Back-lit keyboard, replaceable HDD, UEFI Bootloader or Bios, legacy boot mode , and can I install an OS to the HDD?
1247420
The HDD is not replaceable, true its part of the dock which detaches but it is not meant to be opened up. As far as installing an OS on the dock HDD, I don't think anything is stopping you. Windows will not install on it since the HDD does not connect through the appropriate bus. Though, nothing is stopping you from installing Linux or another OS. Word of warning though, if you do install an OS on the dock be aware that sometimes the dock is not always firmly connected and sometimes touching the "lid" will momentarily disconnect it from the dock.I hope that answers your question. The HDD is not replaceable, true its part of the dock which detaches but it is not meant to be opened up. As far as installing an OS on the dock HDD, I don't think anything is stopping you. Windows will not install on it since the HDD does not connect through the appropriate bus. Though, nothing is stopping you from installing Linux or another OS. Word of warning though, if you do install an OS on the dock be aware that sometimes the dock is not always firmly connected and sometimes touching the "lid" will momentarily disconnect it from the dock.I hope that answers... » Read More The HDD is not replaceable, true its part of the dock which detaches but it is not meant to be opened up. As far as installing an OS on the dock HDD, I don't think anything is stopping you. Windows will not install on it since the HDD does not connect through the appropriate bus. Though, nothing is stopping you from installing Linux or another OS. Word of warning though, if you do install an OS on the dock be aware that sometimes the dock is not always firmly connected and sometimes touching the "lid" will momentarily disconnect it from the dock.I hope that answers your question. « Show Less
1247421
The keyboard is back-list. The HDD is only replaceable if you disassemble the base. The HDD in the screen is embedded and not replaceable.
1247422
Keyboard is back-lit. 2 hard drives built in - one in screen section SS, other in keyboard section. Changing either HD would be a major chore, have to tear into whole unit as there is no access panel. Unsure of boot mode or if you can change OS... assuming bootloader since it goes right into Windows 8, no boot screen.
1247423
The HDD is not replaceable, true its part of the dock which detaches but it is not meant to be opened up. As far as installing an OS on the dock HDD, I don't think anything is stopping you. Windows will not install on it since the HDD does not connect through the appropriate bus. Though, nothing is stopping you from installing Linux or another OS. Word of warning though, if you do install an OS on the dock be aware that sometimes the dock is not always firmly connected and sometimes touching the "lid" will momentarily disconnect it from the dock. I hope that answers your question.
1428403
I haven't tried to do it, but I don't see why not so long as there is a Mint/Linux kernel for that CPU and drivers. Note that the machine came with the OS installed so be sure to do a backup and boot media. You might want to contact ASUS: http://service.asus.com, +01888-678-3688 to be sure.
1790819
It wasn't for me. I have a regular BIOS system (not the UEFI) so I was not able to use any drives connected to it to boot from. But it does work well for secondary drives.
2025090
You can self-install Windows 7, but note if you are doing so that this is a UEFI system, and needs UEFI install media. As a note, you will need a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 32 bit versions are not capable of UEFI installs.
927461
Yes, that's what I did. Just make sure to change the boot order in the bios to your external optical disk, then back to hdd as primary when finished.
1992030
This will require, memory and a MSata SSD drive to be operational. Then you will have to load an operating system to make it fully functional.
892190
Yes, as long as you have "boot from usb device" enabled and set in your bios.
695267
Ssd alone (I'm not completely sure but that's what I think). The keyboard is not backlit, and it is not touchscreen.
987850
Thanks, did you mean the F1 function key? I think I got to the ROM bios using F1, but I'll try F12 as well. Also, I was able to install an application I had on a CD by first copying everything from the CD to a USB thumb drive, and then simply clicking on the setup icon on the thumb drive. Cool! Thanks again!
2166808
To be honest I'm not really sure, but it is WIN7 so I would guess BIOS. The keyboard on this laptop is awful and the battery life is worse. I would look elsewhere; there are much better ones out there.
1216243
Yes i installed my windows 7 ultimate from usb, and it does come with uefi bios
2144733
UEFI but I had no issues when I installed Ubuntu Linux. Duel booting might be a problem but I do not intend to use this for anything other than Linux.
1046324
It should as it would appear as one of your HDDs in the bios which you can then select as a boot drive
2166809
BIOS. Yes you can run linux on it easily. Now if you went with windows 8 or 8.1 it'll be a bit tricky.
1885700
I think mine shipped Win7 Home x64 - so you could wipe out the entire HD/OS and reinstall with x86, but it would be quite a task if you weren't savvy.
519448
Try looking in the computers BIOS - early in the boot process you need to hit one of the "F" keys to enter the BIOS.
168860
You can swap it out for a SSD, but just make sure you have a copy of all the drivers and some back-up discs of the OS.