Asus F8 Owners -- A few usage questions

Greetings Asus F8 Owners!

I'm considering picking up an F8Sn-C1 from GenTech to replace my 1st gen MacBook. The specs on this are what I'm looking for (although I do wish there were a Blueray option), but before I pull the trigger, I have a few questions I hope you can answer.

1) I do a lot of typing, so they keyboard needs to be pretty reliable. My MacBook's keyboard had been great -- very little to no flexing. How does the F8Sn-C1 keyboard stack up? I'm a touch typist, and I'm really not too hard on keyboards, but if the keys feel cheap or mushy, I don't think I'll be happy.

2) How hot does the system get with prolonged usage? I'm going to be using this at home, and I'll have it plugged in almost all the time. (I know the battery isn't the greatest on this unit, but this isn't an issue based on my usage patterns.) Will heat be a problem? I have a Targus heat pad I'll be using with it (it tilts the system ~25 degrees, lifting the back of the system off the table), and I'm hoping this will be enough to keep the system comfortably cool. This setup works well with my MacBook, and I'm hoping it will also work with the F8Sn-C1. (Note: I'm not really a gamer. The most I would be playing is NWN and Diablo 2.)

3) How loud is the system? Does the fan continually run, and if so, is it noticeably loud?

4) Does the system creak or flex when picked up? Can you comfortably carry around the system in one hand (closed or open), or would you be afraid you might break something? Creaking is okay with me as long as the system will actually hold up. (There are very few notebooks I've come across that don't have some creak to them!)

5) Last question -- and probably the most important to me. In hindsight, would you buy your F8 system again? Keeping in mind that there's always something "better" coming around the corner (e.g., Intel's new mobile chipset in June), is now a relatively good time to buy?

This is a great forum -- I can't believe I just found it. I really appreciate any opinions you can offer. Thanks again.

 

1) The keyboard is firm, no flexing. My last laptop was a 12" PB which had a marvelous keyboard. While the F8's isn't the same, it's still very good. You have to press a little harder then with a Mac, but like everything you get used to it. Otherwise a good external keyboard works wonders.

2) System doesn't get very hot at all. I leave mine plugged in at my desk pretty much ALL the time. It's never overheated. The laptop itself is always cool to the touch. The only heat it produces is from the vent on the side.

3) System makes a little noise. More then a MacBook for sure, but nothing bad. Actually the only time I will notice is if I'm sitting in total silence. But it is not bad at all.

4) The laptop is very sturdy. No creaking or flexing at all, not even when you open the display. It weighs in at roughly 5.6lbs, not bad at all to carry around with one hand.

5) There is never a "good" time to buy a laptop. There will always be a new model a month later. I would buy my F8 again, maybe not this exact model, but an updated one. But then again in the 2 or 3 years when it's time for a new laptop there might be something that appeals to me more.

A word of advice on buying a laptop. If having the baddest laptop on the streets is your thing, then hold out until you absolutely cannot anymore. Otherwise buy whenever you are ready. You say you aren't gaming heavily or doing anything "cutting edge" with the laptop so this should not really matter to you.

 

Many thanks for your experiences with the F8. It sounds like we're coming from the same place -- from Apple to Asus. I actually had a 12" PB as well (loved it), but I'm doing so much work in Windows now (particularly SQL programming), I think it makes sense to pick up a Windows based system.

From your answers, it looks like this would be a really good system for me. I really like the 14" form factor (15" is a bit too big for my tastes), and I'm pleased to hear that the keyboard is relatively sturdy and system heat is not a huge issue. I knew that the laptop would be noisier than my MacBook (the MacBook is whisper quiet), but I think I can live with that. (I have a 15 month old who is constantly making noise, so that's probably what I'll be hearing over the system itself!)

I also agree with you about buying technology. There's always going to be something better if you'd only wait. However, if you take that too seriously, you'll run into the catch-22 of never buying anything.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.

 

Just a brief question, I'm not sure what NWN is and what its GPU requirements are, but if it's anything like Diablo 2, then I don't think you need a dedicated GPU. In this light, is the F8 the right laptop? Maybe it's better to go for something with integrated GPU, and gain 30% or more battery life, and perhaps a significant drop in temps and noise...

I'm not sure what that something is in the ASUS lineup, though. Only the lower-end machines (such as some A8-s) have integrated GPUs. One of the U-series has switchable graphics (integrated + dedicated).

Maybe a good idea to fill in the FAQ to get outside-ASUS suggestions?

 

Sorry about that. NWN is the original Neverwinter Nights. I've actually played a little on an X3100, and the performance wasn't quite what I wanted. However, based on the review by GenTech, the F8 could clearly handle the game on full graphical settings. I'm also interested in playing Call of Duty 4. There's a few players at my office that have been bugging me to pick up a "gaming rig" to play. Granted, the F8 really isn't a gaming rig per se, but it does a fairly decent job with the game, and it's the form factor I prefer.

The reason I'm interested in the F8 is because it seems to be relatively future proof -- at least for a couple of years. I tend to trade in my system every two years or so, and I think this system will bring me through that time comfortably. It also seems to have the best bang for the buck in a 14", but I wanted to make sure the build quality was there -- particularly around the keyboard. Also, I'm not too concerned about the F8's poor battery life -- I'll have it plugged in most of the time.

Based on this, do you think the F8 may be a good match for me? I could still fill out the FAQ if that would help. Thanks again for your comments.

 

Hope I can add my 2 cents with my newly purchased F8SN-B1.

1) I've always like the ASUS keyboard. My previous R1F feels exactly the same.

2) Sitting in my lap I've noticed that it is warm beneth the hard drive and around the exhaust fan. It definitely feels cooler compared to my R1F. The plastic material around the base is made to look rough/bumpy, and feels cooler.

3) The hard drive can be heard with some clicking from time to time, just like many other notebooks. I've noticed that the fan is always on, but not loud enough that I have to turn the volume up.

4) The base is very sturdy, and doesn't make any noise or creaking. However, I can't say the same for the display. It creaks each and everytime it is open or closed. I was looking around to see if that is case with other owners, and could only find this [URL="http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-F8SN-Notebook.8332.0.html"http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-F8SN-Notebook.8332.0.html]review[/URL] which had the same creaking or cracking noises from the display hinge. It is annoying, but only when the display is moved.

5) I agree with what onlycopunk said. I would certainly buy it again. I like the palm resting area, it's smooth, and cool to the touch. Plenty of USB ports all around and placed very well. A touch pad that is made of a better matte/rough material. Display is nice and crisp. The only dislikes I have are: the creaking display, no number lock light, and darks on the screen that seem washed out (even after adjusting the nVidia settings).

 

Thanks for your comments, macuis. I'm not too concerned about screen creaking -- mine will be up most of the time anyway. From what I'm hearing, it sounds like the build quality is on par with many other laptops in this price range, which is good. I'm not sure the build quality is quite as good as my MacBook, but for what I'm getting for the money, I think that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make. Like anyway, I don't want to end up with something feeling cheap, though!

Thanks again for your input.

 

I'm going to go ahead and answer the FAQ for anyone interested in this thread.

General Questions

1) What is your budget?

~$1,500.00

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.

United States

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Not really -- I've typically used Macs, so I'm used to that kind of build quality

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?

Web browsing, Office work, SQL programming, light gaming, music/movies, light picture editing

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

It will be on a lapdesk, on a Targus cool pad, on my lap (in that order!) 95% of the time

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

Neverwinter Nights and Diablo 2; Call of Duty 4 and Half Life 2 (possibly)

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Not many -- I'll leave this plugged in most of the time. Somewhere around 2 to 3 hours would be nice.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?

I'd prefer to see it in person first, but it's not a deal breaker

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Don't care. I've used 'em all, but my work mostly has me in Windows-based apps, which is why I'm considering going back to the Windows world. I still have a MacMini for my wife.

Screen Specifics

11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?

Widescreen

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Don't care

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

Somewhat. I am coming from the Mac world, after all.

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?

As soon as possible; two years at least

Notebook Components

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?

320 GB

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

Yes. I'd prefer Blu-Ray, but I'll settle for a DVD burner.

 

Even though I hear the build quality is quite good, on par or above for most laptops, don't forget you get a great two year warranty, as well as one year accidental damage coverage if you buy it in the U.S. That's pretty amazing, everything you're getting for that price.

 

That sort of coverage really does blow my mind. Is ASUS customer service easy to deal with?

 

Well I am about to buy my first Asus laptop so I can't really comment on it first hand. From everything I have read is that it's pretty good. 24/7 Toll-Free tech support, Both Way Next Day Air Shipping on repairs/problems.

http://adw.asus.com/content/adp/default.aspx

 

ASUS support in the US is excellent from what I read on this forum.

Also, what I meant by filling in the FAQ is to post it in the What Should I Buy forum. It's of course helpful here as well; but there you will get many more suggestions, some of which may be a better fit to your needs than any ASUS.

 

I truly think for the price and the power that the F8 series offer, it really can't be beat. Especially with the warranty. A free year of accidental warranty might come in handy with a 15 month old as well.

 

I've had my F8sn-C1 for five days now and can give you some input:

1)How does the F8Sn-C1 keyboard stack up?
The keyboard is very good. There is a small amount of flex built in, but I haven't noticed it unless I'm mashing on the keyboard to see it on purpose. Compared to my old asus W3 the keyboard has much more resistance (you have to press harder to type), but it's one of those things that is only a problem for the first 2 or 3 days until you get used to it. I will say that the keyboard is very quiet compared to the other laptops I have used. Overall I'd give it an 8 out of 10.

2) How hot does the system get with prolonged usage? I'm going to be using this at home, and I'll have it plugged in almost all the time. (
This thing produces so little heat it amazes me. I use it at home on a table with no cooling pad and I havent had any problems. Even if I run some of the newer games the table nor laptop dont heat up, and right now I'm using it on my lap and cant feel the heat coming off the bottom, something I couldn't say for my old W3 which would cook you after 15 minutes.

3) How loud is the system? Does the fan continually run, and if so, is it noticeably loud?
Another are that really impressed me. This laptop is super quiet. I cant hear the hard drive access nor can I hear the fan running. The only time I've heard it at all is late at night playing with absolutely no ambient noise, and even then it's pretty whisper quiet.


4) Does the system creak or flex when picked up? Can you comfortably carry around the system in one hand (closed or open), or would you be afraid you might break something?
Build quality is definitely one area where I liked the W3 better then this system. Especially concerning the flat plastic look surrounding the screen, one word comes to mind - cheap. Dont get me wrong, I'm sure the laptop will hold up during it's lifespan, but I'm going to be much more careful with this system then my old one. There's a little bit of creak here and there, but it sounds like its from the friction of plastic on plastic hinges etc, and not from stressed parts of the body, but I probably wouldn’t carry it around with one hand.

5) Last question -- and probably the most important to me. In hindsight, would you buy your F8 system again? Keeping in mind that there's always something "better" coming around the corner (e.g., Intel's new mobile chipset in June), is now a relatively good time to buy?
In a heartbeat. I get major buyers remorse on just about everything I buy, and let me tell you I've had none since buying this system. I'm in love with everything about it, my only change would be to remove the big webcam front and center, and put a glossy finish around the screen (oh, and the touchpad left and right buttons have a very loud click to them).

The system runs very cool, its audio out port outputs at a great volume unlike my old laptop, the internal components are simply the best you can get right now in a 14'' laptop. It's portable and light (I carry it to work and back every day, about a 15 minute walk each way). It's very quiet, the screen is crisp and clear, and the hard drive was partitioned the way I would have done it myself.

I'm also no longer a vista basher. While I did some bandwagon jumping in the past after everything I've heard about vista, I'm really enjoying it currently. Make sure when you get your PC you use the vista tweaks on this forum and disable just about everything in the startup menu. My system boots in a little over 30 seconds - I cant believe it, and I shutdown in maybe 6 or 7 seconds. My processor sits at 0% activity most of the time, and everything opens without a hint of delay.

 

Thanks for the very detailed review of my questions! It really sounds like this will be a good laptop for me. One of the hardest things I'm running into is actually switching back from OS X to Windows Vista. Could this be reverse-switcher's guilt?

I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this one. I'm just going to have to adjust to using a Windows system as my primary home system (I already use Windows XP at work). Don't get me wrong -- I really enjoy OS X and the Macs in general. But for what I'm doing at work these days, I think that having a Windows laptop makes more sense.

Thanks again.

 

I noticed the keyboard on y F8SN-B1 gets worn out very quick. On my space bar, enter, shift and some keys, you can notice the spots easily.

Just a question even I don't know, does the B1 have Lightscribe for the DVD writer?

 

I'm not sure what you mean by very quick... All (ASUS?) keyboards do that (get shiny from the fingers). Unless the paint wears off or anything like that, that's no reason to worry.

Also keep in mind a replacement keyboard on the eStore is usually only 20 dollars, so... in a year or so you can just exchange it.

 

My cousin just got the F8P-C1W and I played with it a bit and I can confirm what most other are saying. It's definitely a solid laptop.

It is a little thicker than I would imagine for a 14" (I have a thinkpad that is thinner) but overall it's really good. Also, the pre-installed software does seem to be somewhat bloated.

A quick question, I noticed that Office 2007 was installed on it, however it required the product key, so I assume that the installed version was a trial is that correct? Or is the product key somewhere I didn't see?

 

If there's one thing I was worried about & have that worry no more is the heat question. I don't know alot about other brands , except Sony , & their "heat" generator problems but Asus has got it down pat on the F8Sn. I'm extremely pleased with the lack of heat generated , inside & outside , along with the excellent hardware included. I thought there may be a problem with the high octane video card & the 2g + CPU but not to worry at all. Also this Asus is , by far , the best notebook I've owned or know via other peoples notebooks re bloatware. It's very easy & fast to remove what's there. I have my startup memory use down to the low 800's !

I've had mine approx six weeks & it's been on the whole time. I use a Zalmon cooler but notice little difference with or without it. That's how well the F8Sn cools. It's quiet with little fan and/or hard drive noise.

For the money paid & what one receives for that money is simply amazing. Not to mention Asus's excellent warranty. It's a no brainer if this model comes anywhere close to one's needs re whether to buy or not.

The MS Office software is try-before-buy. I think it's good for 60 days.

 

Thanks red616!

 

So does the F8SN-B1 have lightscribe?

 

I don't know...does it ?

 

Just check the model page on ASUS.com. Be sure to edit the URL so that it says modelmenu=2 at the end, like so:

http://www.asus.com.tw/products.aspx?l1=5&l2=26&l3=501&l4=0&model=2032&modelmenu=2

that will give detailed config listings.

 

That site is great & is the first one I used to check out the F8 series before I got mine. Can't believe anyone that has one does not know about it.

 

Hi everyone
I was searching in the internet and found this forum and its seems very helpful
I just purchased my F8sn and my concern is I want to install Mac on this laptop (dual boot with vista) but I don’t know if there is any problem in that and will all the devices will work fine ?

If anyone tried that or have an idea please help me out

 

I don't think you can install OS/X on a regular PC. Apple had coded their operating system to only recognize Apple hardware ID. As a result, if you attempt to install it, your computer will lock up.

If you want to run OS/X, you may have to purchase a Macintosh, and dual boot Windows.

EDIT: Thanks for E.B.E's edit.

 

Also discussing MacOS hacks is not allowed because it's illegal.

 

Is there any version of virtual Mac OS (legal)

 

No, there isn't. Any OS use outside of the Mac platform is illegal - the mods should probably delete those posts above on this topic for liability reasons.

 

I don't think deletion is necessary but let's leave it at that (i.e. no further discussion).

 

I apologize for adding that. I thought I've included the phrase "not recommended due to its non-legality." But I guess it didn't come up.

Thanks for the correction.