Question:
ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
I am currently ready to buy my first Notebook. I was wandering if anyone has any recommendations for 15-15.4" displays with a decent graphics card(ATI x700 or comparible), and is around or under $1500 equipped. I haven't really noticed anything coming out of CES 2006 in this class.
I am currently looking at the ASUS Z71V and the MS-1029 from MSI. I would want to get them pre-equiped by a reseller. I was dead set on the Asus, but then realized that getting a 64-bit processor would be advantagous in the long run with Windows Vista and all. So i started looking at the MSI-1029 and it seems comparable, but the ASUS seems to have less problems from viewers.
Thank you.
Here's my full "What should I buy FAQ".
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
- Web browsing, Word processing, using Photoshop, playing current 3D Games.
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Will be at home mostly, will take to coffee shops on occassion, travel infrequently.
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes. Black and White 2, World of Warcraft, Half-life 2, Homeworld 2(yes its old but i still love it). I am thinking an x700 or a GeForce 6600 will be good enough.
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
My friend has an asus Z71V and I like that one. Sony's are pretty but too overpriced. Not a fan of HP or Compaq, Dells are alright, just seem overpriced by the time i end up adding everything I want.
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
In all honesty, not that much. at least 2 hours, 3 or more would be great.
7) What is your budget?
1500. Really can't see spending more than that for what i want.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Yes.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA.
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
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.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not sure about this. Glossy screens look pretty, but i'm not sure if the reflection would get annoying in different environments. Would usually use in my dark apartment .
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
Somewhat. No need for a colored lid or anything.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
At least 2 years.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
60GB
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
yes. I want a DVD-R/RW, mainly because i don't have one on my current ancient PC.
Answer:
Re: ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
Uniwill 259EN3
15.4" WXGA LCD with a 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 6600 graphics processor.
Answer:
Re: ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
The 1029's problems were pretty much early adopter problems, both the RAM clock speed and the weird video driver problem have been solved by now.
Answer:
Re: ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
I like the MSI-1029 better than the Asus Z71V - better design. Review of the MSI-1029:
Just be aware that the battery life on the MSI isn't spectacular, only around 2.5 hours.
The HP dv4000/Compaq V4000t can also be had, fully loaded, for under $1,500. With the extended 12-cell battery (it sticks out the back of the notebook, keep that in mind), it gets over five hours of battery life. I suggest customizing it on www.HPShopping.com. Be sure to get a 5400RPM hard drive for best performance. Upgrading the RAM yourself aftermarket will save you money.
Answer:
Re: ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
Isn't there going to be a 32 bit version of windows vista???
I was also wondering if anybody knew if once vista is released, is there going to be alot of vist a exclusive software.
Answer:
Re: ASUS Z71V, MSI-1029 Alternatives?
Yes, Windows Vista will be originally released as a 32-bit OS. The 64-bit version will come along about six months later; no specific date has been set to my knowledge.
I don't think that there is going to be a flood of Vista-only software upon release, but it will come over time.