my laptop back already, but I'm scared to install SP1 again, but do you think I should try again? I'm not sure exactly what I did last time, but I don't think I aborted the installation...

 

just let it download and install and don't do anything with the notebook mean while. also make sure you have it connected to the ac adapter.

 

So I was not the only one who got the Huge red error. I solved it by getting a retail Vista disk, and use the license number on the bottom, activate through the phone system and then install SP1.

 

Not to forget this:
After installation your computer has to be restarted.
And ... YES... time and again... be patient. Restarting takes significantly longer time

 

Yea, it's weird eh? Don't know why the recovery disks won't work...
Okay, thanks all of you for your suggestions, I think I will wait a while until installing SP1 again, would be a pain in the ass if the same thing happened again. Thanks again.

 

Hi everyone. As you can tell, I'm new here and I've got a couple of questions for all of you.

I've read through all the pages and it seems that the majority of you if not all of you have opted to purchase an F8S. What about the F8Ps? Has anyone decided to go this route instead?

I ask this because have just recently ordered an F8P-X2B (2.1GHz T8100 Penryn processor, 3GB Ram, 250GB HDD, ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 258MB and Windows Vista Home Premium) and an additional 6cell battery for $1049. It should arrive Monday. Hopefully before I go to work. I just love openeing new gadgets. =))

Truth be told. I haven't used a Windows OS in...well, quite some time. I''m still up in the air whether or not I am going to wipe it from the system entirely or just opt to dual boot it.

Has anyone done a Linux install to their units yet? If so, What kind of complications did you face? Were there any feature or components that you were unable to get working properly or even at all? What distribution did you attempt to use and was it 64 or 32 bit? What distro do you typically use if it is different fromm what you tried. I myself had always used RedHat so it was only natural that I moved to Fedora Core and now Fedora.

I have yet to try a 64bit OS as of yet. I am moving to this laptop from a Sony VIAO Desktop 1.3GHz Celeron, 512MB ram and an onboard SiS graphics chip and an Old 600MHz PII IBM Thinkpad. Yes, they are quite old, but they have served me very well for these many years. =) Do you think it is worth it to switch to a 64bit os? What kind of issue would I face besides incompatibility issues with some older software? I expect drivers are available correct?

Lastly (I know, finally right? =) Are their still issues with this paticular graphics card or has ATI released updated drivers to solve the irratic behavior many people were having?

Thanks alot guys. I hope to hear from some of you shortly.
-Faaeng

 

uhhh.... or not...
Thanks for all of the input fellas....

I guess I'll go about this as a blind mouse. Won't be the first time, doubt it'll be the last. You live you learn, you learn you live better.

 

Hello Faaeng
F8p_x2b was my initial preference and I was about to order it but while doing my research here I've missed free shipping from Newegg so I've optedit for F8Sn with free shipping from other company.
I think F8P is very good and handsome with nice leather outfit ( you have less VRAM in trade).
Before you begin to make all these alterations you described I'd recommend you to make sure you are absolutely positive about.
Vista64 is not superior to Vista32 and IMHO does not worth efforts.
Since you got used to RedHat you will install it trouble free- just check OS forums. You can get it as second OS or even run it from removable media.
If you are not games addict, you will be happy with F8P

Again, try to hold your desire to accustom NB to you, do some job to accustom yourself to NB
BR

 

Oldman, Thank you for the reply.
I opted for the F8P because I absolutely loved the styling of it. It will be sure to turn a head or two at work. =) I was looking towards the U series U3 and U6 but the U3 lacked an internal optical drive and I almost got the U6 but I was a little impartial to the shiny glittery lid. That and I would prefer a black laptop over "chocolate brown". Then I found the F8P and decided it was perfect for me. The slightly larger screen aswell as a rotating webcam were pluses in my book.

I'm not particularly worried about the lack of VRAM as I myself don't realy game much on my PC. The occasional snes emulation or online poker but nothing very graphics intense. I have my PS3 for when I'm in the mood for a gaming session.

Without a doubt, Linux will be installed onto the unit once it is received. It is the OS I am more comfortable with. I have been using it for years now. I will give Windows the benefit of the doubt tho. I havn't used a Windows OS released after W98 after all. I'm sure there have been numerous changes. For better or worse. I'll just have to wait and see how well i like it. I hear many people are "upgrading" from Vista to XP tho so I am a little sceptical, but I wont pass judgement prematurely. I'm more of a "I have to see for myself" kind of person. You know?

If I do decide to keep Vista on my unit I highly doubt I will be spending the extra money on a 64bit version. The included 32bit Vista home premium will suffice. How do you fell about the 32 and 64 bit Linux distros tho? Do you think it would be worth the trouble going 64 bit or sticking with the familiar 32 bit? Ah, I may just give it a run. After all, if i am not too pleased, I can always just install the 32bit. Not like its gonna cost me hundreds of dollars or anything. lol

But again, Thank you for the response. Seems it's been a little while since anyone posted in this thread. I guess everyone is out enjoying their new toys rather then talking about it. =))

 

I ran the x86 version of Xubuntu Hardy on my F8Sa, with no problems. The included ubuntu ATI driver worked quite well, even with Compiz Fusion.

 

This is my quick review of the F8Sn-B1 and some photos below.

Strengths
Fast processor.
Fast DX 10 capable video card.
DVI out port.
Awesome price for perfomance and the bonus stuff like a case, mouse, wipe cloths, cable tie, accidental damage warranty.

Weaknesses
Heavy and fairly large form factor
Poor battery life
Noisy touchpad buttons
Speakers not loud enough for AC3-encoded audio in movies

Impressions
This notebook offers pretty much everything for a gamer and heavy user of processing power. It was difficult to find equivalent competitor models that came at this price point. The fingerprint-magnet mirror-finish looks modern, when clean, and the thing looks good overall. It is very solidly built as far as I can tell.

Components
The swivel webcam takes photos at what you would expect from a 1.3 MP webcam without focusing lens. I wish the power cable was as long and as small as a Macbook's AC adapter, but it's rather big and gets hot. This notebook runs very quiet and doesn't get too hot on the lap. I've played Bioshock on high quality settings at native LCD resolution (1280*800) and it runs smoothly.

Software
The other drawback, which will probably be the case for most future laptops from ASUS, is that it comes with Vista which is a horrible OS. It is difficult, but not impossible, to get this thing to run Windows XP with help from online forums. I am happy this model uses the Intel Santa Rosa platform and that ASUS opted to forget the Intel Turbo Memory technology.

In terms of software/bloatware, I had to get rid of Norton right away, the hotkey processes I left running along with the on-screen display icons for those keys. I also use the Power4Gear power management software and Wireless Console. As for the ASUS Security Protect Manager, it makes it quick to login with a fingerprint but I turned it (SSO) off for monitoring other applications like IE and Firefox. Lightscribe Control Panel should be uninstalled on this model because the burner doesn't have that capability. I'm still running ASUS Splendid, which can be used to play with screen color saturation and gamma, but it's not likely a necessary piece of software. ASUS SmartLogon sounds like a pointless piece of software allowing login with facial recognition, which apparently can be defeated with a photo of a user with credentials. ASUS Lifeframe is extra software for using the webcam and I haven't played with the version of Nero that comes with the laptop.

 

congrats silly22 i'm sure you will enjoy your new f8sn



is anyone here using xp on their f8sn? how much difference is there in terms of battery life when compared to vista?

thanks

 

I am using XP 64bit, but i have not installed the rest of the drivers yet. In terms of battery life, i would say XP utilizes battery life better than vista. in XP my system can last more than 2hrs, but in vista 1hr45mins is what it only last.

if someone can send me the link for the drivers of xp64bit i will really appreciate the help. thanks

 

I have a question, is this notebook a fingerprint magnet?

 

Yes. It's beyond bad. It doesn't just smudge, it also stains.

 

the outside finish shows finger prints easily but if you keep it clean the finish will be really nice and sexy. i wipe mine down almost every day especially before i take it out. all you need is a micro fibre clothe and the finger prints and dirt come right off.

the finger prints are a trade off with the shiny finish. if you keep it clean it'll always look brand new and attractive. I rather have my notebook like this than having it look dull or looking like cheap plastic

 

stains?
how did urs stain?

 

Nice photos so
My NB came exactly in the same box!

 

Stain might be a bit of an overexageration. Normal (clean fingers) fingerprints doesn't just leave an easily removable smudge. It also leaves something between a smudg and a stain, that's a little harder to remove.

 

have u tried using a good mirco fiber cloth? my finger prints come right off when i use one to clean. if you don't do this on a regular basis then i can imagine that it could take longer to clean. when you remove the finger prints the finish will look brand new again.

 

I have like 3 or 4 types of cleaning cloths, 2 of them micro fiber cloth.

 

i don't know then, my finger prints and smudges come right off. i use a micro fiber cloth used for cars, not the ones that came with the f8sn.

 

I use paper towel spayed with Windex.

Edit by moderator: Do not follow this example; you should actually NOT use Windex or any such solvent to clean your screen, as it will become damaged.

 

Don't try opening the notebook with peanut butter.

Also written in the manual : "Do not used the notebook when having dirty hands."

Ok... I kinda changed the sentence but it's said at some point.

Btw, I just got my F8 today

P.S To anyone saying this notebook is heavy: You guys weak? I can lift it with two fingers !

 

Also do not try opening notebook with can opener and cork driver.
Beware: be careful while keeping brand new book in fingers - you can crack the case
Enjoy your toy

 

Please don't make comments like that - knowledgeable people are aware that this is a completely sarcastic remark, but the uninitiated newbies arriving here may not pick up on it and the consequences would obviously be catastrophic

 

I second that. Please try to keep your posts useful, Oldman. Thanks

 

It was not a prank.
I do not insist everybody to clean glossy shiny case this way, but I do.

 

As long as the solvent doesn't contain acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride, then you're safe. In other words, best to stick with a damp micro-cloth. Windex is designed as a cleaning agent for glass, which notebook screens are not made of and will slowly erode the coating surface of the panel.

 

what about case outside?

 

I wouldn't recommend Windex for that either.

There are special LCD cleaning liquids, antistatic, non-conductive, non-corrosive, no damaging solvent. Use that for inside and outside, too.

emporiumboutique, are you working in the field of chemistry?

 

What you use to transport the F8 ? Any bag ? backpack ? sleeve ?

 

I use the carry bag that came with notebook.
It is not a prank, you do not have to follow me. All other options you have mentioned (sleeve and backpack) are good too

 

Hello, first time poster here

I just picked up an F8SN-D1.

Specs:
Ram 3gb
Core 2 Duo T5550 1.8ghz
Vista Premium (gonna change it out once I'm sure I'm keeping it)
250gb HDD
nVidia Geforce G9500M GS 512mb

So far, I'm loving this little notebook. It's definitely an upgrade from my Satellite A100-VA1. Battery life is considerably higher than I expected. Display is beautiful, and the power is great

A good buy if you ask me.

Price was $1162.77 CAD after tax.

 

What is the make of your LCD screen? My fairly new F8Sn-C1 is a AUO LCD and so far I'm not too crazy about the display.

 

Unsure of the make of the LCD, easy way to identify?

 

Checkout PC Wizard. It'll give you that (lcd) info.

http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php

 

I use Everest Ultimate to identify the LCD make.

http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?ps=UE&lang=en

You can download their trial version and check it out if you wish. Very good program that provides ton of info about your system.

 

PCwizard returned this information:

Manufacturer : N141I3-L02
Product ID : CMO1425
Manufacture : Week 45 of 2006
Video Input Type : Digital in 0.7/0.3v
Max. Horiz./Vert. Size : 30 cm / 19 cm
Monitor Size : 14 inches (estimated)
Aspect Ratio : 16:10
Gamma Factor : 2.2
DPMS Active-Off : No
DPMS Suspend : No
DPMS Standby : No
EDID version : 1.3

 

Lucky. The CMO screen is pretty good. Better than the auo, at least. Is your screen grainy?