Question:
Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
From experience, which one is better?
Here's what's really creating the dilemma:
A8Js
PRO: GF 7700 512mb, DVI port, 1400x800, webcam, cheaper,
CON: plastic build, not as stylish as W3J
W3J:
PRO: Aluminium, looks sleek
CON: X1600 (as opposed to 7700, no DVI, 1280x800, no webcam)
so .... which one...?
I'm leaning towards A8Js, but i'm a little worried about the hinges falling loose...
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
I would also add some more features, the A8js is cheaper and the screen resolution is 1440x900, while the W3J has a multi-bay in which you may want that?
So if your looking for more batterylife go for the W3J since it has the multi-bay, but if you want a or have the need for an external LCD/or TV by all means the DVI port is also very important.
If i was looking for the best performance, hands down i would go for the A8js. But if i want more batterylife with style, go for the W3J, but i also like the A8js chasis too, its not ugly by any means.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
I've been debating the W3J vs. everything else for about 2 months now, so maybe I can help a bit. This is just off the top of my head and may not be perfectly accurate, so other users please correct me on any bad facts or misconceptions.
In no particular order:
Video Card: First thing I'd say is I actually consider the x1600 and the GF 7700 to be fairly equal for all practical purposes. In fact a few members on this forum have reported nearly identical 3dmark scores between them. (Although the lower native resolution of the x1600 has to be taken into account, so technically the GF7700 is likely faster, but probably not practically )
CPU: The biggest con with the W3J versus the A8Js in my opinion is the CPU. The T5500 of the W3J is not only 340 mhz slower than the T7200 of the A8J, but has half the Cache. That imbalance is going to affect performance to a much greater degree than the disparity between video cards, and not only in games.
Price: This is the next biggest con on the W3J for me. It's expensive, and if I got it I'd definately upgrade to the Core 2 T7200 which will cost me another $250+ cdn, where the A8J's already has the T7200 built in.
Resolution: For the difference in resolution, I'm still on the fence. One reason being is that I've never owned a laptop so I don't really know what I like. Might I appreciate the extra desktop space? Maybe. But on the other hand there are definately people that prefer the larger resolution.
Webcam: Personally I have no use for the webcam on the A8Js. It's pretty low resolution and who wants to see my ugly mug anyway :p
Bluetooth: There are a very limited quantity of A8Js with factory installed bluetooth, whereas the W3J has it standard. Probably the best thing about bluetooth is if you have a cell phone to use with it, and the free Bluetooth mouse that comes with the W3J.
Build: The W3J is the obvious winner here. Whether it's as huge a difference as some W3J fans make it out to be I'm not sure. I have heard that the A8Js plastic is prone to scratches, and the hinge loosening.
TouchPad: I believe most people prefer the W3J's 'matte' touchpad to the A8Js 'glossy' one. One A8Js user had a pretty strong dislike of the 'glossy' touchpad which he said was kind of sticky.
DVI port: I don't have any use for the DVI port at this point, so it doesnt make a difference to me. But I could see how this could be a deal breaker for some people.
Other ports: The W3J has 3 USB ports where the A8J has 5. Personally I can't imagine myself needing more than 1 or 2 at any given time, especially with a Bluetooth mouse. The A8Js also has ports along the back which makes more sense for some things, where the W3J has ports only on the side.
Optical bay options: The W3J optical bay battery option is very appealing to me. If I do go ahead and get the W3J I'll likely get the second battery right off the bat. You can also get a hard drive drawer to go in the bay, but personally I'd rather just get a large USB 2.0 external drive if I need more space.
Hard Drive controller: The A8Js comes with the more future proof SATA controller while the W3J comes with the older PATA controller. Currently this doesn't matter because manufacturers are still updating their PATA lineups. But if in 2 years the largest SATA drive you can buy is 300gb, but the largest PATA drive you can find is only 200gb, this would be unfortunate for W3J owners.
Other W3J issues: Owners of the W3J have generally complained about a few things like 1. side function buttons easy to accidentaly press when transporting the laptop 2. some people experience uncomfort from the exhaust port near the mouse area, most say it is minor if not a problem at all. 3. some problems with the optical bay battery and main battery not working properly together.
Other A8Js issues: Owners of the A8Js have had some quibbles about 1. a bit of light leakage across the bottom of the screen 2. not so fantastic battery life.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
My 3dmark scores show there is a huge difference between the 7700 and the x1600
not a small difference, just not even comparable.
to give you an example the difference between the x1600 and the 7700 is greater than the difference between the 7700 go and the 7800 go which goes in large desktop replacement machines
apearance wise the a8js is very attractive.
Where it loses out is that it is plastic covered in a metalic finish that will not last and will doubtless be less attractive than the w3j in a short time.
I feel certain that the hinges on the w3j are more durable. The a8js is more like most notebooks in this area.
the 5 ports on the a8js are so great, and I only have 2 usb devices.
there is a usb port on 3 different sides of the machine. that means right or left handed mouse. It means you can hook up an ipod from whichever side.
I dont necessarily think that ide drives will become obsolete by size. Where they will become obsolete is speed. As soon as the 10,000 rpms ones are introduced there wont be a ide version of any size.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
Define huge.
Besides, in this thread:
Nrbelex gets a 4357 stock score in 3dmark05 with his W3J (T7200, 1gb)
From your signature it looks like you get 4283 stock with the same cpu.
So either someone has a better configured machine, or someone is being dishonest. Either way, I'd hardly call the difference huge until you get into 300+ range.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
ok, and look at the 3dmark 06 scores.... over 150%
3dmark 05 favor the ati cards.
highest overclocked c2d 2.0 x1600 system is 4800-4900. 7700 is 5100.
The gpu is more than 150% of the speed. More than 150% to keep estimates based on 3dmark scores in view.
no one is being dishonest but someone needs to read and concentrate a little better.
As you get closer to buying one Im sure youll have the hardware clearer. I actually bought mine without ever seeing a real comparison.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
What?! How do you get 4357 stock with T7200 and X1600??? I'm barely breaking 4000 here in 3DMark05.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
Hey I'm not trying to get into an argument with you. I just tried to tell what I knew to the best of my knowledge.
I'm not sure exactly where you get the 150% number. From some 3dmark06 scores I assume, but if you are going to make conclusions like that you could at least tell us where those scores came from and if there is more than source for that.
As for overclocking, I don't plan on doing that with a laptop as it is too much of an investment for me and I don't want to make extra heat when I don't need to. If the GF7700 overclocks higher than the X1600, than that is definately a plus for the GF7700. It just doesnt apply to me is all, maybe it does for others.
I have no problem admitting I prefer an ATI based card, for two main reasons: the Omega drivers, and ATI Tray Tools. I've become used to these drivers and software because I've owned a Radeon 9700 pro for so long. Before it I had an nvidia product.
As for reading and concentrating better, I'd say look at yourself because I had a hard time understanding most of your points and where you were coming from. And your grammar could use a little improvement, at that.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
What?! How do you get 4357 stock with T7200 and X1600??? I'm barely breaking 4000 here in 3DMark05.
Ask Nrbelex, or go read that thread he posted the scores in.
Maybe he's tuned Windows well and deleted some bloatware.
Anway, to clarify again, the only reason I diminished the video card issue is because to me it seems like the cards are close enough that either will be able to play the same games. I could assume the biggest difference might be having to use slighly lower AA/AF settings or something. Not a big deal to me, maybe it is for everyone else, but so what.
Answer:
Re: Dilemma: A8Js or W3J
The 3dmark 06 score of the same machine is 150% higher. A machine with the same cpu, same set up.
Because the 3dmark score itself doesnt measure only the gpu, it measures the cpu it doesnt even give you much other than an estimate to compare the two gpus.
But if the score itself is 150% higher, the gpu can only be more than 150% faster.
Your welcome for taking the time to try and explain something to you that you said which was incorrect, solely for your benefit as a consumer.
As opposed to asking me to explain 3d mark scores for you and what they are comparing, the difference in test etc, I think you should go to the futuremark boards where people take time to explain this on a daily basis.