Introduction and Specifications

The Asus W2J is the most loaded 17″ laptop we’ve reviewed here on PC Perspective. It comes with a TV tuner, full 5.1 speaker support, multiple video input and output options. This is a true HTPC in a laptop form factor!

It wasn’t too long ago that we reviewed the 17′ Asus A7J laptop. While the A7J proved to be a good performer and played games fairly well, the package lacked a certain amount of ‘oomph’. If you were using it solely for work and play, the A7J would serve you very well, but we wanted something a bit nicer… something that truly showed off what a 17′ laptop can do.

The answer is the Asus W2J. From the specs and the accessories, it’s the pinnacle of laptop functionality. Sure there are fancy branded laptops like the Lamborgini or Ferrari laptops, but the Asus W2J has substance AND style! So let’s get on with some review action!

Specifications and Features

The following is the specification chart for the Asus  W2Jb as seen on Asus’ website.

 

Processor & Cache Memory
Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300/2400/2500/2600 Series: 1.60GHz-2.16GHz, 2MB On-Die L2 Cache, 667 MHz
Operation System
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional,
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home
Chipset
Mobile Intel® 945PM Express Chipset
Main Memory
DDR2 533/667 MHz DRAM, 2x SO-DIMM socket expandable to 2GB
Display
17″ WXGA+/WSXGA+ TFT, 1280×800 LCD
Zero Bight Dot
Crystal Shine LCD (high brightness)
Color Shine LCD (glare type, for WSXGA+ resolution only)
ASUS Splendid Video Intelligent Technology
Video Graphics & Memory
ATI Mobility™ Radeon™ X1600, 256MB, GDDR3
Hard Drive
SATA 80/100/120 GB
Card Reader
SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO
Optical Drive
DVD-Dual Double layer ( Tray type) DVD Super-Multi ( Slot-in Type )* Double Layer
Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN
Intel® High Definition Audio integrated Fax/Modem
10/100/ 1000 Base T PCI LAN on board
802.11 a/b/g
Bluetooth™V2.0+EDR
LED Status Indicator
Power-on/Suspend
Battery Charging/full/low
Storage device access
Capital / Scroll / Number Lock
E-mail in box
Wireless indicator
TV Recording
Interface
1 x  Infrared port support SIR-115.2Kbps IrDA V1.1
1 x  Video & Audio in Jack (subject to different models)
1 x  Headphone-out & SPDIF combo jack
1 x  Microphone-in
1 x  Line-in jack
1 x  CIR for remote controller
1 x  mini RF connector (subject to different models)
1 x  VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
1 x  RJ11 Modem jack for phone line
1 x  RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
1 x  TV-Out
1 x  Card Reader
3 x  USB 2.0 ports, 1 x  IEEE 1394A port
1 x  Express Card
1 x  Micro-DVI port
Audio
Intel® High Definition Audio
Built-in 5 stereo speakers
Built-in Subwoofer
KeyBoard
19 mm full size 88 key with MS-Windows function keys
Hot Keys
Instant launch Keys 5 buttons:
ASUS mobile theater or Microsoft MCE, ASUS Splendid Video Intelligent Engine, Wireless Console, Touchpad lock ON/OFF, Power4 Gear+

AV launch keys:
7 buttons; Instant Fun/ Windows mode: TV record, TV, DVD/CD, Channel +/- , Volume +/- ( previous chapter/ STOP/ Pause&Play / next chapter)

Function Keys:
Fn+F1 suspend switch
Fn+F2 Wireless switch
Fn+F4 Digital Signal Processor Switch
Fn+F5 Brightness down
Fn+F6 Brightness up
Fn+F7 LCD on/off
Fn+F8 LCD/CRT/TV-out switch display
Fn+F10 Volume on/mute
Fn+F11 Volume down
Fn+F12 Volume up
Battery Pack & Life
Li-Ion 8 cells, 4800mAh, 71Whr battery pack,
Charging time, 2.5 hrs Quick charge 95% (Power off) / 4hrs (Power on)
AC Adapter
Output: 19 V DC, 4.73 A,90W
Input: 100—240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimension & Weight
39.5 x 28.7 x 2.55 — 3.25 cm ,
3.25-3.4Kg
Security
Trusted Platform Module
BIOS Booting / HDD User Password
Kensington lock hole provided
Supplied Accessories
Optical Mouse
Carrying bag
Headset
AV-in Cable (subject to different models)
Remote Controller (subject to different models)
(optional)
Others
Remote Control:
Working with audio/MP3/DVD&TV Tuner

TV Tuner:
Analog TV tuner
Support WW Analog TV standards such as NTSC, PAL, SECAM
Multimedia Software
ASUS Mobile Theater:
TV & TV Time shifting & Recording/ Direct burn
Music
Picture
Video clip
DVD/VCD
TV Direct Burn
DV
uPNP

ASUS Instant Fun PLUS:
TV & TV Time shifting & PVR
Music
Picture
Video clip
DVD/VCD
FM radio

Microsoft MCE (Multimedia Center Edition) (subject to different models)
ASUSDVD XP 6.0
Power Director V3.0 DE
Medi@Show V2.0 SE
Virus & Tool Software
Symantec’s Norton™ Internet Security 2005
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
NERO Express V6.0
ASUS Utility
ASUS Live Update
ASUS ChkMail
ASUS Hotkey
ASUS Power4 Gear+
ASUS Net4 Switch
Warranty & e-support
2-year limited global hardware warranty
1-yearBattery pack warranty
On-line problem resolution through web interface (BIOS, Driver update)
OS (Microsoft Windows XP) install/uninstall consultation
Bundled software install/uninstall consultation
ASUS software supporting (Liveupdate,Power4 Gear+)

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