Question:
Build Quality
I'm new to the forums and I am in the market for a new laptop for school.
Currently I am looking at the sony SZ premium series. However, I do plan to wait for the ASUS W7 and the new 12" dell XPS.
I am in favor of going with the ASUS, I really like the style and the lack of bloatware like what comes on Sony. However, this laptop needs to last me atleast 3 years and I would like to know how the build quality of ASUS in particular stacks up against Lenovo/IBM Thinkpads.
Any suggestions would be very welcome. I am trying to go with a 13.3" screen, MAYBE a 14", but no larger.
Core Duo, dedicated graphics(not a gamer so nothing extravagant is needed), and decent battery life is a must (4+ hours).
Answer:
Re: Build Quality
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Answer:
Re: Build Quality
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
No set budget currently...so I'll just say money isnt an issue.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Web Browsing, Spreadsheets, Presentations, possibly CAD, movies, very light gaming(just to pass time), GPS. Im unsure what kind of things will be required for school, but those are the basics.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It'll be in my backpack most of the time. I have a p4 toshiba for the desk.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
I am by no means a gamer...maybe small games just to play when bored, but highly doubtful.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I'd like to go with a Asus, Dell, maybe Sony, or Lenovo(for durability).
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Preferably 4+ hours
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No problem doing that, reviews are key.
9) What country are you buying this in?
U.S.
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
a. XGA = eXtended Graphics Array; 1024x768; This resolution will give you the largest viewable text and images while offering the least amount of screen real estate.
b. SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle ground between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA = Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1600x1200; This resolution will give you the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
d. WXGA = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array; 1280x768 or 1280x800; This resolution offers the same as XGA except that there is more horizontal real estate; 1280 versus 1024. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
e. WXGA+ = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array+; 1440x900; This resolution is offered on 17" widescreen notebooks and is comparable to WXGA in terms of text and icon size versus available screen real estate. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
f. WSXGA+ = Widescreen Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1680x1050; This resolution is comparable to SXGA in that it offers a middle ground between WXGA/WXGA+ and WUXGA. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
g. WUXGA = Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1920x1200; This resolution offers the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy perferably, but a matte is fine as long it has vivid colors.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not so important
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
3 years, maybe more, this is rather important, since i will be a broke college kid soon.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
upwards of 80GB
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
I really would like to have a dual-layer capable multi-drive.
Answer:
Re: Build Quality
Asus z62f would be a good system. In terms of build quality asus and IBM are the best-asus has more style imo.
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Re: Build Quality
How about the W3J? I'd really like a 13inch, but I kinda like the W3J.
The Lenovo X60 is verrrry appealing...I can live with no optical drive, but not the screen and lack of dedicated gpu.
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Re: Build Quality
The W3J is amazing. I'd say it's the most popular laptop out right now. Decent price, Asus quality and good power.
No optical drive is so **** stupid.
Answer:
Re: Build Quality
Asus and Levono/IBM's both have great build quality. Shouldn't have to worry about either.
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Re: Build Quality
What is everyones take so far on the W7...speculations? I'm not liking the 1.5gb max memorey...and the battery life isn't sounding to promising, but other than that, I think it might just be a winner. I don't know where to go to view a 13.3" laptop for size comparison to a 14". I guess it's safe to say its a toss currently.
But thank you all so very much for your help. This is a great forum, filled with great people and infinite amounts of imformation. Thank you all.
Answer:
Re: Build Quality
it looks really cool and reasonably priced for na market.
wait until someone sees it though there can always be bugs asus does not put out its ensemble on time for na, its actually just that simple so who knows when its here.
it diesnt look incredibly durable to me the w3j has it beat in that department
Answer:
Re: Build Quality
durability is deffinatly a key issue. It won't be abused, but things happen. Currently it is a toss between the W3J and the W7....this will be a long and cruel decision.