Question about external speakser and display resolution for A8Js

Hello,

I just ordered the A8Js and logitech Z-2300 speakers. I know the integrated audio card sucks, but I'm wondering do I need anything else like extra cables to hook up the speakers to the laptop? How would the sound quality be?

If it's going to be really crappy, is there any other way to improve the sound? Like an external sound card? I guess I'll need an PCI express sound card, is that correct? How much does it cost?

Also, I know the default resolution for A8js is 1440*900, is it the only 'native' resolution? Can I set it to anything else without causing blurry text, etc?

Thanks.

 

As of now, there is no ExpressSlot sound card avaliable yet(I think there is one but super expensive).


The A8js has a S/PDIF optical sound port, have you tried using that?

You can set the resolution smaller, but why, the A8js's main selling point was the exclusive WXGA+ screen!

 

I apologize for this horribly noobish question ...
But what do you do with an optical sound port? Are they for sound cards? How much do sound cards cost?

... Sorry. <.<;;

 

So I can use S/PDIF sound port? Do I need any extra cables or anything? And how would the sound quality be like?

I haven't got my laptop yet, and I don't know how small the text will be with the default resolution. It's just nice to know if I can set the resolution smaller without sacrficing display quality.

 

what a nOOb you are Katicflis...

 

thanks for the insight ssj

 

That's what I don't know, apparently, you can but my speakers aren't high end enough for me to find out...

Best to do some research, and report back, pronto!

 

Always glad to help! But no idea on the sound port thingy..

 

Oh, you mean something like this?

 

Good choices!

It shouldn't, I use the integrated audio on my Z33 all the time with a pair of Sony in-ear-canal earbuds and it sounds just fine. Integrated sound has come a long way the last 10 years. I don't even have a sound card in my desktop, just 6.1 speakers into the on board sound.

Just plug the speakers input cable into the headphone port on the laptop. No need to mess with anything optical for those speakers, keep it simple.

I would try it before you call it 'crappy'. Make sure that the 'Line in' and 'Mic in' channels are muted in the windows volume control panel, as they can cause extra noise if left on.

You can set it to other lower resolutions, but I don't see why you would, and things would get blurry. Another option is the DPI scaling at 'Display Settings' -> 'Settings' tab -> 'Advanced' -> 'General' Tab, which scales what is being displayed while keeping the resolution the same.

 

To get the best audio the A8j offers, you have to use the digital audio via the S/PDIF optical audio output. The speakers must also have digital optical input to put the laptop's digital audio to use, I'm not sure if that model speaker does. If it does, you would also need to get a digital optical audio cable. Looking at the pictures of the A8j, you probably would need an optical 1/8" mini-adapter for the cable to connect to the laptop.

The regular audio output and speakers will probably be fine, but if you need more, try digital before looking at external soundcards, etc.

/Long-time lurker saying hello for the first time... probably going to get my first Asus lappy in the coming weeks.

 

Thank you for your helpful replies guys, especially to Jumper. This has clearly things up quite a lot for me. Thanks again!