Software and OS Install
Like all the Asus laptops we have reviewed, installing your own OS is not a problem. In fact installing an OS on the W2J is a bit easier thanks to the two partitions already created at the factory — keep your data on one partition and your OS on the other. When reinstalling from the image CDs, you have the options of installing the OS on one or two partitions which is pretty handy.
All the necessary drivers are located on the included driver disc but you may want to get the latest ones off of Asus’ website. Asus also includes extra software, some of which are useful like the Asus SplendidVideo and Power4Gear power management software.
The Asus software package can be divided into three categories: Asus specific software, and optional bundled software.
Asus software comes in the form of Splendid Video and Power4Gear. Splendid Video is Asus’ video adjustment utility.
Power4Gear is a program that allows you to quickly switch between power consumption profiles. Profiles can be quickly switched by using the dedicated Power4Gear button next to the keyboard.
Other small Asus utilities include a windows BIOS flasher, an Internet updater, and a email LED notification application. The rest of the software bundle includes Norton Internet Security, MS Works 8, PowerDVD, Nero Burning ROM, CyberLink Medi@Show and PowerDirector media authoring software.
There is some softeware on the Asus website that was not included on the driver CD, namely the Asus Mobile Theater application. Asus Mobile Theater is a media center style application that gives you a simple menu-driven access to your media files and multimedia hardware.
