Asus

Product Description

The ASUS N81Vp is designed for multimedia prowess and mobile productivity. Powered by an Intel T9600 Core 2 Duo processor and ATI 4650 graphics with 1 GB DDR3 VRAM, the N81Vp is for those that want the most out of their laptop. Combined with Altec Lansing speakers powered by Dolby Home Theater technology to deliver equally high definition sound, the N81Vp takes multimedia entertainment to the streets effortlessly. Users can also enjoy wireless video conferencing with a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone. In designing the N81Vp notebook, ASUS utilized cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the use of ASUS Infusion Technology to create a scratch-resistant panel that retains its sheen even after prolonged use. Boasting a streamlined exterior with shiny metal-like inlaid patterns, the N81Vp notebook delivers performance with style. ASUS notebooks come with ASUS’ 360 service program that includes a 2 year global warranty, one month zero bright dot guaranty, free two-way shipping and twenty-four hour tech support seven days a week. Plus it comes with a FREE One Year Accidental Damage Warranty protecting your notebook from drops, fire, spills and surges. The package contains 2 year warranty card, notebook, carry bag and optical mouse.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5357 in Personal Computers
• Color: Brown
• Brand: Asus
• Model: N81Vp-D2
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.42" h x 10.52" w x 14.52" l, 5.50 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8 GHz
• Memory: 4GB SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 14

Features

• 2.8GHz Intel T9600 Core 2 Duo Processor
• 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 2 slots, 4GB Max
• 320GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM), DVD Super Multi Drive
• 14-Inch Widescreen HD LED LCD Display, ATI HD4650 Graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit), Bluetooth, Carry Bag and Optical Mouse Included

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
A great product with a trade-off
By A. Mathurin
While searching for the ideal laptop for myself, I found that all laptops seem to have huge trade-offs. This one is no exception. I chose it because it packed a relatively fast CPU and a decent graphics card into a very portable PC. Every other laptop I found with discrete graphics was a lot heavier, and most were pricier. The trade-off here (as with all laptops that have fast CPU's and discrete graphics) is that battery life is far from impressive. Unfortunately, there is no 9-cell (more powerful) battery available. Based on the location of the battery on the bottom of the laptop, I don't think there ever will a more powerful (and larger) option.

Performance on this is great. Windows 7 is extremely responsive, audio production software runs smoothly, and game performance is even better than I expected - Dragon Age Origins looks beautiful at the screen's max resolution with most graphics settings somewhere between medium and high. I haven't tried editing video yet, but based on what I've seen so far, I don't expect any performance issues. If you're just planning to browse the web and work on spreadsheets, documents, etc. this may be overkill for you. You would probably have no problems on a cheaper machine with a slower CPU, without discrete graphics, and with longer battery life.

Speaking of battery life, it is pretty short, but I find it to be usable. Asus added a dedicated button for switching power profiles. Switching to battery-saving mode gives a significant boost over high-performance and entertainment modes. I haven't done extensive testing, but it seems that battery-saving mode will get you 4-5 hours of web browsing and other light work, while entertainment mode might let you watch one movie before you need to search for an outlet. Depending on how and where you expect to use your laptop, this may or may not be a problem. In high-performance mode, hot air blows out of the right side, but the bottom doesn't get hot enough to burn laps.

In response to other feedback I've seen:
- It's been said that the touch-pad buttons are stiff. I don't find this to be the case at all. They seem quite comfortable to me, my girlfriend, and my mother.
- Another reviewer mentioned having issues using the touch-pad scroll. The part about scrolling not stopping without an extra touch is a non-issue. This an intentional behavior that can be changed or turned off in settings. However, the part about having to hit the line is a very real issue. The problem is that the outer edges (maybe 1/4") of the pad do not respond to touch. You don't need to hit the line exactly, but you do need to make sure you're not right at the edge, which frequently requires a look. This is the most annoying problem I have with the n81vp.
- Keyboard quality and noise is fine. It's comfortable to type on. It's not silent, but not noticeably loud either.
- The function key is where most people would expect 'control' to be, but after a few weeks with the laptop, I find myself getting used to this.

In summary, the Asus N81VP-D2 is great for audio production, multimedia work, gaming, and most other demanding tasks.
It's a waste of money for more casual users and no good if you need long battery life.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
Fast and reliable
By Y. Wang
I have to agree with the previous reviewer that this is one superb notebook. I was also looking for a notebook that is not too large (15" and above) nor too small and underpowered (12" and less). In the 13" and 14" range, I pretty much narrowed it down to ASUS and Dell Studio XPS 13". I own a two-year old Dell XPS 13", which had its motherboard replaced twice in two years due to heat issues (this seems to be a very common problem with Dell XPS 13" line and Dell doesn't seem to acknowledge it or actively try to find a solution). Bestbuy has Dell Studio XPS 13" at about the same price as this ASUS, but with only one-year warranty. As can be expected, I am hesitant to make a purchase due to my past experience.

ASUS is fast and stable with Windows 7. The machine looks and feels well built. Furthermore, the machine stays cool even under heavy use. The small complaints I have are that it doesn't come with dedicated media keys/buttons, and the keyboard definitely feels different from that of Dell and takes some getting used to. Certainly, I am not faulting ASUS for these. A good thing is that you are getting a bargain buying from Amazon. I was in Taiwan last December - the same ASUS model sold there for roughly US$1,300 - when you would expect a lower price because ASUS is a Taiwanese brand. I guess Amazon's trade volume must entitle it to a huge discount.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
Hardware/software issues, poor WLAN card and hard drive
By E. Loehr
I regret purchasing this computer; it really is not worth the price compared to others on the market now. I have also had some issues with the computer itself. If you Google "ASUS N81 crash" you will find that many people are experiencing random system crashes, especially when trying to do any gaming at all on this computer. There is a possible hardware issue that causes the crash, which many assume to be from the ATI Mobility card, but ASUS has not acknowledged it.

I sent my machine back to ASUS for repairs due to all the random system crashes I experienced; it was updated as "Repaired" and assigned a tracking number the day after received. I called and they said no issues were found with my computer. I called several times and left my number several times, but they would never let me speak with a supervisor, and a supervisor would not call me back. I got my computer back and found that they had removed all the AMD/ATI software from the machine, but didn't make any mention of this on their notes. There is a problem with either the graphics card and/or its software. I did a full reformat and fresh install and got rid of all the ATI and AMD software except for the driver, and my system no longer crashes. The WLAN card included is also really weak. I replaced mine with a Gigabyte GN-WI07HT-RH that I had in an older machine, and it gets much better connection. The hard drive is a Seagate Momentus 7200.4. Just google the name of the hard drive and you see what a piece of crap it is. It's a noisy, clunky hard drive; I guess I will replace it with a Hitachi drive on my own dime. No real reason to RMA it for the loud Seagate because it seems like it's the product itself that is a joke, not just mine.

This computer has had issues with multi-tasking. It locks up and requires a full reboot. When I watch stream feeds, I have to reboot 3-4 times in a 2 hour period. I have a netbook that performs better than this computer. It's pretty much a piece of crap.

I experienced terrible customer service, a poor warranty/repair department, and unaddressed shutdown issues make this a computer to avoid, in my opinion. I have purchased three ASUS laptops in the past three years, but after the experience with this one, it will be my last.