Best Buy VPR Matrix 200A5 (Pentium 4-M, 2GHz) [Archive]

Unregistered

01-24-2003, 03:30 PM

Woops. Ended the post prematurely. Basically, here's the rundown;

1. The screen is the same LCD as that found on the powerbook g4, but the backlight is about 2x brighter, no joke. Full blast, I can read it inside my car on a very bright winter day.

2. Mediocre build quality. These things are solid as a rock compared to the Powerbook, but one problem I have with my matrix is that the rubber feet on the bottom of the notebook are not level, and I get a "one leg shorter than the others" table tilting phenomenon. It's REALLY annoying, and I have to take this thing back to Best Buy and tell them something is wrong.

3. Counterstrike and Warcraft III run like a charm on this thing. Ouch!!

4. Having a volume control in the front of the laptop is sooo nice, not to mention the dedicated CD controls (including eject).

5. Love the BLUE Led's too.

6. One big fat negative is the lack of a rear port cover. You heard it right, there's no hinged cover or anything on this laptop! Weird. Instead of a cover, they ship the laptop with a large black rubber block that friction-fits over the parallel and VGA ports. What is with that?

Ioman

01-24-2003, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
Woops. Ended the post prematurely. Basically, here's the rundown;

1. The screen is the same LCD as that found on the powerbook g4, but the backlight is about 2x brighter, no joke. Full blast, I can read it inside my car on a very bright winter day.

2. Mediocre build quality. These things are solid as a rock compared to the Powerbook, but one problem I have with my matrix is that the rubber feet on the bottom of the notebook are not level, and I get a "one leg shorter than the others" table tilting phenomenon. It's REALLY annoying, and I have to take this thing back to Best Buy and tell them something is wrong.

3. Counterstrike and Warcraft III run like a charm on this thing. Ouch!!

4. Having a volume control in the front of the laptop is sooo nice, not to mention the dedicated CD controls (including eject).

5. Love the BLUE Led's too.

6. One big fat negative is the lack of a rear port cover. You heard it right, there's no hinged cover or anything on this laptop! Weird. Instead of a cover, they ship the laptop with a large black rubber block that friction-fits over the parallel and VGA ports. What is with that?

Thanks for your post, please register so we can chat more with you.

I too hate the rubber stop in the back of the computer versus a flip down plate, The rubber stop is usless and falls off often. I also which there was another sound output, but located in the back. The input in the front is cool for headphones, but it is bad looking running computer speakers around to the front input. Overall, I am still way happy with this system.

llbbl

01-25-2003, 08:17 PM

Well, sort of--Best Buy recruited the F. A. Porsche design shop to create the clean and sophisticated-looking VPR Matrix 200A5. Together, the two companies produced a fast thin-and-light notebook, wrapped in an understated, magnesium slab, that offers something for everyone. Business users will appreciate its performance, battery life, and features such as integrated wireless networking. More image-conscious buyers will be drawn in by the slick design, the slot-loading combo CD-RW/DVD drive, and the stellar 15.2-inch LCD with a wide-aspect ratio--all reminiscent of the Apple PowerBook G4.

They certainly had good things to say about the machine on CNET. I didn't know that BB started making computers. From what our unregistered guest has to say about the machine seems that at least one person is happy with their purchase.

The new 1 Ghz 15 inch Apple g4 will run you almost $2800 so this doesn't sound like that bad of a deal, espically considering you don't have to switch.

Unregistered

01-27-2003, 07:22 PM

OK, OK, OK, so I too have a VPR story. I have always had a laptop and I just sold my Sony Vaio, which I have to say was the best laptop that I have ever owned. I started working at Best Buy over Thanksgiving, which is when I sold my old computer. In any case, I noticed the VPR widescreens. They also made 2 other computers, both with P4-M in them, but I REALLY wanted a widescreen. I didn't know anything about them, so I researched them and found out all of the stuff that was on the internet about them. I sold them, but I would tell my customers to get back to me so that I could get their responses.

To make a long story short, I bought the 185 on Saturday. I didn't think that the 200 was worth the $400 price difference. I am completely enamored with this computer! The back plate is tacky, and I was hoping that the translucent keyboard would glow or something (wouldn't THAT be awesome), but I absolutely love it. I would play Star Wars on it at the store as a demo, and it is so bright! It really is amazing. It also comes with a wireless network card built in and it works great with my D-Link router. You can enable/disable it from the side, so when I switch to Wireless G it shouldn't be a problem. 2 fire wires and 2 USB 2 is nice too. Next purchase will be 2 512 of ddr memory, since it came with 2 256's, but otherwise it is wonderful.

So that is my input. I have something to brag to my mac friends about.

mike

Ioman

01-27-2003, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
OK, OK, OK, so I too have a VPR story. I have always had a laptop and I just sold my Sony Vaio, which I have to say was the best laptop that I have ever owned. I started working at Best Buy over Thanksgiving, which is when I sold my old computer. In any case, I noticed the VPR widescreens. They also made 2 other computers, both with P4-M in them, but I REALLY wanted a widescreen. I didn't know anything about them, so I researched them and found out all of the stuff that was on the internet about them. I sold them, but I would tell my customers to get back to me so that I could get their responses.

To make a long story short, I bought the 185 on Saturday. I didn't think that the 200 was worth the $400 price difference. I am completely enamored with this computer! The back plate is tacky, and I was hoping that the translucent keyboard would glow or something (wouldn't THAT be awesome), but I absolutely love it. I would play Star Wars on it at the store as a demo, and it is so bright! It really is amazing. It also comes with a wireless network card built in and it works great with my D-Link router. You can enable/disable it from the side, so when I switch to Wireless G it shouldn't be a problem. 2 fire wires and 2 USB 2 is nice too. Next purchase will be 2 512 of ddr memory, since it came with 2 256's, but otherwise it is wonderful.

So that is my input. I have something to brag to my mac friends about.

mike

Mike, why don't you register for the forums. We would love to chat with ya more about stuff.

d4phtpunk

01-27-2003, 08:58 PM

i just bought the 200a5 vp matrix lappy from bby too... i love it...

there was about 600 bux in rebates and.. i got an open box model.. so it was an additional 10% off... i got the warranty too.. just in case.. but it's still very much worth it...

it performs very very well.... except i'm afraid to install linux.. i resized the partitions with pm7.. and it corrupted some files and caused some problems... had to do 2 full surface scandisks to fix it.. but it's all good now.. i still have the empty partition sitting there.. i might get the courage to install redhat this week....

also.. it gets very hot! and only on the left side of the laptop... so i'm looking for new cooling methods.. possibly the pcmcia fan type thing i saw on the web...

because of the warranty i can't really mod it very much.. .. but i am looking at possibly applying some EL sheets to the cover.. and some design work.. make it look more powerbook-ish.. i hope i can power it via usb or parallel...

it performs very well.. i'm happy w/ the battery life.. 3 hours easy! and the warranty basically allows me to get a new lappy from them if this breaks..... so.. 2-3 years from now... well.. it might just have an accident.... ;)

if there's anybody out there with one of these and is more willing to mod.. let me know.. i'm very interested...

-dp

Ioman

01-27-2003, 09:39 PM

Maybe you guys can help me with mine. When I click on "My Computer" it says its a 2.0GHz CPU but then it says 1.2GHz underneath it. Does that mean its running at the slower speed using SpeedStep technology? If so, how do I turn that off?

d4phtpunk

01-27-2003, 09:50 PM

hrm.. intersting.. mine says the same thing...

the speedstep setup is in the bios... when the vpr screen shows.. hit F2 to enter setup... it goes quick.. so you might have to try a couple times...

try that... possibly worth looking into some software to identify the actual running speed???

-dp

Ioman

01-27-2003, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by d4phtpunk
hrm.. intersting.. mine says the same thing...

the speedstep setup is in the bios... when the vpr screen shows.. hit F2 to enter setup... it goes quick.. so you might have to try a couple times...

try that... possibly worth looking into some software to identify the actual running speed???

-dp

Ok doing it now....

Ioman

01-27-2003, 10:01 PM

Hmmm even with the speedstep in performance or disabled modes, it still says 1.2GHz under the 2.0GHz screen. I wonder what is going on with this? Does the computer FEEL like a 2GHz processor to you guys?

I kind of think it feels slower to me.

Ioman

01-27-2003, 10:05 PM

Ok, when I set the speedstep to Automatic and rebooted, it now shows 2GHz and 2GHz so that works. I am assuming that when the laptop is plugged in via AC then it switches to performance mode and when its running off batteries it is in battery mode which is slower. This is idea for me since I take it with me a lot of places.

Try that and see if it works d4phtpunk.

d4phtpunk

01-27-2003, 10:10 PM

i'm gonna have to play with it some more.. tomorrow..
i installed sandra 2003 and it's giving me mixed results..

i know intel has an app out there to measure the processers speed and overhead in real time.. can't find it now...

will post results tomorrow..

-dp

Ioman

01-27-2003, 11:13 PM

That would be awsome man. I will be writing a review for the site on it later this week. So I will be benchamarking the system as well.

llbbl

01-28-2003, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by Ioman
Ok, when I set the speedstep to Automatic and rebooted, it now shows 2GHz and 2GHz so that works. I am assuming that when the laptop is plugged in via AC then it switches to performance mode and when its running off batteries it is in battery mode which is slower. This is idea for me since I take it with me a lot of places.

Try that and see if it works d4phtpunk.

Mine says almost the same speed. I didn't check to see if Speedstep was set on automatic or not. I know that with Belarc Advisor or Fresh Diagnose you can test the speed of your processor real easy.

Check this program out http://www.freshdevices.com/freshdiag.html

Speedstep isn't such a bad thing, it is supposed to save electricity. I think it is only enabled when the processor goes into power saving mode. I thought it was mainly used for laptops, it would turn off when it was plugged into the wall and turn on when it was running off battery power.

Unregistered

01-28-2003, 11:21 AM

My 185A5 is listed as a 1.8GHz pentium IV, but the actual clock speed varies at 1ghz, 1.2ghz, 1.6ghz, and 1.8ghz (haven't seen 1.4ghz yet).

It really depends on what you're doing, but this computer always feels *ON*. It may not operate at max speed all the time but Intel Speedstep really works!

3 hrs battery life + full-powered gaming performance just doesn't lie...

Also my Cygwin G++ compiles take no time at all....this is really a sweet machine....

One other problem I've found....sometimes the trackpad wigs out....as in...stops working and/or acts ridiculously crazy (cursor all over the place, etc).

I think my laptop is an exception....I called Best Buy and they're sending me a box for service. Hopefully they'll fix the uneven feet problem too while they're at it.

MadCool

01-28-2003, 05:15 PM

Yesterday I was merely an unregistered user... today I am Madcool!

I am all about the specs of this machine... that is what drew me to it.... but will I really notice a difference in the speed of the processor? I am going to upgrade the memory to 1GB... any suggestions for inexpensive memory? I need two 512's DDR.

I am still playing with it and learning. I wonder if there is any way to upgrade to the sonopur. I was thinking about that today.

dang

01-28-2003, 05:17 PM

Hey there madcool, welcome to the forums.

the VPR is definately a nice laptop. I still want a powerbook. :D

But, I think that if I end up wanting a desktop replacement I would buy the VPR. Any news on new models/etc for this year?

Ioman

01-28-2003, 05:43 PM

Originally posted by dang
Hey there madcool, welcome to the forums.

the VPR is definately a nice laptop. I still want a powerbook. :D

But, I think that if I end up wanting a desktop replacement I would buy the VPR. Any news on new models/etc for this year?

Yeah ,I have been waiting to see when a new model comes out so I can take my current one in for exchange. I have the extended warranty and I broke a part of my ethernet jack while in Vegas at CES.

MadCool

01-28-2003, 07:31 PM

My best friend lives in LA and works in the recording industry. He has a powerbook but he wants to upgrade to the new one so that he can have the dvd burner. he offered up his powerbook for $1500 to me. Of course, he would ask a lot more from anyone else. Anyway, I chose the vpr because i got mine for the same price (open box) and i bought a windows based IPOD. I didn't want to learn something new and I thought that this one would compare well.... and it was new. in any case, I am glad that I made this decision.

as for new models, i haven't seen any like the vpr. i like the widescreen rather than an 8 pound 16 inch screen. that is a compaq, by the way.... boo hiss from me. sony has a 16 inch with a dvd burner, but it is still like $2200 after rebates.

I am happy with the choice.

i will let you know., i don't know how up you are with all of the new technology, but we are just getting all of the wireless g stuff. since this came with the internal networking card, i thought that i would get the an 802.11b wireless router for now. i bought a d-link which is working very nicely.

in any case, i will keep you informed on how the computer runs.

mike

dang

01-28-2003, 08:44 PM

hmm..i think if i bought an intel based laptop, i might have to buy this one (http://www.alienware.com/main/system_pages/hive-mind-m.asp)

Ioman

01-28-2003, 11:22 PM

So does anyone else with their VPR Matrix laptop have trouble with the integrated 802.11b networking? I can't seem to be able to pick up a strong signal with it for some reason. I have only tried it with our friends Linksys router, maybe its a compatibility issue?

Madcool

01-29-2003, 05:51 PM

I have a d-link enhanced 2.4 router and it works great. when i decide to go up to the wireless g i will get the new router and the card and i think that i will just have to disable the one on the computer.

anyone know if the video graphics is upgradable? i was told that it can go up to 64 nvidia, but i don't understand how that would work or if it is possible. also can i upgrade to the sonopur? if anyone knows the dynamics of upgrading on a laptop, which i don't, please let me know.

mike

madcool

01-29-2003, 05:54 PM

if i were a gamer i would definately consider it. you can build your own at best buy using the creation station, but i haven't sold any yet. there is a vpr desktop 9110T that is on besybuy.com that is awesome. we had one person get that and they were VERY impressed. check it out.

mike

llbbl

01-30-2003, 01:02 AM

Originally posted by madcool
if i were a gamer i would definately consider it. you can build your own at best buy using the creation station, but i haven't sold any yet. there is a vpr desktop 9110T that is on besybuy.com that is awesome. we had one person get that and they were VERY impressed. check it out.

mike

I would if they were not doing site maintenance. :D

Unregistered

01-30-2003, 03:54 PM

I too just picked up the 200A5 a few days ago. It was open box but looked brand new. Manged to get 15% off as well as $600 in rebates.

Really like the quality of the screen. Much brighter and clearer than my previous two HP laptops. It is nearly as good as my Planar 19" desktop LCD which has 500:1 contrast ratio. The 1280x854 ratio is also perfect for my eyes. My Planar is 1280x1024 so I'm used to that size.

As for the wireless, its just a minipci card that's replaceable. However there are 2 wires soldered to the minipci wireless card. I think we could upgrade the card to "g" easily if you know how to desolder and resolder the 2 antenna wires. It doesn't look hard to me.

The wireless range is definetly not as good as my orinoco gold pcmcia card but its still not bad. I recently changed my wireless router from a netgear mr314 to a speedstream 2624? and my range has improved some. I can use the lappy anywhere in my 2 story house.

Anyone know how to replace the hard drive in this thing. I know its under the keyboard on the left side because it get warm there and I probably have to remove the 2 tabs on the top side but I don't know how to remove the tabs.

Also noticed that the right speaker is softer than the left one. Will probably bring it back to BB to fix. I got the extended warranty ($250) and it says that if you have to fix it 3 times they will replace the unit with a new one so I guess its not to bad. I'm 1 down and 2 more to go for a new laptop. I'm sure I'll find something to fix on this thing in the next 3 years.

Ioman

01-30-2003, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I too just picked up the 200A5 a few days ago. It was open box but looked brand new. Manged to get 15% off as well as $600 in rebates.

Really like the quality of the screen. Much brighter and clearer than my previous two HP laptops. It is nearly as good as my Planar 19" desktop LCD which has 500:1 contrast ratio. The 1280x854 ratio is also perfect for my eyes. My Planar is 1280x1024 so I'm used to that size.

As for the wireless, its just a minipci card that's replaceable. However there are 2 wires soldered to the minipci wireless card. I think we could upgrade the card to "g" easily if you know how to desolder and resolder the 2 antenna wires. It doesn't look hard to me.

The wireless range is definetly not as good as my orinoco gold pcmcia card but its still not bad. I recently changed my wireless router from a netgear mr314 to a speedstream 2624? and my range has improved some. I can use the lappy anywhere in my 2 story house.

Anyone know how to replace the hard drive in this thing. I know its under the keyboard on the left side because it get warm there and I probably have to remove the 2 tabs on the top side but I don't know how to remove the tabs.

Also noticed that the right speaker is softer than the left one. Will probably bring it back to BB to fix. I got the extended warranty ($250) and it says that if you have to fix it 3 times they will replace the unit with a new one so I guess its not to bad. I'm 1 down and 2 more to go for a new laptop. I'm sure I'll find something to fix on this thing in the next 3 years.

Thanks for the comments, you sound like you have quite a bit of plans for your laptop. I was thinking about opening mine up to take a look inside.

What surprised me was the speed of the system despite only having a 5400 RPM hard drive. I think I will also upgrade the system memory as well. I noticed the CD player is pretty loud which annoys me, but I am still glad it is slot loading.

You should register in the forums so we can chat more!

sunshine

01-30-2003, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

Thanks for the comments, you sound like you have quite a bit of plans for your laptop. I was thinking about opening mine up to take a look inside.

What surprised me was the speed of the system despite only having a 5400 RPM hard drive. I think I will also upgrade the system memory as well. I noticed the CD player is pretty loud which annoys me, but I am still glad it is slot loading.

You should register in the forums so we can chat more!

Okay finally registered. Anway you probably mean 4200rpm HD. On mine its a IBM travelstar 40GN. Actually thought about putting in a 5400rpm drive but can't figure out how to open the $#^% thing. CD player is loud when when you put a cd in and when it comes out. Other than that it stays pretty quiet on mine.

I'm pretty happy with the 512 ram in there right now. Maybe later when prices come down (free after rebate) I'll get 1gig:)

Ioman

01-30-2003, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by sunshine

Okay finally registered. Anway you probably mean 4200rpm HD. On mine its a IBM travelstar 40GN. Actually thought about putting in a 5400rpm drive but can't figure out how to open the $#^% thing. CD player is loud when when you put a cd in and when it comes out. Other than that it stays pretty quiet on mine.

I'm pretty happy with the 512 ram in there right now. Maybe later when prices come down (free after rebate) I'll get 1gig:)

Right on. I which the laptop had a rear fold down cover instead of the rubber end...mine keeps falling off.

sunshine

01-30-2003, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

Right on. I which the laptop had a rear fold down cover instead of the rubber end...mine keeps falling off.

I've taken the cover off mine permanently. I use an optical usb mouse on mine so no sense in taking it off and on each time I use the laptop. A fold down cover would have been nice.. and a ps2 port, and a powered firewire port.

Ioman

01-30-2003, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by sunshine

I've taken the cover off mine permanently. I use an optical usb mouse on mine so no sense in taking it off and on each time I use the laptop. A fold down cover would have been nice.. and a ps2 port, and a powered firewire port.

Ahhh good idea on the powered Firewire port. Speaking of, where can I get a firewire cable that fits that type of plug? The laptop did not come with any Firewire cables.

sunshine

01-30-2003, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

Ahhh good idea on the powered Firewire port. Speaking of, where can I get a firewire cable that fits that type of plug? The laptop did not come with any Firewire cables.

Firewire cables are usually pretty pricey, however believe it or not I saw some really cheap at Biglots/Oddlots. I think they were about $8.

Unregistered

01-31-2003, 10:48 AM

Let me tell what a pain it was to replace the hard drive for the VPR Matrix 200A5. I upgraded the hard drive to 60gb ibm travelstar 5400rpm. You need to be careful, I would not recommend replacing the hard drive if you are a novice. But you need to take off the all the screws on the bottom, then unlatch the keyboard from the top, then lift the keyboard, unscrew some more screws, then unplug the keyboard/mouse I think, the sound system part. Then you unscrew the hard drive and insert the new hard drive but the 60gb happens to be a little bigger. So you will need a bigger casing for the 60gb hard drive to screw back to the computer. Then put everything together. But it was such a pain getting the keyboard back under those latches. It was an all day event. But eveything works fine now.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Ioman

01-31-2003, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
Let me tell what a pain it was to replace the hard drive for the VPR Matrix 200A5. I upgraded the hard drive to 60gb ibm travelstar 5400rpm. You need to be careful, I would not recommend replacing the hard drive if you are a novice. But you need to take off the all the screws on the bottom, then unlatch the keyboard from the top, then lift the keyboard, unscrew some more screws, then unplug the keyboard/mouse I think, the sound system part. Then you unscrew the hard drive and insert the new hard drive but the 60gb happens to be a little bigger. So you will need a bigger casing for the 60gb hard drive to screw back to the computer. Then put everything together. But it was such a pain getting the keyboard back under those latches. It was an all day event. But eveything works fine now.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Thanks for the tips. Where did you find the replacement drive? I would be interested in doing this. Please register so we can chat some more!

Angus

02-01-2003, 05:59 PM

Hey everyone, just signed up for this forum after stumbling onto it by doing a search for 200A5 on google. I was looking for some more "user derived" information about the system since I just bought one about a week or so ago. Anyhow, here's just a few thoughts and questions about the system from my standpoint...

I'm really happy with the purchase. I bought the system during the massive rebate days and managed to get 500$ off (missed getting an extra 100 during MLK Jr. Day) so the system ran me 1900 plus the 250 for the extended warranty. My experience with Best Buy was everything I knew it would be (horrible). But after 3 stores and nearly a dozen surly clerks I managed to actually convince them to take my money and get the system. Jesus I hate Best Buy. I swear if this system were sold anywhere else I would have gone that route. Anyways...

My keyboard is a bit loose on the right side and is starting to make a bit more noise when I type over there. Annoying #1 I guess.

The back cover hasn't been an issue for me. I actually find that it's a handy little device when removed and it will prop up the back of the system nicely. My rubber feet are also uneven and I got the wobbles from time to time. Don't know if I will have the patience to deal with Best Buy people to get that and the keyboard fixed.

The speed, the screen, everything else is great. The literal first thing I did when I got the system home was install Windows 2000. If you're going to do that however, make sure you download ALL of the drivers from the VPR site and have them ready on a CDR cause Win2k didn't detect ANYTHING. Not a big deal at all actually, and I was happy to see VPR providing drivers.

My only major issue at the moment is that Windows hangs after coming out of Standby mode. The blue power LED will flash until I hit the power button (only thing that seems to bring it back from standby even a little) then after a few seconds the LED will stay lit (like it's on) but the screen will never go on. If I try to access the computer over the network at that time I get nothing so I'm assuming the system has crashed. Bummer. I'm going to call VPR about this. I hope to god I don't get a hard time because I'm using Win2k. I probably will though. Bah.

The system definitely gets hot on the front left. I can live with that. I see people have upgraded the harddrive and one of these days I'll go ahead and get 1GB of memory when it gets cheaper than 200$ for each stick. I really wish that PC makers would get their heads out of their asses and include 6 pin powered firewire ports so you don't have to use AC powered FW drives. At least I found a slim FW drive enclosure that has a built in lithium ion battery over at Firewiredirect.com.

For you guys having issues with your loud CD drive... I've noticed mine can be REALLY loud if I put a disc in there that has a stick-on label on top. But I've also found that if I just eject it and feed it back into there and make sure to go slow and centered I don't have any problem with noise. Must just be the way the mechanism grabs the thing from time to time.

Oh hey, for you guys still running XP on this thing... Can you tell me what your audio device is called? My driver is called "SoundMax Digital Audio" and I'm wondering if that's a generic driver or the actual Sonopur driver. I'm hoping it's the Sonopur but in case it's not I would like to know so I can request one or dig up one from the restore disc.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 12:57 AM

Originally posted by Angus
Hey everyone, just signed up for this forum after stumbling onto it by doing a search for 200A5 on google. I was looking for some more "user derived" information about the system since I just bought one about a week or so ago. Anyhow, here's just a few thoughts and questions about the system from my standpoint...

I'm really happy with the purchase. I bought the system during the massive rebate days and managed to get 500$ off (missed getting an extra 100 during MLK Jr. Day) so the system ran me 1900 plus the 250 for the extended warranty. My experience with Best Buy was everything I knew it would be (horrible). But after 3 stores and nearly a dozen surly clerks I managed to actually convince them to take my money and get the system. Jesus I hate Best Buy. I swear if this system were sold anywhere else I would have gone that route. Anyways...

My keyboard is a bit loose on the right side and is starting to make a bit more noise when I type over there. Annoying #1 I guess.

The back cover hasn't been an issue for me. I actually find that it's a handy little device when removed and it will prop up the back of the system nicely. My rubber feet are also uneven and I got the wobbles from time to time. Don't know if I will have the patience to deal with Best Buy people to get that and the keyboard fixed.

The speed, the screen, everything else is great. The literal first thing I did when I got the system home was install Windows 2000. If you're going to do that however, make sure you download ALL of the drivers from the VPR site and have them ready on a CDR cause Win2k didn't detect ANYTHING. Not a big deal at all actually, and I was happy to see VPR providing drivers.

My only major issue at the moment is that Windows hangs after coming out of Standby mode. The blue power LED will flash until I hit the power button (only thing that seems to bring it back from standby even a little) then after a few seconds the LED will stay lit (like it's on) but the screen will never go on. If I try to access the computer over the network at that time I get nothing so I'm assuming the system has crashed. Bummer. I'm going to call VPR about this. I hope to god I don't get a hard time because I'm using Win2k. I probably will though. Bah.

The system definitely gets hot on the front left. I can live with that. I see people have upgraded the harddrive and one of these days I'll go ahead and get 1GB of memory when it gets cheaper than 200$ for each stick. I really wish that PC makers would get their heads out of their asses and include 6 pin powered firewire ports so you don't have to use AC powered FW drives. At least I found a slim FW drive enclosure that has a built in lithium ion battery over at Firewiredirect.com.

For you guys having issues with your loud CD drive... I've noticed mine can be REALLY loud if I put a disc in there that has a stick-on label on top. But I've also found that if I just eject it and feed it back into there and make sure to go slow and centered I don't have any problem with noise. Must just be the way the mechanism grabs the thing from time to time.

Oh hey, for you guys still running XP on this thing... Can you tell me what your audio device is called? My driver is called "SoundMax Digital Audio" and I'm wondering if that's a generic driver or the actual Sonopur driver. I'm hoping it's the Sonopur but in case it's not I would like to know so I can request one or dig up one from the restore disc.

I noticed that a lot of people have similar annoyances with their 200A5, but depsite them, they still love their laptop. I am in the same boat. Just out of curiosity why did you decide to take XP off and put 2000 on?

Angus

02-02-2003, 01:11 AM

Putting Windows 2000 Pro on the machine was the first thing I did once I got home and fired up the beast. Well, I wasted about 15 minutes looking at XP and all its prettiness before I stuck the Win2k disc in there and rebooted to install it. Win2k runs like a dream on this system.

Ioman, what is your sound driver called? I didn't check what it was called before I uninstalled XP so I'm not sure if I got the right driver from VPR or if they gipped me with some cheapo driver. Mine is called "SoundMAX Digital Audio". If you go to Volume Control it should say the driver along the bottom of the window. Should I notice a big difference in audio quality when I hold down the FN key and hit F7 to switch between 96 and 192k audio? Cause uh, maybe I'm deaf but I don't really notice anything.

I'd have to say that even with these few annoyances the system is amazing. The screen is second to none and the widescreen aspect is actually a lot more useful than I first thought it would be (for things besides DVDs).

I gotta figure out why this thing crashes coming out of Standby though, cause that's going to piss me off to no end.

That VPR Matrix button would be nice if I could program it to do something useful like put the computer in hibernate mode instead of just going to the VPR website.

The front controls would be a lot more useful if they worked with Winamp (2 or 3) or anything other than the CD player that comes with Windows.

Touchpad needs bigger buttons, this much is clear now that I've used it for a week or so. But I can live with it since I use a lot of tapping to click anyway.

I hope someday I can upgrade this thing to 802.11G wifi without having to solder anything and give Best Buy a reason to void my service plan. I think that would be the last straw with me and them and there would be a fist fight of some sort. Hehe.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 01:18 AM

Mine says "Soundmax Digital Audio" so I guess that answers your question. I will be exchanging mine sometime this week under the extended warranty. I somehow think I broke off the tab which keeps the network cable in place, because now the cable doesn't stay connected to the computer. Not sure how that happened. Anyways, when I get the new one, I will be formatting it and installing Windows XP corporate edition and using that instead of the Home edition. I don't know why, but none of the computers on my network see the laptop.

Angus

02-02-2003, 01:24 AM

Heh, I actually tried to get the notebook connected to the network (and the internet) while it had XP on it but after about 10 minutes of trying I gave up. Too many new "features" and crap that just made things annoyingly difficult for someone who already knows computers. I mean hell, I'm very nearly MCSE certified and work on Win2k - Win9x machines daily and I couldn't figure it out. Bah I say.

Excellent to hear about the sound. I guess VPR has actually done their homework and put together drivers that work in an OS that didn't come preconfigured. Well, it's not like XP an 2k are that different from each other anyways. But still. I just installed Win2k on a compaq pesario tonight and the drivers that they supplied on their site are so horriblely lacking it makes me thankful to have bought this VPR. Now if only I could get this damn Standby mode to work. Heh.

Oh btw, my network port is a bit sloppy also and I haven't been doing any serious pluggin' and unpluggin. I'm wondering if it's just the particular brand of port they decided to use cause mine seems to need an extra bit of jigglin' to work. Wish they would have included LED connection lights on the jack too. Small things are really the only problems with this computer it seems.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 01:34 AM

Mine locks up too when it goes into standby mode. The blue power light located at the top of the keyboard is on, but the desktop is not showing when I wiggle the mouse.

This is the stuff I hate about laptops. Every single brand has its problems, and they are hard to fix due to the proprietary parts.

And I agree with you, I would LOVE an 802.11G network card in this machine. I plan on getting a new 802.11G router here very soon. I suppose we could always buy a PCMCIA card, but having it integrated would be a whole lot better.

Angus

02-02-2003, 01:42 AM

Oooooh, very interesting. You're using the stock OEM XP install and standby results in a lock-up for you too. Well, in a strange way that's actually good news because it's something they will hopefully identify and fix.

I've got my eye on the brand new dual-band 802.11B/G access point from Linksys. Only $120 new and I can use it today with this slower WiFi and tomorrow with faster G wifi. I understand the antennas in these notebooks are particularlly directional so getting a strong signal may be just a matter of turning the computer more towards the source. I'm thinking about mounting my access point in one of my air ducts in the house. Though all the dust might mess it up I could literally stick it right in the center of the place for best reception instead of in the basement by my network equipment. Anyways...

Oh I just noticed that the 200A5's battery doesn't include a little charge indicator built into it like those Energizer batteries you push on to see a little power bar. That would have been nice. But now I'm really nitpicking. I wonder how hard it would be to wire in an LED to underlight the transparent keyboard keys and get some glowing effect.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 01:46 AM

Originally posted by Angus
Oooooh, very interesting. You're using the stock OEM XP install and standby results in a lock-up for you too. Well, in a strange way that's actually good news because it's something they will hopefully identify and fix.

I've got my eye on the brand new dual-band 802.11B/G access point from Linksys. Only $120 new and I can use it today with this slower WiFi and tomorrow with faster G wifi. I understand the antennas in these notebooks are particularlly directional so getting a strong signal may be just a matter of turning the computer more towards the source. I'm thinking about mounting my access point in one of my air ducts in the house. Though all the dust might mess it up I could literally stick it right in the center of the place for best reception instead of in the basement by my network equipment. Anyways...

Oh I just noticed that the 200A5's battery doesn't include a little charge indicator built into it like those Energizer batteries you push on to see a little power bar. That would have been nice. But now I'm really nitpicking. I wonder how hard it would be to wire in an LED to underlight the transparent keyboard keys and get some glowing effect.

Would all the metal in the ducts ruin the signal of the router or enhance it? I am looking at the Dlink 802.11G wireless access point (I will be plugging it into my router with a print server). Linksys makes some great stuff, but I have heard really good things about Dlink wireless equipment. The standby lockup problem is very very annoying.

Angus

02-02-2003, 01:55 AM

I wonder about the ducts actually disrupting the signal. I don't know how it will handle it since I've never tried anything like that before but I figure I'll give it a shot. If nothing else I'll just drill a hole through my first story floor to the basement and drop a cable to the network switch. Maybe hide the access point under my dining room table. Haha. I'm a diehard Linksys guy. Brand loyalty I guess. I haven't been let down by a single one of their products yet. That's not to say that the DLink is bad...just that I'm nutty like that.

I disabled Standby in favor of hibernate after 15 minutes on battery. That's the best I could come up with. I will call VPR on monday about the Standby issue. I will conveniently leave out the fact that I'm running Win2k of course, knowing now that you have the same problem in XP. Hehehe.

sunshine

02-02-2003, 08:42 AM

I think the way to wake the computer up from standby is to press the power button. I don't think wiggling the mouse or touchpad will wake it up. That's how it is on mine. I have a clean copy of winxp professional installed on mine.

Also I've configures my matrix keyboard button to open a blank IE page. What I did was search the registry for "www.vprmatrix.com". Replace that with "about:blank".

Anyone notice any battery life improvement with the Powermizer function turned to maximum battery life?

sunshine

02-02-2003, 09:04 AM

On another note here's a site with information on installing linux on the 200A5

http://www.goodfellow.net/VPRMatrixLinux/

Angus

02-02-2003, 11:47 AM

You're right about the power button. I get nothing when I just touch the keyboard or touchpad. But sadly, when I press the power button the computer sorta starts to come back from standby (I hear the drives spin up and the power light goes full-on) but the LCD never goes back on. And if I try to access the computer over the network I get nothing which leads me to think it has crashed.

Thanks for the tip about reprogramming the VPR button. Very useful.

Unregistered

02-02-2003, 11:52 AM

Hi, I'm a potential 2.0G vpr buyer , although its a little too late. Anyhow, I was really really really really curious about the built in baterry. I mean what happened once its used up for some reason. Hope anyone knows the answer.

and i've heard about all the fuzz BB rep being a jackass. That's a low point to me too.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
Hi, I'm a potential 2.0G vpr buyer , although its a little too late. Anyhow, I was really really really really curious about the built in baterry. I mean what happened once its used up for some reason. Hope anyone knows the answer.

and i've heard about all the fuzz BB rep being a jackass. That's a low point to me too.

What do you mean about the built in battery? It's removable, so you should be able to add a enw one whenever you choose too. Please register on the forums so we can chat with ya some more!

Unregistered

02-02-2003, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

What do you mean about the built in battery? It's removable, so you should be able to add a enw one whenever you choose too. Please register on the forums so we can chat with ya some more!

As I said, I don't own the system, so pardon my lack of information.
I saw it under BB website
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&bfinfo=0-0-0-0-cppib&cat=494&scat=495&e=11178359%20&afsrc=1

if you see under the feature, it stated built in battery.

Besides, why BB don't seems to have this model available anymore. I need one :)

PS: I will register once i purchase the system, now I don't feel belongs here :)

Ioman

02-02-2003, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered

As I said, I don't own the system, so pardon my lack of information.
I saw it under BB website
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&bfinfo=0-0-0-0-cppib&cat=494&scat=495&e=11178359%20&afsrc=1

if you see under the feature, it stated built in battery.

Besides, why BB don't seems to have this model available anymore. I need one :)

PS: I will register once i purchase the system, now I don't feel belongs here :)

Ooooh someone find out if a newer model will be coming out or if they will stop carrying VPR MAtrix altogether. I have a broken network adapter slot on mine, but I was waiting until a newer version came out so I could swap up using the extended warranty. But if they won't be carrying it anymore, then I want to exchange mine now before they dont have anymore in stock.

Angus

02-02-2003, 01:31 PM

Not sure what that "built in battery" means. Maybe it's just a typo because the battery is removable BUT it does come standard with one battery.

I hope they didn't discontinue this thing so soon after I bought it. That would really chap my ass. Then again, if they discontinue the model in favor of something faster and even cooler then that's fine because I'm sure I'll have a reason to get a new one under the service plan. Heh. That's weird though, that BB took it off their website and apparently the store. The VPR website removed the older non-widescreen notebooks from their notebook pages but I figured they wouldn't be removing the 200A5 so soon. Let's hope nothing bad happened to the company now that they convinced me to buy one. That would be our luck.

Ioman

02-02-2003, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by Angus
Not sure what that "built in battery" means. Maybe it's just a typo because the battery is removable BUT it does come standard with one battery.

I hope they didn't discontinue this thing so soon after I bought it. That would really chap my ass. Then again, if they discontinue the model in favor of something faster and even cooler then that's fine because I'm sure I'll have a reason to get a new one under the service plan. Heh. That's weird though, that BB took it off their website and apparently the store. The VPR website removed the older non-widescreen notebooks from their notebook pages but I figured they wouldn't be removing the 200A5 so soon. Let's hope nothing bad happened to the company now that they convinced me to buy one. That would be our luck.

I e-mailed VPR Matrix to see what's going on. I was just about to post a review of the 2000A5 on the site, but if a newer model is coming out, I will wait and review that instead.

sunshine

02-02-2003, 03:04 PM

Thanks for pointing out the Bestbuy link again. I saw that the price has dropped to $2000. Just got back from BB and got them to refund the price difference as I am within the 14 days of purchase. My final price is now $1200 (after 200 openbox & 600 MIR). Don't mean to brag but that is a really great price for this laptop.

About the extended warranty. BB has started getting tougher with them lately. I've been told they are under orders to be strict to the letter of the extended warranty agreement. It is not a replacement plan but a warranty plan. So they will only replace it if it has been in for 3 verified problem. YMMV on this as you might find a more lenient manager. I guess you could always try another store if the 1st one refuses.

llbbl

02-02-2003, 09:14 PM

About the extended warranty. BB has started getting tougher with them lately. I've been told they are under orders to be strict to the letter of the extended warranty agreement. It is not a replacement plan but a warranty plan. So they will only replace it if it has been in for 3 verified problem. YMMV on this as you might find a more lenient manager. I guess you could always try another store if the 1st one refuses.

YMMV means what??

"3 verified problem. " ?? how does this work exactly?

Gateway has a replacement plan where you pay them $40 a month and you can get a new computer after two years or something. Not a bad deal.

sunshine

02-03-2003, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by TecknoGeek

YMMV means what??

"3 verified problem. " ?? how does this work exactly?

Gateway has a replacement plan where you pay them $40 a month and you can get a new computer after two years or something. Not a bad deal.

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

3 verified problem. I believe it means 3 problems that they actually have to fix ie. not user error. Its best to read your agreement fine print. Its explained in there quite clearly.

I've not heard about the gateway plan but 40 for 24 months equals $960. That's a lot of money IMO.

IMO = In My Opinion :-)

Ioman

02-03-2003, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered

As I said, I don't own the system, so pardon my lack of information.
I saw it under BB website
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&bfinfo=0-0-0-0-cppib&cat=494&scat=495&e=11178359%20&afsrc=1

if you see under the feature, it stated built in battery.

Besides, why BB don't seems to have this model available anymore. I need one :)

PS: I will register once i purchase the system, now I don't feel belongs here :)

VPR MAtrix got back to me and here is what they said:

"Ian, we're not discontinuing the 200A5. You might be referring to the price drops. This is normal for a product as its inventory moves through the system after the holidays. There is still a good supply of this model, and the similar model the 185B5 we introduced without the 24 bit audio and a smaller hard drive. I of course can't comment on future products, but I can tell you that the vrp Matrix widescreen notebooks will be in the marketplace for some time to come.

thanks for the inquiry....Let me know if I can answer any other questions."

So I don't know why their website is not carrying the 200A5 anymore....

llbbl

02-03-2003, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by sunshine

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

3 verified problem. I believe it means 3 problems that they actually have to fix ie. not user error. Its best to read your agreement fine print. Its explained in there quite clearly.

I've not heard about the gateway plan but 40 for 24 months equals $960. That's a lot of money IMO.

IMO = In My Opinion :-)

I don't know how long exactly. It is just like leasing a car, some people are going to prefer to always have the fastest. Not everyone can build their own.

Unregistered

02-03-2003, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by Ioman

VPR MAtrix got back to me and here is what they said:

"Ian, we're not discontinuing the 200A5. You might be referring to the price drops. This is normal for a product as its inventory moves through the system after the holidays. There is still a good supply of this model, and the similar model the 185B5 we introduced without the 24 bit audio and a smaller hard drive. I of course can't comment on future products, but I can tell you that the vrp Matrix widescreen notebooks will be in the marketplace for some time to come.

thanks for the inquiry....Let me know if I can answer any other questions."

So I don't know why their website is not carrying the 200A5 anymore....

Hmm....that gives me even more question marks

Do anyone think that the price will decline substantially during the next......let say week?

I don't want the hassle to return the notebook within a week after they drop the price again. Well.... not the hassle getting the money differences back, but more to BB rep hassle and all their policies.

I also need to know what's the best 200A5 price all of you can get ?

Angus

02-03-2003, 03:30 PM

I don't think the price will drop much more in the next week, or month fo rthat matter. I think taking 400$ off is probably about as much as it will drop until the next model comes out and then they begin to really phase out the 200A5 completely. So I think it's a good bet that the price now of $2000 (without taking out rebates) is about as good as it will get.

I paid $2400 for mine (not counting the service plan), I just mailed off my $500 worth of rebates because I got the computer during a sale a couple weekends ago, and I'm about to go get another $400 back from BB because they dropped the regular price to $2000. So overall I'm paying $1500 for the notebook. I could have gotten another $100 off if I had purchased the thing on MLK Day.

I lucked out though, because now there's only $100 worth of rebates making the system $1900 (which is what I originally intended to pay). All a matter of timing I guess. I'm headed to BB right now (literally) and I called in advance and they say there won't be a problem getting my money. We'll see.

Unregistered

02-03-2003, 04:20 PM

This is the reply I got from VPR Matrix

"Thanks for your email.

VPR Matrix 200A5 is currently in short supply at some locations. The Best Buy warehouse is sold out of this product, and we expect to restock it soon with minimal quantities. However, you may want to talk to your local store -- they could direct you to a store with product on hand, or have one transferred in for you.

Sincerely,
vpr Matrix"

"restock with minimal quantities"? strange.....maybe this unit doesn't sell that well in the market.

So its a BIG possibilities that they will reduce the price again.

I'll just wait and see before making a decision to buy it

Ioman

02-03-2003, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
This is the reply I got from VPR Matrix

"Thanks for your email.

VPR Matrix 200A5 is currently in short supply at some locations. The Best Buy warehouse is sold out of this product, and we expect to restock it soon with minimal quantities. However, you may want to talk to your local store -- they could direct you to a store with product on hand, or have one transferred in for you.

Sincerely,
vpr Matrix"

"restock with minimal quantities"? strange.....maybe this unit doesn't sell that well in the market.

So its a BIG possibilities that they will reduce the price again.

I'll just wait and see before making a decision to buy it

Why dont you register so we can talk with ya more man!

sunshine

02-03-2003, 05:08 PM

My local BB says that as soon as new stock arrives they get sold off. The $400-$600 rebate that was offered the past month probably added to their demand. They sell off pretty quick and BB probably didn't anticipate this. It is after all a one of a kind, the only widescreen PC laptop on the market.

Angus

02-03-2003, 07:22 PM

Well I managed to make it in and out of BB without getting into a fist fight with some retard clerk which is a definite good thing. The other good thing is that they gave me $440 because of their 110% price match policy. Sadly, because I paid with a check (business check) they are mailing me the money. But I trust it will arrive in short order. So it's all good as they say.

Waiting to get get one of these 200A5s probably isn't a bad idea since even if you're wrong and the price doesn't drop, and maybe you even miss out on the $100 rebate, you're only missing out on the rebate.

All in all I'm really happy with this computer. A few minor flaws aside, the system is fantastic. I guess now all there is to do is order my access point, another battery, and try to figure out ways to personalize the computer. Oh, I guess I have to call VPR about that damn Standby issue. Ioman, you should give them a call about that too....see if we get the same response.

Ioman

02-03-2003, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by Angus
Well I managed to make it in and out of BB without getting into a fist fight with some retard clerk which is a definite good thing. The other good thing is that they gave me $440 because of their 110% price match policy. Sadly, because I paid with a check (business check) they are mailing me the money. But I trust it will arrive in short order. So it's all good as they say.

Waiting to get get one of these 200A5s probably isn't a bad idea since even if you're wrong and the price doesn't drop, and maybe you even miss out on the $100 rebate, you're only missing out on the rebate.

All in all I'm really happy with this computer. A few minor flaws aside, the system is fantastic. I guess now all there is to do is order my access point, another battery, and try to figure out ways to personalize the computer. Oh, I guess I have to call VPR about that damn Standby issue. Ioman, you should give them a call about that too....see if we get the same response.

Well I have been only contacting their public relations rep, not the tech support department. I will leave that up to you ;) as I have a short fuse with ANY tech support dept. (I worked helpdesk for years when I was younger). Actually, I did call their tech support dept about something when I first bought it, maybe it WAS the standby, and they couldn't resolve the issue. It appears that they only support the Windows XP OS, nothing hardware related. I never got anywhere. Feel free to give it a try, I would be curious to see what they say.

I will register later I promise :)

02-03-2003, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by sunshine
It is after all a one of a kind, the only widescreen PC laptop on the market.

Well, as I observe, VPR is not the only widescreen PC Laptop.
They have this Fujitsu P2120, and Toshiba Libretto L5, unfortunatelly those two models has 10" small screen which is too small for me.

But in UK they have this notebook that has almost the same exact spec with VPR 2005A , its called Hi Grade Notino W6700(http://www.higrade.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1852). Don't know which one is better, but Notino looks more appealing to me. Well its just my opinion.

dang

02-03-2003, 11:22 PM

actually 1400 pounds for a p4 2ghz 512ram, dvd-r laptop is damn good..
but the pic of it is not that great, so its hard to tell what it looks like...

Unregistered

02-04-2003, 09:03 AM

Looks what i got

"As you know, computer products are refreshed and updated regularly, because
competition is fierce and technology improves so rapidly. This product has
been in the marketplace since Oct/Nov, so it will soon be time to complete
this product and move on to the next one.
Sincerely,
vpr Matrix"

Hint Hint!
they going to replace 200A5 SOON!

Ioman

02-04-2003, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
Looks what i got

"As you know, computer products are refreshed and updated regularly, because
competition is fierce and technology improves so rapidly. This product has
been in the marketplace since Oct/Nov, so it will soon be time to complete
this product and move on to the next one.
Sincerely,
vpr Matrix"

Hint Hint!
they going to replace 200A5 SOON!

ARRGGHH why did they give me the run around then!?:mad:

They could have been honest!

Unregistered

02-04-2003, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by Ioman

ARRGGHH why did they give me the run around then!?:mad:

They could have been honest!

Big company, what do you expect.
They never honest.

Angus

02-04-2003, 12:00 PM

Meh... There's always going to be something faster and cheaper just over the horizon. Something to lust for that isn't quite here yet. For me, the VPR could only get better if it had a few things...

- 802.11G
- 6 pin Firewire 400, or 6 pin Firewire 800
- DVDRW
- Bigger harddrive

I'm not even sure how useful DVDRW would be on a notebook to be honest. I do happen to have an extremely nice miniDV camcorder but I'm more likely to just want a bigger harddrive so I can edit on the road than I am to want to actually master a DVD. If I wanted to do serious video editting on the road though I would have bought a Powerbook. Firewire would be vastly more useful if they would just include 6 pins. Wifi is just a nice luxury for surfing when I'm on the couch so WiFi-G isn't a big deal to me. If I'm doing something that requires a lot of network bandwith I just go to my desktop.

A scroll button between the touchpad buttons would be nice. Bigger touchpad buttons would be good too. Glowing keyboard and stuff like that is just fluff that would be nice but isn't goign to keep me from getting the computer. Faster processor and video... eh, for business this is more than adequate. I play games on my desktop.

sunshine

02-04-2003, 05:13 PM

FYI, Bestbuy lowered the price today another $100. New price is now $1900 for the 200A5. Might be time to visit BB to ask for a pricematch for some of you?

Ioman

02-04-2003, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by sunshine
FYI, Bestbuy lowered the price today another $100. New price is now $1900 for the 200A5. Might be time to visit BB to ask for a pricematch for some of you?

Do they only price match for 30 days or 90?

sunshine

02-04-2003, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

Do they only price match for 30 days or 90?

I'm quite sure it's only 14 days for laptops.

Ioman

02-04-2003, 08:20 PM

Originally posted by sunshine

I'm quite sure it's only 14 days for laptops.

Bummer for me, its been 45 days.:mad:

Unregistered

02-05-2003, 12:49 AM

Angus

02-05-2003, 01:43 AM

Are you sure it's $1900 before the rebates? When I went in yesterday evening the price was $1900 after a $100 rebate on a $2000 base price. For them to match a price the item's pre-rebate price has to be lower than what you paid, otherwise they'll tell you that you're out of luck. Be sure to check this.

And yeah, it's only 14 days for price match on all computers. I wouldn't get my hopes up on the price dropping from $2400 a couple weeks ago to $1400 next week though.

Unregistered

02-05-2003, 09:56 AM

I went to my local BB and it shown $1700 includes $200 rebates. and it has like 5 units of them. I guess this notebook gives less attention to the customer.

Ioman

02-05-2003, 09:58 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I went to my local BB and it shown $1700 includes $200 rebates. and it has like 5 units of them. I guess this notebook gives less attention to the customer.

Register,register,register,register,register,regis ter

Thank you! :D

Angus

02-05-2003, 11:32 AM

Bummer, I just called BB and they said the computer is still $2000 before rebates. And here I got my hopes up that I could roll into BB for a second time in two days and get them to give me money. Hehe. Another $110 would have been nice.

:doh

sunshine

02-05-2003, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Angus
Bummer, I just called BB and they said the computer is still $2000 before rebates. And here I got my hopes up that I could roll into BB for a second time in two days and get them to give me money. Hehe. Another $110 would have been nice.

:doh

I suggest you visit the store and have them scan the product itself. The person you spoke to probably is looking at an old shelf tag. The product will probably scan at $1900 if you have them try it.

llbbl

02-05-2003, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by sunshine

I'm quite sure it's only 14 days for laptops.

you can't pricematch stuff from the web. apparently half.com dvd's are not the same as best buy dvd's

llbbl

02-05-2003, 02:28 PM

Angus

02-05-2003, 11:34 PM

Eh, I'm too lazy to go venture into that foul pit of annoyances just to check on whether or not the computer is $100 cheaper today (or tomorrow). I think I'll just be happy that I got it for $1500 and be done with it. The guys they employ at BB always sound like you just woke them up from a nap when you call and they're not much better in person. If not going to check it out in person costs me $100 then I guess I'm $100 poorer. Heh.

Unregistered

02-06-2003, 05:15 AM

Decline again people
BB.com shows $1,898.99 minus $200 rebate.

Yeah, just wait for more downfall :P

Ioman

02-06-2003, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
Decline again people
BB.com shows $1,898.99 minus $200 rebate.

Yeah, just wait for more downfall :P

Hmmm you sure? I did a search on their site and I cannot even find the 200A5 laptop....

Unregistered

02-06-2003, 01:29 PM

http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&bfinfo=0-0-0-0-cskkh&cat=494&scat=495&e=11178359%20&afsrc=1

there:)

Ioman

02-06-2003, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&bfinfo=0-0-0-0-cskkh&cat=494&scat=495&e=11178359%20&afsrc=1

there:)

Sorry but they do not have their price listed and did you read the quote below it?

"Sorry, no longer taking orders for this item. Not available for store pickup."

dang

02-06-2003, 01:40 PM

website says no longer taking orders for it...

Unregistered

02-06-2003, 03:16 PM

the BB.com warehouse is sold out
but you still can price match it with the store

flyguy42

02-07-2003, 12:01 AM

Hey guys. New here. I just bought an older model VPR (170a4) and was looking around for some forums to chat on. Also, I am a BB employee (computers). So if you guys have any questions about anything, fire away. I noticed you guys were wondering if the 200a5 was being discontinued... I dont belive so. But it has always been in short supply. However, I wouldnt expect it to be on the shelves all year either. I have noticed that VPR has been releasing more models faster now. Almost as fast as HP or Compaq do. As far as being stricter in the Service Plans. Yeah, we are. Basicly we started getting stuck with alot of product that was supposedly defective that turned out it wasnt. Laptops, PDA's and cell phones were the worst. But we still honor them to the letter. We still do exchange out laptops for any reason whenever possible. Its easier for our service guys just to give you a new laptop than to send it out for service.

Anyways. Has anyone upgraded thier RAM? Does anyone make CL2 DDR for notebooks? I cant seem to find any...

Angus

02-07-2003, 01:38 AM

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.... Time to get the notebook serviced. During normal typing today on the system the left shift key got stuck in the down position then popped out completely. Fantastic. I examined the key closely and noticed that a couple of nibs used to connect the key itself to the scissor action plastic piece underneith had broken off so it was no longer connecting. Now the key won't stay connected at all. Bummer too cause I touch type (I'm no key pounder at all btw) and use the left shift key, well, a lot.

I guess they can just replace the keyboard? Christ i hope they don't have to give me a whole new computer. Not that it would be that big of a deal really. But I would want them to swap out the harddrives so I don't have to end up reinstalling everything from scratch again. That would suck more than the broken key, heh.

This broken key doesn't bode well for the qualitg of this unit. Let's hope it proves me wrong and doesn't happen again (or something else stupid doesn't happen next).

fortinaa

02-07-2003, 04:42 AM

I just stumbled on to this forum after doing various product reviews and trainings. What great luck considering I just purchased the 200A5 a month ago. So far, I'm very pleased with it. My only gripes were that my open box model seems to be missing the back cover (which I never knew it had until I saw it mentioned here), and when I got it, it seemed to have trouble recognizing cds every other time I loaded them in the drive. After a system restore and format, all is well. As others have mentioned, I do wish the notebook had bigger right/left click buttons below the notepad. Also, every once in a while, I have trouble with the wired network as well. It seems to take a little plug jiggling on the 50ft cat5 cable in one room, but has never had a problem with the 14ft cat6 that i plugged into my hub. I find that to be curious...

Mostly, I use the notebook for photo editing in PS6. However, I also decided to install Medal of Honor on it, and i have to say that I'm impressed by the performance and the screen.

Anyone try this for cd/dvd playback yet? I know the speakers on this thing suck, but with headphones or line out to a home stereo, things get better beyond belief. I have noticed one thing though... DVD sound is much lower in volume than a music CD. I don't do a whole lot with DVD's at home, so maybe somebody can comment as to whether this is normal behavior.

I also noticed that many owners of this laptop on the forum are BBY employees, as am I. What states are all of you working in? As of yesterday, we still had 2-3 of these units in stock. Everyone feel free to list all technical problems with the notebook so we all know what to look out for with our service plans when a future replacement comes through. Also, someone stated earlier that notebooks almost always get replaced.. Not always true. I talked to a tech the other day, and each manufacturer tags their individual items as "devo yes/no". If yes, then your item is replaced, as I quickly learned with epson printers. If no, off to the repair shop it goes.

PS: sorry to hear all the negative comments about users various BBY experiences. I work there as a hobby in the computer department because I enjoy the products, and hope that I don't leave any customers as "chapped" as some have stated.

Ishman

02-07-2003, 11:01 AM

I just recently purchased a VPR Matrix 200A5 and must say that a have grown to really like it. I noticed that someone earlier mentioned that you could change the link associated with the VPR button. I wanted to expand on that a say that you could also launch any program you want.

1. Launch regedit. Goto start : run : type in regedit.
2. Scroll down to HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CHICONY\0133BESTBUY\DEFAULT\0
(You can also search for www.wprmatrix.com to get there quickly as mentioned earlier. It is a good idea to place this under your favorites in the regedit menu.
3. Double click the entry and place a new link in place of the vprmatrix.com or place a program path such as
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE or whatever you like.

Also, I have noticed that the volume without headphone is not very loud. Is this normal. I known it is much softer than my other laptops. When switching between 96/192 can you tell much diff or is that only through headphones or ext speakers?

Another note worth mentioning. Many of you have reformated and installed Windows XP Proff. I noticed that unless you install the AGP drivers from the driver disk you will not have AGP accelerated in DIrectX.

Ishman

Ishman

02-07-2003, 12:17 PM

I was also wondering if there was another manual of some sort which was alittle more informative than the one that comes with the unit. One that discusses the bios, wireless card, etc.

Ishman

fortinaa

02-07-2003, 12:49 PM

For those of you interested in different ways to output audio from the vpr notebook, visit this accessories page on BBuy.com:
http://www.bestbuy.com/ComputersPeripherals/specials/vprSplash1_27.asp

The two items seem pricey, but I know someone had earlier asked about a way to get audio out from the rear, which you can using the parallel device on that page ($249!!)

Ioman

02-07-2003, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by fortinaa
For those of you interested in different ways to output audio from the vpr notebook, visit this accessories page on BBuy.com:
http://www.bestbuy.com/ComputersPeripherals/specials/vprSplash1_27.asp

The two items seem pricey, but I know someone had earlier asked about a way to get audio out from the rear, which you can using the parallel device on that page ($249!!)

oooh I like the parallel to RCA connectors cable: http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11183710&m=488&cat=490&scat=0

$249 seems WAY to expensive though. This would be cool because I currently do not like how the only speaker output is on the front of the laptop. It may be good for headphones, but I don't want a cable wrapping around the back of the laptop to the speakers I am using.

Angus

02-07-2003, 03:35 PM

Well, $250 really isn't that unreasonable when you look at what is included on the cable. The connectors on the cable really are professional quality and most people will NEVER own anything with XLR connectors because things that have those sorts of connectors (dat audio recorders, professional balanced audio devices, $1000+ microphones) are simply too expensive. But if you need that sort of thing, believe me, $250 is not a big deal for what you gain in quality. Plus everything is shielded, balanced, and seems like the highest quality build.

For example... I have a $3000 dv camcorder (Canon GL1) with a $1200 balanced audio converter box that lets me connect any number of professional microphones from Senheiser. What a lot of people don't realize is that unlike your home microphone or audio connectors, in the professional world no one really uses mini-plugs or even the big stereo plugs. I'm not bragging or anything, but it's something to consider if you're thinking about dropping $250 just so you can run your computer audio into some consumer grade speakers.

I think it's great though, that a company would even offer something like this. It's actually on my list of things to buy after an additional battery and an access point for the wifi.

Btw, I haven't taken my 200A5 into BB yet because of the northeast snow storm. Figures. Maybe I'll dig my car out and see what I can get done. Eh, I might just wait until tomorrow. Has anyone had to get their keyboard replaced? Is that something BB can easily do?

sunshine

02-07-2003, 03:42 PM

BB has no means to service laptops in the store. I'm pretty sure of this. They will send the laptop off for service. How long this will take I don't know. The BB service personI talked to said it is usually 2 weeks. I've heard of people getting theirs back in a week.

Angus

02-07-2003, 03:45 PM

Two weeks?! Oh man, oh man.

Edit: I just called BB and talked to customer service. Apparently they can order a new keyboard from VPR and have that shipped directly to my house in about 5 days. Now that option I'm ok with. Then again, I've read things on this forum about getting that keyboard in there.... hehe.

Ioman

02-07-2003, 03:54 PM

I could buy an amp or a mini bookshelf system for $250 though. But knowing me and my spending habits, I will porbably go out and buy that $250 dollar cable lol. I am a sucker for good sound.

Angus

02-07-2003, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by Ioman
I could buy an amp or a mini bookshelf system for $250 though. But knowing me and my spending habits, I will porbably go out and buy that $250 dollar cable lol. I am a sucker for good sound.

Yeah that's true.

I think though, that my point was that the cable is targetted more at professional users than consumers. Even a 1200$ Denon amp isn't going to have XLR connectors on it. The only thing I can think of that would require that sort of thing is video editting where you would want to input sound from a DAT recorder to a NLE (non-linear editting) program like Avid's DV Express or Adobe Premiere. You might also want to use those fancy connectors for something like mastering audio in an actual recording studio where they too use XLR quite a bit.

I think despite the description the point isn't for Joe User to spend $250 so they can connect to a home stereo and listen to MP3s.

Unregistered

02-07-2003, 08:01 PM

we bought a vpr matrix 5 days ago and love it, but we want to use it when we travel and would like to go on line using our nokia cell phone to connect to our isp. i found one system that would work with the nokia(ie 5160) but the manufacturer no longer makes it. any ideas as to how i can hook up?

flyguy42

02-07-2003, 08:22 PM

If you looking for internet access, go Sprint. There phones are made for that. And you get speeds like a 56K modem (its supposed to improve over time too, up to 144K).

Also, I went to upgrade my memory today, and was surprised to find out they use Samsung branded memory chips. Thats good stuff. I might just have to go and return the cheap crap I bought and purchase a matching samsung chip.

Ioman

02-07-2003, 10:08 PM

Originally posted by flyguy42
If you looking for internet access, go Sprint. There phones are made for that. And you get speeds like a 56K modem (its supposed to improve over time too, up to 144K).

Also, I went to upgrade my memory today, and was surprised to find out they use Samsung branded memory chips. Thats good stuff. I might just have to go and return the cheap crap I bought and purchase a matching samsung chip.

Actually, any phone using the new GSM/GPRS should work to access the net wit your laptop through the phone. It should be a lot faster than the older cell phones too.

flyguy42

02-08-2003, 12:03 AM

My experince with GSM access is that it is quite poor. They advertise a maximum of 56K, which you really dont get. Sprint advertises 144K and you get about 50-80K in reality. GSM (ATT and T-mobile) they tend to charge for data access. Sprint gives you unlimited access with your 3G phone. Or if you want to purchase a stand-alone modem, you can get unlimited access for $99.

dnt

02-08-2003, 12:15 AM

Any one else having problem with the Screen? For example Turn off the wake options in bios. Then boot up the OS. Then restart the machine. The screen gets corupted on mine. Restarting doesn't help and shutting down only helps if I let it shut down for an hour or so. Does anyone have this problem? Also is there any other problem I should check into. I just bought my today and I figure I would do a diagonostic. Actually I'm running a burnin test right now. thanks

Ioman

02-08-2003, 12:17 AM

Originally posted by dnt
Any one else having problem with the Screen? For example Turn off the wake options in bios. Then boot up the OS. Then restart the machine. The screen gets corupted on mine. Restarting doesn't help and shutting down only helps if I let it shut down for an hour or so. Does anyone have this problem? Also is there any other problem I should check into. I just bought my today and I figure I would do a diagonostic. Actually I'm running a burnin test right now. thanks

Hmmm, the problems you are having with your screen do not sound normal. You may want to exchange it right away as stock is in short supply. Anyone else running into these problems?

fortinaa

02-08-2003, 08:49 AM

Just curious, as I haven't taken anything on the laptop apart yet, but was it a single 512mb memory chip in it, or did they supply it with 2 256mb chips so that we'll have to waste one?

sunshine

02-08-2003, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by fortinaa
Just curious, as I haven't taken anything on the laptop apart yet, but was it a single 512mb memory chip in it, or did they supply it with 2 256mb chips so that we'll have to waste one?

Its 2 256mb chips on mine.

Ioman

02-08-2003, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by sunshine

Its 2 256mb chips on mine.

Same with mine :(

Expensive upgrade. I hope the memory is not proprietary.

Unregistered

02-08-2003, 01:03 PM

http://www.nd.edu/~ekang/vpr.jpg

Ishman

02-08-2003, 01:04 PM

I was wondering if anyone found a video driver upgrade. Nvidia is up to 40.72 that is offical and the VPR uses 30.82.

Do we need to wait until VPR supplies a newer driver.

Ishman

dang

02-08-2003, 01:21 PM

Nice pic, I see the OS X cd on your desk. Where is your mac? :)

dnt

02-09-2003, 03:43 AM

We'll the problem with the flaky screen is gone now... actually I exchange it at bestbuy. The new one doesn't seem to have this problem BUT now I notice that dreaded buzzing monitor. That okay with me though because I also got a feature that I didn't have in my old one. I'm able to read DVD-R media. It seems on the low end I recieve an extra .01 MHZ. Yea... :-)

Also I just installed XP Pro on it. There is no drivers for the APM (Power mangement ) on the website. Is there a program that will let me decide what speed the processor will go at? Eh, maybe I'm just too spoil with my sony laptop. Also on this matter is there a way to see what speed I'm acutally going at?

Ishman

02-09-2003, 05:06 AM

I don't know of any power management program for the VPR, but you can still go to the power icon in the control panel and do many things you might want.

Also if you right click the My computer icon or go to the system icon in the control panel the general tab shows the running speed under the 2.0 GIG speed.

If you hit the F2 key when the VPR splash screen starts on boot up (need to do it quickly) YOu can go to the power management and determine if you want it to run in performance mode all the time or battery management mode. I personnelly use mine on full performance , since I will be plugged up 80 % of the time. I can quickly change back on the next boot if needed.

Ishman

P.S. Does anyone know of some form of documentation or does soemone have the video player and movie associated wit the VPR button. I reformatted with XP Pro and noticed it is not on the original CD's.

llbbl

02-09-2003, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by flyguy42
Hey guys. New here. I just bought an older model VPR (170a4) and was looking around for some forums to chat on. Also, I am a BB employee (computers). So if you guys have any questions about anything, fire away. I noticed you guys were wondering if the 200a5 was being discontinued... I dont belive so. But it has always been in short supply. However, I wouldnt expect it to be on the shelves all year either. I have noticed that VPR has been releasing more models faster now. Almost as fast as HP or Compaq do. As far as being stricter in the Service Plans. Yeah, we are. Basicly we started getting stuck with alot of product that was supposedly defective that turned out it wasnt. Laptops, PDA's and cell phones were the worst. But we still honor them to the letter. We still do exchange out laptops for any reason whenever possible. Its easier for our service guys just to give you a new laptop than to send it out for service.

Anyways. Has anyone upgraded thier RAM? Does anyone make CL2 DDR for notebooks? I cant seem to find any...

You answer our computer questions, now that is funny! This aint BB anymore buddy. We know what we are talking about. Not that you are not welcome to stay and help us find answers to some of the questions that arise on the site.

I looked for CL2 notebook memory. They don't make it.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/xms/xms_modules.html

Ioman

02-09-2003, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by dnt
We'll the problem with the flaky screen is gone now... actually I exchange it at bestbuy. The new one doesn't seem to have this problem BUT now I notice that dreaded buzzing monitor. That okay with me though because I also got a feature that I didn't have in my old one. I'm able to read DVD-R media. It seems on the low end I recieve an extra .01 MHZ. Yea... :-)

Also I just installed XP Pro on it. There is no drivers for the APM (Power mangement ) on the website. Is there a program that will let me decide what speed the processor will go at? Eh, maybe I'm just too spoil with my sony laptop. Also on this matter is there a way to see what speed I'm acutally going at?

Glad the ne wone is working! You need to hit F2 I believe when the system boots up and go into the BIOS to change the CPU speed stepping speed. I think I have mine set on AUTO and that seems to work. The default setting is for conserving battery power thus underclocking the CPU to 1.2GHz. Hope that helps man! BTW, I will be installing XP Pro on it soon as well.

Ishman

02-09-2003, 12:34 PM

Would anyone happen to have the player and movie which comes with the VPR standard when you hit the VPR button?

Thanks
Ish

d4phtpunk

02-09-2003, 01:48 PM

sorry.. just caught up on all the postings.. this thread has really picked up!

anyways... some of my comments:

my network patch plug is also a bit shaky.... but i use the wifi 99% of the time....

Standby works fine for me!! (i *upgraded* to win xp pro.. didn't want to lose drivers from complete reinstalll)
sometimes the sound doesn't come back tho.. =(

when i played with hibernate i get a lot of the problems you guys seem to indicate... but usually that has to do with a combination of power management flaws and antivirus utils...

i went to the store yesterday and found the lappy at 1799!! plus some in rebates.. so. i quickly started asking questions,, and found that because i was passed the 14 day grace period i couldn't do a price match.... but i look at it this way... open box price matches (which I got) don't affect the warranty... but after that any price matches does.. and when you go to replace the laptop in the future when the 200a5 no longer exists.. they can argue that you paid less and therefore only have less to work with when picking a new laptop..... can anyone confirm this for me? This is how it works for my cell phone anyway....

sound.. .... the sonopour thing is just for those 250 cables ... which are also for profesional midi keyboards and stuff...... but i still enjoy the quality of sound put out by an external product.. i bought jbl creatures when i bout the lappy.. and i know that the lappy gives the jbls something good to play.....

so.. those are just a few of my comments....

that guy who replaced the harddrive.. did you say the 60gb drive is larger or smaller? and did you by any chance take pictures?

thanks for the vpr matrix button hack.....

and.. i am annoyed that i got a scratch on the lid of my lappy.. i'm still looking for a good bag to carry it in.. but in the meantime found some cheapo neoprene cover.. no handles or anything.. just a cover..... but,, in any case i still plan on covering the screen with one of these:

http://www.casewraps.com/

and i also plan on cutting out and putting some EL paper under it to give it an apple notebook glow look to it.....

when funds and time become available.. pictures will be provided....

okydokey.. thats all from me for now...

-dp

fortinaa

02-09-2003, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by Ishman
[B]Would anyone happen to have the player and movie which comes with the VPR standard when you hit the VPR button?

From looking around the VPR site, it seems that the video only comes on the Recovery disk for the laptop. You could probably explore the disk and manually locate the video. I personally got rid of it and use the button to access the web.

Ishman

02-09-2003, 04:55 PM

I looked and couldn't find it. Oh well, I can't remember if it told much anyway. I also use the button to lauch other programs.

Ishman

I do wish there was a better manual to discuss the s/PDIF 96/192K, wireless and other functions in alittle more detail.

d4phtpunk

02-09-2003, 06:21 PM

wireless tidbits..

if you haven't downloaded it yet,, there's a wireless lan utility in vprmatrix's web site... download and install the wireless drivers,, which includes the tool wlanutil

you can use it to turn on and off the antenna,,, search for wireless networks...

AND here's the kicker.. you can minimize the utility and there's a neat little signal strength indicator that goes into the taskbar!!

anyways.. another reason why i wanted to post was to ask this little question:

anyone have a 2.4Gz "spread spectrum" cordless phone? i do.. and it seems it interferes with my 2.4Gz 802.11b antenna....

i can't seem to find any information about such interference anywhere on the web... strange.....

please.. if you know anything about this or have experienced the same problem,,, let me know..

thx

-dp

Unregistered

02-09-2003, 06:40 PM

I went to my local BestBuy and saw the 200A5 price decline to $1,799 minus $300 worth of rebates.

Gosh!
that's less than a month since the last time i saw this priced at $2399.

Angus

02-09-2003, 08:46 PM

Well the good news is for those who worry about driver incompatibilies if you switch from XP to 2k, there really aren't any...cept for the standby mode problem that I've encountered. If you download all the drivers from the VPR page, install 2k, burn the drivers onto a CD, then load them onto the notebook you're good to go. My standby problem isn't limited to 2k also, as Ioman has noted since he's had it with XP as well. I don't know about the rest of you but I can live without standby since hibernate saves more battery anyway.

The best ram I've found for the notebook is over at Crucial, who to my surprise actually has VPR listed in their list of manufacturers that they support. Crazy. DDR2100, 512MB, CL2.5. The price is dropping daily. When I bought my 200A5 2 weeks ago it was $205 for 512 and now it's down to $150.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=vpr%2B&mfr=vpr&cat=RAM&model=Matrix+Series+Notebooks&submit=Go

And for the guy looking for a video driver update... I'm happy to say that the 41.09 driver works just fine. The funny thing is that if you download the videodriver exe from VPR it's just a little VPR installer than runs the NVidia 30.xx detonator driver install. Feel free to upgrade.

I've yet to find any solid "manual" for this computer. It seems we're on our own boys. The hardware components are firstclass at least. And there's really not that much mystery to most of them. The screen is the same as the Apple 15" powerbook which would make it a Samsung. The harddrive is probably a WD. Wireless card is a bit of a guess because it's recognized as a "Lan-Express" which is what a lot of cards are recognized as. If I had a screwdriver small enough I'd just open up my 'puter and look.

I'm still dying to find out more about the system though.

dnt

02-09-2003, 11:16 PM

FYI... I decided to install the updated AGP driver from ali. What I found out was that it installed the AGP driver, Sound Driver, and IDE Driver. So... the sound card is an ALi too. It even installed a cool power reduction utility for the soundcard in the control panel. Basically it gives me the option to autmatically turn off the sound card if there is no sound coming out of it for 2 secs. The IDe driver is a differnet story. After the IDE driver installed... it thinks the IDE controller are SCSI controller now. Not worry though because thats the way ALi IDE drvers are. I know from my Iwill 333XP motherboard (ALI chipset) The ide driver install as SCSI too. Basically I think they do some enhance IDE stuff so they want to distingust themselves from regualr IDE I guess. :-)

Only thing now is that since I did a fresh install to XP pro. The APM doesn't seem to work. I don't have an option for StandBy or Hibernate. Anyone fix this? I guess I could do an upgrade instead of a fresh install but I life fresh install...it lets me install ONLY what I want. I'm a control freak :-)

I'll continue to try and get the latest drivers for the rest of the laptop. I'll report back on how it goes. I'll be the guinee pig

dnt

02-09-2003, 11:31 PM

Oh, also Anyone know why there is 2 keyboard drivers? Do I need to install both? Finally anyone find a good carrying case for this laptop? Thanks

Angus

02-09-2003, 11:37 PM

You only need the one called "VPR Matrix Keyboard" or at least that's the only one I installed and everything seems to work. I don't know what the Dritek Keyboard is all about and I'm too scared to find out now that mostly everything is running just fine. Try them both, tell me how it goes. ;)

Angus

02-09-2003, 11:46 PM

I carry my notebook in a Burton DJ Bag. Not exactly your typical notebook carrying bag but it's just wide enough to hold it and still look better than the ubiquitous all black bag that screams "steal me I'm a notebook!!" Burton makes snowboards and snowboard clothing for anyone who doesn't know. They have quite the extensive line of trendy looking bags too. When I got mine a couple years ago it was the only thing they sold that could carry a notebook but now they have 3.

Here's some links to their stuff. The bottom link is the bag I use (slightly newer model but basically the same) daily. Includes hideaway backpack straps and a really good main strap. Big as hell (too big sometimes) and really good for toting around camera equipment AND the notebook. Plus all their stuff comes in nice color variations. Not cheap though at $100. I'm thinking about getting the Facet just because I'm a bit of a bag nut.

http://www.burton.com/gear/sc_bags.asp?subcategoryID=13

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=91

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=647

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=651

Ishman

02-10-2003, 06:57 AM

Angus

YOu said the 41.** video driver works fine. Does it have the resolution necessary (1280 x 854)? Does anything special have to be done to install the driver.

Thanks

Ishman

sunshine

02-10-2003, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by Ishman
Angus

YOu said the 41.** video driver works fine. Does it have the resolution necessary (1280 x 854)? Does anything special have to be done to install the driver.

Thanks

Ishman

I've tried the latest nvidia drivers too but they don't give the correct widescreen resolution. I've since went back to the standard ones provided by vprmatrix.

Ishman

02-10-2003, 08:06 AM

Angus mentioned that he was able to get the newer drivers to work, but all the ones I have tried don't have the correct resolution. Any info Angus can give would be greatly appreciated. I have gotten other drivers to work but screen resolution is the killer.

Ishman

Unregistered

02-10-2003, 09:03 AM

I do know that sometimes the new video drivers look like they install but if you go to the adaptor properties you see that the old ones are still there. I have to do an manual driver upgraded to install other drivers.

Angus

02-10-2003, 10:33 AM

I have the correct 1280x854 resolution for my NVidia 41.09 drivers. But I did something that may have inadvertantly been the difference between why I have it and why you guys don't.

Basically, I installed the VPR supplied drivers from the downloadable file they provide on their website. Next I went and downloaded the newest NV Detonator driver version 41.09 and installed that. The kicker (I think, maybe) is that when it told me I had to uninstall the existing drivers first (like it says about all old versions of the Det driver) I said no and installed over top of them. What I'm thinking is that some config file somewhere that lets the card know about the widescreen resolution was left-over.

That's all I did, nothing fancy. It is working flawlessly on my Windows 2000 Pro setup. No guarantees that it will work with XP considering XP is, well, the bastard spawn of satan. Hehe.

------------------------------------------------

So I found some interesting information last night when I finally found a screwdriver small enough to do the screws on the little hatches for the memory and wifi card.

I opened her up, took out the wifi card and examined both sides. The good news is that I really doubt there will be any problem getting a 802.11G card in there because it's just a standard Mini PCI card with two antenna micro jacks. No soldering required. Next thing I noticed were all the damn serial numbers on the chips so I wrote them ALL down and started doing Google searches.
AND WE HAVE A WINNER!!

NEC MiniPCI WLAN card, model number 853-910804-001-A

I found it on a grand total of ONE page on the internet, and it was in japanese. But it does have a manufacturer. So that's a start. I'm almost tempted to go buy a Linksys 802.11G PCMCIA card, open it up, and pull out the guts and see if it will fit in the VPR. I understand that can work from time to time.

I also did a search on my RAM but didn't turn up anything of interest. I wasn't surprised when I found 2 256MB dimms in there either, because my first trip to BB was 2 hours long while I tried to get a real a-hole clerk to find me the info (or open the display model, which he wouldn't do). The only thing that surprised me here was that my ram is not branded Samsung like someone else's in this thread. Not that I care really, cause I'll replace it soon enough with 1GB. Interesting though.

This was on a sticker on my RAM...

DDR266 256MB 16MX16 2.5V MI
U30256A6MII652QPAB

Angus

02-10-2003, 10:49 AM

Oof... I see what you guys are saying about the driver not updating unless you do it by hand. Mine technically isn't updated either and when I updated manually to the 41.09 file I lost the ability to use 1280x854. Back to the drawing board.

I must have been using the existing 30.xx driver even though I installed 41.09 over top of it. I think perhaps I only gained the 41.09 property sheets but not the actual driver. Not a bad thing I guess, but I would like the 41.09 speed benefits like the rest of you. Guess we have to wait.

d4phtpunk

02-10-2003, 11:26 AM

um.... if it ain't broke............

what's new in the video drivers anyway?

i know we're all tinkerers,,, and like to play, mod, and update...

but as i see it the video may be one of those things that we'll have to wait a little bit for...

perhaps someone can get a hold of a tech at nvidia? obviously someone there had to have had some experience with this thing... i doubt some tech at vpr matrix figured out how to enable the widescreen.....

just some thoughts.... great lappy.. great features... great possible mods..... but some things might be out of reach... limits in knowledge and technology....

:dunno

Ishman

02-10-2003, 12:43 PM

Actually it is probably just a setting in the inf file or something similar. I am sure we can find someone with the apptitude to fix the standard drivers. I will check around and see.

Ishman

Generally the newer drivers fix little gltches in games as well as give better FPS in game play.

Unregistered

02-10-2003, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by dang
hmm..i think if i bought an intel based laptop, i might have to buy this one (http://www.alienware.com/main/system_pages/hive-mind-m.asp)

Maybe you should read this: ;)
http://www.powernotebooks.com/Name_Brand.php3

Also, Clevo's site is www.clevo.com.tw , but it's not working right now... ;(

Oh, and, BTW, that same Alienware style is $1,500 USD less... Only thing you would be paying more for is the paintjob. ;)

Zedem

Unregistered

02-10-2003, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by TecknoGeek

You answer our computer questions, now that is funny! This aint BB anymore buddy. We know what we are talking about. Not that you are not welcome to stay and help us find answers to some of the questions that arise on the site.

I looked for CL2 notebook memory. They don't make it.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/xms/xms_modules.html

I realize that. :) I ment about VPR in general, as I have access to inventory information, new models and the what not. :P Im here for the same reason your are, which I assume is to discuss the VPR matrix notebooks.

Angus

02-10-2003, 08:48 PM

So I took my 200A5 with its busted popped-off left shift key to BB tonight to arrange for them to send me a new keyboard in the mail like one of their customer service reps said they could do 2 days ago when I called, and find out, well, they can't do that. Oof. Then they tell me I have two options...well 3...

1. They will replace the notebook with a brand new one, right then and there.

2. They can send the notebook into VPR for service and it will be back to me in 3 weeks.

3. They can replace the notebook with a brand new one, and for $60 they can ghost the harddrive in the one with the busted computer into the new one in a couple hours.

So here I sit faced with the dilemma... Pay $60 to essentially replace the keyboard and not have to setup the computer again with Win2k, all my programs, and 20G of files I've already copied to it. Or I can not have the computer for 3 damn weeks.

I wish I had known more about the BB extended service plan before I bought it. I figured it would be something classy like the Dell on-site support where they do their best to not inconvience you. Sigh, too late now. Damn stupid 3 weeks.

So tomorrow I'm heading back to BB to chat with the store manager who I became acquainted with during the purchase of my notebook after a small argument between myself and 4 BB employees broke out over whether or not they could accept a business check and later a bank check. He's a decent fellow it seems, and when I was in the store to get my price match last week I caught his eye and said "hey I'm back!" to which he laughed and responded with "uh oh!" I'm hoping I can convince him to negate the $60 ghost charge since the damn computer is so close to the purchase date, or just help me work something out.

We'll see how that goes.

Angus

02-10-2003, 08:53 PM

Oh and the benefit of running 41.09 Detonator drivers on the GF4 cards is that there's a potential 25% increase in speed to be squeezed out. That seems like a pretty good reason to want to upgrade. Apparently there is supposed to be a decent upgrade of the controls offered for multi-monitor and tv-out displays also. Seems like it would make it worth it. I'm going to look into the possibility of editting some files and see how it goes.

flyguy42

02-10-2003, 10:29 PM

If you ask me, them swapping out the notebook for a brand new one is a pretty good deal. As I never had the chance to use Dell's warranty (sold it), I would assume dell would replace the laptop as well. I imagine the whole laptop casing would need to be replaced for the keyboard. But being a pretty new purchase, I can see your concern. I would haggle with the tech guys there and try to at least get the ghosting done at a discount. But what do you guys think of the BB service in general? I get a good workout on it myself. But my opinion really doesnt count. :) Whenever I have a guy with service come into the store, we try out best to take care of them. At least at our store. Hmm.

Okay anyways, I think my laptop has an ATI card in it. Its a 170B4. Are their current Catalyst Drivers available? And you guys that have had the VPR laptops for awhile, how often do they update the drivers on the site? I noticed that for my model, nothing had dates or version numbers on it.

fortinaa

02-11-2003, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by Angus

I wish I had known more about the BB extended service plan before I bought it. I figured it would be something classy like the Dell on-site support where they do their best to not inconvience you. Sigh, too late now. Damn stupid 3 weeks.

:D That last line about Dell really makes me laugh. As a BBY employee, I know that every item that comes in for service is treated differently b/c the manufacturer specifies if we have to replace each individual item, send it to them, etc. I do agree that you should not have to pay to ghost the hard drive though.

Now, the part I find funniest is about Dell... since I ordered my inexperienced mother one of their budget computers 2 years ago because of their reputation for customer support. Let me tell you about their on site service. What they do is make you call and sit on hold for 45min while they go through and do a routine check to diagnose your system, and diagnose it incorrectly most of the time. Then they ship you out the part that they think is broke. Shipping is pretty fast though. Then they call a local repair service to you and have them come out. Here's the kicker (and i know from experience), all the repair guy that comes out to a home is authorized to do is REPLACE THE PART. For example, in the 2 hard drives my mom went through in the 1st year of on site support, they refused to do any data transfer whatsoever, b/c it wasn't in their contract to do so. I don't know about anyone else, maybe it's different for businesses, but all I've had is inconvenience with Dell. I hate to go on, but we've had 3 hard drives replaced, a motherboard, an IDE cable (the first thing they sent when the hard drive went bad, which they diagnosed because of the error message "error writing data to drive C"), and now a bad sound card. This was all within 1.5 years, and they refuse to replace the system as a lemon thus far. Sorry for ranting.

flyguy42

02-11-2003, 09:33 AM

Haha. Ive heard similar, but didnt want to say anything because if hadnt happened to me. But I did notice that for In-home, Dell doesnt service the system themselves. Plus, for laptops Dells plan is almost 2x the cost of Best Buy's.

Anyways, Id like to hear an update as to what happened with your laptop?

New question too! I might email VPR about this, but I was wondering if anybody knows if the bios and mobo in my VPR (170b4) can support a faster processor. I have access to a few mobile processors so I was thinking about swapping it out.

Angus

02-11-2003, 11:09 AM

I've only dealt with Dell for business so perhaps my experiences don't apply well to what I would expect through them for home service. Then again, I'm a business user of the VPR so if I had bought a Dell I would have likely gone for a business plan. Anyways, my experience with dell tech support in teh past has lived up to the hype. Came out to the job with decent techs after correctly diagnosing some problems. And in the past they've had no problem shipping me motherboards, monitors, ram, harddrives, the works. But I guess everyone has their own experience with a company. I think in general though, Dell didn't get their reputation for nothing.

I'm taking the notebook over to BB in an hour or so to talk to the store manager guy and see if I can get him to see it my way on the ghosting. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully well.

Oh and for anyone who is mildly interested... I attempted to hack my NV driver's inf config file and that blew up in my face. Haha. What a bad experience that was. The long and the short of it is that apparently the only difference between the VPR driver and NV's driver is that the inf file contains the added widescreen resolutions. So I tried to add those resolutions, but apparently got the syntax wrong and blew everything up. HAH.

Unregistered

02-11-2003, 01:49 PM

I love my VPR 200a5 but for one annoyance and that is the buzzing screen. Is this a common phenomenon? I find that if I turn the brightness all the way up the buzzing will cease.

Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else not have this problem?

That gripe aside, this is one great machine!

Ioman

02-11-2003, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I love my VPR 200a5 but for one annoyance and that is the buzzing screen. Is this a common phenomenon? I find that if I turn the brightness all the way up the buzzing will cease.

Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else not have this problem?

That gripe aside, this is one great machine!

I am curious, what refresh rate are you guys running your screens at? I think mine is 1024x768 at 75Hz. Does that sound right? Maybe you guys are running your at an odd refresh rate??

Unregistered

02-11-2003, 01:52 PM

I can only run mine at 60hz

Ioman

02-11-2003, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I can only run mine at 60hz

And what's your resolution? Please register on the site so we can get to know you! :)

Jael

02-11-2003, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by Jael
And what's your resolution? Please register on the site so we can get to know you!

1280X864 at 60hz...

Ioman

02-11-2003, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Jael

1280X864 at 60hz...

ok, I just checked and mine is running at the same settings, no buzz though....

Jael

02-11-2003, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

ok, I just checked and mine is running at the same settings, no buzz though....

Even with your brightness down from top? Then I think I'll have to give technical support a call b/c its like having a loud fan noise all the time...

Thanks for your help!

d4phtpunk

02-11-2003, 02:14 PM

lcd's do not have flickering like normat crt's do....

therefore i believe that the 60hz refresh rate is a default for all lcd's.....

setting any higher would require more resources,,, and would go to waste 'cause you'd never notice it......

this might not apply to gamers, as some of my suggestions have in the past... but... this lcd v. crt refresh rate thing was explained to me by someone who does screen repair....

OT: I'm watching Knight Rider on SciFi (i can't believe they brought it back!!) and Micheal Knight just picked up a hitchhiker brunette!!! LOL

-dp

Unregistered

02-11-2003, 02:38 PM

I just purchased a new VPR Matrix notebook computer. The computer looks and operates great.

However - there is a serious downside with my VPR Matrix notebook computer.

The ntbackup.exe XP utility to backup and restore the computer is missing – gone – not there – and even worse – it is not available!!!

For those who do not know what ntbackup.exe is, it is a utility in Microsoft XP to backup and restore files. It provides the ability to backup an entire hard disk to another device. The device can be a tape drive, network backup device, hard disk on a networked computer, USB or FireWire device or almost any r/w storage device XP supports.

Checking the Microsoft documentation at the URL below:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311246

I found it said to contact the manufacturer of my computer.

I contacted the support staff for my VPR Matrix notebook computer and was informed the Microsoft XP ntbackup.exe was not included or available my VPR Matrix XP computer.

They stated in a return email to me:
“…Since typically this is used with a Tape Drive, it was not included in our systems. It is not available to be sent out. …”

And also stated in their return email to me:
“…Since units now come with CD Burners and DVD burners, it is very easy to make back up copies of your data. The unit can be system restored with out losing data by choosing a non-destructive restore, which just reinstalls the operating system. NTBACKUP, as the name implies, was really designed for the enterprise environment, and not normally used by home users. …”

And this really gets me:
“…If you have access to a retail copy of Windows XP Home or Pro, it can be installed from the VALUEADD folder. …”

This is totally crazy!!!!!!!!

#1, ntbackup.exe is used with thousands of backup devices (unless you own a VPR Matrix notebook).

#2, it is almost impossible to make a backup to CDs. How do you backup a single 9 gig multi-media file to a 650 Meg CD?

#3, Somehow it just does not sound right to copy files from another retail XP just to get the missing files that did not come on my XP loaded VPR Matrix computer.

In conclusion, if you really like the wide screen of the VPR Matrix notebook computer and don’t mind the missing programs in XP, then this product is for you.

Tom Jones – a new VPR Matrix notebook computer owner

d4phtpunk

02-11-2003, 02:51 PM

sorry guy!!

perhaps you should register and any one of us with the file can e-mail it to you...

I wasn't aware of the problem... but then again, I don't use WinXP Home.. I immediately installed win xp pro...

most of us in the forum are puter pros and have upgraded, switched, or reinstalled some other operating systems....

perhaps you should upgrade to win xp pro too?!

just a thought...

-dp

Unregistered

02-11-2003, 04:23 PM

I just bought the vpr matrix 200a5 yesterday from BB. they have 300 dollars in rebates right now but i managed to talk the manager into letting me get another hundred off so 2000 - 400 in rebates and discount. I also bought the PSP for 250...who knows maybe something will happen to it. But this machine is fast and the screen is just spectacular. The speakers could be a better but i'm not complaining. There are some issues though. I've read that the vpr comes preinstalled with some spyware such as "helpexress" it's under program files/bestbuy i tried to delete it but it said access was denied. Can anyone help?

So far i love this laptop. It has style and performance the two best combo's.

Ioman

02-11-2003, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I just purchased a new VPR Matrix notebook computer. The computer looks and operates great.

However - there is a serious downside with my VPR Matrix notebook computer.

The ntbackup.exe XP utility to backup and restore the computer is missing – gone – not there – and even worse – it is not available!!!

For those who do not know what ntbackup.exe is, it is a utility in Microsoft XP to backup and restore files. It provides the ability to backup an entire hard disk to another device. The device can be a tape drive, network backup device, hard disk on a networked computer, USB or FireWire device or almost any r/w storage device XP supports.

Checking the Microsoft documentation at the URL below:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311246

I found it said to contact the manufacturer of my computer.

I contacted the support staff for my VPR Matrix notebook computer and was informed the Microsoft XP ntbackup.exe was not included or available my VPR Matrix XP computer.

They stated in a return email to me:
“…Since typically this is used with a Tape Drive, it was not included in our systems. It is not available to be sent out. …”

And also stated in their return email to me:
“…Since units now come with CD Burners and DVD burners, it is very easy to make back up copies of your data. The unit can be system restored with out losing data by choosing a non-destructive restore, which just reinstalls the operating system. NTBACKUP, as the name implies, was really designed for the enterprise environment, and not normally used by home users. …”

And this really gets me:
“…If you have access to a retail copy of Windows XP Home or Pro, it can be installed from the VALUEADD folder. …”

This is totally crazy!!!!!!!!

#1, ntbackup.exe is used with thousands of backup devices (unless you own a VPR Matrix notebook).

#2, it is almost impossible to make a backup to CDs. How do you backup a single 9 gig multi-media file to a 650 Meg CD?

#3, Somehow it just does not sound right to copy files from another retail XP just to get the missing files that did not come on my XP loaded VPR Matrix computer.

In conclusion, if you really like the wide screen of the VPR Matrix notebook computer and don’t mind the missing programs in XP, then this product is for you.

Tom Jones – a new VPR Matrix notebook computer owner

Maybe XP Home edition doesn't have the backup utility and XP pro does?

Ioman

02-11-2003, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I just bought the vpr matrix 200a5 yesterday from BB. they have 300 dollars in rebates right now but i managed to talk the manager into letting me get another hundred off so 2000 - 400 in rebates and discount. I also bought the PSP for 250...who knows maybe something will happen to it. But this machine is fast and the screen is just spectacular. The speakers could be a better but i'm not complaining. There are some issues though. I've read that the vpr comes preinstalled with some spyware such as "helpexress" it's under program files/bestbuy i tried to delete it but it said access was denied. Can anyone help?

So far i love this laptop. It has style and performance the two best combo's.

Please register so we can get to know ya!? :D

sunshine

02-11-2003, 04:51 PM

For those of you who use the laptop to watch DVD's I suggest getting the NVDVD player. Its made by nvidia specially for their cards. You have to purchase it unfortunately. Search the web if you want it.

ej1111

02-11-2003, 05:46 PM

geekrock99

02-11-2003, 05:54 PM

...its 5:35PM Pacific Time 2/21/2003

i'm heading out right now to pick up "my" 185B5, wish me luck. i've found this unit for 1399 after all the mail-ins at a local bestbuy.
i'm definitely a hater of those black nerdy ass black (yes, i said "back twice" laptop bags (i feel sorry for those who actually own one). i'm thinking about getting this booty:

http://stores.yahoo.com/goincase/laptopsleeve.html

my appl3 ti friend taunts his piece around with this bag.. it looks plain but my plan is to take the leash our and hide it in my messenger bag.. any thoughts?

geekrock99
j/k with the nerdy laptop bags.

Ioman

02-11-2003, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by geekrock99
...its 5:35PM Pacific Time 2/21/2003

i'm heading out right now to pick up "my" 185B5, wish me luck. i've found this unit for 1399 after all the mail-ins at a local bestbuy.
i'm definitely a hater of those black nerdy ass black (yes, i said "back twice" laptop bags (i feel sorry for those who actually own one). i'm thinking about getting this booty:

http://stores.yahoo.com/goincase/laptopsleeve.html

my appl3 ti friend taunts his piece around with this bag.. it looks plain but my plan is to take the leash our and hide it in my messenger bag.. any thoughts?

geekrock99
j/k with the nerdy laptop bags.

No doubt, this is Designtechnica baby! Normal just doesn't fit in here. I have an "Icon" brand laptop bag that I was able to get Best Buy to throw in for free when I bought my laptop. Here is another cool bag, basic but good looking. Looks like what you are thinking of.

http://www.spireusa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SU&Product_Code=BT2

flyguy42

02-11-2003, 06:18 PM

Thats what I do too. I have a laptop sleeve that I got at BB, and I put it in my messenger bag. The one at BB doesnt have the strap like in the picture you have, but its real thin. I like the setup, but the sleeve doesnt offer much shock protection, so ya gotta be careful.

Ioman

02-11-2003, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by ej1111

I just recently bought the 185a5 and so far so good! The only complaint at this point is very weak (or highly sensitive directional!) wireless.

I was able to remove it by uninstalling helpexpress in the add/remove programs then deleting the best buy folder.

I plan on removing mine as well and then getting an 802.11g card and network.

d4phtpunk

02-11-2003, 06:26 PM

did i post this already??

there are these nice bags on ebags.com

brand: crumpler.... pretty neat urban bags..

and the best part is... someone isn't going to look at it and wonder what kind of lappy i have in it.... more like... hrm.. neat bag.. looks full of books and paper.. i don't think i'll bother mugging that guy!

i googled it and found their own u.s. site...

http://www.crumplerusa.com/products/laptop.html

my fav is the mcbrains bags....

ok.. another one of my 2 cents

-dp

Angus

02-11-2003, 06:42 PM

So I literally just got back from Best Buy 10 minutes ago. At 5pm today I walked into the store and got down to business of getting my replacement 200A5 in exchange for my 200A5 with the busted shift key.

I start talking to the tech goons about ghosting my harddrive and they're telling me they're not sure if Ghost can work with notebooks (retards) and if they're even capable of doing it over an ethernet cable (retards x2, of course you can). Then I asked them if the fact that Win2k was on there would be a problem. The guy looked stumped when I asked if he would ghost Win2k over XP for me. No go, he's not sure if it's even possible. So after they make stupid suggestions like "burn your C partition onto a CD and just copy it over XP" and crap like that I get to the point where I realize this is going nowhere.

So there I stand, a tech guy with my business notebook in the hands of what appear to be some serious tardage. I'm sweating and shakey. I decide to forego the risk of having one of those slackjawed twits blow up the 15GB of data I had in a separate partition (F) and just tell them to take the two notebooks, get a crossover cable, and copy my data onto the new notebook. When that's all done and I have the data off the notebook (videos, financial info, important **** I can't lose) I'll just go home, back it up, and do Win2k and all my apps myself (again).

The copying begins...15GB over a crossover that seems to only want to transmit at 30Mbps. Bizarre. Anyways, to make a long story a little shorter, I waited until 9pm when the store closed and it was still copying. Tomorrow morning I'm going to pickup my baby and hope to god they didn't bungle something simple and lose my data.

Scariest feeling in the world has to be going to get your computer serviced and realizing that you most definitely know more about computers than the person doing the service. At least they were nice enough today.

flyguy42

02-11-2003, 06:43 PM

Off the subject sorta, but I heard the 802.11g stuff was pretty unreliable. Personally, I would wait untill they have a wireless G standard, and not this "Draft" stuff.

And Angus, man that blows. Who were you talking to? I would have asked for the Dept. Supervisor. Yeah, even being a BB employee, I have gotton some less that stellar help at some stores. But at least you got out with your data intact, which is more than most get. Save early, Save often. (I like to say that. It seems to piss everyone off). But even though they did it all retarded like, they were doing you a favor by getting the data.

Angus

02-11-2003, 06:51 PM

Oh and the guy who needs NTBACKUP... Like someone else said, ditch XP Home edition. The vast vast majority of us here have switched to at the least XP Pro. I've gone to Windows 2000 Pro because it's more reliable and a standard in business. Since I'm a bit of a picky (and easily annoyed) type of person I can identify with you and your annoyance with VPR about the backup utility. But after years of dealing with companies and computers I've just resigned myself to being shafted in small ways with every purchase. Ya win some, ya lose some. Overall I think the computer is a win. So do yourself a favor and install Win2k or XP Pro. Certainly not the best solution but it will safe you the ulcer of dealing with these companies too much.

Word of advice for anyone doing that however.... Buy Norton Ghost and make an image of your basic XP Pro or 2k install with programs after you're done. With the likelihood of VPR and BB replacing your unit completely being pretty high, it pays to have a program around that can save you the time of having to reconfigure everything. Put that 2 or 3GB image somewhere safe, save it for a rainy day.

...I love my Burton lappy bag, and it's cooler than all of you!...

hehe.

Angus

02-11-2003, 06:54 PM

I think the 802.11G access points are probably worth buying, especially the Linksys since they have a history of fixing stuff with BIOS updates. I assume that most companies selling the AP's are going to update them when the draft becomes a standard. The other nice thing is that if you buy a G AP right now you can still use it with B. That's what I'm doing for the time being. When they start selling working mini PCI G cards I'll switch the AP into G mode. Hopefully by that time everything will be a nice standard.

d4phtpunk

02-11-2003, 06:56 PM

AAAAAAHG Angus!!

You just sent shivers through my body... the thought of dropping my lappy of with some A+ certified tech who doesn't understand ghosting and/or simple laptop basics..

i've just convinced myself to upgrade one of my puters with an extra high capacity hdd,, and ghost server... plus maybe even a mini ide to std ide cable .. in case i need to attache the notebook hdd to the puter direct....

i'll most definately be taking some extra precautions before leaving my new lappy in the hands of someone else w/o my support...

maybe i should just get a job there.... i do need a job.. hrm....
network administrator,,,,enterprise change mgmt.....retail sales and repair..... should look good on the resume!

-dp

Angus

02-11-2003, 07:37 PM

You got the shivers and I had the shakes. It was a truly horrifying experience to do it in person. Tomorrow when I go back to BB I'm buying a 120GB Maxtor harddrive. I already ordered Ghost Enterprise edition in the last 15 minutes, and I need to find one of these mini-IDE to IDE cables you speak of so that I can do my own service like this in the future.

I already have a job so I won't be applying to BB though. Hehe. I couldn't deal with standing on those damn concrete floors all day even if I did work there. Man, my feet are killing me after standing around for 4 hours today. And I'm only 24 for godssakes! Heh!

It's stuff like this that makes me thirsty for information about the system so I can truly minimize ever having to deal with customer service. I encourage anyone who ever opens their VPR notebook to take copious amounts of digital photos and upload them so we can all share. I've already started a little text file filled with part numbers and stuff.

d4phtpunk

02-11-2003, 07:44 PM

maybe someone can do some prodding on the FCC's web site??

i'm a cell phone follower too.. a lot of people seek fcc info to determine specs... carrier information.. and sometimes possible release information...

it's hard work... someone,, (hint,, not me) will need to take it on.. there's always a wealth of information, from diagrams, to manufacterer information and so forth.....

who's up for it?

perhaps.. in doing this, we can also find out whether the rumor that dell makes these things is true or not.... it's possible.. while dell does outsource others to make their puters.. they still make some of their own.....

hrm.. lots to think about....

-dp

Ioman

02-11-2003, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by d4phtpunk
maybe someone can do some prodding on the FCC's web site??

i'm a cell phone follower too.. a lot of people seek fcc info to determine specs... carrier information.. and sometimes possible release information...

it's hard work... someone,, (hint,, not me) will need to take it on.. there's always a wealth of information, from diagrams, to manufacterer information and so forth.....

who's up for it?

perhaps.. in doing this, we can also find out whether the rumor that dell makes these things is true or not.... it's possible.. while dell does outsource others to make their puters.. they still make some of their own.....

hrm.. lots to think about....

-dp

I do not think that Dell makes the VPR notebooks. I heard that Acer actually makes the Dell notebooks they sell!

Unregistered

02-12-2003, 09:56 AM

Hi,

I noticed some talk here about trying to upgrade the nvidia drivers and maintaining the widescreen res.

I found an old article that discusses modifiying the INF file to support a widescreen res...

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/17557

Anyone try something like this? I might want to give this a shot if I have some time tonite...

I guess I should mention the obligatory TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK warning! =P

Ishman

02-12-2003, 01:39 PM

I have tried to modify the drivers for the 40.** and 41.* drivers but have not had any success as of yet. I did try what was explained in the link you gave. But no luck yet. Still working on it.

Ishman

I get it to load but I can't every change the resolution to 1280x854. It gives me the option with the modification but will not go there.

Ishman

02-12-2003, 08:22 PM

I was able to upgrade the driver to version 31.60 which is a little bit newer than whats on the VPR website. I got it from the Joybook 8000 drivers. This laptop is similar to the Mac and VPR, and has the same 15.2.

Here is the website

http://global.benq.com/products/joybook/

I had to download the drivers here

http://www.benq.com.cn/download/joybook/driver/8000/VGA.zip

It installs perfectly without any problems.

Hope this helps.

Ishman

Angus

02-13-2003, 01:33 AM

I'm starting to feel like that old dude from Kung Fu...wandering the earth in search of my backups and a faster way than copying over my 100mbps network. Oof. Anyways...

So I picked up the ol' 200A5 today after spending another couple hours in BB making sure the backup that ran overnight did the trick. It seems to have gotten everything cept for 20 files which I don't find important. So off I go, to reinstall Windows 2000 Pro on the machine....but not before I played with XP! Eh, like I care about that anyways. I did find out that sleep mode works in XP and this time around with Win2k I'm going to see how early it breaks.

I also found out that the Dritek Keyboard is the controller for the front panel switches (for CDs), and also an on screen display that I never realized teh computer was supposed to have. Heh, figures. I'll actually install that this time aorund. It seems like the forward/backward buttons at least control Winamp3 which is good news.

So I guess for now the final chapter in story is just a summary of where I am....

I bought the computer 3 weeks ago...
I loved the notebook...
I loved the notebook more when I got a price match...
The shift key did not love me back, and broke...
Best Buy, did a decent thing and replaced my notebook even after 18 days...
The BB pinheads managed to at least backup all my data...
I now go forth to backup my backup onto my workstation puter and reinstall Windows 2000...

** music plays as geeky stranger disappears over the horizon **

blackngold

02-13-2003, 04:16 PM

Well, I just bought the 185A5 today. Got it for 1,399+tax after rebates. Still have'nt opened the box yet. I'm afraid that for the price it's too good to be true. I hope it can handle some games like NHL 2003. From what I've seen so far this is the best screen yet. There is no fading at all. I've seen $2,000 Dells fade out if your trying to watch a DVD and your not directly in front of it. I love the fact that it's got firewire for mini dv connections and USB for everything else. I already see that the keyboard is a bit on the weird side, but that won't concern me if everything else is ok. Well I got through to VPR Tech support right away to register..Good sign I guess. The kid from Best Buy was pressuring me hard on the warranty.$ 250.00 for a 2 year extension on the existing warranty seems a bit steep. I wish they sold it for around 100.00, it would make it easier to justify. If anyone has any thoughts on if I should get the warranty or not, or any other thoughts or suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing from you. I figure worst case scenario is that if I don't like it, I can always sell it on ebay and get the majority of my money back as laptops always seem to fare well there.

d4phtpunk

02-13-2003, 04:22 PM

dude, you're getting a warranty!

all you need to do is read up on all the previous posts to understand the warranty is not only extremely helpful.... but also usefull 2-3 years down the road when you want a new laptop!!

things i'd buy a warranty for:
cars
cell phones
laptops
life

nothing else!

-dp

Ioman

02-13-2003, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by d4phtpunk
dude, you're getting a warranty!

all you need to do is read up on all the previous posts to understand the warranty is not only extremely helpful.... but also usefull 2-3 years down the road when you want a new laptop!!

things i'd buy a warranty for:
cars
cell phones
laptops
life

nothing else!

-dp

I agree, get the warranty. It's a computer, you WILL have some issues in the next few years, whether its hardware or software related. I bought an extended warranty and highly recommend it.

d4phtpunk

02-13-2003, 05:05 PM

speaking of dudes.... everybody heard about the 'dude, you're getting a dell' kid being busted for possesion,,, right?

ok good.. just making sure we all know that annoying little kid was in jail for a while.... i hope it kills his career.. stupid kid for getting caught,, wearing a kilt!!

-dp

Ioman

02-13-2003, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by d4phtpunk
speaking of dudes.... everybody heard about the 'dude, you're getting a dell' kid being busted for possesion,,, right?

ok good.. just making sure we all know that annoying little kid was in jail for a while.... i hope it kills his career.. stupid kid for getting caught,, wearing a kilt!!

-dp

His carerr is most likely over, at least with Dell. It is a shame because that campaign is one of the most successfull ad campaigns they have done.

BTW, is anyone in this thread venturing out to the other forums on Designtechnica!? LOL It's like our little club in here.

Ishman

02-13-2003, 07:26 PM

Here is a link to some 32.20 nvidia drivers for the Joybook 8000 which work on the VPR 200A. These are a little newer and am not sure how much better.

Original
DriverVer = 07/16/2002, 3.0.8.2 and on the VPR matrix site.

Upgrade 1

DriverVer = 09/12/2002, 3.1.6.0

This one

DriverVer = 09/12/2002, 3.2.2.0
http://www.benq.com.tw/service/jb/drivers/JB8Kv101.zip

I am not sure of what these fix, but newer is generally better in most cases.

Ishman

Actually these drivers look the same as the 31.60

Ishman

02-13-2003, 08:39 PM

For those of you who have went in the bios to change you speedstep setting to performance might like to know that you are still running at 1200 MHZ unless some the CPU is taxed.

If you want to ensure that you are running at 2000 MHZ, you must go to power options and change power schemes to desktop/office. THis will get you 2000 MHZ all the time.

I used a CPU monitoring program to determine actual CPU speed in real time. This was the only method to achieve this performance.

Ishman

sunshine

02-13-2003, 08:43 PM

The range of the wireless is quite bad. I plugged in my orinoco pc card and I get approximately twice the power/range with it compared to the built in wireless.

If you have an IBM hardrive in your laptop, like mine, you can can use this utility to possibly save somemore battery life. http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/powerbooster

Ioman

02-13-2003, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by Ishman
For those of you who have went in the bios to change you speedstep setting to performance might like to know that you are still running at 1200 MHZ unless some the CPU is taxed.

If you want to ensure that you are running at 2000 MHZ, you must go to power options and change power schemes to desktop/office. THis will get you 2000 MHZ all the time.

I used a CPU monitoring program to determine actual CPU speed in real time. This was the only method to achieve this performance.

Ishman

Acutally I went into the bios and changed mine to automatically detect and it runs at 2GHz when it's plugged into a power source and 1.2 when its unplugged.

geekrock99

02-13-2003, 10:36 PM

well, maybe just a couple of things

1) harddrive clicks, which is annoying (i can hear it well at night pass 10pm when its all quiet and stuff)

2) it definitely needs better thermal treatment in future models

3) when fan kicks in, it creates a studdering sound, "tuh tuh tuh tuh tuh..." ( at a low rpm.. 300rpm perhaps )if you can imagine it.

any thoughts on random harddrive clicks and the cooling fan noise?

geekrock99

geekrock99

02-13-2003, 10:39 PM

eom.

Ioman

02-13-2003, 10:48 PM

Originally posted by geekrock99
well, maybe just a couple of things

1) harddrive clicks, which is annoying (i can hear it well at night pass 10pm when its all quiet and stuff)

2) it definitely needs better thermal treatment in future models

3) when fan kicks in, it creates a studdering sound, "tuh tuh tuh tuh tuh..." ( at a low rpm.. 300rpm perhaps )if you can imagine it.

any thoughts on random harddrive clicks and the cooling fan noise?

geekrock99

What do you mean by clicks? Laptops in general are louder thatn desktops and they do click when they are running, more like a lot of clicks in succession. Or do you mean loud "Doesnt sound right" clicks?

flyguy42

02-13-2003, 10:50 PM

Okay. As I have said before, I work for best buy. So you can just throw my opinion out the window. But even if your feeling lucky and think nothing will happen to your laptop, the best buy service covers your batteries too. Those buggers can be expensive. So that right there is enough to sell me. Plus, if you ever break the laptop. Free upgrade. :) If you want to hear a steal, I walked out with my VPR for $150 after rebates. (Plus $50 for a missing power adapter). Its all about the open box baby. :)

I just got it all up and running they way I like. I decided to keep home edition on there. Unless one of you guys can persuade me to install professional. I just wish I could get a better video card in there. Does anybody know if they have user replaceable video cards like the Dell's do? Also, how about the processor? What do you think the fastest mobile CPU is that It will accept. Keep in mind I have a VPR 170b4, not a fancy 200a5 like you rich boys. :)

Unregistered

02-14-2003, 12:01 AM

well i guess you can call me a lurker...i posted a couple of days ago about my purchase of this laptop. Well today while typing and essay my left shift key also popped off.......bad design? Anyways upon further inspection it was just as Angus said. the little nibs seemed to have broken off. Well for me it's only one corner so i tried popping it back in and for now it's staying in place but if i push the shift key up it'll just slide out. So i guess i'm gonna have to take it in and get it replaced. I bought PSP so i'm glad that they might give me a new one...but yea i have some files installed on this one but not anything major that i can't redo in an hour or so. Has anyone found a fix for the buzzing noise on the lcd? I keep mine at full bright so that the noise goes away but i find it a bit bright at times. Other then that this laptop rocks!

Angus

02-14-2003, 12:16 AM

Well, after checking a few things out on XP and then installed Windows 2000 Pro and giving it a test, I can say with 100% certainty that Standby Mode is FUBAR in Win2k. Oh well, such is life. The VPR people told me I was SOL...I don't think they believed me when I said it didn't work in XP. Hehe.

Dude, get a warranty. Chances are you will need it and they always treat you better in BB when you have one. And you can be sure that you will need the warranty about a week after the 1 year is up and the computer breaks. Then you will cry (appropriately) and curse the lord for putting a hex on you. It always happens this way, trust me.

Why are you guys all so interested in running your computers at full-blast all the time? I mean besides 3D games there's no point and the chances of you playing games without being close to a wall jack (at least for cabled LAN play) is like, what, really really good? It's not like Windows runs any faster at 2Ghz, or anything else runs that much faster. Eh.

flyguy42

02-14-2003, 01:57 AM

As for me, I can just get a great deal on a mobile CPU. So if It is easily upgradable, why not? And I do play games on mine when I get bored on a flight somewhere or I am stuck at school (im a student). Im really into Asherons Call 2, and it can BARELY run the thing. The game really wants 32mb of video memory. Oh well. I cant complain. I got a killer deal. I just hope when it comes time to service the thing, I can get a newer VPR out of them. :)

Ishman

02-14-2003, 07:22 AM

Ioman

Just curious as to if you checked to see if you were runningat 2 GHZ or 1.2 and change to 2.0 when under load?

I use a CPU monitoring program to real time me the CPU speed. When in automatic or even performance in the bios the speed was only 1.2 unless under a load. I have to ensure that the power options are changed to desktop/office and performance and the speed always runs at 2.0 GHZ.

The utility is CPU speed.
http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/mon_e.html

Ishman

Ioman

02-14-2003, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by Ishman
Ioman

Just curious as to if you checked to see if you were runningat 2 GHZ or 1.2 and change to 2.0 when under load?

I use a CPU monitoring program to real time me the CPU speed. When in automatic or even performance in the bios the speed was only 1.2 unless under a load. I have to ensure that the power options are changed to desktop/office and performance and the speed always runs at 2.0 GHZ.

The utility is CPU speed.
http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/mon_e.html

Ishman

Thanks, I will try this program out. I noticed that while the computer is in performance mode, it stays at 1.2GHz but while it is in automatic mode, then it runs at 2GHz when plugged into the power source. I can tell a sizable difference. I will run your program when I get some free time and let you know my results!

BTW, other laptops do the same thing, its not just the VPR Matrix.

Unregistered

02-14-2003, 10:55 AM

I bought my 200a5 early December. In retrospect, I accidentally returned by machine to Best Buy due to the LCD backlight buzz issue. The second machine did not rest flat on a level table so that was returned (shelling $2800 before rebates, I expect at least that level of quality control). I took the third machine w/ backlight buzz (inverter and design issue)...worked fine for 3 weeks until the left CTRL key popped off...then the backlight died.

Unfortunately I was in the middle of a project and was working w/ and external monitor for a few days. I sent it DIRECTLY an authorized VPR Matrix center (from DFW to Austin area) for a relatively fast response of 4 business days.

Working ok so far...knock on wood, but I noticed some play in the hinge that connects monitor to the computer of about 3/4". Is this an issue that needs to be addressed? Yes the DVD/CD drive acts up on some CDs too...and the monitor still buzzes when its not fully bright. No other major issues here.

Overall its a great package...but I can only reccomended it for home use WITH and extended warranty.

That's my $0.02.

cnc137

02-14-2003, 11:18 AM

Hello vpr Matrix owners!

I just joined your ranks this past weekend when I bought a vpr Matrix 200A5 which I had to take back on Wednesday to get a new one since it was broke (see email below). The second one is working fine so far and I really like it. I sure hope I don't run into anymore problems with it. I guess paying the $250 for the Best Buy Warranty was a good thing.

The following is an email I just sent to vpr Matrix to try to find out more information about the laptop. I referred to this thread in the email since I have read through the whole thread over the past few days and learn some good information from it. Hopefully vpr Matrix can fill in the blanks that this thread hasn't.

I will post any response I get back from them here so all of you can benefit from the information.

Well, without further ado onto the email!

=================================================
Dear vrp Matrix,

I am the owner and editor of a video game and computer web site ( http://www.DreamStation.cc ) and recently purchased a 200A5 notebook computer at Best Buy. After returning the first one because the DVD/CD-RW drive was broke, the LCD screen buzzed if not at full brightness, and the left speaker was louder than the right, I am happy with my second one I got in exchange. The second one has none of these problems and I hope nothing else goes wrong with it since I have heard of some other common problems with the notebook on the following thread at Designtechnica.com:

- Best Buy VPR Matrix 200A5 (Pentium 4-M, 2GHz)
http://forums.designtechnica.com/showthread.php?threadid=708

But, the real reason I am writing is to see if there is any way I can get more detailed specifications for the 200A5 than what is provided on the web site or in the box. I build my own desktop computers and know every component and chipset that goes into them and would like to know the same about the 200A5 and I think a lot of the people on the thread above would too.

Also, I like to have the latest drivers for each component of the system to fix any bugs and improve performance. So, is there any way I can get the information about what chipset is used on the motherboard (north and south bridge), what wireless network card is really in the system, what VIA USB 2.0 chip it has in it, what the Battery Initialization feature and other items in the BIOS mean, etc.?

I found after purchase that the motherboard is using a Ali (Acer) chipset instead of an Intel chipset like I thought. It would've been nice to know this before purchase. I am not upset that it has an Ali chipset on the motherboard but I would like to know which one it is since the only thing I can find about it is the Ali M5229 reference on the hard drive controller under Windows XP Device Manager but Ali doesn't have a M5229 listed on their site ( http://www.http://www.ali.com.tw/ ). Ali, looks like they have newer drivers but I don't know which ones will work. If I knew the exact chipset this would help.

I have also done PC support in the past for a large company so I understand that installing new drivers or ones that are not approved by vpr Matrix may causes problems but I am willing to take the chance and fix the problems that occur for the chance of increased performance and stability. If the new drivers cause problems after I install them I will reinstall Windows XP to fix the problem and don't have a problem with that.

Also, could you update the web site to include the version number and date next to the drivers on the "Download Drivers" page? This would help everyone identify if their is a new driver without having to download it to find out.

Lastly, do you have any plans of releasing a new nVidia GeForce4 Go 420 video driver since the one that comes on the laptop and is available for download on vpr Matrix's site is Version 3.0.8.2 and nVidia is up to Version 4.1.0.9 on their web site ( http://www.nvidia.com ). The 4.1.0.9 drivers are supposed to provide up to a 25% increase in performance and it would be nice to be able to use them. Multiple people on the thread above have tried to use the drivers provided by nVidia but they don't have the 1280x854 resolution setting so they can't use the LCD screen as designed. Is there a file that needs to be edited to fix this? Is nVidia going to incorporate the 1280x854 resolution in one of their future driver versions? Is vpr Matrix going to provide a newer driver version?

If you could answer the above questions I would really appreciate it. I really like the vpr Matrix 200A5 notebook and would like it even more if I was able to know all the components without figuring it out myself. Then I could use all the latest video and chipset drivers available on the manufactures sites for increased performance and stability without having to wait for vpr Matrix to release the updated drivers.

Thank you for you time and I hope you can answer all of my questions since someone at vpr Matrix must know the answers since you designed and built the computer.

Sincerely,

cnc137.
=================================================

Hopefully they get back to me soon with some answers. I guess we will see.

cnc137. :thumb

Jael

02-14-2003, 11:46 AM

Keep us posted CNC137, I'm sure a lot of us are especially interested in new graphics drivers (I am at any rate). I too had the buzz issue, I'm not sure I'm glad to not be alone but I do hope they can fix it successfully as I'm shipping it off to them monday. Glad to hear that they were able to resolve your problems.

On another subject entirely, I went ahead and ordered this case ( http://stores.yahoo.com/goincase/laptopsleeve.html ) that someone else mentioned in a previous post I'll let everyone know what I think of it when I get it.

Lastly, I wanted to express that I'm glad this forum and this thread exist! It's just about the only vpr thread I've found and it's nice to have access to other peoples experiences and tips!

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 01:26 PM

why didn't i think of it before? check it out, they look pretty classy.

http://www.porsche-design.com (http://www.porsche-design.com/)

geekrock99

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 01:28 PM

LAN-Express Net Driver Version 2.1.0

is release today from windowsupdate.com

i have a 185A5 btw.

geekrock99

Ioman

02-14-2003, 01:30 PM

Hey, just out of curiosity, would you guys like me to create a forum dedicated to the VPR laptops? I would be willing to do this since this thread is so popular.

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 01:32 PM

i thought i could sync my palm with this lappy through infrared... darn.

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 01:34 PM

maybe you should make it more general if you do decide to dedicate a fourm. ie. "15.2 inch lappies" or "porsche designed products" etc.. its just my opionion.
geekrock99

cnc137

02-14-2003, 01:42 PM

A "vpr Matrix" forum section might be good so people could discuss all the vpr Matrix products not just the 200A5 and 185A5. I only have the 200A5 but a whole forum dedicated to just one or two laptops might be too much but I think a forum section dedicated to a brand name would be cool.

Just my opinion.

cnc137. :thumb

Ioman

02-14-2003, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by cnc137
A "vpr Matrix" forum section might be good so people could discuss all the vpr Matrix products not just the 200A5 and 185A5. I only have the 200A5 but a whole forum dedicated to just one or two laptops might be too much but I think a forum section dedicated to a brand name would be cool.

Just my opinion.

cnc137. :thumb

So I should create different forums for each of their products? Hmmm... I don't want VPR to take over ALL the forums lol. Gimme an idea of the categories you want and the forums under that category. So for example:

Category: VPR Matrix Brand Computers
Forum 1: Matrix 200A5
Forum 2: Matrix 185A5
Forum 3: Matrix Desktops?

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 02:01 PM

all in all, you are the most experienced here. i like your idea.

except, model numbers change often, i suggest that we should create

vpr brand name computers
1. vpr lappies
2. vps deppies?

geekrock99

Ioman

02-14-2003, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by geekrock99
all in all, you are the most experienced here. i like your idea.

except, model numbers change often, i suggest that we should create

vpr brand name computers
1. vpr lappies
2. vps deppies?

geekrock99

Ok it's up. If the VPR desktops get popular, I will create a forum exclusively for them too. Go to the main forums page and tell me if the VPR Matrix Laptops forum looks good. If so, I will move this thread on over there. Then we can create threads dedicated to each of the VPR brand laptops and problems/resolutions/modifications we have,

cnc137

02-14-2003, 02:25 PM

I was suggesting just a "vpr Matrix" forum section that would have threads about all vpr Matrix products include laptops and desktops not separate section for each. Sorry if I confused you.

I would suggest changing the "VPR Matrix Laptops" forum section to just "vpr Matrix" and let all related topics get started in there.

This is just my opinion and I'm new here so what do I know. :D hehe...

cnc137.

Ioman

02-14-2003, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by cnc137
I was suggesting just a "vpr Matrix" forum section that would have threads about all vpr Matrix products include laptops and desktops not separate section for each. Sorry if I confused you.

I would suggest changing the "VPR Matrix Laptops" forum section to just "vpr Matrix" and let all related topics get started in there.

This is just my opinion and I'm new here so what do I know. :D hehe...

cnc137.

Sounds good to me! No reason to limit ourselves to one specific category. When we get more traffic on the desktop side of things, we can always create their own forum.

Fixing now....

cnc137

02-14-2003, 02:31 PM

Cool! :thumb

d4phtpunk

02-14-2003, 02:47 PM

kick but!

btw: i have an external usb ir device.. it's by bafo... it works.. but for some reason,, when i connect my sound driver somehow gets affected and all sound is slow and skippy.. until i disconnect....

ttyl

-dp

Ioman

02-14-2003, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by d4phtpunk
kick but!

btw: i have an external usb ir device.. it's by bafo... it works.. but for some reason,, when i connect my sound driver somehow gets affected and all sound is slow and skippy.. until i disconnect....

ttyl

-dp
Do our VPR Matrix laptops not have an infrared port on them? Mine is in the shop so I can't tell right now. :P

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 03:08 PM

at least its not on my 185A5 model.

geekrock99

Angus

02-14-2003, 05:07 PM

Yeah, there's no IR on the 200A5. I guess if you have an IR capable palm (that's about all that's IR capable and actually useful I guess) then I guess that kinda sucks. As for me, I've had IR on everything since my 1995 model NEC workstation.

Times I've used IR = 0 :(

Hey i must be a rare case of someone who doesn't have a buzzing screen. I turned it all the way down and put my ear right next to it and didn't hear anything. Now I'm kinda deaf but I doubt I'm THAT deaf. Hehe. But I did have the keyboard bust once. I've also had the wobbly feet issue but I'm too lazy to go submit it for service for this. I find if I use the rubber back cover top prop up the notebook on a desk I can tweak it til it sits flat and doesn't wobble. Though last night on of my feet was all croooked and out of the right spot. I just moved it back. I guess I could epoxy or super glue it back into place if it moves again. Heh.

I think VPR has some quality control issues by the sounds of these really common problems that are fixed by just getting another computer for a different lot. If they can nail down this issue then I think they could be a real force. It's not that they make bad machines, in fact I think the 200A5 is a fantastic computer, but it's that they're a bit hit or miss in terms of individual product quality.

That email by CNC was really good. I hope he gets a response. Some of his questions have sort of been answered in this thread, but the majority of things haven't. A few things I've discovered....

The GF4 drivers just need a correctly editted INF file but none of us here know how.

The wireless card is a NEC 853-910804-001-A mini PCI card.

llbbl

02-14-2003, 09:20 PM

I am liking all the new people and their updated profiles ! Cool Avatars, good to see some new stuff around here !!

geekrock99

02-14-2003, 11:07 PM

love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it hate it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it hate it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it hate it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it

Angus

02-15-2003, 12:03 AM

This notebook has ruined my life. Because now I feel weird sitting in front of a regular 4:3 aspect ratio CRT that is about 75% as bright and sharp. Bah! So now I'm looking at 23" HD flat panels and trying to figure out how I can convince myself to spend $2000 - 3000 on a display.

So far the Samsung 24" HD flat panel looks like it offers a lot more than the Sony 23" HD in terms of inputs and contrast ratio. And it's $600 cheaper. I don't think I can ever go back to using a CRT for anything cept gaming. Sadly, these LCDs are all still just a bit laggy to play any super high framerate games on in my opinion. But hey, a 1920x1600 HD LCD would be so great for absolutely everything else.

Damn you VPR Matrix 200A5 for making me love widescreen flat panels!!!

Ioman

02-15-2003, 10:43 AM

I don't have ant buzz sounds either so I am pretty happy. I am bummed it doesn't have an Ir port though, it would have been great to sync my phone with it instead of using a cable...

Yuniverse

02-15-2003, 11:27 AM

Many have said that the vpr 200A5 is practically same as the powerbook.
However, i see too many differences between the two to think that they are similar.

Other than the widescreen(i don't know whether they use the same screen or not...but others have claimed such), it's mostly different.

weight(with battery and drives):
Powerbook 5.4 lbs (15.2 inch model)
vpr 6.4 lbs

dimensions:
Powerbook 13.4 x 9.5 x 1.0
Vpr 13.9 x 10 x 1.21

and other variable specs such as 60GB vs 40GB, DVD-R/CDRW vs DVD/CDRW, Gigabit Ethernet(10/100/1000) vs. 10/100 Ethernet, ATI Radeon Mobility 9000 64MB vs. nVidia GeForce4 420 Go 32MB

Powerbook doesn't come with USB 2.0 ports, just Firewire ports, while Vpr has both.

position of the touchpad is also different. Keyboard feel is different.
And of course, the price:
$2800(although you can get it for $2340 from apple) vs. how much you guys paid for yours.

Just thought i'd point out some of the differences. :D

Angus

02-15-2003, 12:59 PM

The 15" powerbook is definitely a unique computer, but it's pretty obvious that the 200A5 (and 185) were both fashioned in the image of the Powerbook at least as inspiration. There are of course lots of differences in build quality and parts, and then there's that little fact that one is a mac (hehe) and one runs wintel.

I think each have their strong points for sure. I had a conversation with one of my loyal mac using buddies not long ago, which turned into more of an argument/debate about the two computers. We each ended up realizing that both computers are great with room for improvement. Ultimately, for me it was hard to justify spending at least $1000 more to get the powerbook when I could get this system that's a pretty close knock-off. It came down to price, platform, and which features I could live without or that I had to have.

x5kid

02-15-2003, 01:05 PM

hey angus when u went to bb to fix your broken shift key what did you tell them? Did you just say that it popped off while you were typing? I'm planning to take mine in either today or tomorrow to get my shift key fixed.....BTW did you have the buzzing lcd screen on your old one? and if so does your new one still have the buzzing noise or is it gone? I hope BB will give me a new laptop instead of trying to fix it because i really don't want to wait a couple of weeks without my laptop.....would be a bummer and definately discourage me from buying future products from them

Yuniverse

02-15-2003, 01:29 PM

I bought 180B5 and it's due to arrive in a few days. Although i would love to buy the new 12" Powerbook, or 15" for that matter, high cost is 'limiting' me to vpr 180B5.

Although Powerbooks are superior IMHO, vpr beats it hands down value wise($989 after tax and rebate).

I'm just contemplating whether i should go for the service plan for $200

Ioman

02-15-2003, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by Yuniverse
I bought 180B5 and it's due to arrive in a few days. Although i would love to buy the new 12" Powerbook, or 15" for that matter, high cost is 'limiting' me to vpr 180B5.

Although Powerbooks are superior IMHO, vpr beats it hands down value wise($989 after tax and rebate).

I'm just contemplating whether i should go for the service plan for $200

I would recommend buying the service plan. For $200 I think its a great deal. Laptops and computers in general always have problems, so the service plan will help to protect your investment. Congrats on the new notebook, I think you will be just as happy as everyone else is here.

Chris Shaeffer

02-15-2003, 02:03 PM

Does anyone know the pin diagram for the S/PDIF and AES/EBU parallel cable for the 200A5? I just got the computer last week and have been torture testing it to make sure it works for all the media work I do- and I can't justify $250 for that cable.

Its worth it, more or less, but not for my needs: simple S/PDIF I/O. Has anyone tried making one or know where I can find information for how to do it?

So far, by the way, I REALLY like this computer. I spend a lot of time in front of my laptop and the gorgeous screen makes life and work a lot easier. And the widescreen rocks for audio mixing and video editing. I can see that living without this thing is going to become difficult. :)

As long as it doesn't break for a few year, I'm a happy customer.

Take care,
Chris

Yuniverse

02-15-2003, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by Ioman

I would recommend buying the service plan. For $200 I think its a great deal. Laptops and computers in general always have problems, so the service plan will help to protect your investment. Congrats on the new notebook, I think you will be just as happy as everyone else is here.

Thanks for the warm welcome. (it's only third post);)

BTW, how do you guys get cool avatars? i couldn't find anyplace to put up an avatar... is that a previleged access?

Angus

02-15-2003, 07:55 PM

hey angus when u went to bb to fix your broken shift key what did you tell them? Did you just say that it popped off while you were typing? I'm planning to take mine in either today or tomorrow to get my shift key fixed.....BTW did you have the buzzing lcd screen on your old one? and if so does your new one still have the buzzing noise or is it gone?

I went and told them that "it just popped off when I was typing" and that I was a touch typer so it's not like I was pounding hte keys with a mallet or anything. They didn't have any problem with it at all.

My first 200A5's screen didn't buzz, and neither does my second 200A5's screen. I still have wobbly feet though. Bah. Hehe.

Ioman

02-15-2003, 09:48 PM

Originally posted by Yuniverse

Thanks for the warm welcome. (it's only third post);)

BTW, how do you guys get cool avatars? i couldn't find anyplace to put up an avatar... is that a previleged access?
Just click on control panel and you should be able to either upload your avatar or link to the url of where it is located. Let me know if you can't.

Yuniverse

02-16-2003, 06:37 AM

Originally posted by Ioman

Just click on control panel and you should be able to either upload your avatar or link to the url of where it is located. Let me know if you can't.

Thanks

Just put up ma face:D

Ioman

02-16-2003, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by Yuniverse

Thanks

Just put up ma face:D

Very very nice avatar! I dig it! :D

Yuniverse

02-16-2003, 03:51 PM

thanks
:thumb

Madcool

02-17-2003, 07:32 AM

Hey, I posted a couple of weeks ago and I didn't check up on this for a while. I thought that this was a place to go to talk to people about the vpr..... I didn't know that (for some people) it was a place to rip on the less computer-intelligent people. I have some questions, basic mind you, that I would like to know about the computer but I don't want to ask them because it would be lowering the quality of questions that are being asked here. No, I don't know as much about computers and the specifics of it as some of the people here, but that is why I came here.... because I want to learn about my $2000 investment. So please keep this a community where everyone should feel free to ask whatever they want, regardless of how basic the question is. It's not like we stumbled onto this site because we ran out of places to check out on the internet.

And I want to thank ioman, angus, and ishman (and many others too) for their imput. I have learned a lot from this site.

Angus

02-17-2003, 11:25 AM

Any time!

The funny thing is that I came here expecting to find some of those bizarre hardcore "i know ever screw of my system" type people that could answer every obscure question I had. And it seems like I"m doing a lot of question answering myself. hehe. Overall this is the best place (and only, really) that I've found about this notebook. It's an invaluable resource, belive me.

Feel free to ask any question you'd like. Do not be stifled by what some people have hinted at (that this is for advanced users only, etc) and just ask away. If it's a really specific question just start your own thread and I'm sure the lot of us here will give it our best shot. Afterall, what's a forum without conversation.

And this forum seems to be one of the most active on the site. Hehe.

Ioman

02-17-2003, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Angus
Any time!

The funny thing is that I came here expecting to find some of those bizarre hardcore "i know ever screw of my system" type people that could answer every obscure question I had. And it seems like I"m doing a lot of question answering myself. hehe. Overall this is the best place (and only, really) that I've found about this notebook. It's an invaluable resource, belive me.

Feel free to ask any question you'd like. Do not be stifled by what some people have hinted at (that this is for advanced users only, etc) and just ask away. If it's a really specific question just start your own thread and I'm sure the lot of us here will give it our best shot. Afterall, what's a forum without conversation.

And this forum seems to be one of the most active on the site. Hehe.

I agree with Angus. That is what's so cool about this site, it really is geared towards enthusiasts, but it not for hardcore advanced users, although some of the other forums get pretty complicated. Everyone here is nice and we are all laid back which is what makes Designtechnica such a cool place to hang out. If it wasn't this way, I wouldn't have made it! :)

Ishman

02-17-2003, 02:55 PM

I have to agree, I originally came here to find more info about my VPR, but I am more than willing to give others any new ideas or help I can. I am always trying to gather new informationon any device or gadget I purchase. It good to know others are learning and by all means we should ask questions, it might just inspire soemone that does not know the answer to go look for it.

Ishman

madcool

02-17-2003, 03:15 PM

OK, I appreciate it. I will ask away, even if I feel like a younger brother asking his older brother about girls.

First of all, I just put XP Professional on mine this afternoon. It is running so much better. I was getting a little discouraged at how much it would lock up. Now I see the difference in the operating systems, but why is it acting so much better. is xp home just a ****ty system?

I had been having problems with the rewrite drive. I have always had laptops, thus I have never been able to play games on it. Now, of course, I can. I bought Max Payne and Mafia. Max Payne has worked out great, Mafia is a little choppy. I downloaded that driver from a previous link so I hope that the game isn't so choppy now, that and the xp pro.

I was having problems with the wireless as well, but as soon as xp pro loaded up I was online and everything is great. Does it really make that much difference?

Another question..... why is the firewire port listed as a network connection? Why can I enable and disable it? My Ipod has always worked fine with it.

And, besides memory (which I found for $132 for each 512mb) what can I upgrade and where can I get the componants? graphics to a 64mb? hard drive? is there anything else I need to do to make this run faster?

basic, i told you so, but I still would like to make this the best I can.

thanks everyone.

Yuniverse

02-17-2003, 04:30 PM

I'm a novice myself, so i don't claim to know the answers to your question. But i'll give some a shot.

First of all, i'm not so sure if upgrading to XPpro gave you such stability over XPHome. As i understand it, there are extra features on Pro, but as far as stability and compatibility(to a certain degree) is concerned, i think they are on par.

Perhaps just clean installing the operating system helped to stablize the system? It's just my guess.

About the firewire being a network(?) connection, i've noticed that too, although i'm not sure why. I'm sure there are others to answer our question.

Which machine do you have?
I think both 180b5 and 200a have two 256MB Ram module. So if you want to upgrade it, you have to lose(resell?) those modules. Change one for 256+512 = 768MB or change both for 1GB.

Hard drives are upgradable. You need to find 2.5 inch HDD and just replace it.

About the graphic chip and memory; I don't think it's upgradeable. Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

Below is an excerp from Lundog22's post at a different board:

FOR 180B5 SORRY forgot about the thread's main title.:P

I just format and did a clean install of WinXp Pro. SP1 along with the latest drivers (I think they are LOL)

Before Installing XP Pro, I update the firmware for DK23DA-30 HDD :
http://support.dell.com/us/en/filelib/download/index.asp?fileid=r43169

After format, installing XP Pro SP1:

Install Drivers:

Motherboard : http://www.vprmatrix.com/downloads/infinst.exe

Video :
http://www29.compaq.com/falco/sp_detail.asp?Model=0&Family=7&SwCategory=2&Div=4&Os=118&SoftwareVer=16925

Intel Ethernet, Modem, Keyboard, Sound, Wireless LAN : http://support.micronpc.com/apps/filelist.asp?PartNo=NBK001756-03&PartDesc=TransPort+T1000+14%2E1+in%2E

Touchpad : ftp://ftp.synaptics.com/pub/drivers/WinNT5_US.zip

Then install Intel Application Accelerator 2.22
http://downloadfinder2.intel.com/scripts-df/Detail_Desc.asp?ProductID=663&DwnldID=4625

Also I installed Rage3D Tweak for Radeon Video Card:
http://rage3d.developments.nl/R3DTweak38.exe