Question 1

Can you connect an external monitor to the laptop?  I want to use two screens but don't see a connection for standard VGA monitor.  I see a connection port for a mini display.  What is a mini display?  So now I have two questions: connecting an external monitor and what is a mini display?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.

This laptop features two forms of external display connection. A standard HDMI plug, that works with standard HDMI cables. The HDMI standard is what all current high definition computer monitors and TV's use. Most commonly used with 1080p Monitors and TV's.

The second is a Mini Display Port, a miniaturized version of Display Port. Display Port is a next generation standard for UHD ( Ultra High Definition Monitors and TV's). Most commonly used with 4K Monitors and TV's.

VGA is an old analog standard for old low resolution monitors and projectors. If you still want to use a VGA cable on this laptop, you need to get an HDMI to VGA adapter, and plug your VGA cable in to this adapter.

If the device you are trying to connect to this laptop has an HDMI port, its best to use an HDMI cable.

Hope this answer helps!

Question 2

For the model that comes with a 256GB SSD, what brand/model of SSD does it come with? I want to know the specifics of its quality.

Additionally, I have heard the touchpad is iffy. How does it hold up to standard touch pads?

Accepted Answer

I can't speak to the ssd make/model because I haven't yet opened mine up, but the touchpad is a little iffy. I've had a specific problem 3 times so far. It will think that a finger is constantly in touch with it, which renders it basically useless. Every time that has happened so far, I have had to uninstall and delete the drivers, then reinstall them from the ASUS site, then completely turn off the machine (not just a simple restart) and wait a couple seconds before turning it back on, to get it to work properly again.

Once I figured out the sequence required to fix that though, I haven't had any other complaints about the actual machine.

Question 3

Is this a solid state drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes Solid State Drive (SSD),  boots fast!

Downside it is somewhat small.  I use external USB drives so wasn't an issue.

Question 4

Can you upgrade the RAM?  What is the maximum capacity for RAM on this laptop?

Accepted Answer

I do not know if you can upgrade it, however 16Gb is plenty! I am an extreme gamer, and even do video editing and have yet to be needing more RAM than available.

Good luck with the laptop search,
Josh

Question 5

I've seen this unit listed at 6 lbs. and 2.7 lbs.  Does the 6 lbs include the external sub woofer?

Accepted Answer

The sub woofer is very light. less than 1/2 lb. and it plugs in to an audio jack. The computer with the battery is most likely in the 6lbs. range.  Hope this helps.

Question 6

I would like to add second HDD hard drive for store in addition to SSD--does this have 2 hard drive bays?

Accepted Answer

No.  But supposedly you can use the DVD drive bay (since I've only researched this, you may be able to plug in directly or with a laptop slim type slot adapter - can't find one yet).  Consider that the DVD slot will not be as fast as a SSD, reducing the benefits of  using one.  Research for more info.  Thanks for asking.

Question 7

Can I get this laptop with Windows 7 instead of Windows 8.1?

Accepted Answer

No. Windows 7 is still supported, but no longer sold by Microsoft.  This means the manufacturers can no longer supply it with a new laptop.  If you find a copy of Windows 7, you can install it yourself keeping in mind that you may have to search for additional drivers.

Question 8

Is it easy to upgrade the ssd on this laptop? I need more storage for what I do.

Accepted Answer

I used EaseUS Partition Master (Free edition) to merge the data partition to the main system partition.  If that's not enough storage, I'd suggest maybe cloning the factory SSD to a new, larger SSD, then resizing partitions if needed.

Question 9

Hello, does this unit have Lojack..??

Accepted Answer

Richard G, as far as I can tell...No the laptop doesn't come with Lojack software.

Question 10

does it come with blue tooth and webcam? how many usb plug in does it have ? how is return policy?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.  Yes, this item is equipped with Bluetooth and a webcam. You can return this item for a refund or replacement before January 31, 2015.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

Questions & Answers