The Asus N76VZ

Hopefully someone here can help me on this one

Trying to decide between the N76,N56 or Lenovo Y580

But I've pretty much settled on getting a N76VZ

Just a couple questions though if anyone has an idea would appreciate it

Is there the possibility to install and SSD along with the already included hard drive and are all models equipped with the back lit keyboard?

'm looking to buy the laptop from here Asus 17.3" N76VZ-V2G-T1035V - i7 3610QM/8GB/1TB NVIDIA GeForce GT650M: N76VZ-V2G-T1035V - Komplett.ie – The internetshop in Ireland

I emailed them and they unfortunately only have the info that is on the website so couldn't tell me anything beside the fact the 1tb hard drive is one single drive and not the 2 500Gb version

 

You can't add an SSD without replacing the primary HDD. Although that website (and Asus' for that matter) shows a 1TB HDD, 2 500GB HDDs are actually installed (with 2 partitions each).

I replaced the primary SSD with a 256GB SSD ( Crucial M4 2.5in SATA III Solid State Drive, 256GB at Memory Express) and it works very well. I used Asus' backup utility to reinstall the OS on the SSD and it went without a hitch.

I've had this machine for a while now. Ask me anything.

 

Also, this model does have a back-lit keyboard with 3 levels of intensity (which you can change with the Fn and LED keys).

 

Thanks Kaiser
So all versions come with the two 500Gb HDD and I can't even replace one of those with an SSD?

Apologies as I'm an absolute notebook noob this will be my first one infact with my increasing need to go portable. Just a few quick questions so if you don't mind

Hows the screen quality? It is a matte screen on the n76vz also is it not?
The build quality? and the laptops weight?

And your general views on it would be appreciated after a few months of owning one are you still happy with your choice?

 

I've read that the Asus N56/76vz have some sound crackling issues. Don't know if they already have a fix for it. I was also planning to get the N76vz but because of that Im having second thoughts.

 

No problem.

Yes, you can replace one of the 2 HDDs with an SSD (please re-read my earlier post). You just can't add an SSD and leave the 2 HDDs installed, since there are only 2 drive bays. Asus designed this machine with this kind of tinkering in mind, so doing the swap is a breeze.

The screen quality is a 'matte' style and is excellent. Some people find that it's a bit grainy, but it doesn't bother me at all (as I've always used matte screens). If you're used to a glossy screen, you might notice it.

The weight is light for a modern notebook I would say.

Build quality is excellent as well; mostly aluminum. The island-style keyboard is very comfortable and robust. I was concerned with the silver color at first, but it looks a lot better in person (plus, it doesn't show fingerprints or dust build-up).

My first post here was asking for help on choosing one of 3 notebooks I had in mind (after doing a lot of research in this forum and elsewhere) - seen here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/wha...67755-g75vw-ds72-np700g7c-s01-n76vz-ds71.html. In it I described what I planned on using it for (which hasn't changed since) and why I ultimately chose this one out of the 3.

If you can give me an idea as to what you plan on doing with the notebook, I can tailor my answers to your questions a bit better, but overall, I'm quite satisfied. The only issue I have is with a 'popping' type sound coming from the speakers occasionally. It's more of a minor annoyance, but it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me. Also, matrixchild may have found a solution to the problem (although I haven't tried it myself yet) here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/670037-asus-n76vz-4.html

 

@kaiser

I'm looking to get an N56VZ and I share similar thoughts with you regarding the replacement of an aging desktop and looking at Samsung NP700 series.

The only 2 concerns that I now have when comparing these two are:

1) Samsung boasts the ExpressCache tech that says it will reduce the boot up time. I'm planning to put an SSD on the N56 when I get it so will that do the job?

2) I'm a sucker for good looks and I think that the Samsung one looks much better. It even has a slot loading drive But my major concern is, how portable is the N56 compared to the Samsung one? Technically the samsung is half a pound lighter and just a bit thinner

Thanks in advance

 

1) There's a thread in this forum somewhere (I think it's called NP700G7C-S01 first impressions) where a couple of people had done an SSD swap anyway and disabled the ExpressCache, so you could look there for more info.

The SSD I put in my N76 is awesome. I don't know if the N56 has 2 drive bays or not (since it's the smaller version of the N76), but if you're able to throw one in, I highly recommend it. I'm one of those guys who needs everything to run as fast as possible and the SSD definitely does the trick.

2) I did look at the NP700G7C-S01 in the store and have to say that the panel looks amazing; probably one of the best I've ever seen. I didn't care for the glossy screen though. My main gripe with the Samsung is the overall appearance. It has a super-glossy top piece, the grey colors are blah and there are too many bells and whistles (lots of lights flashing when in gamer mode, etc.). I like more simplistic designs. The N76 has an Instant On key that can be programmed for a multitude of different options, a back-lit keyboard and that's about it for fancy stuff. I'm pretty sure the Samsung is quite a bit heavier than the N56 also.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks kaiser yeah I get yeah now.
Good to know youre still pleased with it. I worry about the crackling but it does seem only to be a minor issue when you look at it on the whole.

I'll be using the laptop mostly for watching films,tv shows, streaming content and gaming

I'll then be using it for auto cad and other general college work.
I know the Lenovo Y580 is a better gaming machine and comes with a SSD but I honestly cannot come to terms with how bad it looks haha.

 

I use AutoCAD too.

The HDMI port is great for streaming content to your TV. I got rid of an old media player and just use this now. You can setup the system to stream media to your TV and then surf, do work, whatever on the notebook itself.

It's decent for gaming too, but you can't use ultra settings on some games (not a big deal for me). It's marketed as a multimedia machine and it's does the job well.

You'll probably like it. The price is reasonable too.

 

Thanks kaiser

I've read a review here: Review Asus N56VZ-S4044V Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

and I was hoping you could share your opinion on this one:

This device is not available in my country so its not possible for me to test it out

How good is the touchpad? Or how does it really function?

So far the idea I've had was that this touchpad are similar to the MacBook (with multi gestures) but with a lower quality, but after reading that review (specifically the quoted text) I'm a bit confused.

Does that mean that the whole touch pad is clickable; in the sense like a button that can be pressed down? Or can I tap anywhere for a left click and tap with two fingers for a Right Click?

 

Essentially, the pad is one piece, but there are 2 buttons underneath; one in the lower left corner and the other in the lower right. The pad is elevated slightly on the bottom as the review says (go to the 2:43 mark in this video to see what I mean: Asus N76VZ Review / Product Showcase - YouTube), but I think this is by design, so that there is 'give' when clicking the buttons underneath.

Other than that, I don't know what the hell they are talking about. it's very obvious where to left and right click on the pad once you play with it for a bit. You can single or double tap the pad anywhere to simulate left mouse clicks (though it seems to work best in the area above the buttons). I'm not sure about using 2 fingers for a right click though. It doesn't work on my machine with default settings. You can zoom in and out with 2 fingers though.

I don't use Macs, so I can't compare the 2.

Something to keep in mind is that these observations are with respect to an N76VZ. The N56 might have a smaller pad that behaves differently (probably not though).

 

thanks a lot!

 

Not a problem.