F8Sn-B1 Display Resolution?

Just got my F8Sn-B1 from newegg today! (couldn't stand the wait for the C1).

First problem - the display resolution maxes at 1280x800 (WXGA). Everybody lists this laptop as 1440x900 (WXGA+).

Anyone else have this laptop? What resolution do you have? The back of the notebook clearly says it's a B1, and the sticker on the palmrest shows the T8100 (which it does have) - but lists the display as WXGA .

Either every resellers listed specs are wrong, or ASUS installed the wrong LCD on my notebook. Newegg doesn't refund notebooks, and ASUS tech support is clueless (first they didn't even know the specs of the notebook, and said it had an ATI video card, then they said my Ser# was an A1, but corrected themselves after a few minutes, and finally decided they needed to call sales to find out what display it was supposed to have! )

 

wow that really sucks. i was planning on reviewing it tomorow. i guess i am in for a surprize, call asus they are liable to replace the lcd or give you a full refund there
you should not really buy anything from a store that does not allow refunds. if they dont allow refunds how is it that they come by open boxes?

 

Without getting into a discussion of "who's the best retailer"... I'm gunshy from others that "sell" stuff they don't have in stock... so I tend to stick with newegg. This is my first PC purchase from them though, as I build my own desktops and buy laptops at the local electromarts.

Back on topic though, please let us know the results of your review. If it's ASUS's screwup, you'll be the first guy on the block able to list the correct specs (and prevent p/o'd customers!).

Even though I wanted the larger resolution to make multi-tasking a little easier, I may keep it as the lower resolution is more game-friendly.

 

Oh dear, I ordered mine a few days ago. I am nervous now as well. Although I would probably not use 1440x900, the fact that Asus would lie to the distributors is scaring me >.<

 

you will find the video in the sticky above in a few days. i will try to remember to open one if we have a customized order otherwise they are shipped sealed

 

I just got this notebook today from newegg as well. I cannot set the resolution to 1440x900. I am a little angry because I cannot get a refund from newegg due to their notebook/pc policy. While 1280x800 is not too bad, I'd rather have more usable desktop space. All the specs check out except for the resolution. Seems this notebook is stuck with a WXGA. Asus website only states WXGA as well, so I am not sure why every single retailer lists WXGA+. If it turns out that I am stuck witht his laptop, which I think I am, I will be disappointed. On a side note. The laptop itself is beautiful. It comes with nice accessories (laptop bag, usb mini optical mouse, 2 LCD cleaner, nice cable tie, etc.). I was surprised to find out it had NO latch. The laptop simply folds open and close. Now i gotta get rid of all this bloatware. Dang laptop loaded up with 1 gig of ram already used >_<. If i recall, Vista Home Premium gave this laptop a score of 4.6-4.8, I think it is 4.8, had to go to work right after opening box.

 

i'm sure if you contact newegg they would do something about it, it's advertised as 1440x900 on their website.

 

confirmed resolution is wrong. specs were not advertised correctly, contact your vendor and arrange either for a credit or return.

 

It's confirmed by Asus they put the wrong spec, they will offer $50 credit for everyone who already purchased, also they will lower $50 on MSRP.

 

Asus USA says WXGA. It also only says T5450 proc, so it's obviously not up to date.

Asus Global lists numerous processors and both resolutions, but there's no correlation between the two (i.e.: this model or processor gets that resolution).

All they offered me was an exchange for another one, which would be pointless given the situation.

 

wuman - I called Asus tech support yesterday, and also used their email support.

They called me today, gave me a case number and said they'd take care of it. Not sure what that means...

We'll see how it goes, but I'd say you should contact them ASAP.

As an aside, they did say the C1 would have the greater resolution. Don't know if newegg will stock them, but that may be your other option if you can talk them into letting you exchange the B1 for the C1.

 

If you are very upset, you should talk to a manager at Newegg.com. Tell them that they gave you incorrect information regarding their products and that the product they gave you was not what they listed. I am not sure about american law, but I am pretty sure that it is illegal. To state one thing then sell another. Although every other seller is stating a WGXA+ as well, most other sellers seem to be willing to give a refund. If Newegg is not willing too, tell them you will report them to the BBB and file a complaint and bring this issue to all the notebook, gadget, electronic, etc forums and let everyone know that Newegg lied about a product to you and sold you the wrong item.

 

Newegg is ridiculous. They changed the resolution spec on the site and then told me that it was always advertised as 1280x800. They didnt change the WXGA+ part tho, so they are so full of crap. They want to charge me 15% restocking fee to get the same thing. I didn't get a screen cap of my order, but I managed to snag a few caps of the website showing WXGA+ in the title description as well as the specs page.

 

Apparently newegg (or Asus) ain't so bad afterall. I just got 2 emails from newegg. One is my RMA authorization (no restocking fee, full refund, reason: not what "we" listed). The other is a UPS shipping label, prepaid shipping, with tracking number.

It's good for 14 days. Now I don't know if I want to send it back or not...

Contact Asus, and they'll take care of newegg for you.

 

Basically you would just be sending it back and then look for a new laptop only because it doesn't have WGXA+. Is 1440x900 worth it that much? Im still going to keep mine

 

BryanL, that's my thinking too. The biggest issue with wide formats is of course the limited vertical resolution. An extra 100 pixels is essentially a wash. While the extra 160 horizontal pixels in particular would be nice, I still wouldn't be able to view two documents simultaneously with any practicality. I have a hard time even with my 22" desktop monitor.

 

BryanL,

We apologize very much about the discrepancy in screen resolution listed before, it was indeed an error made by the manufacturer. A PM has been sent to you regarding this issue. Thanks!

 

My F8sn-b1 is due to arrive tomorrow. I bought from you guys. What's the deal with the mis-quoted specs ?

Thanks.

 

PM sent. Thanks!

 

One thing I would like to mention as a consumer, that has purchased a F8SN-B1 was that we were lied too. That is clear. But you guys must also take into consideration that the sellers were ALSO lied too. They are no different than us. They were told the specs, and they listed it on their websites. I am sure most sellers have return policies. Do not get upset with the sellers, as they are in the same situation as us, the consumers.

But if they DONT have a good return policy even with this mistake, then I highly suggest you to take further action.

 

Customers can either get full refund from resellers or if they decide to keep it they can get $50 credit, the $50 credit will be refund by resellers.

It's not a lie from Asus, I don't believe Asus did it on purpose and hope consumers won't find out, it's just someone at Asus made wrong specification on the LCD.

 

Thank you GenTech for your response. What about the other sellers on this board? Biotech? Excalibur? keke

 

I believe every reseller will do the same.

 

We will handle and proceed this case the same way and a PM has been sent to you regarding a refund. Thanks!

 

Wow awesome work sellers. This is truly a great display of customer loyalty. I applaud.

 

Newegg is still telling me the specs were always listed as 1280 x 800 and will only exchange for 15% restocking fee >_< I contacted Asus and they said they would look into it. The shady thing is newegg usually sends an invoice in the box, but I never got one this time (I've been shopping there for 8 years). I had to forward my email invoice to Asus, which they thought was weird. I am not angry because they advertised wrong specs, I am angry at newegg because they changed the specs to "almost" the correct one, and then turn around and tell me that I was a retard and the spec were always listed as such. How do they expext customers to feel after that ? The CSR's name was Jackie and her exact words were "My manager has informed me that the resolution for this product was always listed as 1280x800 and was never changed". If they ever offer me a full refund I would take it. Think I will order from ExcaliberPC, they seem to take care of their customers. They even replied to this thread.

 

BryanL - A lie implies intent. I seriously doubt Asus meant to mislead anyone. As you can see on their global site, they have multiple variations of this model, some even with TV tuner and remote control. There are still humans involved in the process, so there's always the potential for human error. Bottom line is that they made a mistake, quickly owned up to it, and (in my case at least) made things right.

wuman - Sorry to hear newegg is telling you that. They seemed a little more helpful to me initially, but ultimately had no better answer than to contact Asus. Funny that you mentioned that they didn't include a receipt in the box. I noticed the same thing when I received my notebook and thought it was odd. Anyway, I'm quite sure Asus will get back to you and take care of it.

 

FWIW you may want to check with ASUS support. We received a few models with the same issue and they are on the way back to support for a screen change. It hasn't been completed yet, but have been told it will be done.

 

Ok now I AM confused. Are you saying the F8Sn-B1 is supposed to have the 1400x900 & Asus sent out a bad batch or the whole 1400x900 resolution question was a mistake ???

All I'm interested in at the moment is the F8Sn-B1 model 'cause that's what I ordered.

 

^We haven't received a official statement on it from marketing, but if you have one already support should take care of the screen change.

 

Ok. So where'd the $50 refund offer come from ?

 

I think they are doing both at this time at the customers discretion. We tried getting the correct advertised screen first before offering a discount or refund.

 

That's cool. It's still confusing. ExcaliberPC , where I made purchase , came up quick with a "whatever you want to do" offer so that's good. Like someone said,there's not a big diff between the 1280 & 1440 resolution on a notebook.

My whole thing is...is this a production issue or a mistaken advert issue. Are some F8Sn's going to have 1440 resolution options & others only 1280 ?

To me , in this instance , a "production issue" is alot worse than a "mistaken advert issue".

 

An upgraded display would be my preferred solution, but my impression from speaking with John at Asus was that the U.S. spec B1 will not have the higher resolution. I think it's improbable that Asus will upgrade the display, particularly due to the costs associated with it compared to just dropping the price by $50.

 

I find it unlikely that asus will ship the b1 with 1440x900 in the future to anyone as advertised for a few reasons
1. an untold number of units already left the production line. it would be very expensive to take them back and put the correct screen in
2. the boxes and labels clearly say wxga on them. again very expensive to change all that
3. if the data cable supports a higher res screen (siometimes they do and sometimes they do not) it is possible to change to a higher res screen
Asus will sell the b1 with wxga screens. dealers need to adjust the specs. the retail price will be changed and that will be the end of the story.

 

There are 2 ways to rectify this issue
1. contact asus and have them fix your brand new notebook (i think if your resellers forced you to do this then that is apauling)
2. contact your vendor and have them send you a return label and a full refund. we have done this for 2 customers thus far. they received a full refund and incurred no expense. any other method is BULL$hit. As a consumer if the specs were misadvertised And i did not want to keep the notebook i would expect the vendor to give us a full refund, no ifs or buts. If i were offered #1 i would be very pissed off.

 

Newegg finally changed their minds and will be giving me a full refund. They are paying for shipping too. They even admitted to changing the specification info. The specialist "Peter" was much more helpful.

 

good for you. its a shame you had to play phone tag just to get what you deserved. I expected alot more from new egg. They never give me any issues but that is probably because I buy hundreds of thousand in $$ from them yearly. Sometimes they are cheaper then disti and offer quantity discount on some items. Its all grey market stuff though.

 

There's abit of irony in this F8Sn journey of mine. I originally ordered a F8Sn-A1 from NewEgg. They said they had them in stock. At the time I thought it'd be nice to have that laptop but with a faster cpu. However this was the only model NewEgg had at the time so I ordered. Everything seemed to be cool. They charged my c/c & it cleared. But having dealt with them before the process seemed to be going slow as I never got past the c/c charged order in the progression. After two days I called NewEgg & asked about my order & was told all is well. It was not. Shortly after my phone call I received an email stating that the notebook was back ordered. That sucked. NewEgg did return my money in a timely manner but I started looking elsewhere for a F8Sn laptop. Also their "no refund" policy re laptops bugged me.

I ended up ordering a F8Sn-B1 which has the faster cpu from ExcaliberPC. But now this screen resolution question has come up. ExcaliberPC was quick on the draw with customer support but still.

I just hope this is the end of my new notebook ordering journey & , even more , it's not a premonition of things to come !

 

Makes me wonder now if the F8Sn-C1 really has a WXGA+ screen, or is that a mistake as well and only has WXGA. I really wanted a 14.1" Laptop with a WXGA+. People say "100 pixels here, 200 pixels there" is no big deal, but for me it matters somewhat because I have my start/task bar on the left hand side (yes I am weird) set to always show with quicklaunch icons to my most used apps/folders/shortcuts.

 

A few pixels difference between the two displays equals 272,000 pixels you're not getting. For what I do, the higher resolution would be best. But perhaps I'm spoiled by my 24" with 1920x1200 resolution + my second monitor at 1600x1200

Anyway check this image out, this is 272,000 pixels (544x500), thats how much space you lose

 

Unfortunately that's not a very realistic example. If you had a 20' x 15' living room, for example, and I added 5' to the length and 2' to the width; I essentially added 125 sq ft. You didn't gain an extra room the size of a small bedroom or home office. Your living room has just a little more room to move around in.

With the WXGA display instead of the "+", you're essentially losing the space taken up by the gadget bar in Vista and the toolbar in an Office application. That's certainly some useful space lost with the smaller resolution.

I think we're digressing from the reality of the situation though. The F8Sn series isn't really a primary system one would be using in an office environment (I normally have Outlook, a .pdf or word doc, and a powerpoint presentation all open and visible). The 1680x1050 display on my home PC is about as small as it gets to easily have two documents or web pages open side by side. I do love being able to "sprawl" on my 24" display at work.

If I was solely concerned with a large resolution notebook, I would have purchased a 10-pound 17 incher with 1900x1200. I was looking for something in the 13-14 inch range, reasonably small/light enough to travel with, and also with enough power to game with while stuck in a hotel room on business trips. The B1 still meets that requirement, and the plus side of the smaller display is that it lightens the load on the video subsystem when gaming.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still not pleased about the smaller resolution, but I don't see it as a deal breaker when the C1 is now a $200+ premium over the B1. YMMV, and there's no absolute truth here. Each customer will have to decide if it meets their needs or not. I think I can live with it.

 

Excellent point. I received my F8Sn-B1 today & am a happy camper. The display is fine for what I need & will take the 50 bucks & put it towards software.

As long as this baby holds up for the duration it will be well worth what I received for the $$ spent.

 

True, I'm sure an overlay of the two would be more informative. To me though, thats valuable space that is no longer there.

I totally agree with you there

Each user is different, I suppose its more or less for someone to decide on their own than anything else. I also realize that larger resolutions on smaller screens are also not the greatest of ideas, thanks to the increased DPI text gets somewhat difficult to read. But I do want something i can open two code files up side by side and get a good view of both.. which I find I need often when writing code. I really hate not having the width to do that

In the end I'll probably get a B1 anyway. I dont really want to spend any more than that, and it has good power and is nice and small.

 

I checked into the control panel of a displayed ASUS F8 SV and SN in Asia , both had WXGA+ (1440 by 900).

So is an American version of F8 SN different from an Asian version?

 

There are 3 different F8Sn in North America:
F8Sn- A1 1280X800
F8Sn- B1 1280X800
F8Sn- C1 1440x900

The screen resolution is not global spec.

 

nice , the C1 is very nice indeed.

thanks for your quick reply.

 

So the F8Sn-C1 does have 1440x900 res???

 

No one will know until they come into stock. Given the slight debacle with the B1, I would imagine Asus is ensuring the resellers have the correct specs. If you don't want to wait for verification (or you're willing to be the verifier ) make sure you can return it.