UL30a Wireless Issues Poll

http://www.amazon.com/Poor-Wifi-Qua...m_cd_ef_tft_tp?_encoding=UTF8&asin=B002P3KMVC

There is the thread. All that can post please do since the ASUS rep does frequent that board.
Thanks

 

I'd take it to the next level up if possible.

I woud bet the farm that the atheros card was chosen because it uses extremely little power. If you install the intel card, you will a dramatic loss in battery life. One poster calculated that it would be about 2 hours.

Of course, if it is just lacking an antenna, then this is a problem that can be easily remedied. Considering that many smartphones have great WiFi reception, and still very low power requirements means that it's indeed possible.

I'm Canadian as well, so I can't help you here. However, I'm a little skeptical that the individual that has been posting on the Amazon board is in-fact a representative of ASUS. Without any proof of credentials, it could just as likely be an individual that's putting on a show.

I'm hoping that the rep is legit, though, as he mentioned that the UL30Vt will be out in time for the holidays! I'm itching for that system.


}:^)~

 

The Wi-Fi problem should be fixed by Asus in some way, if it's just a problem of antenna it will easy for Asus to make something, BTW it's not possible to sell a laptop with Wi-Fi not working properly.

 

Agreed, it SHOULD be fixed but the issue is not whether it works. Technically, it 'works' it just works very poorly. It works poorly because it was a poor choice for a network card. At least one poster has already stated that he sent his notebook in and it was returned and he was told there was nothing wrong with it.

The problem is that it is a poor card. Until Asus acknowledges that, they are probably not going to acknowledge there is a problem.

I have been looking at purchasing another model in the UL series, the UL80VT instead of the UL30A. At this point, I just want a model with an acceptable network card. I have posted in the UL80VT forum and asked what card it is showing up with. The only response so far states that he received his with the Atheros card. Yet if you look at the specs on the ASUS global website, they spec the UL80VT with the intel 5100 or 5150 card. NO mention of the Atheros card.

They can't even get their specs straight it seems.

I have a phone call in to Asus (made on friday) requesting they provide to me what the UL80VT is shipping with, and whether they will replace the card if it ships with something else. They have not responded. I can't even get straight information on what I want to purchase.

As I said already, it's sad. The UL30A is everything I want, it's perfect, except for the network card. To get around that issue I am even prepared to purchase another model, but I can't find out what I will be shipped.

I am losing hope

 

I am not convinced that was a very accurate claim. Before I go any further, let me qualify my remarks by saying that I am anything but an expert in this area, however as Asus does spec the 5100 card in the UL series, I got suspicious about power consumption. He states the card he referred to consumes 2 watts and based that calculation on that number. I can not find any other supporting data, however I did find this:

From Toms Hardware - discussion on the 5100 and 5300 series cards
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Intel-Chat-vPro-Core-2,8788.html

"Intel is also shooting for power savings with the new 5000-series WiFi Link cards. It cites consumption numbers at idle, associated with a network, at less than 25 mW."

So at idle, it will consume 250mW in 10 hours. Yes it will consume more when it is communicating, but I am not convinced that number will jump to 2 watts to get the 20 watt hours, or 1/4 or battery life he referred to.

I did a little looking, and and article written in 2003 compared some cards back then The cards that peaked at around 2 watts were consuming around 500mW at idle, or 20 times the power the 5100 draws at idle. As I said, I am by no means knowledgeable in this and I can't seem to access peak numbers for either the Atheros or the Intel card, but the numbers do suggest the impact on the battery would be substantially less than cutting battery life by 1/4.

 

Maybe others with AGN 5100's will help too, and I hope this does. I have one in my U81a, so I've tried something. A bit unscientific but maybe it can shed some light. I used Battery bar to look at my draw with WiFi on and off briefly for about 3 minutes each.

I noticed with wireless off in battery bar I was drawing 9.950 mW on average. With WiFi on I would say the average was 10.250 but a bit harder to see. The reason is Battery Bar showed 9.987 to 10.472 but mainly came back in the 10.2xx numbers. Again this is a Draftn about 40' from the router through 1 wall just sitting there looking at this page.

I should note My WiFi seems to have an issue when turned off and turned back on. You have to change power profiles around or the power consumption jumps through the roof when the wireless is woke up. It is like the power savings mode of it is shut off and not reinitialized until a new power profile is put into play........

 

Hopefully if the intel card draws as little power as your research may suggest. It would, in that case, be a suitable alternative. In any case, I'm sure ASUS would want to maintain their ultra-long life claims as it seems to be the central selling point of this line of laptop. As such, I would doubt that they would package a card that dramatically lowered life!

Good reasoning, and thanks for the contribution!

}:^)~

 

I agree, that it would be within ASUS and the consumers best interest to have a fully functional product. However, it is what it is. Now we get to choose based on this knowledge.

Given the pros and cons, the consumer can make a decision. Should you buy the UL30xx having to install a new card/antenna, or choose another more functional product? Thankfully, there are many other options to consider in all shapes and sizes!

In my opinion, I would purchase the laptop (UL30Vt) even if the WiFi card didn't work at all. The other laptop features outweigh the difficulty, time, and costs required for the installation of a card (which turns out to be remarkably easy). It even far outweighs the purchase of another laptop for my given requirements. Of course, this is just me. I'm in no way representative of the 'average consumer' and I can undersand why people would be put off by this.

}:^)~

 

I have to somewhat disagree, The card should work properly period! I have absolutely no problem in upgrading my systems but I should not have to replace a malfunctioning item, especially on my dime. It doesn't matter how easy it is either.

I have no issue with only one wire if that is the design. If you decide you are going to upgrade and need either a two or three wire antenna, it then becomes the upgraders responsability and chore. As you mentioned, it is what it is, you know what you have and so long as it works within design criteria you have to either accept it or move up to bigger and better things. My problem again is some of these cards seem to be working out of the design criteria and thereby there are the wireless issues. This proven by the fact some have no issues while others do......

 

Also if easy there is still the problem of the guarantee! And BTW what solution fix the issue? a new antenna or Wi-Fi card replacement?

People having issus have a model with Atheros or Intel (for real not in specification)? And these models have one or two antenna?

 

As mentioned Eariler these are probably not 1T2R cards but 1 in, 1 out. This means 1 antenna is fine. agreed 2 would give a more stable/better range connection. So I will state again, if it works within criteria I wouldn't have an issue with it!

I don't see anywhere though they advertise specifically Intel 5100 AGN, again maybe I hadn't researched the issue well enough. It would be great if they used only higher end (best of the lot) parts, then again we would all have to probably pay the premiums for them as well. So if I know what I'm getting and decide ahead of time what I want to upgrade, keyword is upgrade not replace defective, again I still have no issue nor should I........

Edit; I do not have a UL30xx (Waiting for the UL30VT) so I can not specifically comment on a fix. From the evidence submitted so far the likely suspect is a group of defective wireless cards used in the assembly of the specific A2 version. If enough A2 owners contact Asus maybe they will realize this or some other issue is at play. For now everyone with an issue should contact Asus and keep badgering them until they give, when it starts costing them some serious money they will probably then fix it...........

 

Look at this!

In the UL30A reviewed by LaptopMag there is an Intel Wi-Fi and it seems to work!

 

well so far, it seems that people with the A2 have wifi problems. Does the X5 model also have the same problems with wifi? if so, i may just wait for the ul30vt, though i don't need the graphics card.

 

Keyword is upgrade? But is it upgradable? some said it aint that easy

 

Actually, I'd argue that we're in agreeance! We end up coming to the same conclusion, although what's acceptable for me may not be for you.

As consumers, we're always making one compromise or another when we choose a product. Even if that compromise is to forgo the purchase of another product! If considered carefully, the ultimate factor for deciding is whether the value of the product (the benefits minus the costs) is greater than competing products. Put another way, if the cost (not only in dollars, but detriment to value) of the malfunctioning WiFi adaptor lowers the value of the UL30xx below, say, a macbook pro, then it would make more sense to buy the macbook, given the higher valuation.

But if there's something you can't live with (like finicky WiFi), then the best thing you can do is -- as they say -- "vote with your feet!"

}:^)~

 

My Laptop is on its way back from Asus. They said that reloading the OS solved the problem (I hope so).

I will let everyone know how it is when i get it back

 

to me so long as it doesn't involve getting the soldering iron and multi-meter out it is fairly easy. Nothing that can't be done with a screw driver and some careful force. Even installing a new antenna, although it can be time consuming and tends to fray the nerves.

 

So they admitted the Wi-Fi issue?! I hope it's just a driver/OS problem!

 

If only it didn't void the warranty to open the case I would do it in a heartbeat, but there lies the catch. Maybe once someone actually does replace the card and can say whether he had to break any seals to get at the wireless card . . . like I said, I already had the UL30A-A2 and loved it except for this.

Even installing a new antenna doesn't really daunt me. I am anything but an electronics whiz, but have had my toshiba apart (P4 model, lot of cooling related problems over the years) enough times to be quite comfortable disassembling. Too bad the card location requires popping open the case in the first place

 

Oh man I hope so, once this is solved I will order it again in a flash! When you get it could you give it a bit of a test beyond whether it functions well inside the home, like whether it sees other signals from the neighbourhood or whatever? That would be soooo appreciated

 

@lite

So opening the case of an ASUS voids the warantee? I thought that ASUS was ok with simple part replacement? In any case, thanks for the info. This puts another variable into my value evaulation

}:^)~

 

unless u can replace the wireless card tru the hdd/ram compartment i doubt u can call that simple part

 

Can do. I have another laptop and I will test against that.

I really think you can replace the card through the hdd slot. The card isnt that big and the only thing holding it on is the screws. Those are exposed and then its just a matter of sliding it out of the pci e slot. You will be blind to see if its going into the slot when installing the new one but I still think it'll be relatively easy.

 

so u r saying its just removing the hdd cover on the bottom, take out hdd and u will see the wireless card?

 

You don't even need to remove the hdd to see the wifi card. You would however need to remove the hdd (this is easy) to replace the wifi card

 

i see thx for the info didnt know the wireless card is placed near where the hdd is located

 

That's fantastic news! In my old computer, I had to take out the keyboard to remove the WiFi card. This makes it one step easier, which is nice. Now lets hope that we don't have to do it at all .

Has anyone purchased the Bluetooth adapter and installed it? It's available via the ASUS site for around $15, and apparently it can also be installed via the HDD bay.

}:^)~

 

But this is perfectly OK for Asus?
If I change Wi-Fi (or HDD!) and I don't break any seal my guarantee remain valid?
I need to keep the part I replace in case something goes wrong in future? I have to send the laptop exactly how I bought?

I like the UL30 but I like the idea of improve it too (if it still remain in guarantee!).

 

You can change the card, but there is only ONE antenna?

And installing a second antenna, dont u need to screw the lcd loose or something?

 

A few days ago I returned the second UL30A-A2 I received from Asus. It had the same wireless problem that the first one had. At this point they are telling me that it seems to be a wireless driver issue related to Windows 7. Apparently the UL30A-A1 uses the same wireless card but does not experience these problems. The difference being that the A1 comes wiith Vista and the A2 with Windows 7. They said that they are working on the problem and are experimenting with new drivers.

Does anyone know if any other notebook in the UL series (UL30, UL50, UL80) comes with a different wifi card other than the Atheros? I am considering asking for a different model but I want to know first that the new model won't have the same problem.

 

So "officially" it's not an hardware problem, just a Windows 7 issue, someone can confirm? In this case it's a wonderful news for me because A) The UL30A I'm buying (in Italy) is with Vista Professional B) I will not use windows on this laptop !

PS: In Italy at the moment there is just a model and the name is different, it's called UL30A-QX048E so I don't know if it has Intel or Atheros, I will tell you as soon I know .

 

This would be indeed good news! Of course, it's only a matter of time before functioning Win7 drivers become available. Would it be a good idea to email Atheros directly about this issue?

I hope this is the case, as it's a shame to be a stain on this wonderful system!

Do other ULs have the same card, and do they experience the same problem?

}:^)~

 

I would be interested to find another laptop besides the UL series that has this card and compare our results with theirs

Also can someone check what version of the atheros drivers they are using on the UL30?

 

Hi everyone,

What wireless driver version are you guys using? ASUS website has latest driver Version V8.0.0.238
Description Azurewave Wireless Lan Driver and Application.

Try updating the wireless driver to see if your wifi gets better. I have the a2 model with atheros card(single antenna) and wifi works with no problems. Also, iam using the V238 driver.

 

I have the A2 and have problems under 8.0.0.144 and 8.0.0.238 drivers. The card sometimes doesn't see my AP.

I have a 2nd antenna on the way to see if that remedies the problem. If not, the Atheros will be replaced with an Intel 5100.

 

must know before i order one...

 

I updated the driver to that version before I returned mine and it did not help. It would be good news indeed if it comes down to the driver. The thing that pisses me off is that I DID contact Asus and they would not even acknowledge there was a problem. In addition, one poster in the owners thread said he RMAed his, and they returned it saying it was working, and completey avoiding the issue that the range is completely ineffective.

It is unfortunate that Asus is getting a bit of mud on their face, but it is up to them to respond to customers in a timely and appropriate manner and acknowledge problems when they appear instead of dead silence. I for one am glad that we can apply pressure to get manufacturers to address issues. My previous laptop had a flaw (a subpar power jack) that was only too apparent to owners, but there was no concerted effort to get the manufacturer to recognize it. The problem typically surface 6 months to a year in, and a lot of people were out of warranty coverage and had to pay to have the jack replace on their own dime.

Sure wish I could post on Amazon and give feed back on some of the comments there.

 

Are you connecting at home only or have you tried connecting out in the big wide world away from home? Could you elaborate?

That is a driving question. Yes people are able to connect in close proximity to their home router, the question is whether you can connect when you are not 15 or 20 feet from the router, but whether you can connect to public networks in public locations when the router may be considerable further away and you have no control over the router location. Airports. Hotels. University campuses. The parking lot in front of Office Depot (fyi for those who don't know, every OD has complimentary wireless and I have always been able to find an OD and sit in the paring lot and connect). For those of us who want the UL30A becuase it is thin, light, and perfect for travel in every other sense, this is a big issue.

 

That is what I have been led to believe from earlier comments on this issue in the owners thread as well as this thread (page 2 and forward). I must admit I do not know this 1st hand, but there does seem to be a lot of consensus that if you break the seal you void the warranty. With a 2 year warranty, that's a big consideration for me

 

Is that a common problem? Inability to connect to airports etc?

 

Here is an image showing the location of the of the wireless card. Perhaps someone can try physically removing it.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/typo3temp/pics/89deba155f.jpg

Interestingly enough, the article this image came from (I did not look at it before) actually says the wireless card CAN be removed through the drive bay. If this is the case, I can order a 5100 half card cheap and will gladly replace it. The drivers for the 5100 card on on the Asus site and everything

DOH! My fault for blindly accepting the discussion instead of going and reading the article the image came from! The earlier discussion stated that the card would still have to snap down and in, hence the reason for having to remove the case. I accepted that statement because that is true for the full card in my current laptop. All we need to know is for someone to check if they can actually remove it. Of course, then the NEXT question is whether the Intel 5100 card functions any better, given there is still only one antenna.

Here it is, the images are on the right side about half-way down.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-UL30A-QX050V-Notebook.22057.0.html

The discussion on this starts near the bottom of page 2 in this thread.
For everyone, if you read this entire thread, along with pages 33 or so to 38 or so in the owners thread, you will see there is a lot of discussion already on replacing the card, problems with reception, new drivers, only one antenna, yada yada yada.

 

Ok guys i have great news. Firstly asus did not solve my wireless problem (not good) but i had ordered some wifi antennas to test. I tested two antenna:
1.) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350271677454&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
2.) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190342186777&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Disclaimer:This is still early so I have not tested extensively.

Needless to say i had a spot in my house that i just could not connect to my router even with 3 bars. So i popped the hdd drive bay off and added the first antenna and simply put it in the deadspace right behind the hdd. Booted up and voila it connected INSTANTLY. The signal strength also increased to 4 bars and i could see 3 new networks. I tested this against my other laptop and it could only see 2 out of 12 networks more than this laptop.
Next I removed the #1 antenna and added the tyco and coiled the wire and put the antenna in basically the same spot. Booted up and was not able to connect to the network. Got only 3 bars of signal and could see 1 or two less networks than with antenna #1. I then pulled the antenna out of the hdd bay and put it on the top of the screen bezel in the place it would be if i were to take of the lcd and put it there. This produced 5 bars of signal and a couple more networks than with my other laptop.

I am pretty excited about this since now this computer is usable for me. If anything changes I will let everyone know

 

Great news! You should post this to the thread I started on the Asus support board, or I will if you want, once you have done more testing

 

once again i ask:
is the wireless problem only in the ul30a-a1/2 models or also in the ul30a-x5 model currently on sale at amazon?

 

its a problem for both

 

the first option u mentioned, antenna u bought from ebay , that fixed the problem? I might check into that if u recommend it


what about wifi in campus and uni....

which option do u recommend ?

 

I haven't been to the school since i installed it. I will try it here soon. My recommendation is definitely the first one. The second one would prob be better though if you want to place it behind the lcd

 

I agree that's great news! At least the first antenna option also provided better results for you, which is great since Asus is unlikely to fix the issues in the current batch of UL30's, as much as I'd like to believe otherwise.

 

Nice to know, this addition seems to be non-intrusive so I have a question: Add the antenna #1 it's perfectly OK for Asus? ( the guarantee is still valid?)

Please someone can answer for sure?

 

BTW I've ordered an UL30A yesterday in a local store, the guy said me it will arrive maybe today (but not arrived yet), or in the beginning of the next week .

I live in Italy and here the models are different, the only one available is this one: UL30A-QX048E (you can read the specs).

I hope there will be no problems for me of course, in any case I will update you ASAP (especially which Wi-Fi card it has and if the signal is OK).