~U3S Owners Lounge~

Doesn't that void the warranty by any chance?

 

Under linux...I'm running typically around 45-47* -- Under gaming (playing nexuiz, tremulous, etc), I max out around 61*

Applying Arctic Silver should help, but again it'll void the warranty. If you're desperate for some cooling, get a pad. They work. After a year or so, then apply the arctic silver. Also, make sure your laptop has adequate cooling by not restricting the vents underneath of it.

Another key thing with Windows, is to turn off all the graphical enhancements you don't need. I'm running cool under linux with full graphics on the Gnome gui, but under Vista it runs a lot hotter.

 

It does void the warranty.

 

http://www.asus.com (it's under the download section)

 

I got a friend who work for Asus, he might get me the sticker...lol..

 

Hi,

I didn't mention it but for sure it's the first thing I did
All available drivers are for Vista 32 or 64 under the U3S section...

I'm gonna send them a mail to ask

Thanks

 

If you want something like Linux, instead of Vista -- install the generic bios and linux's current kernel will take care of the rest.

If you'lre downgrading to XP, then you may be a tad screwed :/

 

Hi.
First time poster, long time lurker =)

Just got my Asus u3s! My LG m1 Express cought fire for the 3rd time, and i got to choose a new PC in that price-range from the shop

So i chose the u3s..

I'm very happy so far... it makes some noise when in "high power"-mode, but when i use my customized office-setting, it's all good.

I Have the "EU: NORDIC" version of the computer, and i recived it with the external DVD-player (free) and GPS w/euro map (free). =)

Happy times! =)

 

Tempted to buy one of these this week. I was deciding between Sony SZ and Thinkpad T61 when I ran across this model from Asus. I really like the U1, but the screen a tad too small for me. So this is a very nice looking laptop! The only thing that would be better, in my mind, would be a 13" Macbook Pro

Still no word on the 9 cell battery? And has anyone looked at what it would take to replace the fan? I like my computers nearly silent...and have taken great measures on my last 2 desktop builds to ensure they were just that. If I dont like the fan noise, I would consider installing a quieter fan. Is this possible? Recommended? Warranty voiding (probably)?

 

I'd go see the Asus, Sony, and Apple in person before making a purchase. There are some key differences. Sony SZ6 comes with the GeForce Go 7400 (not sure if there's a version with the 8600 chip yet). Apple only has a Macbook in the 13" form factor. Both will run slower than the Asus, but probably quieter.

Installing a custom fan into any notebook will void your warranty.

 

Inserting a quieter fan or changing the thermal paste would both void the warranty.

I picked up my U3S on Friday night and still working to configure it/add programs that I use.

The fan noise overall is all in the ear of the listener. Personally, I don't find the noise that loud (considering I've had another notebook in the past which was worse -- heck, my main system at home is louder than this notebook).

I don't like Windows Vista business that much (it's a resource hog) and was hoping to get it downgraded. Sadly, the store could not do that for me but they mentioned there will be a downgrade disk they'll be receiving next month. I'll likely pick that up but my main concern would be drivers. Asus' website only has the VISTA drivers. Are there any sites which may have the XP ones?

Gaming on this little machine is not too bad. I tried the one game I play (FFXI) and it ran pretty well. The benchmark results were in the 2900's (which their site indicates could handle the game but not at high settings). The machine noise didn't increase a heck of a lot and didn't heat up too much either. I purchased a notebook cooler just to be sure though.

I might get this unit to dual boot w/ Linux as I'm more familiar with that. However, I will likely wait until the downgrade disc arrives just to be sure.

Thanks so much though to the folks who posted here and for the review of the product. It was exremely helpful.

 

Hehe....well nevermind now....I just noticed the U6S for the first time and would gladly pay another couple hundred for a built in optical drive, a tad smaller/lighter, and did I see that it has the LED screen? Either way, that is looking mighty fine there. Just needs a larger battery.

Is anyone shipping these yet? I see P1 has them and doesnt say if they are in stock or not...and excaliber says they are available for pre-order....

 

In Norway it's ETA 1. Dec. on the U6S

 

Asus U3S Bios #300 has been released.

It updates the microcode -- so update asap!

 

Darn...I left my U3S back across the Pacific. Guess you guys will have to flash the bios and report any changes

 

I'm under Ubuntu, and the 300 bios release seems to fix a few bugs. It has fixed a random lockup issue which has been lingering for awhile now. Also, the fan seems to run a little better.

Right now, with the intel graphics card in use, I'm running at 39*c
If I switch to the nVidia card, it runs around 45*c rather constantly.

I believe they tweaked the throttling of the fans since they don't kick in from low to full blast...instead it slowly seems to be increasing its rpm's as temperature raises.

I'll have to test it under Vista still.


--------

On a side note: gps won't work under Ubuntu for the u3s. The gps uses software point rendering to determine where you're located in the world (instead of hardware based -- primarily to save room in the laptops casing). Until someone decides to port over the NXP software, the gps won't work.

 

on the asus support side only the BIOS 205 is listed...

 

Look under BIOS-Utilities.

The update is there.

 

Speaking of GPS...

Just got back from my trip to Toronto... drove down there from MI, and having used NavMate for 4 days straight, I would give the program a rating of 6.5 out of 10! It worked fine most of the time, however, gave me trouble when I was resetting the location in downtown Toronto. It would always set me up with a starting location that was kind of far, and then if I didn't get there, they would give me another location, which was really annoying. So I ended up getting lost in downtown for about 25 mins

Also, some of the POI's were unreliable. For Markham, ON, I was trying to go to "J-town" via the "Tora Sushi" POI, which was located at 3160 Steeles Ave, but the stupid program brought me to somewhere around 5300 Steeles Ave, and it wouldn't allow me to enter in any number under 5000...

Sometimes the program wouldn't respond, the arrow wouldn't move, so I had to close and reopen many times. The only good thing about the program is that it used NAVTEQ maps, which I guess were more accurate compared to TELEATLAS.

ASUS really needs to put in a SIRF III chip and contract with a better map software company... it really was a pain in the ass to manually reset my location each time, which is quite unacceptable for a gps.

Will I use this program again if I return to Canada? Yeah...
Will I spend money to buy NavMate in the future? Hell no!!

 

no chance ... i could not find it

Model: U3S
BIOS-Utilities
and there is only a DOS Flash Utility and two for Windows..

 

It's under the bios section, I just rechecked. Go to www.asus.com, select global site. Then click downloads->select: notebook/U3 series/U3S->click find. It should be in there.

 

Personally I don't see any changes with the new BIOS... I looked for the changes made since it changed from version 205 all the way to 300, and I was really expecting a fan fix... but again, I don't think it happened.

 

Hi
I`m russian programmer =)
I`ve done that.
I have Windows XP SP2 on my ASUS U3S.

p.s all internal devices are working correctly, one thing i haven`t done yet - it`s GPS

i`m still working on this...))))

 

gps is ok

downgrade from vista to xp completed succesfully

 

I must be blind as a bat today as I'm still not seeing it in the BIOS section -- I can only see the old updates but not the reference to 3.

I thought you were all referring to the BIOS-utilities section earlier hence I gave direction there.

 

I just rechecked asus's website, and they apparently removed the new release?

I'm now confused as hell as to why they would do that... I'll check to see if I saved a copy on my thumbdrive in a minute or so.

Here's a link to its existance: http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/U3S/U3S300AS.zip

 

Hey guys, thanks for the thread, great info!

I live in the UK and I am looking to get a U3S either locally or in the US. Obviously the specs are a bit different with the UK model having a backlit LED, both the 3&9 cell batteries it includes the external Optical Drive. Also it is spec’d as apparently having both the GPS and Turbo Memory..

HOWEVER…… the UK model is ~2450 USD where as the US model is only 1549 (at ExcaliburPC) and that is a lot of cash!

But enough background I have a few questions that I would appreciate anyone input in if possible.

1) Can I use a HD external DVD drive instead of the ASUS U3 OD? Any suggestions on model? The U3 has a HDMI so may as well take full advantage!
2) Is the LED backlight actually a better screen?
3) Can the US model use 3G at all?

Finally, anyone have any thoughts on U3 vs the new U6 (US model)?? I am tossing up going the U6 now, and any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Kristian

 

FYI to all who want updates for this system on the navigation Software.
##############################################;

The Cost has not be dilclosed yet...BUT it will not be $ 300..

The people who look at Horizon Sight did not even bother to talk with them.
Why would they sell U3 onwer Regional CD for a system with a large hard drive?

Sorry to say but some of you are not very smart...
on there site they have both CD based, hard drive based and DVD base unit they support. So they must be doing something right.

There CD based system are Multi Sensorsunit and those maps cost more.
This U3 only uses 1 Sensor so the maps cost less. Do 5 minutes of research on Google before you post rumors...

The FACT is no price has been set, But from what they tell me it will be in line with other unit that are like this lap top.

Do not fear your maps will not be over priced in any way shape or form.

if you do not believe me E-mail them for your selfs.

it is clear most of you never bothered to ask them. They respond in less than 24 hours. Where else can you find that????? be honest with your selfs on this fact.

 

Good for you, Kednelly.
I personally would get the American version, at ExCaliberPC where I got mine. They do a superb job and can inspect the laptop before shipping it if you have any concern in mind (screen, fit and finish, etc..). The main reason is also the money since you would be saving a lot. Take advantage of the weak dollar! However you will get a slightly different machine and an american power cord (just buy a UK one). In addition it is unlikely that the UK version come swith both turbo memory and GPS as those are either/or options (but Asus' website is confusing).
I am personally happy with the U3, but I still have concerns about it. I like its looks and solid build very much , but I also complain about the fan noise (really annoying me) and the poor battery life (barely 3hours with CPU and screen at 35%). Vista is irritating and the Asus software not very well programmed. Other notebooks in the same weight/power category are Sony SZ6 and Dell XPS M1330. Asus is also coming out with a new addition to the U series, the U6 --check the specs on portableone.com. I'm mentioning all this because the U3 is much cheaper than the competition and is better built and has better warranty... in the US. I don't know about the prices in the UK.
The U6 has the advantage of the LED screen, smaller form factor (12') and power (CPU and GPU). However I am not sure the U6 actually has a switchable graphics systems like the U3, in which case the battery life must be horrible (and some earlier reviewer mentioned that somewhere). Also if the U6 is only available with dedicated Go 8400M, the heat must be a problem in such a small laptop. I already complain about the fan noise in the larger, no-integrated-DVD-drive U3... If you are not in a hurry to buy your laptop, wait until some reliable reviews and comments show up on the Internet about the U6 -then it's a matter of personal choice.

I can't answer much of your questions...
1- I don't know, because the connector from the laptop to the Asus DVD drive is a proprietary one --just mixes a USB and power plug in one connector. HDMI is a display/connector standard for higher throughput for hi-def movies --you can plug the U3 on an HDTV (720 or 1080)
2- I don't know, but I keep hearing that LED backlighting is the immediate future of laptop screens. It may reduce power consumption as well.
3- AFAIO the US version is only available with the GPS function --why? Don;t ask me.

Hope that helps!

 

I think someone is trying to communicate with us.

 

I was am a Beta Tester for this project and I hate seeing people with issue who never ask for help...

All of you with navigation software isse should really Contact Asus or Horizon Navigation. if you never tell them they can not fix it..

Horizon has been around for a long time and love to help out.

Also looking at the issue some folks have your maps are the issue.
navTeq is the one who set ups the Address range and the POI....
So if address are missing or loaction are not in the right place navTeq is to blame.

Also it is wrong that Navteq is better than TeleAltas... They both have issue.

Personly i like them both, but TeteAltas has more data than Navteq.


The navigation works off of the GPS signal. If you have a weak signal or no Signal then it can not work.
So when you can look at that.
Go to the GPS Diag screen and see how many Satilites are being seen and used.. if you can see or use more then 4 you may need to move your unit to a better location in the car or put the Antenna in a better location.

But keep in mind everytime you have an issue you are beter to report it than Slam a company for a poor product.

As a user if you want beter software work with the maker not against..

Thats how I got a free lap top.....

Oh Map updates are not ready yet.. I e-mailed between post and got a responce.... before making this post...

 

According to gpsmagazine.com, Navteq has more accurate maps in North America whereas TeleAtlas is more accurate in Europe. And from my experience with products that use both maps, it would appear Navteq maps have more detail in the US... and more accurate routings with less time.

Any gps software that doesn't zoom onto your current location, and requires manual reset is really a pain in the ass. What are you supposed to do if you don't know where you are? You will have to ask around for directions...

I knew about the GPS diagnostics tab before I used this software. I had no problems with getting signal, just the way the software routed your starting point. There were times where you have to drive to some nearby streets to start your route, without starting at your current location.

 

The U6 does not have switchable graphics or GPS, but comes in two models. U6S with Nvidia 8400 and U6E with Intel 3100. U6E does not have a HDMI port according to the specs. Battery life on the U6S is around 1 hour per 3 cells. The U6 also comes with a built-in dvd.

The US U3S does not have 3G functionality. You can see the 3G marking in the HDD bay, but there is no slot for an actual sim card.

 

D3R3K have you ever reported this issue to ASUS or Horizon?

if not then your issue will never be fixed...

 

Not sure if this is asked before, but how does the U3S compare against the M1330 and SZ680, like in terms of performance wise, build? Only read in the thread that in terms of battery life it's shorter (though thought similar to the SZ, by switching to integrated graphics it could at least outlast the M1330). And apparently in terms of weight-wise its lighter than the M1330 and comparable to the SZ. Only thing is the battery ain't flush with the back.

 

The U3S, M1330 and SZ6 are in the same class. The screens are all 13.3 inches and the weights are all around 4.2 pounds (a little less for the SZ6 premium and M1330 with LED screen because their screens are thiner and lighter). They all come with the same choices of processors. The advantage of the SZ6 and U3S is that they come with integrated graphics as well as dedicated (switchable) whereas in the M1330 it's an either/or option. A notable difference is that he U3S does not have integrated ODD so that you have to buy it for yourself; even if you do, the U3S is cheaper by at least a couple of $100 for comparable specs. It comes with better warranty, too, and with a few goodies like a bag, a bluetooth mouse, a leather sleeve, and leather palmrests.
I saw benchmarks recently that said the U3S outperformed the SZ6 and the M1330 but I don't believe it is important, for the specs are so similar than any difference has to be marginal.

 

How about battery life? It true that it loses out to the SZ6 and M1330?

 

From what I've seen here and there it seems the U3S and all recent Asus models recently have not great battery life. The Sony definitely has better battery life, then comes the Dell and then the Asus. I believe the Sony may have at least an hour more, and the Dell 30 minutes.
Then again if you downclock the CPU in the U3S the differences goes away --and you can't even notice it.

 

Quick question: for those who use the included Asus bluetooth mouse, how much battery life you get on it? It seems I get amonth of wireless mouse, just checking.

 

Honestly the buletooth mouse sucks...i didn't use it at all... i love my G7 lol

 

As it now seems I might get an U3 through a friend to Europe from the US, a couple of questions:

- where to buy in the states, I found Newegg.com but is $1500 the lowest price (and reliable)?

- more importantly, does the GPS work the same anywhere? I know I'll have to get the european maps separately, but is the technology the same everywhere?

- is the ASUS warranty global?

BTW. the price here: 1660 euros = ~2500 dollars. So a friend carrying it through customs and avoiding taxes sounds strangely tempting

 

answer for last question, yes asus provides international warranty.

 

The GPS will work in Europe, but if you buy a US model, you'll end up with the North America maps.

 

i just got my u3s for $2400 AUD it came with vista ultimate and the asus dvd drive

also wat gps software would u recomend for putting on the u3s

 

G'day mate, where you purchased your U3S?

I'm still looking gps software for my U3S


For those who has successfully installed Winxp on U3S could you please tell me where to download the driver? or can i use vista driver for window xp? cheers

 

i got mine from cellnet up in brisbane

 

A response to the person who asked about the U3S 9-cell.

U3 series
6-Cell, Black 90-NLV1B2000T (In Stock)
6-Cell, White 90-NQF2B2000T(In Stock)
9-Cell, Black (ETA: Late December)
9-Cell, White (ETA: Late December)

 

how much is the 9-Cell?

 

Hey guys quick question: did you try to update the Nvidia drivers? I just downloaded them from the NVidia website and it doesn't recognize my hardware (?) I was on dedicated graphics of course. And strange enough, there is no link to the mobile version of the drivers...

I tried LaptopVideo2Go ut the site was down. Anyone used those drivers on Asus laptops?

Is there an issue with the switchable graphics system you think?

 

I can't wait for the 9 cell batteries