F6V-A1 first impressions

I just got my Asus F6V-A1 from BTOTech.com today. So far I am more than impressed with what little I have done with it. Hopefully tomorrow I will post some pics of it, but its too late for tonight. Here's a quick overview of what I think so far.

The first time pulling it out of the box the machine looks slick and impressive, but not too shiny and glossy. I have been installing programs and it has been on for a long time and, too me at least, does not seem hot too the touch at all. The CPU is running between 58c and 62c right now and I am installing programs. It would be fine to have sitting on someones lap without getting too hot. I owned a HP DV5T with the 9600gt for a week and compared to the heat of the DV5T, this is extremely cool. This is my first Asus laptop and I was very happy to find that there is really no bloatware on this machine. The only thing that I did not want was the trial version of Norton. It is extremely responsive and quick when navigating around windows and installing programs. My system score in windows received a 4.0. The keyboard flex is very minimal and it seems very sturdy. There is a little flex around the keyboard when putting a decent amount of pressure on it. The casing of the laptop is all plastic and seems sturdy and durable. The LCD lid is very stiff and must be opened with two hands. The laptop fan is not super quiet when the CPU is at 100%, but I do not personally think that it is too loud. I hope this info helped, if you have any questions feel free to ask. I will hopefully post some pictures tomorrow after classes.

 

Thanks for posting.

There is no bloatware per se, yet some of the ASUS utils are almost useless. You can check myVista optimization guide for a list of what you could remove.

 

Is this the "new" F6 that asus annouced or..?

Also, did the "new" f6 get any upgrade from the previous version?

 

I don't think there existed a previous version. So it is indeed new.

 

Well, on Lucomputer.com. I saw a black version of it...I consider it as an old version since it's already out?

 

I only see the F6V-A1 on that website?

http://www.lucomputers.com/product_parts_detail.asp?class=86&pro_class=86&id=8906&parent_id=86

 

bravo, bravo ... been waiting for someone to get it. 2 main questions:

1. did you get the 6 cell battery and does it stick out ... pictures would be great

2. what is the battery life

... ok maybe that was 3 questions ...

 

What are your impressions of the display? Sharpness? Brightness? Viewing angles?

Thank you.

 

F6 ships with the 6 cell only. Yes it sticks out a bit, as it did on the U3; many pictures of this around - check NewEgg for example.

Battery life we're waiting on actual data, but expect not much more than 2.5 hours probably as the 8400M GS in the 13" U3 only managed about 2 hours (2.5 with integrated graphics turned on). Not that much different about the Montevina platform and Penryn cpu that would contribute greatly to that number in the F6.

This is *not* the scented version that Asus announced this week (no word I've seen on when those might actually hit the street). The -V1 model is upgraded above the -A1 model with T8xxx cpu and dedicated gpu.

 

Hey there! I'm about to order my Asus F6 too! By the way, is the lid cover black or white? Only newegg has them but I'm worried it might be different because that's X1 instead of the A1

 

thanks clearskies. asus has dropped the ball when it comes to battery life. my w3v got nearly 4 hours when near.

 

X as in eX, or minus something...check into it

 

any pictures, that you might post for us??

 

What's the screen like? Is is bright and clear?

 

Possible to make a review and post some pictures up? Also, where are the speakers located?

 

Please make a review and put some pics

 

The Asus F6V is a very good laptop. I was in fact choosing between the Asus M50S (15 inch) or F6V (13 inch). I ended with the M50S due to a bigger screen, numeric keyboard, better video card. But dang, I sometimes wished I purchased the F6V instead as it is a lighter and more portable compared to the latter.

 

I am confused, how come there are two different F6V-A1 with different colors?

Black version:



NOTE: DID YOU NOTICE THE BATTERY ON THE BACK? IT SHOULD BE 6 CELL SO IT'S SUPPOSED TO SHOW UP LIKE THE SILVER ONE.

Silver/Black: Version



NOTE: LOOK AT THE BATTERY AT THE BACK, IT IS DIFFERENT THAN THE BLACK ONE.

Is it the one from Newegg a mistake? Or exclusive?

Newegg even showed the F6V is the black one.



Also, can you post a review of the laptop. Thanks!

 

No mistake, just different marketing on websites.

NewEgg has an actual model picture, which includes 6 cell as that's what is shipping in North America.

The silver is Asus' promo picture from corporate site, which has the 3 cell stuck in it (available overseas as an option, I believe) and makes the notebook look sleeker.

It's possible that NewEgg has exclusive rights to the black chassis in North America, as most other sites seem to have the silver Asus.

 

do you know if the original (black/silver) F6V-A1 palm area of inside is carbon-fibre? i heard the scent ones are carbon fibre so I am not sure if the original ones are carbon fibre, can someone confirm this? thanks!

 

There is no way that Asus would put either carbon fiber or embedded CF plastic inside an F series notebook that retails <$1300 - the material expense alone should push it above that price point, and Asus has exclusively kept things like CF reserved for their high-end (W/V series chassis) models.

I hadn't seen that note about the lame scented ones having CF reinforcement -- references, please?

 

Is the F6V a lower cost version of the U6V?

 

No, the F6 is Asus' replacement of the U3, which is EOL and discontinued as of 8/08.

 

Well, i can`t find a review. Somebody have it?
Please somebody make a review.

 

Hey ClearSkies,

I was talking to a person who owns a F6V at a retailer computer store, he told me that the F6V palm chassis is made out of carbon fibre so I am assuming this is true. I believe carbon fibre only existed inside of the F6V palm plate so this means that the frame and exterior of the laptop are not covered.

On the other hand, I found this out while I was searching for F6V scented. Here is the link:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/09/a...ppeal_to_your_senses_by_having_a_scent-2.html

 

Scented F6 for sale here
http://www.datavis.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?merfnbr=2010&prrfnbr=479397

That's the only place where I can find the scented F6 for sale.

EDIT: actually amazon has it too
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-F6V-C1-Pink-13-3-Inch-Processor-Premium/dp/B001EWE6IA

 

it is not cf it is just plastic with a texture. it really does not matter. i would rather take plastic. it is less prone to stess cracking contrary to popular belief. not that it will crack but honestly cf or plastic.....who cares. Bamboo, brushed aluminum and magnesium are all exotic materials that i would pay extra for. cf or plastic are both in the same boat

 

I was looking at the U6V...is the F6V graphic card faster? Too busy lately to research....wondering if this is a better buy for price than the U6V

 

F6V graphic card is in the same level of GeForce 8400 but 3470 is better than the 8400. Not sure about 8600...

Don't forget, 8400/8600 for some laptops still have heating issues. If you want to stay away from Geforce, go with ATI 3XXX series

 

Is the F6V the updated model for the F6a which actually hasn't been around for so long at all?

And apart from the processor and video card, are there any other significant differences? (e.g. chasis/build quality) The F6a had the P8600 and x4500 graphics which I actually prefer for a long gaming laptop. I find the 13" gloss screen to have limited vertical viewing angles and not as good as some of the 13" screens in the market.

Hopefully the quality of the build quality will be up there with Asus's normal models.

The 3 cell battery sits flush and has dismal batterylife (1-1.5 hours) whilst the 6 cell sticks out.

 

The F6a was the first model to be released in the US, followed around a month later by the F6v. The -v indicates the F6 with dedicated gpu, the -a is the integrated gpu; else, the models are essentially the same/identical.

All 13" screens on the market have narrow vertical angles, it's a consequence of physics and the lcd glass. Same thing happens with 14", just slightly less - the problem dissipates the larger you get.

No serious reports of build issues with the F6, it seems to be fairly good so far and in line with the nominal new standard for Asus these days.

Every 3 cell battery has low time - doesn't matter whose notebook it powers.

 

where can I buy this machine in Toronto for under 1300, a few weeks back i was shopping for it and found it for as low as 1269. I wanted to wait for the USA black friday, hoping i would find a deal, as you all know there were no real deals to be had, so now i'm looking again and the prices are all up.

 

F6V-X1 or X2 are identical and have a slower processor than the F6V-A1. I think it is 2.26 instead of 2.4.