Asus UL30VT FAQ / Official Owners Lounge redux

thanks ill have a look at it.

Umm I wonder how good the nvidia 310m really is compared to the 210m... regarding games... and the i3 processor... The only reason i havent decided to buy the VT yet is because i do plan to play games on the laptop. I do realise this is not the best gaming option but i dont really mind playing games in lower settings so long as they run ok.

 

All on the UL30JT thread. The JT has a ULV i5 core actually. The U30JC has the i3.

The difference is quite minimal. Based on what you're saying right now, consider the U30JC. The UL30 line is about portability, lightness and battery life with the occasional additional computing juice for gaming but it's not much. If you want something that's more heavily powered and don't mind the extra weight, get the U30JC. Good reviews. It packs a full powered i3, 310M, 8 hour battery life and a optical drive. You'll have to choose one based on your needs cause one laptop can't do everything.

 

Thanks for the clarification on that...I was rather confused by all of the different versions listed on the Asus site. I am hoping to do a clean install of Windows 7 and get my computer up and running in as little time as possible.

 

Thanks for the input. Id probably get the U30JC but apparently theres no black version of it. I do love the way the UL30VT looks...

 

You can put a skin on the cover to make the silver more discrete. Go back one or two pages to look at the Carbon skin i put on my UL30VT. It's around $25 USD. IMO the carbon skin + silver looks better than the black on black X1. There's several skins available: leather, carbon, cube (for blacks) and white. I believe the UL30 skins are the same as the U30JC skins.

David posted the white skin and it's pretty sick as well.

 

AFAIK these two notebooks are identical other than the larger frame and added DVD burner on the 80vt. The version numbers appear to be an update not machine specific?

Scratching head..

 

I would say the benefits outweigh the drawbacks if any. It comes down to your desire for a matte screen. The packaging claims that 99% transmittance and it's fairly correct. The screen doesn't seem any duller than it was but perception is personal. Some people may find it duller, other like me may not. The screen does look a bit different but that's probably because it's non-glossy now. I'm using the screen protector outside right nowand the screen is totally usable. Pics to come later.

 

Hey All,

My objective is to play GTA IV smoothly on my brand new Asus UL30VT-a1. Many have told me offhandedly that this would be possible even though I was pessimistic before the purchase.

I installed GTA IV after carefully examining system requirements, running system requirements labs and consulting GTA IV experts...

On high performance mode, the game stutters on lowest graphics settings. Then I noticed that windows ranks games using their scoring system and says minimum requirements would be a 4.5. The Asus laptop is rated at 4.8...

So I figure, ok maybe some overclocking will give me the edge I need. I successfully overclock the CPU using the methods posted on this board and verify with CPU-Z. No change to gameplay. A friend thought that the low CPU power of this laptop may have in fact been the limiting factor preventing me from running GTA IV smoothly. This doesn't seem to be the case.

Then I overclock the GPU using the recommended method linked on this forum. I don't push it quite as far as the maximum safe limit, but stay about 50 points lower than the highest safe overclock. Game is still stuttery and basically not playable.

Any more ideas out there or should I just find a different game?

Thanks a bunch

 

I write about my gpu problems couple of posts ago.
I have 4 DVD from another 30vt with image of recovery partition (made by ai recovery).
What I must do to make it useable?
I haven't got any dvd rom, so I copy that to my pendrive. But what next?

 

If you read prior posts from those who have installed versions other than the one designed for their particular notebook model-most have had problems of one kind or another. Some minor, some major. All I am saying is knock yourself out and try any version you like. But if you have problems, simply go back to the version made specifically for YOUR laptop.

 

Oh I have read other posts. They sound as confused as Asus who list 1.1.24 and 1.1.31 under my specific machine utilities. It gets better, I checked which version that was supplied with my driver DVD and it's 1.1.29!

So, I'm just fishing for info and watching others knock themselves out trying to sort out all the Asus FUD

Thanks for the reply..

 

Search old thread..

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-ul30vt-x1-owners-lounge-192.html#post5795263

 

Okay. Thanks for the info. This sounds like the way to go. Bought it on ebay you said?

 

Ya that's interesting that another user says he/she can run it when I Can't even run it smoothly with a CPU and GPU overclock. This is what is so frustrating. All the evidence points to the game being able to run smoothly on minimum requirements. No matter what I do, the game is hampered by very prominent stuttering.

 

So when i'm in high performance mode, the processor idles at 47/44C is that normal? I get around 66-67 when under 100% with prime95.

 

so is it recommended to do a fresh install of Windows 7?

I have a CD of windows 7 ultimate, so can I use that to do a fresh install and then use the key from under the laptop?

PS also would a fresh install remove any necessary utilities that would decrease battery life?

thank you

 

Will a retail install disc of windows 7 professional 64-bit (what was preinstalled on my machine) work with my serial number or would it need to be an OEM install disc? Looking to do a fresh install to get rid of all the darn bloatware they put on this thing.

 

A clean install is a good exercise and gives you the satisfaction of doing a custom install if needed.

Performance wise, me, myself and I see no real performance gain unless a bloat-ware uninstall went really bad. The biggest benefit I have found is it's far quicker to repair a neighbor's machine when he or she clicked on the wrong “free scan” button online.

Your keys are good for your installed version. If you are upgrading then Bill wants more money. Most retail disks have all versions on board.

The battery life is determined by speed of CPU and which GPU is in use. Screen LEDs have made a huge difference over older Fl displays. So no, I would venture that bloatware would not affect your battery life. Turning stuff off like unused BTooth and USB devices would make the difference.

 

Hi to all ya other happy(?) owners of ul30vt

Got mine a bit over week ago and I'd like to say I love everything about this piece of machinery but I can't. The laptop is unstable. By unstable I mean that it freezes or crashes during bootups or resuming from hibernation/sleep. And what's worse I need to restart it multiple times in a row when this happens because it will usually crash a few times before it starts up again and then it runs like a charm... until next sleep/hibernation/restart.

I've done a bit of diagnostics on the problem but no luck so far as the error code is 124, which is generic hardware failure... I have also reinstalled windows like 4 times now with and without bloatware and on old and updated programs but the problem persists.

So... I'm calling ASUS on Monday to see how their support sees the issue but do you guys have anything I could try before it?

 

Yeah gotcha. I assume that all 3 versions have worked fine on your UL30vt??? Anyway, I think the problem is made even worse by those downloading versions not meant for their particular model as well! I have a UL80vt myself and 1.1.25 is the latest version listed for it and it seems to work perfectly. Maybe the best advice to offer is to use only the versions Asus lists for YOUR particular model and if the latest one has a problem, drop back a version till you find one that works.

 

Generic error? Sounds like a run of the mill hardware failure? Intrigued why only on restarts which makes me want to say hard drive or memory..guessing there, sorry.

If it's a week old I would return it to seller for exchange. Why wait for repair but Asus should do you right. Hopefully you got it from Amazon?

 

Has anybody tried any CL5 DDR3?

Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model KHX1066C5S3K2/4GX

I'm not that tempted to try it since I imagine overclocking would be improbable with the tighter timing. Just curious if it would work?

 

Hey guys. I just ordered my UL30VT-A1 this week from the bing.com link to jr.com. The day or 2 after, they dropped the price another $20. I gave their price match number a call, and they said it would be no problem to credit my account the $20! So, if anyone else bought one from them in the last week or 2 I'd give it a try.

Also, the Zeroshock III doesn't seem to be in stock anymore (1 seller selling it or 60$ on amazon now :O ) so does anyone have any recommendations for a good sleeve? I was looking at these guys:

Amazon.com: Case Logic 13.3" Laptop Sleeve: Electronics

Amazon.com: Checkpoint-Friendly BauBau Memory Foam Sleeve for 13.3" Widescreen Laptop [Graphite]: Office Products

Any thoughts?

 

I have this one and it fits pretty well. The description says that its for a 13" Macbook, but it fits my UL30VT perfectly.

Amazon.com: be.ez 100416 LA robe Sleeve for 13.3-Inch Macbooks

 

Lower CAS latency ram are usually better for overclocking. If anything, it should help to overclock the CPU even more.

Both of those cases would work just fine. I recently got the Incase 13" CL57098 due to it's much thicker neoprene lining. It's a little more expensive than other neoprene sleeves, but it does provide a better sense of protection for your UL30.

 

Lower latency is better for performance, but not necessarily overclocking. If you have two different DIMM's that run at the same speed with different latencies, the lower latency RAM should perform better. However, it is far easier for RAM to remain synchronous at high speeds with looser timings, so the memory with the higher latency should be able to reach higher stable speeds.

EDIT: I'm only talking about this particular scenario with the ul30vt series. Because we do not have the advantage of a selectable memory divisor, or the ability to run the FSB and RAM unlinked, realizing the full potential to OC will depend greatly on the max speed that the memory will remain stable at.

 

Hey guys,

I just received a brand-new UL30VT-X1 and I got a problem with the base of the unit that appears to be uneven. Some users here reported that their right side of the palm rest would creak and tanhi said that his base would be a bit uneven on the right side.
I haven't noticed any creaking yet but I've got the problem on my unit that the left front side of the base is slightly uneven and a bit lifted in comparison to the other parts of the base. As yet I have tried to tighten/untighten some of the screws on the base but that didn't make it any better

Any other ideas? I really don't want to send it back as this notebook purchase has already cost me many nerves

 

How can I make it so the F1-F12 keys are by default the fn operations? I've tried installing the ASUS Hotkeys Utility, but its not working for some reason.

Any other way of doing this?

Much Appreciated.

 

I've ordered some random sleeve from China via e-bay. It's like 7$ with shipment
I'll let you know how it preforms when/if it arrives.

 

You need to download and install ATKOSD2 and ATK Generic Function Service Utility...

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

 

I've installed it but how do I access the program?

 

You also need "Keyboard Device Filter Utility" that's found under "Others" on laptop's support page.
There's nothing to access, keys will just start working.

 

I've installed both things, but I still have to press "fn" + F1-F12 to access the fn function?

I'm trying to make it so, for example, the F2 key will switch wifi on/off without pressing the "fn" key + F2.

 

Oh sry, I guess your request seemed so unusual none of us even registered what you want properly
There's no easy way to do it. There are no settings and such.

I would guess that there are 2 layers involved.
First one is "Keyboard Device Filter Utility" which in a way teaches PC which additional keys your laptop has. Your keyboard alone is probably sending completely unique data for each Fx (F1, F2...) when Fn key is held.
Your request would be possible if you, or someone else, knew how to intercept these signals and swap them out before they reach Windows (or at least it's interface).

On 2nd layer you could make ATK utilities respond to different keys, but that would interfere with Windows at the same time (eg F1 would open help + send PC to sleep). Plus you would have to know how to hack ATK in first place (which is way beyond me also).


My humble opinion is, that you should forget about this and get used to it as it is. There are some rather noticeable functions on those keys and I don't think you would want to press them by mistake, thus I think Fn is very good modifier for that job.
I know that some keys might be hard to reach using just one hand, but it's still manageable. I would also argue that Fx keys are usually used more often than Wi-Fi toggle for example.

 

oh wow, I just though there would be a simple program that can swap it lol guess not.

anyways I guess Ill just get used to it, thanks!

 

ahhh i feared this would happen


my left click mouse button is mushy now.

 

Thinking about it, I would say that there's some program already made for this kind of stuff. The trick is to find one that can swap special keys along with standard ones.

 

I'm not that familiar with the ASUS utilities, but at least on my thinkpad x60s it was possible to make the "fn" key the switch. (on/off switch instead of having to press it simultaneously)



... Back to my issues... In response to the fella who answered me previously - no, I did not buy mine from Amazon but instead from a local store. I went there and they told me straight off to call ASUS on Monday and ask for their opinion on the issue.
It is the run of the mill hardware error (0x0000000124, not sure of the number of nills ). Today I had my worst experience so far... Powered up from hibernation -> 2 minutes of browsing -> Comp restarted by itself -> Had to restart 8 times to get it back running... Kinda starting to get on my nerves now.

 

I would have not left the store without another machine. Did they have to fix your credit card before they took your money?

Asus will ether ask you to do a system restore and or send them the machine. How full is your box of patience?

 

It's quite full to be honest and I intend to get them send me in a new unit. I have already done system restore twice from the original disks that came in with this unit with and without bloatwares to no effect whatsoever and updated bios and updated p4g, and atks - nothing has changed.

 

I'm into zippers, with pockets for mouse, but for 7$ you can't go wrong. By the time you stamp it with brand name and give it to BB your up to $25, no?

LOL, the pictures look like they may ship in a unmarked brown wrapper

 

if anyone was interested in this, I did manage to swap the keys by using a simple remapping utility!

Simply changed the the "F-keys" to the specific media keys I wanted. Works perfect!

Link: RandyRants: SharpKeys

 

Hey guys, just wanted to give you an update on my slightly warped unit. I managed to even the base by gently pushing the front left corner down while pressing the front right corner upward. I know this whole thing sounds a bit adventurous but at least my UL30VT now sits flat on the table^^

I hope it will stay that way now... Otherwise I will send it back after all :/

 

goonx,

Are you able to post a link to the specific protector you got while we wait for the picture(s) of it?

This could open up all kinds of possibilities for me since I like matte screens and there are very few laptops that have them.

Thanks.

 

Does anyone else get a slight lag/skip when watching Hulu @ 480p every few minutes? I just want to know if it is my laptop or Hulu causing the problem.

 

Are you using flash 10.1 beta? If not, try use that and see if that helps with the lag. Once installed, make sure you enable hardware acceleration and have your laptop running with discrete graphics.

 

Is anybody using the nvidia 257.15 beta drivers yet?

NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.15 BETA

 

better luck here;

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/474538-modded-197-16-hybrid-graphics-driver-ul30-50-80vt.html

 

I actually read that thread a while back, but I'm specifically curious about the beta and didn't know if anyone had the time to test it out.

 

From the site: "Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets is not supported by this release." So if it does install correctly, which is doubtful, switchable graphics may not work? I'm guessing UL30/50 owners need to wait for an official Asus driver, or a hacked version...