Beware of ASUS PRO31E F3E T5450

Category: Review on Asus PRO31E T5450 (1.66 GHz / 1 GB / 160 GB / 15.4 in) Laptop

Posted by: 25-Apr-2009

Strengths: 

Weaknesses: Unproductive

This notebook was unproductive to me for the 1.5+ years since its purchase due to: requirements of multiple rebuilds, installation of patches, updates, warranty service and incompatibility with various software. Software incompatibility could perhaps be partially attributed to the pre-instlled Vista. ASUS technical support usually pointed fingers on others to blame them for malfunction of their notebook, but when defeated in all instances they looked for a new victim. While it appears to be ASUS notebook malfunction the accused by their technical support include, but is not limited to: MS Vista, directx, Intel drivers, PUNCH! software, then finally when proven wrong they accuse Intel integrated graphics card for lack of 3D capability, while:

"The Mobile Intel® GM965 Express chipset, featuring the Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, delivers
- Microsoft Windows Vista* Premium support with the highest level of Windows Aero* experience
- Intel® Clear Video Technology for excellent video quality
- Enhanced 3D graphics performance, delivering over 2X scores on 3DMark*06Δ."

I reccomend a serious consideration before buying any ASUS product and associated service due to the following:

- Continous/repetitive malfunctions of ASUS Pro31E;
- Ineffective and/or lack of support by ASUS technical support;
- Wrong customer attitude and and lack of respect - In a forced one-way talk by ASUS technicin I was told that i bought a cheap (??? @ $1500) bottom of the line (???) product and should not expect a 3D display, I have been refused to be contacted with their supervisor and hanged on.

Anyone may have own opinion, but I reckon that there was a gross lack of value but rather a lot of trouble, a lot of lost time and a much of frustration for the money invested in ASUS Pro31E.

VG
Perth, Western Australia