Just got my W2V =)

Okay, so I got it from Proportable, have been using it for a week so far, and all I can say is that it's a pretty sweet notebook. =) I'm sure most everyone else knows about this laptop so I'll just say some things I liked/disliked about it from my previous Inspiron 6000.

I definitely enjoy the 17 inch widescreen glossy format as I don't really have much of a problem with the glare even in bright light so I think it's just personal preference. I like the slot-loading dvd+-rw drive and think it's a nice caveat to have though sadly, I would've preferred a modular bay but this will do. And strangely, the battery on this thing seems to last longer than my Inspiron, both at maximum brightness with wireless/bluetooth off and idling or running BitComet. The speakers are also nice but not the greatest, however I welcome the "subwoofer" as that gave better clarity for some of my mp3s. It beats having to plug in the Soundblaster Audigy ZX + some good headphones as I'd rather not have too many wires going around.

Overall I'd say it's a pretty good laptop and I like it a lot, but even so, there are some things about it I personally don't like or am having trouble with.

There are no media buttons! Yea it's a pain in the arse using the Fn keys with F10-12 for volume control. After having it on the Inspiron, I just find it odd how Asus couldn't have possibly included them in the front somewhere as there's a lot of real estate on this laptop.
The screen isn't as bright as the Inspiron! Oddly enough, I would've thought the screen be brighter why with "CrystalShine" and other neat caveats being advertised, however it's not as bright. A word document on the Inspiron would look superbly white, while a document on the w2v looks like it was on a CRT set on a cooler color temperature.
The shortcut buttons are great but for some odd reason the PowerGear button doesn't work. I don't know if it's installed but the button just doesn't function.
Finally, I don't really know how to take out the keyboard to 'fix' it or access the memory underneath, but the Insert and Delete keys seem to have some problems. As you all would know, laptop keyboards and slim keyboards are quite silent when being typed on. It is until a key is loose (or there's something wrong with it) that it starts to make click-clickity-tap noises. Well use your imagination. =) That's what my Ins/Del keys have and I'm not sure if that's just how it is on other w2vs. On a side note, there seems to be some keyboard flex in that area too.

Other things I had difficulty with when using the w2v included the touchpad and MCE. I had a tough time getting used to the touchpad as sometimes it would be just right, while other times it wouldn't be responsive. I changed some of the settings to it so it seems to work better now. As for MCE, it's great and I love it, but from time to time, when I switch to LiveTV, it will say the drivers aren't functioning properly or that part of the software isn't functioning and that I should restart. Hmm... =) I also haven't figured out how to use the AV-in to plug in the PS2. Very clueless about that as I didn't see any where in the Asus manuals for instructions on that thing.


So yea, that's pretty much my experience with the w2v. Not the greatest but still pretty darn good for its category. It's a sturdy laptop and that's what I like the most about it. Oh, and did I mention it hardly gets hot? =D After using the Inspiron for such awhile, this is a really warm welcome ;-)

I do have some questions though, and hopefully some of you Asus notebook gurus might be able to answer them...

is there anyway to re-program the shortcut keys? As my powergear button doesn't seem to work, it'd be nice to use it for something else.
also, can the Fn keys be reprogrammed via some option or some software available on the net? I'm asking as I preferred the Inspiron's setup - it set the arrow keys to adjust brightness =D

 

Pretty sweet notebook? TRY HOLY FRIGGIN' A-HOLE WHAT A CRAZY PIECE OF SEXY MACHINERY~!!! SEXY DOESN'T EVEN CUT IT~!!!! MORE LIKE...SEXAY....

You lucky piece of...okay I will stop....CONGRATS ON YOUR PURCHASE YAH RICH $$#%@...hahaha hope you have fun with it

oh yeah and one word of advice...TREAT HER WELL AND BE CAREFUL WITH IT~!!!

Cheers,
Mike

 

Ahh.. yea.... unfortunately, it just means less time with the girlfriend and more time with the new one ;-)

 

... now that's one of those timeless comments that really speaks to what the w2 is... apparently it can replace your girlfriend....

 

Haha... don't neglect her too much!

Congrats on your W2V; it's a beautiful machine. Your posted opinions are greatly appreciated.
:asus:

 

Here are instructions i was given from ASUS tech to use the av port:

The setting MCE about AV-in function is little complex. There are many steps you may ask customer to follow:

Settings => TV => Configure Signal TV => Yes => Next => Yes => TV cable => NTSC => Yes => Next => Modify => 2 => OK => Toshib => C0000 => First selection => Give a number =>Next =>No => Fine

Then you can go to "Television" section under main menu and switch to the number that you set before.

Further, Windows XP MCE2005 have issue by using device such as DVD Player, VCR.
Because Windows MCE 2005 has MPEG-2 Decorder compatibility issue.
You can suggest customer to download tool of Microsoft for determine.
Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ac-0ab6-4990-943d-627e6ade9fcb&displaylang=en


I believe a different language of Windows was used to get the settings, so you may see some difference in yours. ​

I was only ever to get it to work half way. Instead i loaded XP Pro and the AV in worked easily using Windows Movie Maker capture function. One curious note was i had to use seperate audio in rather then audio included in the AV in.

Good luck....

 

Welcome to the club of W2V owners