Asus S96j FAQ (and Z96j)

ASUS S96J FAQ (and Z96J)

THought I'd start a thread on frequently asked questions about the Asus S96j (and Z96j to a certain extent). Also some questions that I had, and also to restate some facts that have been previously established...
Here is a similar thread...I will edit and add any conclusions drawn from that one.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=62289

DISCLAIMER --> New shoppers, this list does NOT mean that this is a buggy laptop, or one that is riddled with problems. It is a solid solid notebook, however I've taken it upon myself to make this the central post to have general faqs and issues listed. Many problems listed at the end of this thread are rare, and reported by very few people.



General (other) Issues

1) Is the S96j in fact the Z96jS? When I use ATi Catalyst to see my system specs, it shows the model name as "Z96JS". Perhaps S96J was just the marketing name??

2) If it IS the Z96js then all the driver updates and support files are found on the Asus page (even though it seems the ATI driver they have listed is older than the one that came on my driver cd)
If it ISNT the Z96js...then where does one go for support?

3) The graininess issue....does it exist? Yes...I think we all see it, especially on certain angles you can see it in regular white space within windows, mozilla e.t.c. I haven't tried any games yet so I'm not sure how bad it really is, the point is, after that huge thread "S96j grainines issue...", what was the conclusion? I believe a certain member of the reseller community had gotten in touch with INtel/Asus, but more details would help, and also it would help to know what was determined to be the cause? the driver? the lcd? the graphics card? e.t.c
Poll - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66693
THE Thread - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66204

4) FYI--> The boot error NTLDR missing is a huge problem...most of the time, but in this case I am pretty sure it's because of the driver disc, so if it happens without the disc being in the drive...then you have a problem..
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=70596




Hardware Issues

1) Keyboard - Keyboard issue --> Not really an issue, but yes...it is a sub-par keyboard, it's noisy, and it has some give when you type on it, can't believe I'm saying this but my Dell Insp 6000 had a wonderful keyboard compared to this. So...I ask...anyone found a replacement keyboard? Let's put the "interchangeability" to use lol

2) External Buttons - Anyone know what those buttons to the left of the power button do anyways??

Making those media keys (Fn + F9 --> F12) work with winamp e.t.c Is it possible?
If not, is it possible to reassign the keys to the left of the power button to play,pause,next e.t.c??

3) Noise - Is it Quiet? ....HELL YES...It honestly runs silent...it's incredible...

4) DVD Drive - The dvd drive I got from milestonepc is a Toshiba/Samsung, very nice...but...it's pretty noise, makes clicking noises and such, IS this normal? (I previously had a dvd rom/cd - R drive)(this one is dvd-r)

5) Speakers - The Audio...is really really quiet? These Speakers are almost too quiet, at max volume? Is this nomral?

6) Merom Compatibility - As far as I've read, S96j IS MErom compatible, but let's confirm again, and make sure everyone knows how to go about it (getting the new bios e.t.c)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=70028&highlight=s96j



Driver/Software Issues

1) Ati question --> Is this "catalyst" software also the driver? And if so where would it say the driver version, and also what are the "omega" drivers? Are they stable?

2)Anyone else have trouble installing the "eSATA" drivers, error message "jraid scsi" not installed or something?

3)Anyone have the laptop crash once they installed Notebook Hardware Control, and changed it to Max performance? Is it because of the dual core? :S

4)Anyone keep that Power4gear stuff?? Does it actually make a difference if I choose High Performance vs. Super Performance vs. Gaming?
I think I'd like to know what it's doing when I change those around.
Power Mgmt Software - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=33424



Cosmetic Editing

5) LAstly people looking to spruce up their laptop, look on ebay, there are Asus stickers.

Cosmetic tweak-http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69802&highlight=s96j
Back lid/panel - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66142&highlight=s96j
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64661&highlight=s96j




WARRANTY INFORMATION - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1425928&postcount=207
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=56820


Other old threads..
Dvd rails being included/graininess - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=71969
Build Quality - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72346
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64613&highlight=s96j
INitial Boot probs (self installed) - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72574
9-cell batter + Dead pixel - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=71946
Wireless probs (I haven't had any) - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72316
Fan issues (rare) - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72997&highlight=s96j
Battery life + Gpu - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72024&highlight=s96j
Freezing problem - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=70624&highlight=s96j
2Gb limie on ram (?)- http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=70271&highlight=s96j
Bios - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69290&highlight=s96j
Modem issue - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66072&highlight=s96j
Car Adapter+Antiglare - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=61476&highlight=s96j

 

Q: Can I install Linux on my S96J/Z96J?
A: Yes, though you may need to use a distribution with the 2.6.17.x kernel. It works fine with 2.6.17.9 but I was unable to get Kubuntu 6.06 or OpenSuSE 10.1 installed and both use 2.6.15 kernels. A workaround for Ubuntu is described at https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+source/linux-source-2.6.15/+bug/48556

 

No. And, in fact, to install Catalyst, you need to install .NET framework which is just more bloatware. Unless you want those myriad little options and tools Catalyst has, I'd skip it and just install the driver.

The one closest to the power button disables the touchpad. This is incredibly helpful when playing FPS games. You enable this button by installing the touchpad drivers.

That's the same most people got and its a spectacular drive. 5X more quiet than the one that came in a Dell E1705 I tried and I haven't wasted a single disk yet in a couple dozen burned.

 

I don't notice it at all, except at the futuremark forums where it is very noticeable. It doesn't seem like like the white with a slight blue tint.

 

Seems more of...hmm...a patchy look (noise as some would say) in the whites, so it isn't one solid colour. It's bordering on beige, but loking straight on, 180 degrees, I see nothing.

 

2) The Z96j and S96j are the same models, except that the Z96j has BT, a higher res screen. Orginally there was to be a different lid for the Z, but Asus saw it easier and cheaper to sell both with the same lids. The BIOS are the same in both models, so it says Z96j no matter what.

4) The Fn keys wont work with winamp, even with using the global settings.

8) sometimes the battery will not fully reach 100%, Ken from Gentech has the same problem on his Z70va, so its not really a big issue. Usually the battery hits 100% after some time, so its not losing a charge. If you go into the BIOS and do the battery calibration(prepare to wait), that helps it hold the charge better it seems.

13) you could talk to some of the retailers for some stickers, usually they dont mind. The only thing ive seen on ebay is a 9in ASUS logo, and it was too big for me.

 

The Z96J is also labeled as a Z96Js.

ATI is now offering Linux support. Mind you, it's new still, but hopefully in a short while Linux & ATI will be like Linux & nVidia.

Never heard of the NTLDR missing thing. Sounds like some sort of windows or hard disk trying to boot windows error. Or perhaps trying to boot from a windows driver cd, or an issue with win SP1 disks.

The keyboard is great. I won't argue with you, the flex is there. But it is definately not an issue. I do heavy keyboard work(coding, school work) and I really like this keyboard. I have used my friend's inspiron 6000 and I absolutely hate the keyboard. Don't know what you are talking about.

You need to install the drivers from your driver cd to get the buttons by the power button to work. In order from left to right:

1. P4G mode switch. Changes from performance to gaming to dvd to power savings modes.

2. Internet shortcut. Opens an iExplorer.

3. E-mail shortcut. Opens up your default E-mail client.

4. Touchpad disable switch. Turns off your touchpad. Helpful if you tend to hit the keyboard with your palms while typing.

You shouldn't be installing any "eSATA" drivers. Your software setup on this computer is screwed up. It sounds like you have no idea what you are doing. The same goes for your "generic" graphic drivers questions. Is this your first computer?

Omega's are modded/hacked/tweaked desktop drivers that will "work" on your laptop. Can cause serious issues. Not official. Some people prefer them because it used to be the only option for a laptop if you didn't want to use the manufacturer's drivers. ATI now releases updated drivers for their laptop line, mobility catalyst. Stick with those or Asus drivers.

 

Note that if you try to grab ATI's catalyst mobility drivers, the software will complain that you do not have a supported laptop. You may be able to install the 'desktop' catalyst drivers, though, but I have not tried this.

The drivers provided by ASUS are months out of date.

 

The Asus drivers aren't really out of date. For some of their other models, where the drivers haven't been updated in 8-24 months, yea, I see what you mean. But the Z96J was released last month.

YOU CANNOT PUT ATI DESKTOP DRIVERS ON A LAPTOP.

What you need to do is use the direct download link the download the mobility catalyst drivers rather than going through ATI's verification tool. I have used mobility catalyst 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 on my Z96J. No problems.

 

Well, I like starting out with the absolute latest video card drivers, then I'll not update them for 3 - 6 months or until I run into a problem.

Thanks for the suggestion about using a direct link to the mobility drivers. That's what I'll try when I have a moment. Much appreciated!

 

8) Thanks for mentioning the battery issue -- I have this problem as well. It's intermittant and sometimes the orange (charging) LED flashes when the battery is near fully charged and the laptop powered off. This flashing LED normally indicates low battery charge, so I was concerned that I had charging problems.

I've done the calibration once and it seemed to work for a day or two. I may try calibrating it once a week.


Be seeing you...

---> TBC (Trust Battery Calibration?)

 

Haven't heard about the battery issue. Sounds like you could have a faulty battery. I've got two, a 6 cell and 9 cell, and neither have any trouble.

 

It isnt a faulty battery, Ive had the same problem, and Ken has the same thing on his Z70va, its holding a full charge, but it works fine. It just doesnt recognize that its fully charged(its really rare for me nowadays after the battery calibration)

 

Love your condescending tone kid, lol.

THe eSata drivers are provided on the Asus driver cd...so I don't know what you're talking about.

And no it's not my first computer.

lol..

 

Why, thank you very much.

Don't know what you are talking about with the driver cd... I'll have to go dig it out of my closet from my big gigantic "Caution:Biohazard. Windows software contained inside" box.

 

ok I just increased the brightness of my screen. usually the indicator pic that appears in the upper left corner of the screen disappears after a few secs, but now I can't get rid of it. I can't see most of my toolbar now . anyway how do i get rid of it, its distracting...

 

That happened to me once. You have two options. The first is to open task manager and look for a process with the string "OSD" in it. End the task. The indicator will disapear, but no more will pop up again until you restart your computer.

The other way to fix it is to just restart your computer.

 

well that was easy but pressy every combination of the function buttons imaginable is more fun

 

Anyone have any answers to some of the questions? I'm still curious as to whether the Z96js is the real model name for the S96j?

If so, that gives us an official spot on Asus's website, which helps , in terms of drivers e.t.c.

 

No. S96 have z96 tags on them, since everything about the barebone shell is identical and the S only designates the unit as a vbi model. Whether all the drivers from the z series will work on the s96 is somewhat unclear, but it seems that Intel is keeping the ones on their support site as much (or more) updated than Asus' site.

 

The Z96Js is the official name for the Z96J, like I said. I'm sure it is still written all over the S96J, but that does not mean they are the same model. Asus will not support your S96J because it is VBi. If you wanted Asus support, you should have gotten an Asus laptop, not an intel one. Drivers from Asus should work, but no guarantees. Asus does not officially support the S96J. S96J owners go through their reseller, and through intel for support and drivers.

 

stupid question but how do you set the brightness yourself?

 

Fn+F4 brightness down
Fn+F5 brightness up

 

Do you mean you want to set the auto brightness settings for P4G? I can tell you, but only if that is what you want. I'm not going to waste my time explaining it if that is not what you meant.

Otherwise, what Toshiro said.

 

big question how much batter life (can someone run benchmark tests) and gaming performance (3dmark 05) can the x1600 in asus Z96j crank out with the gpu at stock, with the gpu at lowest stable settings (its 209/135) with a 6 cell and a 9 cell???

so like a simplified table would be great with stock and underclocked as the 2 columns, and a few rows: row 1) battery eater pro (for each stock and uc), row 2) lowest settings on battery run time (for each), row 3) 3mark 05/06 (for each)!!! thank you so so so much!!!

 

I already did. Quite a while ago. Back in July when the Z96J was released.

It's probably here in this thread. I know it was in my review. I had a very long, detailed review. Sadly, some idiot started flaming and the thread was closed. Andrew Baxter said he was going to put it up on the front page, but he was busy at the time and would get back to me. He never did.

My review is still on www.asusforum.com. I am a moderator over there. You can find it in the stickies.

 

Noticed a new problem recently. After going into standby, the system does not recover/come back from it properly. The Hard drive access LED stays on (meaning the hardrive is being accessed), and nothing pops up on the screen. Anyone else have this problem?

 

Try moving the mouse or something. When resuming, my laptop comes back to a black screen. Moving the mouse will pull it out of blank-screensaver, though.

 

Yes, I have that problem. I don't put it into standby very often. The last time I did it, that happened, and it also didn't seem to want to come back up as I held down the power button to do a hard reset. I got a bit nervous, but it finally decided to kick in.

Krista