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Asus M6N purchase: seeking feedback

post #1 of 21
8/3/04 at 9:40am
Thread Starter 
Hello! This is my first time buying a laptop, and I thought I would see what other people thought of this deal (I haven't purchased it just yet):

Asus M6N:
  • 1.5 GHz Pentium M 1mb Cache ($1,249)
  • 1x512mb PC2700 SO-DIMM (included)
  • 40gb 5400RPM Toshiba 16mb buffer (+ $132)
  • Intel Wireless Calexico MiniPCI 802.11 b/g Module (+ $51)
  • Combo DVD CD/RW (+ $107)
  • Graphics Type: ATI 9700Pro 64mb VRAM
  • LCD Type: 15.1-inch SXGA+ (1400x1050) TFT Display
  • Onboard: Sound, 10/100 Network, Firewire (miniature), (4)USB 2.0, PCMCIA, 0 Ser, 1 Par, 2nd VGA, modem, MS, S/D, MMC Memory reader
  • Interfaces:
    • 1 x EPP/ECP Parallel port/D-sub 25-pin
    • 1x PortBar III 68-pin Connector
    • 1x Infrared port support IrDA V1.1
    • 1 x TV-Out
    • 1 x Headphone-out combo jack
    • 1 x Microphone-in jack
    • 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external DDC monitor
    • 1 x RJ11 Modem jack for phone line
    • 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
    • 4 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x IEEE 1394 port
  • Dimensions & Weight: 13.9" x 10.9" x 0.86"-1.34" (WxDxH,)
    5.72 lbs (with traveller's drawer)

Warranty:
  • Base Unit: One Year
  • Memory: Lifetime
  • CPU: Three Years
  • Optical Drive: One Year
  • Hard Drive: One Year
  • Wireless Module: One Year

Total: $1,539.00

Primary Uses
  • Linux Coding
  • Other Programming
  • Watching Movies (divx,xvid,etc.)
  • Graphics Design (mostly non 3-D)
  • Word Processing

In particular what do you think about the warranty? I'm feeling a bit nervous about buying a laptop primarily because I think they're much harder to troubleshoot and fix. I could end up just unlucky, with a laptop that has dead pixels or sticky keys or rattling noises or something. I think no matter what system you get, you always risk getting something that could fail or annoy in some unintended way. That's why the warranty is really important.

And the total price? Do you think it's worth it to get a 2nd Battery or a Replacement Battery (+ $99)?
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post #2 of 21
8/3/04 at 10:05am
Lastnight I ordered the 15.4" M6BNe barebone; otherwise basically the same notebook. I have done a lot of research and self-debate on the topic, and this is the laptop i kept coming back to. The pros such as build quality, reliablitiy, and overall personal satisfaction far outweigh the cons, such as the 64 mb vid. card and lack of wsxga on the widescreen.

I ordered through GenTech Computers ( www.gentechpc.com ) so we'll see how it goes.
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post #3 of 21
8/3/04 at 11:15am
The wireless card and hard drive options are a bit pricey. The former can be had online for ~$30, and the latter can be upgraded to a 60gb 7200 rpm model for about 40 bucks (or you can order a 40gig 5400 HD from newegg for less than $100).

Otherwise, looks good.
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post #4 of 21
8/3/04 at 12:54pm
Thread Starter 
Kaneda: I wish you luck with your system. I too was looking at GenTech.. But I'm now looking at JNCS.com.. they seem to be pretty nice people, with good enough ratings. Small store in NY. Yeah, we'll see how it goes.

kwest2: The wireless module I think is best to just have them install it for me. And the optical drive, though expensive, is difficult to match, according to the reseller. Other people have tried to get it separately, and found problems with compatibility. I could save some money getting the HD separately, and I'm still debating that.. but I do get a 1-yr warranty with it, if I get the whole system as a package.

I've been looking online for other makes (IBM, Toshiba, Sony, Dell) that have the same specs as this Asus M6N--just to compare prices... but they're all somewhere in the neighborhood of $1700-$1800 USD as opposed to the Asus. So while people keep telling me I could get a system just as good for less from a more mainstream company, I can't see any evidence of it.

I feel pretty solid about making this purchase!
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post #5 of 21
8/3/04 at 1:10pm
As far as the optical drive goes, I believe the Toshiba SD-R2512 will fit into this case. Somewhere on the net there is a guide to building an M6 for yourself, and they used this drive. GL with your build. Also, solo, I checked that site, and I only say the M6 with 15.1 screen (SXGA+) - are you sure that this is what you want?
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post #6 of 21
8/3/04 at 1:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Also, solo, I checked that site, and I only say the M6 with 15.1 screen (SXGA+) - are you sure that this is what you want?
Um... I'm perfectly fine with the size of the screen. Is SXGA+ bad?
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post #7 of 21
8/3/04 at 1:41pm
Only problem people report with it is gradient issues (i have no idea what this means) and bad viewing angles. Reason I'm going with the gentech WXGA.
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post #8 of 21
8/3/04 at 2:04pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah I just checked this forum for threads that discuss the issues between different types of screens... and I see what you're talking about. I'd really like to see the screens in person just to see if I would be okay with the way it looks... hmm..
See:

Quote:
** The SXGA+ display is definitely very bright. In fact I can afford to turn it down a bit. Its razor sharp as well and I can't see ANY ghosting problems. The problem is what others have mentioned in regards to a slight brightness/contrast gradient from top to bottom. It is NOT an electrical problem. It is VIEWING ANGLE related and is quite subtle to the point where nobody notices it unless you show them. I'm now wondering if this is how a lot of notebook displays are. You see if you're staring directly at the center of the display, then looking up to the top is not the same as looking down to the bottom (the angles are in opposite directions). Unfortunately, since the display is a bit angle-sensitive, you will see a slight shift in brightness and contrast top to bottom. The bottom is ever so slightly washed out unless you tilt the screen back a little bit or sit back further, but then the top gets even darker. When you set the screen to a full black background, you can see a glow in the screen when you move around--as if a faint light is reflecting in it.**
taken from here

I think I might be able to deal with this. It seems like people with Asus M6N SXGA+ are not too unhappy with their systems. In fact, they're satisfied.
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post #9 of 21
8/3/04 at 5:32pm
i've seen m6n with sxga+ screen on it... gradient and view angle problem very tolerable... not much of a problem
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post #10 of 21
8/3/04 at 6:13pm
Thread Starter 
Awesome, jw95275! I called jncs again and asked about the screen. They said they've been pretty lucky since none of their systems has a gradient problem. Of course, they may not be looking as discriminatingly as some of the notebook users here, but if they can't even notice it, it must be pretty tolerable.

Well I just made the purchase! It's done! I bought it! With my own money! On my debit/credit card! This afternoon! I was nervous.. I still am a bit.. But at least now, I don't have to think about buying a laptop. I just get to wait as patiently as possible until it get here... probably in about 1.5 weeks. They have to test it and make sure there are no errors (I asked them to be extra careful) and then they ship it out. If anyone wants a review, I can do one.
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post #11 of 21
8/3/04 at 7:45pm
here's the link on how to build a M6N from a barebone... also, the site has an article of what OEM drives, wireless cards, etc to use

http://www.legitreviews.com/reviews/whitebox2/
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post #12 of 21
8/3/04 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaneda
Lastnight I ordered the 15.4" M6BNe barebone; otherwise basically the same notebook. I have done a lot of research and self-debate on the topic, and this is the laptop i kept coming back to. The pros such as build quality, reliablitiy, and overall personal satisfaction far outweigh the cons, such as the 64 mb vid. card and lack of wsxga on the widescreen.

I ordered through GenTech Computers ( www.gentechpc.com ) so we'll see how it goes.
I'm in the same boat as you, hope all goes well.
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post #13 of 21
8/3/04 at 10:40pm
Every once in a while I think to myself that it might've been cool to order this from overseas so I could get the WSXGA screen. But whatever, I like it. Yes, the screen gradient is noticable, but I don't even give it a second thought.
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post #14 of 21
8/3/04 at 10:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaneda
Lastnight I ordered the 15.4" M6BNe barebone; otherwise basically the same notebook. I have done a lot of research and self-debate on the topic, and this is the laptop i kept coming back to. The pros such as build quality, reliablitiy, and overall personal satisfaction far outweigh the cons, such as the 64 mb vid. card and lack of wsxga on the widescreen.

I ordered through GenTech Computers ( www.gentechpc.com ) so we'll see how it goes.
I ordered through Gentechpc, They were really good, I wouldn't hesitate to order through them again. I even had a minor glitch and they were on top of it, like no one else I have ever delt with. My shipping address didn't match my billing address, My fault, and they emailed me about 15 min after I ordered I called them and found out what was wrong, and we got it fixed then. It came shortly thereafter, and no dead pixels, Couldn't be happier with the laptop or gentechpc.

Have fun with your new laptop.
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post #15 of 21
8/3/04 at 11:52pm
Not the best deal in the world, but still pretty good.

My machine, built barebone:

M6Ne $879
Dothan 1.5 (2mb) $225
2x512mb Kingmax $198
60GB Toshiba 6026GAX (16mb cache) $128
Intel 2200 802.11b/g $27
Extra optical bay battery $89

$1546 total
free shipping on everything
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post #16 of 21
8/4/04 at 12:48am
it's a great machine... I've completely moved to using laptop as a primary computer. Sold my super powerful AMD64 desktop and no regrets!
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post #17 of 21
8/4/04 at 1:01pm
Thread Starter 
awingedpig: yeah, yours is a bit cheaper, but I guess I'm also paying for the warranty
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post #18 of 21
8/4/04 at 1:02pm
Thread Starter 
Anyways.. I ordered what you see in the first post. It's a done deal.

Anyone think the second battery is really necessary? Can I get it later separately if I think I need it?

Thanks again for all your help!
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post #19 of 21
8/4/04 at 3:44pm
congrats on the purchase solo...
it'll probably cost u some shipping, but they should allow u to get teh 2nd battery separately... just use ur lappy for a bit to see if u really need the battery life
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post #20 of 21
8/9/04 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
Cool.. okay thanks. It should be here the day after tomorrow.
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