Ensemble M6Va (Z70va) Spec Problems - What did you get??

Hi guys, I got my M6Va (-8024p) on friday and I can say that, overall, I love this laptop! However theres stuff that's not quite right, and doesn't match the spec correctly...

* Screen - it's not ColourShine as the site said. Not that I really mind, but it's one of the worst matt screens I've seen . In games the light leakage is terrible, and the vertical (up-down) angle is really critical to get a good picture that isn't washed out. (Btw I've got the SXGA+ 4:3 model.) I'm quite sure if the widescreen models were this bad it would have been all over the forums.

* Hard drive - only 4200rpm, thought it was supposed to be 5400rpm.

* Network adaptor - only B/G not A/B/G.


If you have a retail (ensemble) M6Va or a matt-screen Z70va then please let me know how your specs compare to the above as I'm going to phone the company later this week.

I don't really care about the WLAN or HDD, but the screen is such an important thing and such a let down, I'm hoping I can get the company to change the LCD as I REALLY want to keep this laptop. I can't help but feel I've got an LCD that isn't as good as everyone else.

Thanks for all your help

 

I'm not sure if the ColorShine screen came with the SXGA+ version...I'm pretty sure it comes only with the widescreen model. However, I could be wrong.

I'll research some more and get back to you.

 

thanks

According to others over at notebookforums, it is not supposed to have a ColorShine screen (widescreen models only). I've got an RMA from the company and have asked ASUS, who think it might be a hardware fault with the screen but I'm doubtful.

 

Yeah... it would seem like ColorShine only comes with the widescreen model.

It could be just your screen... another user who bought the M6Va SXGA+ version claims the screen is great.
But I guess this issue is quite subjective...

 

Thanks for the info

The resolution is fantastic - better for me than WSXGA+ as I'm sure that will be too small. It's also very bright and I only use it at 25%. Its the light leakage and viewing angle that let it down.

I'm gonna think it over while its in repair for the broken key - they'll also examine the screen. I might end up keeping it as its such a nice laptop.

I would be very interested in talking to anyone who owns an SXGA+ model.

 

I owned the M6Ne SXGA+ model... I also noticed some light leakage and less than stellar viewing angles, but it wasn't such a huge let down that I ever considered returning it...
it even had 2 stuck pixels, and I lived with that.

 

i have a z70va widescreen, and i was quite disappointed in the viewangles myself...there's a substantial change in colour in like..20 degrees, but i just attributed that to notebook screens being notebook screens. Otherwise, straight on the screen is amazing great colour usually...but it washes out some colours is the brightness is on max (e.g. can't see new messages yellow colour in hotmail.)

 

There is some slight light leakage, but nothing noticeable once you're up and running, unless you're on a totally black screen.

You got the Z70Va in a 4:3 aspect ratio? Are you sure you have the Z70Va? I didn't know the refresh of the M6 still came in the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Yes certain colours wash out with the brightness and contrast at default levels, but the viewing angles are awesome, I don't know what you're talking about StevieBoy. Maybe you're too used to CRTs or something?

If you say the screen is horrible maybe you have a defective screen as my screen is wonderful for a matte screen. I've seen some other Z70Vas that were slightly brighter and more vibrant than my screen so I'm guessing my screen is a bit on the GOOD side and not GREAT side, but that's okay as my screen will be replaced soon because of the ghosting issue.

Cheers,
Mike

 

Yep it's the M6Va - bluetooth, X700 etc.

I probably just me being too picky! It's my first laptop and although I do use others peoples in the house, I generally use CRT's. The leakage is only noticeable during boot or when playing Thief III (which incidentally runs like a dream), but it still is playable you just have to get used to it.

I am getting used to the viewing angle over time. It's good to know that others have experienced this and that my screen is ok. Luckily I've experienced no red ghosting so far.

 

I got the exact same model last week (M6VA-8024P), also with the 4:3 SVGA+ screen, and agree the vertical viewing angles are quite poor. The horizontal angles are great - you can almost view the screen side-on and it looks as good quality, or even better than when viewed from the centre.

However any up/down variation and part of the screen gets too bright or too dark. I find that if the screen is at any sort of an angle, e.g. on lap, that there is not an even colour across the entire screen bcause of the difference in viewing angle between the top and bottom of the screen.

It's a pity because the image looks brilliant from the 'correct' angle.


g0rak, regading the HDD, I was also surprised to see a 4200RPM. I dont recall that it was advertised as 5200 but I had been expecting it to be - it seems a bit strange only including a 4200RPM with a 2GHz processor.

 

I recommend experimenting with the Gamma control under the 'Color' settings of your ATI graphics options. I much prefer mine set to 0.60.

 

thanks for the tip g0rak, I also enjoy a lower gamma setting.

As for the horrible vertical viewing angles you guys are talking about. This is a shot in the wind, but maybe the 4:3 screen has worse vertical viewing angles than the widescreen versions?

My widescreen screen has GREAT viewing angles both horizontal and vertical.

Cheers,
Mike

 

It's because vertically, your screen isn't as tall... whereas the 4:3 has more to display vertically, thus having a higher chance of giving poor viewing angles.

I would agree that the 4:3 model has poorer viewing angles than the widescreen model.

 

I think AuroraS might be right about it being because the screen is taller. The only other reason I could think of is they use different manufacturers for the 4:3 screens, but AFAIK we can't tell without opening them.