Asus A8JP Notebook Review

Great Review!

I have increased my budget so I can buy this beautiful laptop, thanks to your impressions(and others in this thread).

I am also very interested in this. I have used a few laptops, and switching the 'Ctrl' and 'Fn' keys could be annoying to get used to, and would be great if I could avoid it all together.

 

Something that struck me as odd about the review is the speakers. Unless the speakers have been upgraded from the A8js, they are below average, even for laptop speakers. While the volume is quite high, they are not clear but tinny, low bass and generally low quality. But it might just be my opinion and since the only other laptops i've properly evaluated the speakers of are FSC Amilo L6825 and M1437G, I might have high expectations (I thought they were acceptable and okay-ish respectavly).

My ears have adapted now though, so I can actually listen to music now and not think: wow, those speakers are crappy. Besides, I usually use proper speakers.

I still don't get why people think that the ctrl-button's universal correct position is to the farthest left. Some manufacturers do it the other way around, which means that's also a correct position (for them). Besides, you adapt if you're not used to it.

 

I've never used one of these keyboards before. While adapting is an option, if there are other options however I'd much prefer to explore those.

 

just out of curiosity, is this you that sold this laptop on ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-ASUS-...066420QQihZ004QQcategoryZ114205QQcmdZViewItem

if not (and i doubt it is), then i guess i have to say flattery is the sincerest form of admiration. or something like that. anyhow, i had read your review not long before i came across this ebay sale and something seemed familiar. thought you might find it interesting - check the description just under where it says "Here is the reason you must buy this system"...

ebay aside, great review!

jay

 

also, regarding the ctrl/function key placement issues: i don't like control all the way down in the corner in either case, so i switch the location of caps lock and ctrl on all my computers. with windows there is a registry fix, and with linux there used to be a "ctrl:swapcaps" option for x11/xorg.conf, but with the newer gnome desktops you can set it from the keyboard preferences menu (if you're not using X11/Xorg i'm not sure what's available).

this switch is nice because you don't need to move your hand at all to reach control, which is great in gaming as well as when you use a lot of ctrl+<key> commands.

i can't find the registry fix on my hard drives right now, but google for something like "registry control caps swap" and you should find something - just use a bit of common sense and don't b0rk anything by getting an untrustworthy file. if i can find the one i used i'll post it's contents.

jay

 

I would appreciate if somebody can make a comparison between Dell E1405 (T7200 2GHz, 1GB 677MHz, 120GB, 8x DVD burner, intel GMA 950, 1yr warranty: totally $1057 student price) and Asus A8JP

 

For one, the A8JP has an ATI x1700 video card, which is obviously lightyears better than an integrated one.

 

Well, I'm not so enthusiastic about this laptop...Certainly it has good components and perfomance....but crap screen, umcomfortable touchpad, noisy fan, ugly sound, poor battery time..... I'm a bit disappointed whit it.