G-Omaha's *** 8790 Review - 2nd Machine *** - Page 5

You need to select these on the playback "pulldown" in the Volume Control --> Options --> Playback and "Select the Following Volume Controls".

Also you might look in the AC97 Auto Configuration panel (Sound effect) to insure that the Phone Jack Switch for the Microphone is set to Mic In.

TV Tuner using S-Video and Stereo Input

I have tested this and it looks OK. All video functions appears to be much clearer using these inputs rather than the normal Cable.

Test it: Connected S-Viseo and RCA Sournd Cables (through Mini plug Convertor) from the Cable bos. Select S-Video as input and that's all there is to it.

Remove subwoofer. FInd the "other wire" snugged away and connect that to the tuner. Connect this wire and then re-button up the battery/tuner.

Normal Cable i the 75 Ohm input cable. If you set up from Cable make sure you select U.S.A. (NTSC-HRC) or you won't see all of the channels in the correct positions.

You should have two differenct lead ins. One for the subwoofer and a different one for the tuner. I think that only the correct "plug" will work (8 Pins?).

1). They do sell the 12 cell batteries for the 8790. If you intend to use intense applications while on battery power, I would recommend it.

2). I have not yet tried out the SPDIF interface. I believe it employes all three of the front "jacks" and not just one. Please review Aussie's 8890 review and you should find some information regarding this topic. http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=7842

3). Firewire (4 pin) is unpowered. Firewire (6 pin) is normally powered; however, in some cases it is not. You can purchase a 4 wire to 6 wire adapter. If you do so, I would suggest that you get the "Right-L" plug to connect to the 8790. I just ordered one and it cost $35. Computer Potato provided this link: http://www.ntcdistributing.com/products/fwangled.htm


4). I tried the special output (looks like S-Video) to RGB cables on my last unit and have not tried it with this one yet. It worked and the games looked ok; however, the Windows popups and menus were a bit blurry. I didn't spend much time on this. I have also not tested the DVI or the DVI to VGA adapters to connect to an external monitor/LCD.

5). I don't have bluetooth so I can't help you there.

6). I took a "wait and see" posture. The cooling pad should "do the job" if it was installed correctly. If the unit arrives and has no heat issues, I would leave well enough alone. If there is a heat issue, I would either return the unit or apply the AS5. Too bad that there isn't an option to have the AS5 installed on a new unit - I think I'd be willing to pay up to $50 for this option. My current 8790 is running very cool and I am happy with the temperatures.

Hope that this helps.

Why would Adam "go there" when it's free?

Carrying Case

The case came yesterday. The 5" model allows for 4 1/2" depth after the padding is considered.

The 8790 fits; however, you really can't put anything on the sides or the front/back - simply not enough room. There are two divider pads included and I used them for extra side to side padding.

You can however, store the power cube, mouse, etc on the next higher level. There is a removeable "shelf" that has a couple of pockets etc. Then within the lid there is a paper storage "expando thing" and pockets for pens and other items.

Built like a tank - and almost weighs as much. Actually not too bad, all things considered.

Pichtures of the 4" model can be found here: http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=26350

SubWoofer Ordered

I ordered a subwoofer from PC Torque yesterday.

I think that I'm going to try to "have my cake and eat it too". I noticed that some had hooked up both devices at the same time; however, the tuner was outside of the laptop.

Now if I can modify the side of the subwoofer so that I can place a custom "plug" in it for the tuner, then make a "patch cable", and then finally a "mini case" to house the TV Tuner (might have to add a ground wire between the two units), then I could have it all. Don't know if it is possible; but, I'm seriously thinking about it.

Such an alteration may invalidate the warranty on the subwoofer; however, should not effect anything else. And because I bought the subwoofer independently from the rest of the configuration -- who cares.

Need to study this more after the subwoofer arrives. If I actually do it, I'll share the plans, etc with all of you.

Antec Cooler

Well my cooler came in today. I reversed the fans so that they blow upwards rather than downwards. Simple enough to do. The 8790 barely fits on top of the unit. When the 8790 is on this unit, it provides for a bit of extra space for the TV Cable, Power Cable, and Firewire cables and will allow the cases of CDs/DVDs to sit on the table and still allow the "Drawer" to open without problems. It also allows me to use the "wired" mouse without the other cables interfering with mouse movement.

Internal temperatures did not appear to change much (two degrees C at the most); however, they are now much more stable. The constant fan noise (from the antech) is not too loud and "muffles" some of the sound generated by the 8790 - except the "turbo mode fans" initiated by the Fn+F10 sequence or when the temperature is above about 56/57C.

The most important observations, so far have been that now, there is a significant reduction in the heat on the palm rests. It is still somewhat warm; however, a lot less warm than without the Antec cooler. The right side of the laptop is actually cold to the touch. (76/77F Room Temperature).

There is a very slight (about room temperature) air flow that can be felt on all sides of the unit and air exhausts through the three plugs on the front of the unit. I guess the air has to go somewhere. Under load conditions (70/80% CPU Usage of both CPUs) such as video rendering for a long time (30+ minutes), this "blowby" becomes slightly warmer (maybe 2/3F); however, is not annoying and might actually be nice in the winter-time (internal high temperature was cycling between 56/57C - without cooler this range normally was 58/60C). When max fans was initiated (Fn+F10) the temperature rapidly fell to between 47/48C. Once the rendering had completed, the temperaturs fell to 37C in 20 Seconds, 36c in 25 Seconds, 35 Degrees in 40 Seconds, 34C in 95 Seconds, 33C in 140 Seconds, 32C after about 6 Minutes and then it remained at this temperature until the "turbo fans were disabled (after five mintues without change, I quit monitoring and disabled the "Turbo Mode").

All in all, I'd recommend this cooler.