ASUS M5A Notebook - USED

ASUS M5A Notebook

January 19, 2005, Intel introduced its new platform previously known under its codename Sonoma. This release of the next edition of Intel’s Centrino technology was followed by numerous releases of notebook models based on the new platform. As a result, the entire situation in this market changed.

This review is about the ASUS M5A model that has all the typical traits of a small-size notebook like small dimensions and weight, portability, compactness, but is not technically impaired as it is based on the new platform. Yes, ASUS based the M5A on the second-generation Centrino technology thus increasing its performance in contrast to its analogs on the older platform.

Design and Ergonomics

The M5A looks cute and exquisite. It is a small lightweight smooth-cornered computer colored deep-blue and black with a silvery frame around its sides. The case of the notebook is robust enough as it is made of an alloy containing hydrocarbon fiber. So, the appearance of the notebook is nice, but without any extravaganza or decorations.

When the lid is open, you can see a round blue-highlighted Power On/Off button near the right hinge of the display, a hole of the inbuilt microphone above it, and a Power4 Gear+ button in the left corner. The latter button allows to choose among ten power modes for higher performance or longer battery life. Three modes are available when the notebook is powered from the wall outlet (AC) and seven when it is working on its accumulator (DC):

• Super Performance: AC
• High Performance: AC/DC
• Game: AC/DC
• DVD movie: DC
• E-mail/Office applications: DC
• Presentations in PowerPoint: DC
• CD-Audio: DC
• Battery saving: DC

The indicators of the system status are located not only on the top panel of the M5A, to the left of the touchpad buttons, but are also duplicated on the notebook’s lid. More precisely, the lid has round small windows right above the indicators. So, these indicators are visible irrespective of the position of the lid, which is very convenient.

The system status indicators include: a power indicator (alight when power is attached), a battery charge indicator, a hard disk drive access indicator, and a WLAN connection indicator (it lights up when the integrated adapter sends or receives data packets).

The M5A’s keyboard is made of opaque black plastic with white letters. The functional keys are labeled blue (you should press and hold [Fn] to use them). Because of the small dimensions of the notebook the cursor-controlling keys are joined with the keyboard’s mainland. The PgUp, PgDn, Home and End keys are combined with the cursor keys and are available as you press and hold [Fn] – I think this is the single disadvantage of this keyboard. The functional keys and the Shift keys have a smaller size than usual. The numeric pad and the Windows keys are available, like in an ordinary desktop keyboard. The keys sink down easily to a tangible halt. This keyboard is overall handy, and you quickly get used to the layout. The touchpad unfortunately doesn’t have an additional button for scrolling. The touchpad’s buttons that serve instead of the mouse’s ones are handy, too.

The 12.1” screen with a maximum resolution of 1024x768 offers wide viewing angles, good color reproduction and brightness. The brightness parameter is controlled with appropriate functional keys, and the onscreen 15-grade scale shows you the current setting. The brightness range is quite wide, so it’s easy to choose the most comfortable setting.

There’s nothing on the front panel of the notebook, except the display latch.

The following is located on the left panel:

• RJ-11 integrated modem connector
• RJ-45 LAN connector
• Optical DVD/CD-RW drive
• PC Card slot (for one card type I/II)
• Card-reader (MS, MMC, SD)
• One USB port.

The right panel of the ASUS M5A carries the following:

• Microphone input
• Audio output
• Two USB ports
• D-Sub connector for an external monitor
• Kensington lock and vent holes

These things are located at the notebook’s rear panel:

• Battery cell
• Power connector
• One FireWire port

*the above item description was taken courtesy of : http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mobile/display/asus-m5a.html

* for more info please visit the above link for review on this Laptop

You Get:

1) ASUS M5A Notebook/Laptop

2) AC Adapter

*please bear in mind that this laptop is a used item, and is subjected to normal wear and tear. Pictures were tanken of the actual item itself and was meant to show the actual condition of the laptop.

** the laptop is working fine, and has no problem whatsoever that it is not working properly/ not starting up.

***the reason for this auction is for funding recruitment for an upgrade. Fantastic laptop size for students with limited budget, as this laptop still does normal chores such as project assignments, internet surfing etc.

Due to the fear of shipping handling, this item is available for local pickup only at Kota Kinabalu area. For more info pls E-mail me or contact me on my mobile 012 8288861 (SMS Only) - Jason

Happy Bidding!!!