Some V2 and U1 info

Alright, well the information is starting to come in, but the ETA's are still up in the air... but are certainly sooner rather than later.

The V2 will be coming over in 2 configurations.... basically the cpu, ram, hdd, etc all seem to be the same, so my educated guess is that we'll be getting models WITH and WITHOUT 3.5g built in... This should mean one model in the $1,700-1,800 range and one in the $2,200-2,300 range... This is great news for everyone.

As far as the U1, it looks like it'll have a u2400 cpu, 1.5gb ram, and an 80gb hdd... now I'm not sure of the size on that drive, but I think it very well may be 1.8"..

 

I could shout for joy. Now I can afford a V2. Thanks Justin!

 

OK, some more info on the first V2 model w/o 3.5g. We've already got this one up for advanced order:

V2JE-4S023E
$1,799
ETA 1-2 weeks

T7200 (2.0ghz)
14" WXGA+ (1440 x 900)
8x Super Multi DVD Burner
1024mb DDR2 667 (1 x 1GB + 1 open so-dimm)
ATI x1450 w/ 256mb dedicated vram (512mb hypermemory)
120gb 5400rpm sATA HDD
802.11a/b/g
GigLAN
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
2 Year Global Warranty / 30day ZBD lcd warranty
Windows Vista Business
Carrying Case / Bluetooth Mouse
1.3mp Webcam
TPM
Finger Print Reader
Spill proof Keyboard
Asus Instant Fun PLUS - which is for dvd's w/o booting up the system
Modular bay for DVD Drive, 2nd battery, 2nd hard drive, or blank drawer
V1/V2 Docking Station support

This package will come with both a 6 cell and a 9 cell main battery (so two batteries, the 6 is just lighter and thinner), plus it will have the room for the optional 6 cell for the modular bay... So, you're talking about a system with a max battery capacity with the 9 cell main and then the optional 6 cell modular bay unit of 15 cells (figure about 30 minutes per - that's 7.5 hours) + another 3 if you carry that spare 6 cell with you...

This is THE ulimate travel notebook for the business professional... Scratch that... the $400-500 more expensive model w/ 3.5g will be the ultimate, but this is as good as it gets for the person that doesn't need 3.5g built-in...

 

Proportable, I tried to pre-order on your site, and the 'add to cart' button doesn't lead anywhere. Just a heads-up.

I've been waiting for months for this notebook, can't wait to see it.

 

I think you may have hit it while it was being updated.. I just checked it and it's fine. A pop-up showing that it's "out of stock" is going to come up (which may be blocked on your browser)... and you'll have to choose the radio button that is for the model you want.

 

Just another issue, Justin, the Ensemble page says $1799 but the product page and the cart when you add it list the V2 at $1700..... I wouldn't expect that there is a $100 discount for pre-order or is the price difference an error?

 

Hmm.. we have a X1450 over here rather than the X1400...

 

So the V2 comes with two main batteries? Not one main and one modular?

Bummer... but that's pretty nice that you get two batteries. Pricey, but I may have found my perfect laptop in the V2.

 

The V2 doesn't have a modular bay IIRC.

But the price is pretty sweet considering the battery is probably at least $100 extra.

The GPU is an x1450....isn't it?

Mistake on your post Justin?

 

1. Yeah, that was an error that was fixed with the pricing... it is 1799. Just be thankful that there is a model w/o 3.5g... that's going to add probably $500, and if you don't need it, it's a "waste"..... I'm glad Asus is bringing over both.

2. It does HAVE the modular bay for another 6 cell battery..

3. It IS the x1450 w/ 256mb dedicated... the V2's were never made with the x1400... so it's obviously a typo on my post.. our sites product page shows it correctly..

4. The unit will come with TWO main batteries... a 6 cell (lightweight, thinner apparently) and a 9 cell (thicker)... both are supposed to fit inside the system (rather than stick out the back).. the 9 cell will just be thicker.. This 6 cell is NOT to be confused with the 6 cell that will be optional for the modular media bay... they're two seperate things.

You can have 15 cells (rated at about 30 minutes per cell) in this unit at one time.... that's just awesome for anyone that travels.

 

justin - whats your best guesses on availability?

and by 3.5G I assume you mean current broadband as with Verizon, Sprint etc but not Rev A etc?

last - would the 3.5g be upgradeable later?

 

The first shipment, which I know is small, left Taiwan last week and should be in customs this time next week... which would mean we should have them at the end of month... Honestly, that's the best I can do until we have tracking number from Asus to us.

3.5g is 3.5g.... for an explaination of everything the module will do, our product page has a list in the specs.... but basically 3.5g is the current, if not more "up coming" services we'll see from many places. I know that I've tested one of the units on Cingular's HSDPA service and it worked... and I don't think there is a faster service yet in the US - and Cingular hasn't even fully upgraded most areas yet... so it's going to be good for a long time.. it's not something that's already "old" when it comes out.

From what I know at this time, it's not going to be an optional part... if it were and it were remotely easy to do, Asus would have imported just one model and sold us the module as an accessory.. Afterall, it would help keep overhead down. So, we're even making a point of mentioning that there will be no way to upgrade to 3.5g internally if that is something you think you may want to go later. However, like bluetooth and wifi, it's a seperate piece on the motherboard which can technically be added. The question is more along the lines if Asus will sell the part... So, since that isn't even remotely clear, I'd rather say it'll be highly unlikely.

 

thanks

I guess the real question is what US services the 3.5g would work with - you indicated CingularATT - however they are the worst of all carriers for rollout of hispeed - and while they make great claims the reality is we're probably a year away from what it looks like form any semblance of national 3g broadband coverage from ATT let alone 3.5g

Verison seems to have widest coverage although looks like SPrint is close - and Verizon is rolling out Rev A in many markets which is I think their 3.5g product ....

 

hmmm - a little research looks like Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile are the choices


http://www.mobilecomms-technology.com/projects/cingular/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSDPA

a good basic article:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1916282,00.asp

for the life of me I guess I cannot see why all the interest from manufacturers in HSDPA - at least on the US side - Cingular has been "rolling out" HSDPA since 2005 and still has just a handful of markets compared to Verizon and SPrint

and TMobile recently announced they were finally going to roll out 3.5g in US - but apparently most experts say it will take several years - starting mid 2007 - they do say when they rollout it will be at 7.2M bps

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2025375,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594

So bottom line - if you are in one of the relatively small group of Cities Cingular services with HSDPA (or one of the Cities they've been claming they are about to add - for the last 2+ years - but refuse to say which they are) the internal 3.5g might be worth waiting for - if not, or if you want what will eventually (like ExpressCard) be a good deal - someday - maybe years - then 3.5g is probably worth it

and there are 3.5g PC Card, USB and ExpressCard cards apparently available as well

sorry for negativity - been an ATT, Cingular, now Cingular/ATT customer since 1981 - and this is EXACTLY the kind of treatment their custoners have gotten all along - their company motoo oughta be "someday" of "just around the corner"

 

I don't know where you're getting your info from. The dark orange is Cingular's current 3G coverage.

 

so one would have to pay the monthly charge for whatever service provider to use the 3.5g

 

What would the benefits be of purchasing the V2 vs the V1JP?

Be easy on me......I'm somewhere between Greenhorn and ignorantly bliss.......

 

nope - that looks like their medianet markets - this link shows their broadbandconnect markets:

http://www.cingular.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.html

 

Well, as some of you know, I've been a tester for Cingular, since back when ATT bought out Cellular One (which C1 then became Cingular).. and now, through the SBC merger, ATT is once again buying out Cingular... Funny how business works, isn't it?

Anyway, I travel between DC, NEPA, NYC, and Boston basically most of the Northeast Corridor and Cingular's service for data is and has been very good. Now, I know all about their rollout and all the stuff everyone's always complaining about... but it's really very good within a good range of all of the big cities, and along all of the major highways.... for a traveling person, as long as you're not going into the backwoods, you'll really be happy. For me, even in the "backwoods", I've been taking my laptops with my out on a boat in the middle of the biggest lake in pennsylvania and it's really considered the middle of no where.. and although service is somewhat slower, I'm in the middle of a friggin' lake... so consider that. With the newest service, I can get faster brandwidth than a buddy of mine gets on his dsl (there's a good reason I have cable home).. I also have an unlimited plan that I get for free under our development plan, so I can't complain either way... Now, even for unlimited nowadays, it's only like $70 a month at most.. A few years ago that would be $270 a month and if it didn't work all the time I'd certainly agree you could be pissed.

... It's meant to bridge the gap between hot spots, and for the most part I can't complain.

Now... V1 vs V2.... easy:

V1 has a larger screen... it has a more substantial graphics cards.

V2 is smaller and lighter... the one model will even have 3.5g... so it's MUCH better for the traveler.

Let me put it this way... for a 15.4", the V1 is a system that is light and thin enough for you to take from home to work every single day of the year. The V2 on the other hand is a system that you can take from home to work, and then fishing, to a game, on a plane... in the car. For me, honestly, a 14" is the largest system I would want to work on in the car (I'm going to be getting the 11" U1 for that though), but in terms of economy class airplane seats a 14" widescreen is the largest you can comfortably use on the seat trays while opening up the screen 100% and not having to worry about breaking the screen with the person in front of you reclines..

I know that's not a huge difference, but that's basically it... but at the same time, it's enough.

 

Say I ordered a V2 withouth the 3.5G from proportable when can i expect it since it is backordered...i know your expecting some at the end of the month but are those already ordered

 

Funny, Cingular Video require 3G phones.

 

There have been tons of complaints about the A8 screen. Will the V2 have a different screen than either of the two A8 screens?

 

$500 for HSDPA? I know that having it built-in is an advantage, but are you sure that's the ballpark premium it's going to add? Separate ExpressCard/PCMCIA cards aren't nearly that expensive.

In addition... do you happen to know anything about the logistics of getting the SIM card switched? Will a panel have to be opened? I assume so, as I don't recall there being a SIM slot/tray in the chassis...

 

The Dell's have a SIM card slot underneath the battery, hopefully Asus has done something similar or better.

 

Is the 3.5G anyfaster than the cards cingular or verizon offer?

 

Wow, that's awesome news, Justin! I'm placing my order right away. Two batts for the price one? This is truly the best lappy for roadwarriors like us!

 

Dont think 2 batts for the price of one. I got my V1Jp also come with 2 batts, but the price is already add in to the final price.

 

Cingular and T-Mobile's HSPDA networks were chosen because they're based on GSM, the global mobile phone standard, so you would be able to use the modem while traveling abroad. Traveling with Sprint or Verizon CDMA modems would limit you to So. Korea, Chile and Brazil.

 

Of course, the price is factored in, but it's still a great deal. You can't buy that much laptop from anyone, period. Magnesium alloy lappys with 1440x900 displays are a rarity.

And with the modular docking bay battery, you might be able to equal the Sony TX series' battery life (using all three), which might get you from London to San Francisco on one charge!

It may not sound like much, but with Windows Vista you need them all!

 

Does the Asus U1 immediately have the Blu-ray external drive option, or will that be a delayed item? Does the U1 ship with a DVD burner as a standard item?

 

and dont forget Telecom in New Zealand


Vodafone has HSPDA here and has done for quite some time already. its selling well although data caps are tiny tiny (2GB).

its backwards compatible with normal 3G and 2.5G and just changes speed when you enter a cell that either supports the higher speed or lower speed.

I'd use it for sure! just wouldnt pay $500 US for it as I can get a vadafone 'vodem = HSPDA USB modem' for free on a 24 month contract.

insane

 

The HSDPA frequencies used by Cingular and TMo are different from each other, which are also different from the ones used in Europe. So you have the same problem as regular GSM phones; the device needs to cover multiple bands to be able to roam internationally.

 

Ok, some people are getting way off course on information that really isn't available yet, but I'm going to give some answers and hopefully we can ignore these questions until closer to the release of those particular models.

1. I'm estimating the cost of the 3.5g right now based on the Sony SZ and the cost of built in 3g on those units...... which is $500. It very well may be less, but when you're looking at a $300 price tag for a pcmcia HSDPA card right now... $500 for it being built in really isn't bad. I think it may end up being $400 or maybe even $300, but I doubt it... If it was only a $200 option, I don't think Asus would bring in 2 seperate models. Plus, it'll have the advantage of having the antennas going up the back of the screen like the wifi, which is a huge advantage. Just like pushing wifi into the system was huge becasue you didn't have anything sticking out of the notebook... especially a little tiny antenna... it's the same thing. The only difference is that the technology is still expensive.

2. I doubt it's the same screen... historically, the V and W series have better screens than the A and F series... I probably should say that one of the reasons the A and F series are cheaper has to do with the screens......

3. This internal module covers almost every band.. I'm not sure how the heck it does all of them, but apparently it does... Asus is only using one module all around the world.

4. As for the U1, I can't even give you the full configuration yet, or price... so figuring out if we're getting the model with the bluray drive is still up in the air.. It's a much more expensive addition than an 8x Super Multi drive would be, so the price point Asus wants to set may have everything to do with it. Either way, trust me, the system will be priced appropriately. As much as I'd love a bluray external drive, the cost above the 8x Super Multi is quite a bit, which would really change the type of buyer than could afford it.

 

Taiwan CNET has a review on it. If you google ASUS V2JE and click on translate this page for the CNET review it has more info on the V2JE w 3.5G. If I am not mistaken from the translation, the 3.5G cannot be turned off. The battery life is 119 minutes. Vista rating is 3.5.

I tried to link the translation page and I keep getting a server error.

 

I'm fairly certain the 3.5g can be turned off... not manually on a switch like the wifi/bluetooth... but through the software, just like any other pcmcia or express card modem.... either way, it doesn't consume a lot of battery life anyway.

 

This is all great news! Glad to hear ASUS' 3.5 modem is multi-band!

 

CNET Taiwan's review has some very nice pictures and the machine translation isn't have bad. Can't link to the translated page, but if you want to oogle the pictures, there's the link:

http://taiwan.cnet.com/cnetlife/reviews/0,2000080359,20115688,00.htm

 

Thanks, Justin. I knew that a Blu-ray drive would make the U1 annoyingly expensive, but I was just curious to see if it was going to be released along with the U1.

Do let me know when you get word about whether the external SuperMulti drive will come "free" with the U1. (included in cost of notebook, I mean)

 

It doesn't *look* like the 3G module is soldered onto the motherboard. Of course, this is wild speculation just from a single picture, but it seems similar to a wifi-card type plugin.

Take a look at the attached pic (courtesy of CNET taiwan). It makes sense not to have it soldered onto the motherboard. Different countries have varying high-speed networks and I would guess it to be easier to make one motherboard and an assortment of plug in modules than an assortment of motherboards.

 

See that picture doesn't really show you anything about the modem itself... all that shows you is where the sim card goes. Of COURSE the sim card has to be accessible because you don't get service through Asus or anything.... adding or removing the modem on the other hand would not be easy. I believe though, on the other side of the motherboard (which would mean total motherboard removal to install) is a removable card, but I think the sim card holder is on all of the models, regardless... as you can see there, it's attached to the motherboard, under what I believe is an extra ram slot.... That does look like an so-dimm rather than a mini pci - and it's certainly not mini pci express.

As for the U1... it will 100% come with an external drive (similiar to how the S5 used to), that's a requirement for this market Asus believes... Personally, I never used my drive on the S5 I had, so I'd rather the unit $150 cheaper... As for bluray, I don't know... just looking at the cost of bluray players, it's sorta ridiculous... these exernal drives aren't much larger than those old double cd jewel cases... plus this is supposed to be a bluray BURNER... Honestly, it sounds like a $500-700 device in itself, which I think would be wasted on such a small system because no one is going to use it to watch bluray movies..... and heck, a bluray disc can basically hold as much as the hard drive this unit is going to have! We'll have to wait and see what happens.

 

That looks like the modem to me. Top of the picture is the connector. Left and right are the spring loaded clips usually used on notebook RAM.

 

Is 3.5G a WWAN antenna or something? I have no idea what it is - can someone enlighten me?

 

I'm pretty sure it will be, all the reviews I've read of it say the drive is included with the notebook.

 

3.5G is the latest generation of cellular data networks, capable of as much as 7Mbps downloads, of course YMMV.

It's actually a WLAN, that uses the HSDPA standard, now being deployed by both Cingular and T-Mobile GSM networks.

The V2 should have an antenna somewhere. In the Sony SZ4XX, it's a removable external antenna.

 

Can someone who thinks there is a card in that slot please prove it to me? I'll give $100 off a notebook to the first person that can prove to me that the picture that was attached to this thread showing the sim card is actually in that slot that we all see there. I'm not blind, but I can clearly see the sim card is attached to the motherboard and there is a riser with an open dimm slot above it... I mean, you can clearly see the insertion point for the dimm a few mm above the board...

 

Yeah, I don't think this is going to have an external antenna.... I don't recall seeing even a pin hole around the unit..

 

I see what you mean Justin, no need to get angry.

Having the sim card under a memory slot limits this to people with a dedicated data line that rarely switch devices. Is this really such a good idea?

 

What? No it doesn't... that's actually insane. You wouldn't put the sim card from your cell into this... Instead of getting a data plan on your phone plan, you'd simply add a data line on your current cell plan... costs the same. Even if you were using a pc card modem you wouldn't be switching them in and out.. it really isn't practical to be doing that.

 

Hey Justin, I just noticed that the "what's in the box" list on your site doesn't include a u-DVI to DVI cable like the V1JP does. Is this intentionally left out, or does the V2 come with one?

 

It wasn't left out on purpose, but some of those little things we like to leave out till the final package comes in - just in case. All of the new units with u-DVI out sort of NEED that cable and they all come with it... so I'd say I'm 99.999% sure it'll come with the unit, but it's also not a selling point either, so it can be left off until we're sure. If we said it was going to come with it and it didn't, you wouldn't believe how many people would be up in arms over such a small thing.